7 Day mountaineering and hiking
Embark on a thrilling 7-day Mountaineering and Hiking Safari through some of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. This adventure will take you to Uganda’s scenic mountains, where you’ll explore diverse ecosystems, summit towering peaks, and enjoy unparalleled views of the African wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or an avid hiker, this safari offers a perfect mix of challenging climbs, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Morning:
- Arrival at Entebbe International Airport: Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for the night.
Afternoon:
- Briefing and Safari Overview: After check-in, enjoy a briefing on your mountaineering and hiking itinerary. Your guide will explain the daily schedule, safety measures, and tips for the adventure ahead.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy a delicious meal at your hotel, relaxing after your journey. You will also have the chance to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Victoria.
- Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Transfer to Mount Rwenzori (Western Uganda)
Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Mount Rwenzori National Park: Early departure for the Mount Rwenzori region, a 5-6 hour drive. The journey offers stunning views of the Ugandan countryside.
Afternoon:
- Arrival and Check-in: Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge near Mount Rwenzori National Park.
- Lunch at the lodge with scenic views of the surrounding peaks.
Evening:
- Relax and Prepare for Hiking: Take time to rest and prepare your gear for the hike the following day.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge near Mount Rwenzori.
Day 3: Start of Rwenzori Mountaineering Expedition
Morning:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Begin Mount Rwenzori Trekking: After breakfast, meet your guide and start your mountaineering expedition on the Rwenzori Mountains. Begin the hike through the lower slopes, where you’ll be surrounded by rich montane forest. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.
Afternoon:
- Lunch on the Trail: Picnic lunch along the way.
- Continue Trekking: Continue ascending through the forests to the Rwenzori foothills, where the landscape starts to change as you move into alpine meadows.
Evening:
- Arrival at Camp: Set up camp in a scenic location near the base of the mountain.
- Dinner at camp and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the beautiful wilderness.
- Overnight camping at Mount Rwenzori.
Day 4: Summit Day (Optional) - Mount Rwenzori
Morning:
- Early Breakfast and early morning start.
- Summit Attempt (Optional): For experienced climbers, continue the trek towards the Margherita Peak or an alternative summit based on your group’s capabilities. This day will involve a challenging climb with steep and rugged terrain. Reach the snow-capped summit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the Summit: Take time to savor the accomplishment and views from the top.
- Descent: Begin descending to your previous campsite or continue to a lower camp.
Evening:
- Dinner at the campsite.
- Overnight camping on Mount Rwenzori, celebrating your summit (if applicable).
Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Morning:
- Breakfast at Camp.
- Descend from Rwenzori: After breakfast, descend the mountain, retracing your steps back through the lush montane forests to the park’s entrance.
Afternoon:
- Lunch on the way down.
- Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: After completing the Rwenzori trek, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (approximately 4-5 hours), another prime hiking destination in Uganda.
Evening:
- Arrival at Mgahinga: Check in at your lodge near the park.
- Relax and Unwind: Take time to relax after the long drive.
- Dinner and overnight stay near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 6: Hike Mount Gahinga or Mount Sabinyo
Morning:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Start Hiking Mount Gahinga or Mount Sabinyo: Choose one of the renowned peaks of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to hike. Mount Sabinyo is famous for its challenging summit that touches three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC), while Mount Gahinga offers a slightly shorter but still demanding hike with fantastic views.
Afternoon:
- Lunch on the Trail: Enjoy lunch at a scenic spot during your hike.
- Continue Hiking: Reach the summit of your chosen mountain, where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.
Evening:
- Descend and Return to the Lodge: After reaching the summit, descend back to the park gate.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 7: Transfer Back to Entebbe for Departure
Morning:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Drive to Entebbe: After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe (approximately 8 hours) for your flight.
Afternoon:
- Lunch along the way: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route.
- Relax at the Entebbe Hotel (optional): Depending on your flight time, you can relax in Entebbe or explore local attractions like Lake Victoria or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Evening:
- Transfer to Entebbe International Airport: Arrive at the airport in time for your international flight.
- Departure: End your 7-day mountaineering and hiking safari with fond memories and a sense of achievement.
This tour includes
- Accommodation: Lodges, tented camps, or mountain camps as per the itinerary
- Guides: Expert mountaineering guides and porters
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle for transfers
- Park Fees: All park entrance fees and activity costs
- Mountaineering Gear: Recommended gear for the trek
Exclusions
- International flight fare
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Visa fees
- Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
Dos
- Do stay in your vehicle during game drives unless specifically advised otherwise by your guide. Wild animals can be unpredictable.
- Do keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially large animals like elephants and buffaloes.
- Do wear neutral colors like khaki, brown, or olive green to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing animals.
- Do follow your guide’s instructions during the boat cruise and game drives to ensure safety.
- Do bring plenty of water and stay hydrated during your activities in the heat.
- Do protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Do take note of the rules and regulations of the park, such as not feeding the animals or littering.
- Do take time to appreciate the surroundings – Murchison Falls National Park offers stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Don'ts:
- Don’t get out of the vehicle during game drives unless instructed by your guide. Wild animals can be dangerous.
- Don’t approach or provoke the animals – it is best to observe from a safe distance.
- Don’t wear bright or flashy clothes – they might attract unwanted attention from animals.
- Don’t feed the animals – feeding wildlife can alter their behavior and cause harm to both the animals and visitors.
- Don’t forget to tip – tipping is a common practice for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (usually 5-10 USD per day for a guide, less for porters or housekeepers).
- Don’t leave food or trash around – always dispose of trash in the designated bins and keep the environment clean.
- Don’t engage in risky behavior – such as getting too close to the edge of the falls or standing too near wild animals.
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