9-Day Volcano Primate Trekking

Duration: 9 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Conquer the heights of majestic Virunga Volcanoes.
> An unforgettable encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
> Meet, explore and learn from the local communities
> Support sustainable tourism initiatives

The Virunga Mountains, which are a chain of volcanoes along the northern border of Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Most of them are dormant, except Mount Nyiragongo 3,462 meters (11,358 ft) and Mount Nyamuragira 3,063 meters (10,049 ft), both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recent eruptions occurred in 2006 and in January, 2010. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano at 4,507 meters (14,787 ft). The oldest mountain is Mount Sabinyo, which rises 3,634 meters (11,923 ft.) above sea level.

Nkuringo Walking Safaris arranges day treks to the peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes along the border of Uganda. These include Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga and Mt. Sabinyo.activity. All treks are led by a National Parks Ranger and one of our Nkuringo Walking Safaris guides.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Entebbe & Mabamba Swamps

Arrival in Entebbe as per your international flights and transfer to Papyrus Guest House. Optional Extra: In the afternoon (departure from the hotel must be max. at 14.30/15.00 hours) departure by car and local canoe to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places for spotting the rare shoebill storks. Of course, some fortune is needed but rarely does one leave the swamp without seeing one! Many other water birds have chosen this area as their home so birding is always very interesting. Enjoy a relaxing sundowner on Lake Victoria and then return to the Guest House.

Papyrus Guest House

Info
Papyrus Guest House
Day
2

Travel to Mgahinga National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast and travel to Western Uganda across the beautiful landscape of central Uganda: rolling hills, cultivated terraces, tropical rainforest and towards the end the majestic chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. Stop-over en-route at the equator, at Mbarara (for lunch) and at Igongo Cultural Center. The drive takes about 8-10 hours.

Travellers Rest

Info
Travellers Rest
Day
3

Mount Sabinyo/ Mt Gahinga/ Mt Muhavura Climb

Sabinyo with its five jagged peaks is the oldest of the volcanoes here. With two distinct vegetation zones (Forest and Alpine) it's an exhilarating one day trek with some very steep inclines aided by the assistance of eucalyptus ladders to reach Sabinyo peak. From the summit, amazing views can be enjoyed of this volcanic chain of mountains that stretch into Rwanda. Including Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Mikeno, and the often snow-covered Mt. Visoke. Mt. Sabinyo, at 3,669m, takes about eight hours to cover the 14km round trip, following a steep ridge up to the peak this trek will be conducted in the company of your Nkuringo Walking Safari guide. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. OR Mt. Gahinga at 3400m is a perfectly formed volcano. On the lower reaches of the volcano, the route passes through formerly cultivated land, reclaimed and reincorporated back into the National Park as late as 1986. A vast area of enormous bamboo forest creates an elaborate labyrinth of passages to wander through where the trail is picked up that leads to the Gahinga summit. Many bird species can be observed here with sunbirds being the most obvious. This trek is usually completed in six hours up and down so it offers excellent acclimatization to the altitude. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. OR Mt. Muhavura and its enormous conical shape looms high into the darkness. Good weather is critical to reach the peak of Muhavura. This is the youngest volcano in the chain its status is noted as still being dormant. The surrounding countryside shows evidence of volcanic activity everywhere with giant volcanic vents very obvious after the land has been cleared of vegetation for agriculture. Muhavura peak will drain the last bit of energy out of you as you fight for air in the rarefied atmosphere but you will be rewarded with stunning views through the cloud and mist as it rolls in and out. The Crater Lake is only a mere 20m in diameter and the area of the summit not much bigger than a golf course. This is a 1200m ascend in 7 hours, very steep with a few switchbacks in the trail to give your legs the relief they are screaming for. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. The descend will be hot, due to the warmth of the tropical climate normally associated with these equatorial regions and the lush vegetation of the lower slopes.

Travellers Rest

Info
Travellers Rest
Day
4

Golden Monkey Tracking

This morning, after breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park guide You will then start the golden monkey trekking activity. You will also expect to see various forest birds that live in the forest. You will then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Info
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Day
5

Community tour, Buniga Forests (encounter with the Batwa)

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy birding in Nombe Pocket Forest – it was part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is still quite impenetrable, however it was cut off from it as people needed more land to live on and cultivate. It can be reached on foot (approx. 1 hour to go and 2 hours to come back) or by vehicle and the visit lasts approx. 2 hours, depending on the interest of guests. In the afternoon stroll down to the Buniga Forest Trail Walk, an informative project run by USAID and the local Batwa Community. The Batwa tribe was forced to leave their home in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in 1991 when it was declared a UNESCO Heritage site for gorillas only. They had been living in the forest as nomadic hunter-gatherers for millennia, in perfect balance with the flora and fauna around. Moving out and suddenly living in communities with a completely different way of life has proven to be a huge challenge. They now survive as best as they can and earn a living explaining their previous life in the forest and their rich heritage. Continuation of the walk through the community to visit the traditional herbalist and the blacksmith.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Info
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Day
6

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, at around 7:45 am, with packed lunch and drinking water you will be transferred to the National Park Head Quarters for the briefing on the dos and the don’ts while you are with the gorillas. You then continue to the forest for the start of the actual gorilla tracking. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular. The area offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time is taken to follow the movements of these great primates. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity. The tracking can take place at Nkuringo or at Rushaga (1 hr drive from Nkuringo), as per the gorilla permits obtained. Upon return, you can relax at the lodge or stroll around the community centre. There is also the possibility to drive up to the “Top of the World” - the name given to the football field, high up in the village which offers amazing views over the peaks and forests around Nkuringo. A great way to stretch your legs after the gorilla tracking and to enjoy a sundowner.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Info
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Day
7

Hike across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a very early breakfast, drive along the Nteko Ridge till the junction of the Ivy River Trail with the forest (7 km) and then start the unforgettable hike across the forest (13km - 4-5 hours). Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a vast unique natural reserve - monkeys, duikers, bush pigs and some of Bwindi's world-renowned bird species plus many butterflies can be sighted. If you are very lucky you may even encounter gorillas! Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighboring Rwanda, the park is nowadays an ecological island within a sea of villages and farmland, its conservation importance is immense. The emphasis of this activity is for your walking guide to share his knowledge of the forest with you, it is not simply an A to B hike. The trail is also an important footpath for local people, particularly on market days, traveling from Nkuringo and Nteko to Buhoma, on the northern boundary of the park. There is no road through Bwindi so vehicles driving between the two locations have an incredible 170 km bone jarring journey taking 6 to 8 hours. Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Buhoma, meet with the vehicle and departure to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The southern area of Ishasha is notably recognized for its resident ‘tree-climbing’ lions that are an exceptional attraction and one of the highlights of all safaris taken within the park. The lions can be spotted hanging on branches of huge fig trees whereas the Uganda Kob (which is the major food to these lions) graze on the plains below.

Kasenyi Safari Camp

Info
Kasenyi Safari Camp
Day
8

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Full day dedicated to game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and to the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel - the 36 km waterway which connects Lake George and Lake Edward which allows special viewing of game and birds on the river banks, as the boat passes through pods of hippos. Crocodiles have only recently been seen in the Channel, they disappeared for 8,000 years after they were eliminated from Lake Edward by toxic ash from local volcanoes. QENP is one of Uganda’s oldest parks being formed officially in 1952. The park was initially known as ‘Kazinga National Park’ before it was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. QENP hosts 95 species of mammals, more than any other park in Uganda, and 619 bird species, the second-highest of any park in Africa – the sixth-highest of any park worldwide.

Kasenyi Safari Camp

Info
Kasenyi Safari Camp
Day
9

Travel to Entebbe

After breakfast, enjoy another glimpse of the misty jungle then start the drive back to Entebbe. Enjoy a day room use at Papyrus guest house as you wait for your departure flight at the Airport.The drive takes about 10 hours.
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Permits

    The cost of permits to enter the national park during your trek is included in the price.

  • Activities

    All activities as mentioned in the itinerary are included in the price.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

FAQ

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Just for You