Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with immigration and lead you outside to meet your guide for the short drive to The Entebbe Forest Lodge.
Nestled in the trees, Entebbe Forest Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind escape into nature. The thoughtfully designed cabins are the perfect place to land after a long flight, offering modern comfort while immersing you in the tranquility of the forest.
Overnight Entebbe Forest Lodge
Day 2
Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Reserve
Today, take your flight from Entebbe to Kasese airport. From here, your guide will collect you and take you to the beautiful River Station Lodge on the Kazinga Channel.
Enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon safari. Take this evening to prepare your packs for the trek. The starting point is only a 40 minute drive from the lodge.
Overnight at The River Station
Day 3
Begin Your Four-Night Trek
Wake up early and transfer to the starting point of your trek.
On this first day of your four-day hike, traverse through the towering trees of the Afro-montane forest zone for a steady 6km climb, followed by a steep ascent to Sine Hut. Along the way, you'll have the chance to admire numerous plant and flower species, spot various birds, and perhaps even encounter some wildlife, such as Columbus monkeys.
Sine Camp, located 8,500 feet (2,598m) above sea level, was built within the lush tropical rainforest and offers views of Enock Falls, just 650 feet (200m) away. The camp features four wooden cabins equipped with solar-powered lighting (toilets are pit, squat toilets with handwash stations).
Overnight Sine Hut
Day 4
Hike to Mutinda Camp
As you trek through the Bamboo and Heather-Rapanea zone, the trail winds over several gentle knolls along the ridge and then descends into the valley. Cross multiple small streams and pass by moss-covered waterfalls. Look for the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are draped in green moss and branches are covered in old man beards (Usnea lichen). After reaching Mutinda Camp, you have the option to summit Mutinda Lookout at 13,000 feet (3,975 m).
Mutinda Camp is situated along the Heather Zone, with stunning views of the Mutinda Lookout, streams winding through the valley, and several peaks yet to be summited. The camp features shared wooden cabins (toilets are pit, squat toilets with handwash stations).
Overnight Mutinda Hut
Day 5
Hike to Bugata Camp
Today, the trail will lead you through a valley with unique plant species, streams, and waterfalls. The journey becomes more challenging with steep ridges, muddy patches, and high steps, but the stunning views make it all worthwhile.
Bugata Camp lies within the Afro-alpine zone, featuring shared wooden cabins and external bathrooms (toilets are pit, squat toilets with handwash stations). You'll be captivated by the views of Nyamugasani Valley, including glacial lakes and Bugata Lake. Take in the panoramic views of Keki Peak and the majestic Mt. Luigi di Savoia.
Overnight Bugata Hut
Day 6
Summit Weismann's Peak
At Bugata Camp, rise early to begin your ascent of Weismann's Peak, standing tall at 15,100 feet (4,620m). After reaching the summit, you will descend via a different path, completing a loop down the Nyamwamba Valley.
Settle in for the night at Kiharo Camp, which sits at 11,300 feet (3,460m).
Overnight Kiharo Hut
Day 7
Descend from Rwenzori and return to The River Station in Kyambura Reserve
This morning, descend from the mountains and meet your guide for your return to River Station Lodge where you creature comforts await you!
Have a lovely lunch and enjoy an afternoon riverboat safari. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruise, in a traditional Dhow sailboat, on the Kazinga Channel for a chance to see hippos, elephants, over 100 species of water birds,Nile crocodiles and many other animals both in the water and on the river banks.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxing.
Overnight The River Station
Day 8
Game Drive and Chimpanzee Tracking
Begin your day with a hot cup of coffee before heading out for a game drive on the park's scenic trails, including the renowned Kasenyi trail. Spot various wildlife, such as waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, lions and warthogs.
Later, transfer to Kyambura Gorge for an afternoon of chimpanzee tracking. Kyambura Gorge is an underground tropical forest within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stretching about half a mile (1 km) long and plunging 320 feet (100m) deep creates a unique ecosystem. Often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” the gorge is home to a small community of chimpanzees and other smaller primates. The chimpanzee population here is habituated, making this the only spot in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can track these fascinating creatures.
Return and drive the route of the Craters and enjoy a sunset cocktail before returning for dinner.
Overnight The River Station
Day 9
Trekking Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early this morning, a lodge representative will collect you for the drive to walking starting point. You’ll set off walking through villages and eventually entering and walking through the scenic Bwindi Forest. Porters will carry your luggage, allowing you to concentrate on the trail. Your local guide will share their knowledge of the area and provide a comfortable introduction to the jungle. For added security, two armed rangers will accompany you on your hike. During the half-day hike, your guide will help you spot wildlife including birds, monkeys and if you’re lucky, maybe even gorillas!
Once you’ve completed the hike, you'll be collected by vehicle and transferred to your lodge for check-in. Relax, enjoy a massage and dinner.
At over 6,560 feet (2,000m) above sea level, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda. Each cottage is crafted from local volcanic stone and has a spacious sitting room with a fireplace, comfortable armchairs, and beautifully hand-woven carpets.
Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 10
Gorilla Tracking Experience
Set out on a full-day adventure tracking gorillas in the Nkuringo area. Guided by experienced trackers, you'll hike through the bush, navigating through dense undergrowth to find the gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek can range from half an hour to several hours, so a reasonable fitness level and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are essential.
Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 11
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Today, you’ll have the unique opportunity to follow along with the team that is currently working with a gorilla community undergoing habituation. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.
You’ll wake up early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy for an exciting day ahead. This trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours and the permit allows you up to 4 hours with the gorilla (vs. the one hour allowed on the regular trekking permit.)
Because the group under habituation is always monitored, the habituation team will know where the gorillas are at all times.
After your exciting day participating in this unique experience, head back to your hotel for a massage and dinner.
Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 12
Depart Clouds for Mahinga & Visit Batwa Community
Take this morning to relax and have a nice breakfast and rest. You’ll need it.
Later, check out of Clouds and head to the Batwa Community, and learn about the first inhabitants of the forest, hearing their history and traditions cultivated over thousands of years.
Afterward, return to Gahinga Lodge to relax and have dinner.
Gahinga Lodge was inspired by traditional design and building techniques. The luxury handcrafted bandas beautifully showcase the vibrant colors of the Bufimbira people, each with a private veranda that offers views of the Virunga volcanoes. Every room includes a cozy fireplace and ensuite bathroom.
Overnight Gahinga Lodge
Day 13
Hike Mount Sabinyo
With a packed lunch, set off to the trailhead of the Mount Sabinyo hike. As you make your way up to the summit, watch for the elusive bushbuck and the Golden Monkey, both unique to the Virunga region. From the top, you'll be treated to views of the entire volcanic mountain range, including Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Mikeno, and the often snow-capped Mt. Visoke.
After returning to the trailhead, you'll be brought back to Gahinga Lodge to relax for the rest of the afternoon.
Overnight Gahinga Lodge
Day 14
Departure Day
This morning, you'll be transferred to the Kisoro Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe. After your arrival, you can relax at the airport while you wait for your connecting outbound flight.
