This extraordinary 34-day expedition through Rwanda and Uganda is designed for passionate adventurers seeking the ultimate East African experience. Blending volcanic hikes, high-altitude mountaineering, primate encounters, and classic wildlife safaris, this journey takes you across some of Africa’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Your adventure begins in the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park, where you will summit three iconic Virunga volcanoes—Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura—each offering unique ecosystems and spectacular crater views.
The journey continues into Uganda’s wild southwest, where you trek through the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, followed by a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
A major highlight is the ascent of Mount Stanley in the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, culminating at Margherita Peak (5,109m). The adventure then shifts east to Mount Elgon, where you explore vast calderas, hot springs, and summit Wagagai Peak, before concluding at the stunning Sipi Falls.
This is not just a trip—it is a full-scale African expedition combining endurance, discovery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Tour Highlights
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Summit three Virunga volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke & Muhabura
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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Climb Mount Stanley to Margherita Peak (5,109m)
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Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (tree-climbing lions)
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
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Canoe experience on Lake Mutanda
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Hike the Sasa Trail on Mount Elgon
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Visit the spectacular Sipi Falls
- Cultural encounters with local communities across Uganda
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city orientation tour. Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for the scenic drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers rolling hills and rural landscapes that define Rwanda’s beauty. Arrive in time for relaxation and briefing ahead of your volcanic adventures.
Day 3 – Trekking Mount Bisoke
Begin your first volcanic hike with Mount Bisoke, famous for its stunning crater lake at the summit. The trek passes through bamboo forest and alpine vegetation, rewarding you with panoramic views.
Day 4 – Hike to Dian Fossey Tomb & Research Center
Today you hike through the forest to the historic site of Dian Fossey, where you gain insight into her groundbreaking gorilla conservation work. This experience adds depth to your understanding of the region.
Day 5 – Climb Mount Karisimbi (Day 1)
Start the ascent of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga range. Trek through varying vegetation zones before reaching your overnight camp.
Day 6 – Summit Mount Karisimbi & Descend
Continue to the summit of Mount Karisimbi for breathtaking views before descending back to the base. This is one of the most rewarding climbs in the region.
Day 7 – Climb Mount Muhabura
Tackle the steep slopes of Mount Muhabura, known for its dramatic ascent and sweeping summit views across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.
Day 8 – Cross to Uganda (Kisoro Region)
After breakfast, cross the border into Uganda and transfer to Kisoro, located near the Virunga ranges. Relax and prepare for the next phase of the adventure.
Day 9 – Hike Mount Sabinyo
Climb Mount Sabinyo, where you stand at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A truly unique geographical experience.
Day 10 – Canoe Trek on Lake Mutanda
Enjoy a scenic canoe journey across Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanoes and tranquil landscapes, before continuing toward Bwindi.
Day 11 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Venture deep into the forest for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas. Spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Day 12 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, transitioning from rainforest to savannah ecosystems.
Day 13 – Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in search of elephants, buffalo, and lions, followed by a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, rich in birdlife and hippos.
Day 14 – Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Drive to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and prepare for your mountaineering expedition.
Day 15 – Trek Begins: Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Camp
Begin your Rwenzori trek through rainforest trails, crossing rivers and spotting primates along the way.
Day 16 – Nyabitaba to John Matte Camp
Descend and climb through bamboo and mossy terrain, entering the heather zone with spectacular mountain views.
Day 17 – John Matte to Bujuku Camp
Navigate boggy terrain and reach Bujuku Lake, surrounded by towering peaks.
Day 18 – Bujuku to Elena Camp
Climb higher into alpine zones as you prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 19 – Summit Margherita Peak & Descend to Kitandara
Attempt the summit of Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, then descend to Kitandara Camp.
Day 20 – Kitandara to Guy Yeoman Camp
Cross Freshfield Pass and descend through dramatic alpine scenery.
Day 21 – Descend to Nyakalengija
Complete the Rwenzori circuit and celebrate your achievement.
Day 22 – Transfer to Kibale National Park
Travel to Kibale Forest, home of chimpanzees.
Day 23 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Track chimpanzees and explore the rich biodiversity of the forest.
Day 24 – Transfer to Jinja
Drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda and source of the Nile.
Day 25 – Transfer to Mount Elgon
Continue east to Mount Elgon National Park.
Day 26 – Begin Mount Elgon Trek (Sasa Trail)
Start your hike through forest and bamboo zones.
Day 27 – Trek to Higher Camps
Continue ascending through moorland landscapes.
Day 28 – Summit Wagagai Peak
Reach Wagagai Peak, the highest point of Mount Elgon.
Day 29 – Descend Mount Elgon
Begin your descent through changing ecosystems.
Day 30 – Exit Mount Elgon National Park
Complete the trek and transfer to nearby accommodation.
Day 31 – Visit Sipi Falls
Explore the stunning waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.
Day 32 – Cultural & Coffee Experience
Engage with local communities and enjoy a coffee tour in the Sipi region.
Day 33 – Return to Kampala / Entebbe
Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe for your final night.
Day 34 – Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable expedition.
Included
- • 1 pair of crampon Proof Mountain boots
- • 1 ice axe (Hire at base)
- • 1 Harnesses
- • 1 pair of crampons
- • A rope over 50 meter’s
- • Harnesses any other necessary Equipments
Excluded
- International flights or visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, shopping, laundry)
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra meals or snacks not included
- Accommodation before and after the tour (unless added)
- Medical or vaccination costs
