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Rwenzori and Gorilla Trek

INTRODUCTION
Although little known, the Rwenzori are Africa's largest group of snow mountains. In ancient times the Greeks believed that the legendary source of the Nile was a great African mountain range. They called them the “Mountains of the Moon”. Today these mist-enshrouded and snow capped peaks offer a challenging trek in the heart of Africa. Further south in Bwindi National Park we'll track mountain gorillas on foot - a thrilling wildlife encounter and perfect end to a Ugandan trek. From forests of giant heather, groundsel and lobelias (up to ten times their normal height!) to glaciers, waterfalls and lakes - join us and discover some of Uganda's diverse secrets for yourself!

7-DAY RWENZORI MOUNTAIN TREK
From Kampala we head for Kasese and the Rwenzori Mountains. Arriving at the trailhead at Nyakalengija we set off into true mountain wilderness. After passing coffee plantations, elephant grass and traversing several streams we ascend a moraine ridge to our first camp at Nyabitaba. Next we climb through bamboo forest, giant heather and groundsel and may be treated to a view to the high peaks of Mt. Stanley (5110m) and Mt. Speke (4889m) en route to John Matte. Then, crossing Bigo Bogs we ascend to Lake Bujuku, our base for two nights. We make for Lake Kitandara next, via the high Scott Elliot Pass (4372m). On our final trek we descend to Guy Yeoman, see the Kabamba Falls and pass Lake Mahoma.

BWINDI'S SILVERBACK GORILLAS
After a second night at Kasese, we travel south through the Rift Valley and cross the equator before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The wild-living mountain gorillas of Africa can be observed at quite close quarters from our comfortable base camp at close to the park gates in the small village of Buhoma. Accompanied by an expert tracker, we'll search for these magnificent giant silverbacks on foot. Gentle mannered vegetarians, they are very tolerant unless provoked. Finding them in the dense undergrowth can be difficult, but sightings are normally possible with the help of our guides. Once you've experienced a face-to-face encounter with these incredible creatures, the memory will stay with you forever! Our journey ends in Kampala where there is the opportunity for further primate encounters with an optional visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria.