12 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
Conquer Africa’s legendary Mountains of the Moon before discovering Uganda’s iconic wildlife.
12 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
Safari Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 12 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari, combining one of Africa’s most challenging mountain adventures with an unforgettable wildlife safari. Conquer the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the Mountains of the Moon, before descending into the spectacular savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.
This carefully crafted adventure is perfect for experienced hikers and nature lovers seeking to experience Uganda’s highest peak alongside world-class wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes.
Safari Highlights
- Summit the legendary Margherita Peak (5,109m)
- Hike through the UNESCO-listed Rwenzori Mountains
- Experience glaciers, alpine vegetation, and giant lobelias
- Wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Scenic drive through western Uganda
- Professional mountain guides and safari experts
Frequently Asked Questions
The Central Circuit trek is physically demanding and is best suited for travelers with good fitness levels and previous hiking experience.
Margherita Peak stands at 5,109 metres (16,762 feet), making it the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest peak in Africa.
Expect elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, primates, and over 600 bird species.
Bring waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, gloves, trekking poles (optional), rain gear, sunscreen, a daypack, reusable water bottle, and personal medications.
12 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
Prices
- From USD 2,967 per person
Safari Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Certified mountain guides and porters
- Mountain hut accommodation during the trek
- Safari lodge and hotel accommodation
- All meals as indicated
- Queen Elizabeth National Park entrance fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
- Government taxes
Safari Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda Visa (where applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Personal hiking equipment
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Detailed Itinerary
Conquer Uganda’s Highest Mountain & Discover Incredible Wildlife
This unforgettable expedition combines high-altitude trekking through one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain ranges with exceptional wildlife viewing in Uganda’s most famous national parks.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your journey while receiving a briefing about your upcoming mountain expedition.
Highlights
- Airport meet and greet
- Safari briefing
- Hotel transfer
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Kasese
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive through central and western Uganda to Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, your guide will finalize trekking arrangements with the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services team.
Highlights
- Scenic countryside drive
- Mountain preparation
- Trek briefing
Accommodation: Hotel in Kasese
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Nyakalengija – Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m)
Begin your mountain adventure from Nyakalengija. Trek through farmland, tropical rainforest, and across rivers before climbing steadily to Nyabitaba Hut. Watch for blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and the colorful Rwenzori Turaco.
Highlights
- Rainforest trekking
- Wildlife sightings
- First mountain hut
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Nyabitaba Hut – John Matte Hut (3,505m)
Descend to the Kurt Shafer Bridge before climbing through bamboo forests, giant heather, and moss-covered valleys to John Matte Hut. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke.
Highlights
- Bamboo forest
- Giant heather zone
- Mountain panoramas
Accommodation: John Matte Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: John Matte Hut – Bujuku Hut (3,962m)
Cross the famous Bigo Bog while trekking among giant lobelias and alpine vegetation before arriving at beautiful Bujuku Lake beneath the towering peaks of Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
Highlights
- Giant lobelias
- Bujuku Lake
- Alpine scenery
Accommodation: Bujuku Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (4,541m)
Ascend through the dramatic Groundsel Gully to Scott-Elliot Pass before reaching Elena Hut, the final base camp for climbers preparing to summit Margherita Peak.
Highlights
- Scott-Elliot Pass
- High-altitude trekking
- Glacier views
Accommodation: Elena Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Margherita Peak Summit (5,109m) – Kitandara Hut
Rise before dawn for the challenging ascent to Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest point. Cross glaciers and rocky ridges before reaching the summit. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Kitandara Hut for a well-earned rest.
Highlights
- Summit Margherita Peak
- Stanley Glacier
- Spectacular mountain views
Accommodation: Kitandara Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kitandara Hut – Guy Yeoman Hut
Cross Freshfield Pass while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Stanley and neighboring peaks before descending to Guy Yeoman Hut through beautiful alpine landscapes.
Highlights
- Freshfield Pass
- Historic mountain trails
- Alpine scenery
Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Guy Yeoman Hut – Nyabitaba Hut
Begin your descent through the Kichuchu cliffs, crossing rivers and tropical forests as you return toward Nyabitaba Hut.
Highlights
- Scenic descent
- Forest trails
- Mountain wildlife
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Nyabitaba – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Complete your descent to Nyakalengija before celebrating your successful mountain expedition. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening at your safari lodge.
Highlights
- Complete Rwenzori trek
- Scenic transfer
- Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, hyenas, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, renowned for its large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Highlights
- Morning game drive
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Outstanding birdwatching
Accommodation: Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Stop at the Uganda Equator for memorable photographs and souvenir shopping before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Highlights
- Equator experience
- Souvenir shopping
- Airport transfer
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
