An 18-Day Luxury Expedition: Rwenzori Mountains and Bwindi Gorillas

This bespoke itinerary is crafted for the discerning traveler seeking a unique blend of high-altitude mountain climbing and a world-class wildlife encounter. This 18-day expedition, combining the challenging ascent of the Rwenzori Mountains with the intimate experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi, is designed for a group of 12 people with a focus on luxury, safety, and comfort.

Start Date: 16^th  August 2026

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Luxury Kampala Stay

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
• Our dedicated team will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to the exquisite Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel for a night of rest and relaxation.
• Dinner at the hotel to enjoy fine dining and a pre-trek briefing.

Day 2: Transfer to Rwenzori & Acclimatization

• After a leisurely breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey itself is a safari, passing through stunning landscapes and offering views of local life.
• Check-in at Rwenzori Equator Snow Heights Hotel, a comfortable base camp with panoramic views, perfect for the pre-trek night.
• Final equipment check and briefing with the lead mountain guides.

Day 3: The Ascent Begins – UWA Office to First Camp

• Morning transfer to the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) office at the base camp (1500m).
• Formal park registration and a final briefing from the park rangers.
• Begin the trek, ascending to a camp between 1500m and 1800m. This short, initial trek allows the body to begin its acclimatization process.

Day 4-5: Acclimatization at Camp

• Spend two full days at the current camp (at approximately 1800m).
• Light, optional day hikes will be offered to help with acclimatization. This is a crucial step to prevent altitude sickness.

Day 6-9: Ascending to 3500m

• Ascend at a gradual pace, gaining no more than 300m of altitude per day.
• The trek will take you through lush montane forests and into the giant heather and lobelia zones.
• We will set up new camps each night, with porters carrying all the heavy gear ahead of the team.

Day 10-11: Rest & Acclimatization at 3500m

• Arrive at a pre-designated camp at 3500m.
• The team will spend two full days at this altitude to further acclimatize. This is a critical rest period before the more challenging high-altitude sections.
• Optional activities may include short, exploratory walks around the camp to appreciate the unique afro-alpine landscape.

Day 12-13: Ascending to 4000m

• Ascend at 300m per day, moving towards the next resting camp.
• The terrain becomes more rugged and the vegetation shifts to giant groundsels and tussock grass.

Day 14-15: Rest & Acclimatization at 4000m

• Arrive at the 4000m camp.
• Enjoy another two days of rest and acclimatization. This is the last major rest stop before the final summit push.
• A “weather buffer day” is included in this phase of the trek. If conditions are unfavorable for the summit attempt, this day can be used to wait for a clear weather window.

Day 16: Summit Day – Margherita Peak (5109m)

• An early start for the summit push. This is the most demanding day of the trek.
• The ascent involves glacier crossings and technical climbing.
• Upon reaching Margherita Peak (5109m), the team will celebrate with photos and enjoy the breathtaking views.
• Descend to a lower camp for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 17-18: Summiting Other Peaks & Descent

• Day 17: A dedicated day to trek to one of the other nearby peaks (e.g., Mount Speke or Mount Baker).
• Day 18: A dedicated day to trek to another nearby peak.
• The team will then begin the long descent, moving efficiently as a group, back towards the base camp.

Day 19: Return to Kasese & Relaxation

• Complete the descent to the UWA office.
• Private transfer to the luxurious Margherita Hotel in Kasese.
• Enjoy hot showers, comfortable beds, and a celebratory dinner.

Day 20: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• After a restful morning, the team will have a private transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• The journey is long but offers a change of scenery and an introduction to rural Uganda.
• Check-in at a luxury lodge, unwind, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla encounter.

Day 21: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Early morning briefing at the park headquarters.
• Begin the guided trek into the forest to find one of the habituated gorilla families.
• Upon finding the gorillas, the group will have a full hour to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures.
• Return to the lodge for a celebratory dinner.

Day 22: Transfer to Kampala & Farewell Dinner

• After a final breakfast in the forest, the group will transfer back to Kampala.
• Check-in at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with the entire team, reminiscing about the incredible journey.

Day 23: Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast at the Serena Hotel.
• A private transfer will take the group to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for their return journey home.

Cost Breakdown & Policies

This is a luxury expedition, and the pricing reflects premium services, comfort, and safety. All costs are per person and based on a group size of 12. The final cost may vary slightly depending on the exact lodge choices and market fluctuations.

Total Estimated Cost Per Person: USD :29,500

Detailed Cost Breakdown

1. Park Fees & Permits

• Rwenzori Mountains National Park Fees: A daily fee of $55 per person is charged by UWA. This includes park entry and conservation fees.
• Gorilla Trekking Permit: The cost for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $800 per person. This is a non-negotiable, fixed cost set by UWA.

2. Premium Services & Staff

• Professional Mountain Guides: Each guide is a certified professional with extensive high-altitude experience. We provide a high guide-to-client ratio for enhanced safety and personalized attention. . Professional Guides are paid a premium daily rate of $100
• Porters: A team of porters will be assigned to carry all group gear, food, and personal luggage. We maintain a high porter-to-client ratio to ensure the group’s comfort and to provide adequate support. Porters are paid a premium daily rate of $50 , ensuring ethical and fair wages.
• Cooks: A dedicated team of cooks will prepare high-quality, nutritious meals throughout the trek, catering to dietary needs.
• Logistics & Support Staff: This includes all drivers, ground support staff, and a dedicated trip manager.

