6 Days Kibale Forest and Mount Rwenzori hiking Safari
This 6 Days Kibale Forest and Mount Rwenzori hiking Safari is specially tailored for those travelers with a thirst for adventure. It combines the absolutely unique experience of tracking the primates at Kibale Forest, which is known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” with the spine-tingling challenge of a first trek into the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains.
The trip is all about the most nature-rich parts of Western Uganda where you can have up-close encounters with the forest and also see the spectacular views of the mountains.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arriving in Entebbe or Fort Portal and transfer to Kibale.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking Day (Best Highlight Day).
Day 3: Chimpanzee habituation or Crater Lakes exploration in Kibale Forest National Park.
Day 4: Drive and Begin Rwenzori Foothills Trek.
Day 5: High-altitude views and descent
Day 6: Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Part 1: Kibale Forest: The Primate Capital (Days 1–3)
Spend your first days in the jungle with deep and focused chimpanzee tracking and also getting to know other smaller primates in the area.
Day 1: Arriving in Entebbe or Fort Portal and transfer to Kibale.
On the 1st day of the safari, you will arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You will either take a light aircraft flight, which is scheduled, or a road transfer that is nice in terms of the view to Fort Portal area which is the entry point to Kibale.
Once there, the guide will pick you up and then you will be transferred to your lodge which is close to Kibale Forest National Park. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or you may decide to take a walk with a guide through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is well known for its high concentration of monkeys and diverse birdlife. Later you will be served with dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking Day (Best Highlight Day).
On the 2nd day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast being the best highlight of the day, this day has been left entirely free for the main activity only, which is chimpanzee tracking.
After a briefing, you will be the first to enter the jungle. As a matter of fact, Kibale is home to the highest number of primates per unit of forest in Africa and thus it is a sure thing that you will have a fantastic encounter.
One hour is the time you will be recording the observation of the chimpanzees’ feeding, socializing, and movement through the canopy. The power and sound that surround the event are something that have never been felt before, thus providing an unforgettable experience in the wild. Later you will transfer to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Chimpanzee habituation or Crater Lakes exploration in Kibale Forest National Park.
On the 3rd day of the safari, today is full of unique options. One of them is the intense Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) (time and permit permitting) which offers the possibility of spending up to four hours with a semi-habituated chimpanzee community.
Instead, you can also decide to spend this day in the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes region and experience the beauty of nature through the stunning views and the gentle walks and also learn about the Batooro culture. When it is almost evening, you will be taking the short drive southwest toward the Rwenzori Mountains foothills, for overnight relaxation and an overnight stay.
Part 2: Rwenzori Mountains Introductory Trek (Days 4 to 6)
The next safari is from a warm forest to a cool one that is situated at a high altitude. This next forest happens to be the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Day 4: Drive and Begin Rwenzori Foothills Trek.
On the 4th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast check out from your lodge and meet your safari guide. It is assumed that you will reach the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the Kilembe Trailhead (or location), where you will start your trek. After greeting your mountain guide, porters and completing the briefing, you will set off on a relaxing walk that will introduce you to the woods of the lower slopes.
As the hike goes through the tropical montane forest, not only will you be able to get away from the heat, but also this provides a wonderful learning opportunity for mountain flora and fauna. You will spend an evening in a mountain hut or at a basic camp enjoying the quietness of the highlands.
Day 5: High altitude views and descent (Best highlight day).
On the 5th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. The highlight of this day is trekking up to experience the unique plant life of the afro-alpine zone, including seeing giant heath, moss, and lichen, and enjoying panoramic views of the western portion of the western rift valley and the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
After ascending to the highest point of your hike, your descent from this vantage point will take you back down to the trail’s end, where you will meet your safari guide to complete the journey down. After making this last trek, you will be driven to your lodge near Kasese for a celebratory dinner and much-needed rest.
Day 6: Departure.
After eating breakfast, you will transfer to the Kasese airstrip for your scheduled flight by light plane to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to connect with your international departing flight or you will have the scenic drive back to Entebbe that will bring your safari to the end.
End of 6 Days Kibale Forest and Mount Rwenzori hiking Safari
