This 10-day tour is one of the extraordinary combined East African safari tours. It includes a visit to Uganda gorillas in the dense tropical forest of Bwindi National Park and Mountaineering on Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m), Tanzania. Uganda is popular for hosting about half of the estimated 1063 mountain gorillas left on earth, with about 459 of them residing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Camp
After breakfast, head to Machame Gate of Mt. Kilimanjaro Park, Tanzania. This is where you will begin your hike to Machame Camp at 1800m, which will take about 4-5 hours. Enjoy ample time to relax, have lunch, dinner, and overnight sleep.
Day 2: Shira Camp
Following a hearty breakfast, hike up to Shira Camp (3847m). This includes a picnic lunch and is the second camp along the Machame route. The Shira plateau has two camps: Shira Camp 1 (located on the western part) and Shira Camp 2 on the eastern side.
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Proceed to Barranco Camp from Shira Camp, located at Barranco Wall, an ideal spot to rest before ascending to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. Hike slowly due to the soft ground along this path. Upon reaching the camp, have a picnic lunch and relax.
Day 4: Barafu Camp
Leave Barranco Camp for Barafu Hut Camp situated at an altitude of 4673m. This camp gets its name from the Swahili word “Barafu,” meaning ice. Along the way, pass through glaciers before reaching the camp for a picnic lunch, relaxation, and views of the surrounding area.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak
Wake up early, have breakfast, and continue with a 5-7 hour hike to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro located at Kibo Cone, a dormant volcano. Other cones of the free-standing Kilimanjaro volcano include Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (4005m). Enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings and snow peaks from Kibo Cone, then descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before heading down to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Gate
Leave Mweka Camp for Mweka Gate where you will meet your driver. From Mweka Gate, transfer to your lodge or hotel for evening relaxation.
Day 7: Kigali
After breakfast, drive to the airport in Tanzania to catch your flight to Kigali International Airport (KGL). Meet our driver guide in Rwanda for transfer to the lodge for relaxation or a short city tour if time allows.
Day 8: Kigali – Bwindi Forest
Transfer to Uganda to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). Drive through the border points of Katuna-Kabale or Chanika to Kisoro and proceed to Bwindi while enjoying the charming hillsides of Southwestern Uganda.
Day 9: Bwindi Gorillas
After breakfast and briefing at 8:00am, begin your journey to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – BINP, Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes a full day, estimated to be 2-6 hours, so bring packed lunch and bottled water.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy an early morning breakfast, then travel back to Kigali, approximately 4-5 hours. Upon early arrival in Kigali, embark on a city tour, including visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, craft shops for purchasing art pieces, and Kirimonko Market, along with other historical centers.