10 Day Uganda Trekking Rafting And Biking In The Wild
About this tour
Experience an exhilarating 10-day adventure that takes you deep into Uganda’s most stunning landscapes, from the lush green Rwenzori Mountains to the vast wild savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks. Trek through the mystical "Mountains of the Moon," seek out Africa’s Big 5 (seeking for 4 of them) on thrilling game drives, navigate the wild rapids of the Birira River near Bwindi, and cycle among zebras and giraffes in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. This safari is designed for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and soft adventure enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience in the Pearl of Africa.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to the Pearl of Africa Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel for a relaxing stay. Entebbe, located along the shores of Lake Victoria, boasts rich history, stunning scenery, and unique attractions such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Botanical Gardens (established in 1898), which are home to a variety of indigenous plant and bird species. Or take a game of golf at the Entebbe Golf Club, the oldest golf course in East Africa (opened in 1901). Rest and prepare for your adventure ahead. Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe, Uganda to Kasese, Uganda
Scenic Drive to Kasese – Gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains Depart Entebbe and embark on a picturesque drive to Kasese, a town nestled at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon." The drive offers breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations, lush countryside, and the towering peaks of the Rwenzoris. Kasese serves as the launch point for your trekking expedition and is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a hub for both mountain and wildlife adventures. Kasese Elevation: 972m / 3189feet
Day 3: Kasese, Uganda to Sine Camp Rwenzori Mountains, Kilembe, Uganda
Rwenzori Trek Begins – Hike to Sine Camp (2,596m) Your trekking adventure begins! Start at Trekkers Hostel (1,450m) and ascend through the Afro-Montane Forest Zone, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and rare L’Hoest’s monkeys. The L’Hoest monkey is part of the Bukonzo (locals) cultural emblems and is protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga. Along the way, enjoy sightings of colorful birds and the majestic Enock’s Falls, a stunning waterfall near Sine Camp (2,596m), where you’ll spend the night in wooden huts with breathtaking views of the valley below. Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut and offer a splendid opportunity to capture a great screensaver for your memories. Sine Camp is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. Overnight: Sine Camp
Day 4: Sine Camp Rwenzori Mountains, Kilembe, Uganda to Mutinda Camp, Uganda
Challenging Ascent to Mutinda Camp (3,588m) Trekking starts at 8.30 am and almost immediately you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is a steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season, the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow. However, the atmosphere and the forest are beautiful as you climb 551 meters altitude. Trek through the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone, a steep climb leading to Kalalama Camp (3,147m), where you can take a well-deserved break. Continue through the Heather-Rapanea Zone, surrounded by giant lobelias and moss-covered trees. For those looking to acclimatize, you can take an optional hike to Mutinda Lookout (3,975m) for stunning panoramic views. Overnight: Mutinda Camp
Day 5: Mutinda Camp, Uganda to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
Descent to Kiharo Camp (3,460m) via Hunwick’s Pass We begin our journey by ascending a rocky riverbed, followed by traversing a long stretch of bogs, some with boardwalks, until we reach the top of a tall waterfall. Hike across rocky riverbeds and alpine bogs, passing Twin Peaks where you might spot hyrax, red duiker, or birds of prey. Continue through a magical heather forest, finally reaching Kiharo Camp, located near a scenic waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks. Just 200 meters from the camp, Kiharo Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks, is a highlight worth experiencing. Overnight: Kiharo Camp
Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Final Descent & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Today, we explore the forest zone of the Rwenzori Mountains on a guided day hike. The trail descending from Kiharo Camp through Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and offers stunning views. The moss-covered rocks, waterfalls, deep valleys, and forests here are among the finest in the Rwenzori Mountains. Duikers are commonly seen in this area, which is also home to the dark-colored Rwenzori leopard, unique to these mountains. Upon reaching Forest View Camp at 2,580 meters above sea level, we pause for a well-deserved lunch and drink, enjoying views of the dense forest, the valley below, and Kilembe town. Descend through the Nyamwamba Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of the Rwenzoris, with stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, and thick forests. Exit Rwenzori Mountains National Park and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will stay near the Kazinga Channel, a prime location for spotting hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. Overnight: Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Game Drive Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Protecting 95 mammal and 610 bird species, more than any other location in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park ranks among Africa's most biodiverse safari destinations. Lions prey on the antelope that graze the grassy plains. Hippos and elephants are prolific around the larger lakes and waterways. Salt-encrusted crater lakes provide a seasonal feeding ground for flamingos and other wading birds. There are also large tracts of rainforest inhabited by chimpanzees, giant forest hogs and various monkeys. Boat Trip, Kazinga Channel We join a boat trip following the Kazinga Channel to its confluence with Lake Edward. Hemmed in by steep walls and set below the glacial Rwenzori peaks, Kazinga is home to large numbers of hippos, as well as elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and Uganda kob. Lion, leopard, and giant forest hog are more occasional. The birdlife is reliably fabulous. Overnight: Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda to Rukungiri, Uganda
Experience the Thrill and Beauty of Rafting Birira River which runs near Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks Today's adventure is set between the iconic nature reserves of Queen Elizabeth National Park (home of tree-climbing lions), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (over 40% of mountain gorillas call this place home). The Birira River offers an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure with continuous rapids that provide a surge of adrenaline and excitement. But the thrills extend beyond the rapids. Carved through a majestic West Ugandan rainforest canyon, the Birira boasts a breathtaking emerald landscape that immerses you in its verdant beauty. Navigate the rapids in an inflatable raft with a team of 2-6 paddlers, guided by a seasoned professional. This intimate experience allows for a close encounter with the surrounding wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the dazzling variety of birds and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot some monkeys watching your adventure unfold. As an added bonus, your expert guides will lead you to a surprise stop along the riverbank, offering a unique and delightful experience prepared by the local people.
Day 9: Rukungiri, Uganda to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Uganda’s Hidden Gem Drive through scenic highlands towards Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible savannah park. Protecting a tract of acacia woodland quite unlike any other habitat in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park forms a convenient, popular and thoroughly worthwhile addition to any safari. Ecologically very different to any other conservation area in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park protects a cover of rolling acacia woodland that looks like it's been transplanted from Tanzania or Kenya. Here you can hope to see hippos splashing in the lakes, buffaloes drinking at the shore, leopards prowling by night, and a wide variety of plains grazers including zebra, impala and a reintroduced population of the rare Rothschild's giraffe. The park's rich variety of aquatic birds is complemented by several acacia-associated species not found elsewhere in Uganda.
Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda to Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda
Biking Safari Among Zebra, Giraffes & Antelopes Wrap up your Ugandan adventure with an exciting biking safari through Lake Mburo National Park. Pedal through the wilderness, spotting graceful zebras, towering giraffes, and herds of impala. Feel the thrill of cycling alongside wildlife in one of Uganda’s most serene landscapes before transferring back to Entebbe for your departure flight.
What's included
1. Porterage on the mountain trek. 2. Park and concession fees. 3. A professional driver-guide. 4. All road transportation in a customized private safari vehicle. 5. All local taxes/VAT applicable to tour. 6. Roundtrip airport transfer. 7. Bed and breakfast on transfer between destinations. 8. Water in the safari van and while on the trek. 9. Rafting on the Birira River 10. Game Drive 11. Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel 12. Biking Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
1. Entry Visa – e-visa application at least 3 weeks at: https://visas.immigration.go.ug (cost of visa is $50 valid for 90 days). 2. Personal Travel Insurance. 3. Domestic flights unless listed in final itinerary. 4. Rescue fee. 5. International flights (From/to home) 6. Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (unless listed in itinerary). 7. Tips and Gratuities. 8. Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.). 9. Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees. 10. Some meals while on transfer between destinations (lunch on the transfer day to and from Rwenzori). 11. Laundry.
What to know
This tour can be customized to your interests. Please get in touch with me. OPTIONAL ADD-ON: • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. • Horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park. • Local cultural excursion in communities near Lake Mburo National Park. • Cheese and Wine Sunset Cruise (Lake Victoria) on last day of safari.
Route & locations
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda