How to Combine Gorillas, Chimps and the Rwenzori Mountains?
The “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda, has three unique natural attractions that provide a distinct adventure experience: an intimate experience with gorillas (mountain gorillas), an energetic tracking of chimpanzees and the exciting climb to the famous Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon).
The combination of these three powerful experiences into one amazing journey creates a total immersion into the western edge of Uganda. This is not an easy adventure; it requires serious planning and a high degree of fitness, but provides an incredible diversity of experience and an unforgettable adventure true to the spirit of East African wildlife and climbing.
Designing the best Schedule: Timeframe and Travel Requirements.
Creating a carefully crafted itinerary that successfully combines a primate safari with a multi-day mountain trek typically takes 12 to 15 days, which can include travel and the necessary days required to rest. The fact that the main destinations for this experience (Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzees, Rwenzori Mountains National Park for hiking and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorillas) are relatively close together makes it possible to combine these two not only geographically, but also chronologically, as most people will typically plan their visits to these areas based on a general north- south pattern from the northern parks to the southernmost parks. For most people, starting out with the playful chimpanzees in Kibale, doing the strenuous trek to the top of the Rwenzoris Mountains, and ending with a touching encounter with gorillas in Bwindi would follow a natural progression of physical activity.
The order you do these activities is based largely on physical considerations. From a physical standpoint, the Rwenzori trek is the most challenging, and since it takes place over several days at altitude, it makes the most sense to do it at the beginning or immediately after doing the less intense chimpanzee trek (to ensure that all primate permits are secured for the upcoming excursions). Doing the gorilla trek at the end allows ample time to rest and recuperate after the mountain trek.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Encountering our Closest Relatives.
The adventure starts with the fascinating nature of Uganda’s great apes. During the chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, you will actively and energetically hunt for one of our closest living relatives, chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is far more active and exhilarating than gorilla trekking.
While gorilla trekking is generally tranquil and measured, chimpanzee trekking is usually much faster-paced, with loud calls and sounds of communication between the chimpanzee groups, as they move through the jungle, climaxing in many occasions by engaging in social grooming as they swing from tree branch to tree branch. Visitors will see the chimpanzee trekking experience as a real “outdoor adventure,” whereas gorilla experiences are more inspirational.
The next stop on the itinerary from Kibale National Park is to a national park called Bwindi Impenetrable, which is home to many of Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas. This is an extremely emotional and personal experience as well as being a physically demanding and wet hike to find where the gorillas are usually located. When you come across a family of gorillas, you may observe them in complete silence for one hour only; it will be an eye-opening experience to see large male silverbacks of enormous size, mothers with their children, as well as juvenile gorillas competing for food. You will be humbled through this thought-provoking experience as it signifies the breathtaking conclusion of your rugged trip.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains: A journey of a lifetime.
The Rwenzori Mountains are located between the forests of primates, a simply unforgettable experience and adventure in the mountains of Africa’s third highest mountain range and have non-volcanic, glacial peaks. You can choose between a shorter two to four-day hike to a higher camp like Sine Camp, depending on your ability and how much time you wish to dedicate or your preference is to tackle the full seven to nine days trekking to the summit of Margherita Peak 5,109 m or the third highest mountain in Africa.
The journey will take you through five separate vegetation zones (Montane Forest to Bamboo to Heather to Afro-Alpine), which are characterized by unique plant species. The Afro-Alpine zone is perhaps most notable for the presence of endemic species such as Giant Lobelia and Groundsel Plants, which grow to towering heights. Hiking in the Rwenzoris can be physically demanding; it requires traversing slippery trails and bogs at high elevations, but the spectacular views of glaciers and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the journey outweighs the discomfort you experience on the way there. The differences between the humid forests that gorillas inhabit and the beautiful glacial spikes make for an interesting contrast with each other.
Essential preparation for a combined safari.
Because hiking the mountains involves an extreme level of physicality and the terrain of the Primate Forests is unpredictable, it is critical that travelers adequately prepare for this trip. Gorillas and chimpanzee permits must be purchased several months beforehand as they often sell out and are this is a good time to go.
It is also recommended to prepare for the hike through physical training focused on improving cardiovascular conditioning and leg/hip strength to complete the challenging up hills of the Rwenzori Mountains and gorilla habitats. Furthermore, travelers must have appropriate hiking clothes (including good quality, waterproof hiking boots, layering clothing for variable altitudes, and high-quality rain gear) to maintain their comfort and safety while hiking within Uganda.