3. Accommodation

• Pre-Trek (2 nights):
  • Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel (Luxury Room) – 1 night
  • Rwenzori Equator Snow Heights Hotel (Luxury Room) – 1 night
• During Trek (14 nights):
  • High-quality, two-person tents with a shared occupancy (2 per tent). Tents are spacious and waterproof.
• Post-Trek (3 nights):
  • Margherita Hotel, Kasese (Luxury Room) – 1 night
  • Luxury Lodge in Bwindi (e.g., Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge) – 1 night
  • Kampala Serena Hotel (Luxury Room) – 1 night

4. Transportation

• Airport Transfers: Private, chauffeured 4×4 vehicles for all airport pickups and drops.
• Inter-city Transfers: All transfers between Entebbe, Kasese, Bwindi, and Kampala are in private, luxury 4×4 safari vehicles (e.g., customized Toyota Land Cruisers). These vehicles are equipped with charging points and refrigeration.

5. Equipment & Gear

• Provided:
  • Tents (shared by 2 persons)
  • All group climbing gear for glacier travel (ropes, anchors, etc.)
  • Cooking and dining equipment
• Equipment Rental: We can provide a list of recommended local suppliers for equipment rentals. However, we politely advise the group to bring their own personal technical climbing gear for the following reasons:
  • Harnesses, Crampons, Ice Axes, Ice Screws, Crevasse Rescue Gear, and Ropes: We recommend that guests bring their own. We have noted that the quality of locally available technical climbing gear may not consistently meet the high standards and personal preferences of experienced climbers. To ensure your comfort, fit, and confidence on the mountain, we strongly encourage you to use your own trusted and well-maintained equipment.

6. Food & Beverage

• Full-board meals are included throughout the expedition, from the arrival dinner to the final breakfast.
• High-quality, high-energy meals and snacks during the trek.
• Bottled water is provided throughout the entire trip.

7. Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

• All accommodations as per the itinerary.
• All ground transportation in private luxury 4×4 vehicles.
• All national park and permit fees for Rwenzori and Bwindi.
• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
• All meals and bottled water as per the itinerary.
• Group climbing gear (ropes, etc.).
• Rescue protocols and standby support.

Exclusions:

• International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport.
• Visa fees and travel insurance (mandatory, see policy section).
• Personal climbing equipment (harness, crampons, ice axes, etc.).
• Personal sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and mattresses.
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other personal expenses.
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff.

Policies and Practical Information

Booking, Deposit, and Cancellation

• Booking: All bookings must be made in writing via email. A booking form will be provided to collect all necessary information, including passport details, medical history, and dietary restrictions.
• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking. This deposit must be paid within 14 days of receiving your invoice. This is to cover the cost of securing gorilla permits and other non-refundable bookings.
• Payment: The final balance is due no later than 60 days before the expedition start date.
• Payment Methods: We accept both credit card payments and wire transfers.
• Cancellation Policy:
  • Cancellation 91 days or more before the start date: 100% refund of all payments received, minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • Cancellation 46 to 90 days before the start date: 50% refund of all payments received, minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • Cancellation 45 days or less before the start date: No refund.
  • Please note that gorilla permits are non-refundable once purchased. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.

Luggage and Porterage

• Trekker’s Personal Weight: Each trekker is expected to carry a small daypack, weighing no more than 5-7 kg, containing essentials such as water, a camera, a warm layer, and waterproof clothing.
• Porter’s Weight Limit: Each porter is limited to carrying a maximum of 23 kg of luggage. This is a strict safety and welfare protocol to prevent over-burdening our staff. You are allotted one porter for your personal luggage, and additional porters can be hired at an extra cost if needed.

Dietary Restrictions

• We can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requirements. Please inform us of any restrictions at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation during the Trek

• Accommodation on the mountain will be in high-quality, durable expedition tents. Each tent will be shared by two persons, providing a comfortable and secure shelter from the elements.
• It is mandatory for trekkers to bring their own sleeping bags, pads, and mattresses for hygiene and personal comfort.

Insurance and Safety Protocols

• Company and Staff Insurance: Our company is insured with  ???????? { Billy provide information). All our professional guides and staff are also comprehensively insured and well-trained in high-altitude safety and rescue.

• Safety and Rescue Protocols:
  • Guide Qualifications: Our lead guides are certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and have extensive experience in high-altitude rescue. They are trained to recognize and manage symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE, and HACE.
  • Communication: We carry satellite phones and radios for constant communication with our base camp and for emergency situations.
  • Rescue: In case of a serious medical emergency, our protocols include on-foot evacuation to the nearest trailhead and, if necessary, coordination with a helicopter rescue service. Note: Helicopter rescues are extremely expensive and require a valid, high-altitude trekking insurance policy.

Company Information

• Business Address: Namasuba or Stela ( please Billy, help, which one we can use)
• Optional Extensions: For those who wish to extend their adventure, we offer the option to add other excursions, such as gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi or an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro (with additional time and cost)