This 10-day Uganda gorillas and Mount Kilimanjaro safari is one of the most rewarding combined East African trips. It brings together mountain hiking in Tanzania and mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. The tour starts with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters, and ends with a close wildlife experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda is well known for protecting about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Out of the estimated 1,063 mountain gorillas left on earth, about 459 live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This safari is ideal for travelers who want physical adventure, wildlife encounters, and travel across different East African countries.
Below is the full itinerary presented in a clear and easy-to-read format.
Day 1: Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. This is the starting point of your hike along the Machame Route.
After registration and briefing by park officials, begin hiking through forest trails toward Machame Camp at about 1,800 meters. The hike takes around four to five hours at a steady pace. Upon arrival, relax, enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 2: Shira Camp
After breakfast, continue hiking uphill toward Shira Camp at 3,847 meters. This part of the hike opens up to wide views as you leave the forest zone.
A picnic lunch will be served along the way. The Shira Plateau has two camps, Shira Camp 1 on the western side and Shira Camp 2 on the eastern side. After reaching camp, rest and prepare for the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Leave Shira Camp and hike toward Barranco Camp, located near the base of the Barranco Wall. This area is used for rest and altitude adjustment before heading higher.
The trail has soft ground, so the hike is done slowly. After reaching Barranco Camp, have lunch and relax while enjoying views of the mountain slopes. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 4: Barafu Camp
After breakfast, hike from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters. The name Barafu means ice in Swahili, showing how cold this area can be.
Along the way, pass rocky paths and glacier views. Arrive at Barafu Camp for a picnic lunch, rest, and preparation for summit day. Dinner and early rest at the camp.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak and Descent
Wake up very early and begin the final climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. This hike takes about five to seven hours and leads to the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the Kibo cone.
After reaching the summit, take photos and enjoy the moment. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Mweka Gate
After breakfast, descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. At the gate, sign out and receive your climbing certificate.
Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel or lodge for rest, a hot shower, and evening relaxation. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Flight to Kigali
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Tanzania for your flight to Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver guide and transfer to the lodge.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy relaxation or a short city tour. Dinner and overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 8: Kigali to Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, drive from Rwanda into Uganda through the Katuna Kabale or Chanika Kisoro border. Continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Enjoy views of the hills of southwestern Uganda along the way. Arrive at the lodge, check in, and rest. Dinner and overnight stay near Bwindi Forest.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters at 8:00 am for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Begin the gorilla trekking experience, which can take between two and six hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. Carry packed lunch and bottled water. When you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Departure via Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, a journey of about four to five hours. If time allows, take part in a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft shops, and Kimironko Market.
Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 10-day Uganda gorillas and Mount Kilimanjaro safari.