10-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Tour

Uganda is one of the East African countries that is home to the rare mountain gorillas and holds the largest population of these primates in the world. Some gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are habituated and can be visited by travelers.

On this safari, visitors will spend time with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and later hike Mount Kilimanjaro, one of East Africa’s most remarkable attractions. The hike offers beautiful views of the mountain surroundings and the unique feeling of standing on Uhuru Peak, the highest point covered with snow. All these experiences make this safari unforgettable.

10-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Tour Highlights

• Visit Uganda and Tanzania in one trip.
• Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Meet the Batwa people and learn about their way of life.
• Fly from Uganda to Tanzania for an easy connection.
• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
• Walk through rain-forest, moorland, and rocky slopes.
• Reach Uhuru Peak, the snow-capped top of Kilimanjaro.
• Enjoy great mountain and forest views during the hike.
• Rest at scenic camps along the climbing route.
• A perfect mix of gorilla trekking and mountain adventure.

Brief 10-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Bwindi
• Day 2: Gorilla tracking and Batwa cultural tour
• Day 3: Fly to Entebbe and onward to Kilimanjaro Airport
• Day 4: Moshi to Machame Camp
• Day 5: Hike to Shira Camp
• Day 6: Shira to Barranco Camp
• Day 7: Hike to Karanga Camp
• Day 8: Hike from Karanga to Barafu Camp
• Day 9: Summit hike and descend to Mweka Camp
• Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Detailed 10-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Bwindi

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala and begin the 10-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will stop in Mbarara for lunch at a local restaurant where you can enjoy Ugandan food and spices. Continue to Bwindi, check in at your lodge, and relax for the evening. Dinner will be served later, followed by overnight rest.

Day 2: Gorilla tracking and Batwa cultural tour

After an early breakfast, attend a short briefing led by park rangers about gorilla tracking rules. You will then begin your trek into the forest to look for the gorillas. The trek may take about six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, spend one hour observing their behavior and taking photos.

Return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their forest traditions, hunting lifestyle, and culture. Enjoy their dances and stories before heading back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Fly to Entebbe and onward to Kilimanjaro

Have breakfast and transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe International Airport. From Entebbe, you will board a flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to Moshi, where you will have lunch and check into your lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying views of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 4: Moshi to Machame Camp

After breakfast, drive for about two and a half hours from Moshi to Machame Gate. Begin your hike to Machame Camp, which sits at an altitude of 2,835 meters above sea level. You will walk through the rainforest, spotting unique plants and bird species along the way. On arrival, rest and enjoy the evening at the camp.

Day 5: Hike to Shira Camp

After breakfast, continue your hike to Shira Camp. The trail passes through moorlands and rocky terrain, offering views of the mountain slopes and possible sightings of birds. Lunch will be served along the way. Arrive at Shira Camp, located at 3,810 meters above sea level, and relax for the evening.

Day 6: Shira to Barranco Camp

Start your hike early in the morning and enjoy the cool air as you climb higher. Have lunch on the trail, then proceed to Barranco Camp. Upon arrival, rest and admire the beautiful mountain surroundings before dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Hike to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is located at 3,963 meters above sea level. The trail offers great views and a good challenge as you climb higher. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and have lunch on the way. Arrive at the camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Hike from Karanga to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue hiking to Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters above sea level. This is a longer and steeper section of the mountain, so take regular breaks to rest. On arrival at the camp, relax and enjoy photography around the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 9: Summit hike and descend to Mweka Camp

After an early breakfast, begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. The peak is covered with snow and offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Celebrate your achievement at the top, then descend to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters. Have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate at the base of the mountain, where your driver will be waiting. You will then transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, about a 1-hour drive away, for your flight back home.

This marks the end of your Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari.