3 Day Trails of the Wild: Kibale Chimps & Rwenzori Hike

After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. The journey to Kibale National Park takes about 5-6 hours, but it will be a scenic ride through the Ugandan countryside, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, and picturesque villages. You will stop in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing to Kibale National Park for an afternoon walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This lush swamp is rich in wildlife, including monkeys like red colobus and vervet monkeys, along with over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco. After the walk, you will visit a local artist's workshop to see handmade paintings and sculptures, and also engage in a cultural experience with the Bakiga community, including traditional dance, music, and a coffee making demonstration. In the evening, you’ll check in to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for your chimpanzee tracking experience. After a briefing from your guide, you’ll venture into the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee group. The tracking can take 2-4 hours depending on how far the chimps are, but once you find them, you’ll be able to spend 1 hour observing their behavior. Along the way, you may encounter other wildlife such as red-tailed monkeys and even forest elephants. Have lunch.

Immediately after lunch¸ set off for Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Upon arrival at Rwenzori Mountains National Park¸ you will check in to the lodge for relaxation¸ dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided nature hike through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, where you will explore the lush montane forests and encounter vibrant flora, such as moss-covered trees and alpine plants that thrive in this cool environment. The hike takes you to several waterfalls, offering stunning views as the crystal-clear water cascades down from higher altitudes. Along the way, you may spot wildlife, such as the forest duiker or blue monkeys, and bird species like the Rwenzori turaco or African crowned eagle. As you continue through the foothills, you’ll be surrounded by a spectacular panorama of the Rwenzori Mountains. If the weather permits, you might catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks in the distance, although they are often hidden behind the clouds. The terrain is beautifully varied, with mist-covered forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcrops.

Shortly after nature hike¸ head for Bakonzo community visits, where you’ll have the chance to learn about their traditional practices, cultural heritage, and the daily life of the people who live at the foot of the mountains. Traditional dances and ceremonies will offer you a deeper connection to the culture of the area. After the Bakonzo visits, you’ll go back to the lodge for lunch, soaking in the stunning views of the mountains, before starting your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, you will stop at the Equator Monument for a memorable photo opportunity before continuing the journey to Kampala or Entebbe¸ marking the end of your incredible 3-day adventure.