Mountain Trekking and Gorilla Safari in Uganda

This is a challenging expedition in a remote part of Uganda, with difficult terrain, a sizeable chunk of elevation gain and loss over the course of seven days on the trail, and with altitude considerations on several days of the trek. Ideally, you'll have some multi-day trekking experience, although this isn't 100% needed if as long as you are fit and able to walk for up to eight hours a day while carrying a daypack. The general sense of remoteness and the basic facilities at camp will add to the sense of adventure on this trip, but come prepared with the right mindset and a taste for true adventure. The mid-section of the route can get muddy which adds a layer of challenge to a couple of the trekking days (rubber boots are needed), whereas the lower and upper sections of the trail will be more like classic trekking in hiking boots (with crampons for the summit). Your trek in the Rwenzoris is guided by rangers from the Rwenzori Ranges Hikers Association, a community organisation formed and owned by the local Bakonzo people living in the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. The RRHA have been guiding visitors to this part of Uganda since the late 1800s, when they guided the first Europeans to explore the range. They manage the trails and facilitate all treks in the area, so you are in the safest possible hands.

When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3000m. Your guides in the Rwenzori Mountains are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent if needed. The Margherita Peak trekking circuit route was designed with altitude safety in mind and has been operating for many years. The summit success rate is 90%, and there have not been any cases of failure to summit due to altitude sickness.

Uganda is home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. All permits to go and see the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are 11 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi (out of around 36 families), and a maximum of eight permits are issued to track each habituated family per day. Permits need to be secured three months before the trip departure date, so be aware of this when making a booking. You’ll hike through the forest for up to six hours in total, and when you encounter the gorillas you’ll be permitted to spend up to an hour in their presence. Watch them play, forage and relax, and they'll likely gaze back at the odd group of humans in return. You must keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas at all times to avoid disease transmission; even a common cold can be dangerous for a gorilla. For this reason, it is not permitted to track gorillas if you are ill, nor is eating or drinking allowed. Photography is permitted, however you only have an hour, so take a few snaps and then soak up being in this magical place with these beautiful creatures.

Summiting the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountins is right up there with Kilimanjaro as a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, but you'll almost have the place to yourself. Less than 1,000 people a year walk in the Rwenzori Mountains (and not all of those summit Margherita Peak) compared with 50,000 on Kilimanjaro or 25,000 on Mount Kenya. Combining the third highest summit in Africa with trekking to see the gorillas is a real bucket-list double-whammy. This does come at a premium price tag – National Park fees and operating costs for local guides and outfits are high in the parts of Uganda this trip goes to, particularly so in the Rwenzori Mountains. Your gorilla trekking permits are included in the trip cost – these are $700 (£580) per person. This part of the trip cost, therefore, goes directly towards the conservation of the remaining population of mountain gorillas.

It is important that you pack the right type of boots to fit the crampons that will be provided. You will need a 4-season hiking boot, ideally B1 crampon compatible or hybrid. Full plastic double boots are not required and are likely to be uncomfortable for most of the terrain encountered. You can read more about crampons and selecting the right boots here.

Margherita Peak is a trekking peak, so no technical mountaineering experience is needed, however some technical equipment is used to navigate the snowy and icy conditions on the top of Mount Stanley safely. Your guides will give you full training on how to use the crampons and ice axes to safely traverse the snowcapped section.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. As a guideline, we suggest budgeting for approx. $5 USD (or equivalent) per day for the main guide of your trip, and then budget an additional $10 USD per day to cover tips to support staff such as porters, cooks and the scouts who set off to locate the gorillas before your trek. Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Your guides and porters will provide treated water throughout the trek. You should bring along a reusable water bottle and a bladder or other hydration system, such as CamelBak. If you wish to have the ability to filter your own water in addition to the treated water supplied by the guides, please have a read of our guide to water filter bottles here.

There are two wet periods in the Rwenzori Mountains – the long rainy season and the short rainy season. The long rainy season begins in March and ends in May. The short rainy season is during the month of November. We don't run trips during these months due to the difficult conditions after heavier rainfall in the Rwenzoris. Temperatures in Uganda typically stay around 25-29 degrees Celsius the whole year round, with very little fluctuation between seasons. It can be a bit colder in higher mountainous areas such as the Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi and Kisoro in the west, and Mount Elgon in the east. Uganda has two slightly cooler seasons: from March to May and from September to October, during which you might encounter some rainfall. The hotter months are from December to February.

Yes. You can leave any excess luggage items in the hotel in Entebbe. You should only bring one softshell bag and a smaller backpack with you to the Rwenzoris, and plan to leave any hard cases in Entebbe.

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all travellers to Uganda. We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

No. You'll need to have a main soft shell bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you by the porters on the trek. In addition to this main bag, you should bring a smaller backpack, for carrying with you while on the trek.

Yes, all travellers to Uganda, regardless of nationality, are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to travel. British travellers can see the UK FCDO Uganda Travel Advice for a link to the online application form. A single entry visa costs approx. $50 USD and is typically granted within 2-3 days. Travellers are emailed a document to download or print.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.