9 Days Uganda Trekking & Primates Safari: Rwenzori Mountains & Chimpanzees

9 Days Uganda Trekking & Primates Safari: Rwenzori Mountains & Chimpanzees in Kibale. Explore the mist shrouded rugged terrain of the Rwenzori mountains via the Bakurungu trail and trek through the dense, verdant jungle of Kibale national park in search of chimpanzees in 9 days with Rwenzori experts. Also, experience the magic of untamed world of chimpanzees, a family like gorillas in Uganda and exhilarating adventures of the Rwenzori mountains in this 9 days Rwenzori and chimpanzee trekking safari.

In just 9 days, take pleasure in discovering rich eco-systems specifically chimpanzees and endemic wildlife species of Uganda availed to you within your budgets. Get to know about the inhabitants Rwenzori mountains, the bakonzo that practice farming on a large scale in this 9 days chimps and Rwenzori trek. Also, know about their knowledge about the historical facts. In addition to the distinctive flora and fauna of Rwenzori mountains they share with tourists a lot open heartedly. As well as the typical bakonzo culture through dance and storytelling. Alternatively to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, the inhabitants of Kibale are the crafted artistic Batooro who also provide more awareness about the species of chimpanzees in Uganda and their behavioral patterns.

Worst and best time for this 9 days Chimpanzee & Rwenzori Trekking in Uganda

The best time to go for this 9 days chimpanzee and Rwenzori trekking safari in Uganda is during the dry seasons. This begins from June to August and December to February, when the Rwenzori trekking are more stable, visibility is clearer. Hence, you will experience the best Rwenzori trekking services in this season. Additionally, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest is easier due to drier conditions and higher chances of sightings near the trails.

The worst time to visit Rwenzori and Kibale National Park for this 9 days chimpanzee and Rwenzori trekking is during the rainy seasons. So, these begin from March to May and October to November, when Rwenzori and chimpanzee trekking becomes difficult due to muddy, slippery trails. Additionally, chimpanzees in Kibale are harder to locate as they move deeper into the forest. However, this 9 days Rwenzori and Chimpanzee tracking safari is cheaper in the rainy season. While shoulder months like early June and late September can still offer decent conditions with fewer tourists, the dry months remain the most reliable for a successful and enjoyable Rwenzori and primates trekking adventure in Uganda.

Obstacles that one might face during the 9 days Rwenzori and chimpanzee trek

The mountain Rwenzori hiking trails can be muddy and slippery especially during rainy season hence it is always better to go during the dry seasons where the trails are dry.
The boulders and rocky outcrops make it difficult to navigate.
Those on a Rwenzori mountains trekking expedition in Uganda might need to cross rivers like River Mubuku which could make the trek hard especially when the rivers are over flowing.
At high attitudes mount Rwenzori trekkers could be at high risk of attitudinal sickness. Therefore they should have prepared for hiking in advance by consulting there doctors.
It gets tiresome the trekkers might need to hike for a long time without spotting any chimpanzees.
Trekking in the tropical rainforests of the Kibale national park could be uncomfortable due to the hot temperatures.
Navigating the Kibale forest trails in the rainy season could be challenging because they might be slippery and muddy.

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Rwenzori Trekking packages

Inclusions and Exclusions for this 9 days Rwenzori and Chimpanzee trekking safari

Trip cancellation policy for this 9 day Rwenzori and chimpanzee trekking safari: If one cancels the trip in less than a time e period of 48 hours the money will be refundable. Below are the inclusions and exclusions for this Rwenzori and Uganda primates safari

Trip includes

Accommodations.
Transportation.
Chimpanzee trekking permit.
Rwenzori trekking permit.
Meals.
Rwenzori and Kibale Park entrance fees
Guide and porter fees.

Trip Excludes

International flights.

Activities before and after this chimps and Rwenzori trek

Visa fees.

Travel insurance.

Hiking gear.

Rwenzori trekking itineraries - climb the Rwenzori via the Central Circuit Trail

Chimpanzees resting on a tree in Kibale Forest

Rwenzori mountains trekking highlights include;

Exploring the rocky outcrops and ridges of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Spotting unique flora species like the giant heathers and lobelias.
Birdwatching of over 200 bird species like the Rwenzori turaco.
Interacting with the local community and learning about their culture and traditions.
Enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and glaciers with our guides from Kilimanjaro Rwenzori.

Chimpanzee trekking highlights in Kibale national park

Indulge in primates tracking of chimpanzees in Uganda with the help of expert guides.
Observe the chimpanzees socializing and interacting with each other.
Spot other primates like the monkeys, baboons and colobus and observe their behavior.
Participate in nature walks in Kibale national park and get to encounter other wildlife species.

Essential Gear for Your Rwenzori and Chimpanzee Trekking safari in Uganda

Below are the basic necessities needed for the 9 day Rwenzori and chimpanzee trek in Uganda

Essentials.	Uses.
Hiking boots.	To protect one’s feet and make the Rwenzori hikes in the rugged terrains less challenging.
Trekking bag.	A back pack is very essential during the Rwenzori and chinpanzee trek as it helps to carry necessities like the first aid kit, clothing’s and other needed hiking equipment’s
First aid kit.	During the Rwenzori trekking one might encounter minor injuries like small cuts and attitudinal sickness therefore it is essential that one carries treatment for this in the first aid.
Water bottle.	The treks through the tropical forests of kibale national park and the distinct zones of the Rwenzori mountains can be exhausting therefore it is crucial for one to move with a water bottle for constant rehydration.
Water purification tablets.	Many times during the trek ,tourists tend to get thirsty and they would want to refill their bottles with water from rivers, like River Nyamwamba however these waters could be infected with bacteria therefore it is necessary to move wit these tabs to drink safe water and avoid water borne diseases.
Sunscreen.	To reduce n the effect of the sun n skin, it is advisable to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
Warm clothes like jacket	The weather in KIbale national park and Rwenzori is unpredictable therefore to be prepared for weather changes like rain, one should carry warm insulated clothes like jackets.
Flashlight/headlamp.	Nature walks in evenings would require one to have a flashlight to easily spot nocturnal wildlife species like the nightjars in the Rwenzori mountains.
Camera.	The Rwenzori mountains National Park offers jaw-dropping scenic views one wouldn’t want to forget. Hence it’s necessary to carry the camera to capture such unforgettable moments. .
Sleeping bag/tent	For a more adventurous experience during camp nights, the tents/sleeping bags are used for comfort rest.
Insect repellent.	The tropical rain forests of Kibale are known for having mosquitos. Hence tourists are to carry insect repellents to prevent malaria.

9 Days Rwenzori and Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary in Details

Margherita Camp- Rwenzori trekking via Kilembe trail

Day 1; Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kasese

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and you will be received by your Kilimanjaro Rwenzori safari guide. So, you will be driven to Kasese town from Entebbe which is a distance of 390 Km and takes about 6 hours in our top 4×4 vehicles in Uganda. Have a lunch stop over as you get to re-energize along the way. Then head to your hotel/safari lodge and check in. Later, spend the rest of the evening on village exploration of the local people on the slopes of Mount Rwenzori.

During your Rwenzori tour of the distinct villages of the Bakonjo people, you will get to explore their culture. Additionally, get entertained through their traditional dance known as the ‘endara”. Later in the evening, you get to share a meal with them. Alternatively, as you listen to the folktales told by their elders and later head back to your hotel/safari lodge and rest. This marks the beginning of your 9 days Uganda Primates and Rwenzori trekking tour.

Day 2; Start of the Rwenzori trekking via bukurungu trail at the Kansazi park gate.

Our Rwenzori trekking expedition starts on this day, after a warm morning meal. Firstly, you will set off to the Kansazi park gate at the Bukurungu trailhead and prepare yourself for this ultimate Rwenzori mountains trekking journey. Get availed more information about this Rwenzori trek by your Uganda safari tour guide. On this adventure we are to use the Bukurungu trail which means that our night rest stop overs will be more at the camps instead of the huts.

You will then begin your hiking tour through the tall cedar and mahogany trees of the Rwenzori rugged terrain. Additionally, spot the bush-bucks, and the red-tailed monkeys moving up and about. Reach Kamarafu camp (2,700m) and stay over for the night.

See L’Hoests’ monkeys in Uganda- via a Rwenzori trek

Day 3; Go for the Rwenzori bird watching safaris in Uganda

Enjoy breakfast at the camp and then start your hike to Kilembe camp (3,000m). Begin your Rwenzori mountains hiking journey through the bamboo vegetation. So, get to watch different bird species in Rwenzori like dusky crimsoning, handsome spur fowl and Rwenzori hill babbler. The best time to view the variety of bird species in the Rwenzori is during the dry season mostly between June to August. So, this is because of the clear skies and thinner vegetation that make it easily visible to spot the birds.

You will then stop over for a refreshing lunch break at Kahunga ridge where you will enjoy a packed meal as you appreciate the stunning geographical surroundings. Continue your Rwenzori trek journey and arrive at Kilembe camp that stands at an elevation of 3000m. Also, this is where you will get to enjoy a camping in the wilderness as you enjoy dinner in the wilderness.

Day 4; Flora discovery experiences at Rwenzori mountains in Uganda

Senior Woman taking photo of scenic Lake Mahoma in Rwenzori

On the 4th-day of your chimpanzee and Rwenzori trekking tour, have a warm cooked breakfast at the camp in the morning. In addition, you will get a briefing from your Rwenzori expert tour guide and then prepare for your hike in the mountains. Go through the scented wildflowers such as the Rwenzori Gentian, lobelia and the aromatic wild roses.

You will then have a refreshing stopover where you will get to enjoy refreshments as you monitor. Also, observe the surrounding wildlife species and eco-systems. Arrive at Lake Mahoma where you will set up your camping tents. Then stay over for the night as you enjoy roasting your dinner meal at the campfire.

Day 5; Scenic adventures at the Rwenzori mountains.

On day 5, wake up and enjoy a scenic view of the crystal clear pure waters of Lake Mahoma. Also, the surrounding mind blowing landscape as you enjoy a fresh morning breeze coming from the lake. So, savor on a warm cup of tea and other refreshments. Begin your hike through the rainforest and on this Rwenzori trekking expedition. Observe various scenic views and tourist attractions in Rwenzori such as Mount Baker, Mount Speke, the Mahoma river gorge and Lake Bujuku. Have different stopovers where you will get to enjoy refreshments. You will then descend back to Kilembe camp, (3, 000m) where you will stay over for the night.

Day 6; Return to Kasese town and end of the Rwenzori trekking tour

Enjoy breakfast at the camp, organize your hiking equipment’s and get briefing from the safari guide about the descending journey back to mountain Rwenzori National Park Gate. Still on the Bakurungu trail, as you descend down the slopes of the Rwenzori. So, pass through different flora and get to cross different rivers with the help of your guide like the Nyamwamba river. Also, observe different wildlife like the frogs, red dukes and the Rwenzori turaco birds which are common birds in Rwenzori flying or on tree branches. Approach the gates of Rwenzori national park and then head back to your hotel/ safari lodge and stay over for the night.

Day 7; Transfer and arrival at Kibale national park for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

In the morning after breakfast check out of your hotel/safari lodge in Kasese and board our best safari 4×4 vehicles in East Africa. So, drive to Fort Portal town, a journey of 57 Km and one hour long where you will enjoy a meal with traditional Ugandan cuisines. Later transfer to Kibale Forest National Park from Fort Portal in a distance of 31 Km and is about 25 minutes long for chimpanzee tracking. You will then arrive at your safari lodge/hotel, check in and head for a late evening nature walk at Kibale national park.

As you hike through the tall grasses of the Kibale NP, you might encounter different wildlife species like the civets, owls, and snakes in the park. Next, stop over at Bogodi wetland where you will witness a variety of bird species like the Western-napped pigeon ,great blue turaco and black billed turaco. So, observe closely to not miss out ton these rare bird species. Later on you will head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner and ten rest for the night.

Day 8; Chimpanzee tracking and Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale national park, Uganda

You will be driven by the safari vans to the gate of Kibale national park after breakfast. Get a briefing from your Rwenzori and Chimpanzee trekking safari guide about the tracking experiences and the habituation experience. Next, begin on the tracking of the chimpanzees in Uganda as you go through the hills of Kibale Park. Also, spot some groups of the chimpanzees high up in the trees socializing. Have an up-close encounter with other chimps in Kibale Forest just roaming freely.

As you hike through the park, more information about the Chimpanzee habitat and their behavioral patterns will be availed to you by your safari guide. Enjoy snacks and refreshments to keep this adventure less tiring and more exciting. As you get a personal encounter with the chimpanzees in Uganda, you will be able to interact with them (chimpanzee habituation). Note that you should follow the expert guidance of your chimpanzee and Rwenzori trekking tour guide. Later in the late evening you will head back to your hotel where you will take dinner and rest.

Day 9; Departure from Kibale national park and end of 9 days Rwenzori and chimp trek safari

On the last day, enjoy a traditional Ugandan made breakfast and head to the park for the last adventures. On this day you will explore the different crater lakes of Kibale National park. Also, other wildlife species such as blue colobus monkeys, elephants and many others. In the afternoon you will then head back to your hotel/safari lodge check out. Lastly, proceed for your return journey and transfer to Entebbe International airport.