Gorillas & Hiking Uganda'S Rwenzori Mountains

You will be met at Entebbe International Airport and transferred to your hotel, and given any help you need to check in and settle. Your guesthouse is just a 10-15mins drive from the airport. To leave you flexibility to rest after your journey and acclimatise to Uganda, as well as to allow clients flying in from different countries to all arrive and settle, we leave this afternoon and evening free for you to do as you wish. We can advise you on where to eat, and if you would like some ideas of where to explore.

We have an early start this morning in order to transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight (Duration 1hr 35m - price included) departing at 07.00. Prepare to be struck by the beauty of the often mist-shrouded peaks of the Rwenzori mountains as you come in to land.On arrival you will transfer to Kilembe (25mins) and the Trekkers hostel / 'base camp' for your 3 days of trekking (1450m). Having settled from your journey, you will set out late morning from the hostel, with the support of porters to help carry your trekking gear, plus supplies for the adventure. Your goal today is the Sine Hut (2596m), just below the bamboo line, reached in a walk along the valley floor through the Afro Montane Forest zone, rich with bird life and with the potential to see blue monkeys scampering through the canopy. You climb steadily during the first 6kms, and after a river crossing starts the slightly steeper ascent to Sine Camp. The camp consists of wooden huts set between the trees, with a welcoming campfire, on a narrow ridge with long views. Enocks Falls are just 200m from the camp and offer a fantastic opportunity to breathe in the scenery and take photos of the bright green lichen growing on the many vines hanging from the trees. . Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We set off after a hearty breakfast, at 08:30, entering the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, which involves steep ascents on steps for around 500m in altitude. It can be muddy underfoot, particularly in the wet season, so the going is at a slow and steady pace - all the better for immersing yourself in this beautiful forest...something out of 'Avatar' for those that have seen the movie!We pause for coffee at Kalalama Camp (3147m), in the Heather-Rapanea zone: the Rwenzori are renowned for the endemic Giant Heather which reaches up to 15m in height and are truly spectacular. Kalamala offers views of the valleys and foothills across to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will be heading later during your adventure. Continuing on our trail towards Mutinda camp, we pass up and over several small knolls, along a ridge top, over streams and past striking waterfalls. The trees are adorned with moss and 'Old Man's beard' lichen (Usnea lichen) creating a mystical ambiance, to which the transient mist clouds only add. We arrive to relax and rest at Mutinda Camp, set up near a small river and waterfall where you can freshen up. This afternoon you have the highly recommended option of continuing to climb up to Mutinda Lookout (3925m). It is a walk of approx 3 hours (2 hours up, and 1 hour down), and well worth it for the breathtaking views across the Rwenzori and down to Kasese and Lake George. . Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.