Join us on an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes with our Rwenzori Hike and Coffee Safari. Over the next eight days, immerse yourself in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon.” You’ll trek through lush rainforests, navigate rugged terrain, and revel in stunning views. After your exhilarating hikes, indulge in the rich flavors of Ugandan coffee at a countryside plantation. Discover the coffee cultivation process, savor fresh brews, and connect with the local community. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature lover, this itinerary offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
At Nandi Adventures, we believe in creating all-inclusive Ugandan safaris that maximize your experience and minimize your worries. Unlike other companies, we prioritize transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Our meticulously crafted itineraries include a variety of activities, attraction entrance fees, comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and the services of our expert guides. This ensures you can focus on what truly matters: making unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa.
Welcome to Uganda for your Rwenzori Hike and Coffee Safari Your adventure begins today when you arrive into Uganda. Your guide from Nandi Adventures will warmly welcome you at the airport before you transfer to your accommodation tonight. Entebbe sits on the shores of Africa’s largest (and the world’s second-largest) fresh water body, Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you could explore some of the areas around the lake or the town before settling down for the night.
Leave behind busy streets and head for the hills on a mountain bike. Along the quiet trails, you’ll appreciate the fresh air and chance to explore under your own steam and at your own speed.
Mountain biking along Lake Victoria is an exhilarating adventure through stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture. As you pedal along the shores of Africa’s largest lake, you’ll encounter a mosaic of experiences: from navigating winding trails through lush greenery to glimpsing traditional fishing villages bustling with life.
The tour offers not only adrenaline pumping rides over rugged terrain but also insightful interactions with the communities that call this region home. Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking new challenges or a nature enthusiast craving unique vistas, mountain biking promises an unforgettable exploration of Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Set out for Rukungiri, a charming town known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage, you’ll traverse a route rich in scenic beauty and unique experiences. As you leave Kampala, the urban hustle gradually gives way to the serene Ugandan countryside. The journey typically takes about 6 hours, offering glimpses of rolling hills, lush farmlands, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll witness the daily lives of Ugandans, from farmers tending to their crops to children playing by the roadside.
About halfway through your journey, you’ll arrive at one of Uganda’s most iconic landmarks: the Equator. This geographical marvel is a must-see for any visitor. Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere—a perfect photo opportunity!
After your memorable stop at the Equator, you’ll continue your journey to Rukungiri. As you drive, the landscape becomes increasingly picturesque, with valleys and hills interspersed with tea and banana plantations. The fresh air and stunning views make this leg of the journey truly enjoyable.
Upon arrival in Rukungiri, you’ll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the locals. Known for its rich culture and beautiful scenery, Rukungiri serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, including the stunning Lake Bunyonyi and the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also the basecamp for rafting in the Bwindi wilderness.
Today, we invite you to embark on an extraordinary adventure unlike any other in Africa—rafting the Birira River through the breathtaking highlands of the Bwindi region. This exhilarating experience promises not only thrilling rapids but also stunning scenery as you navigate the lush green forests that lie between two iconic nature reserves: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Prepare to create unforgettable memories as you embark on this incredible journey through the heart of Uganda’s rainforest. Rafting the Birira River is not just an adventure—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that few get to experience. So gear up, hold on tight, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
The Birira River is renowned for its captivating landscapes and dynamic rapids. As you paddle down this vibrant river, you’ll be surrounded by the enchanting sights and sounds of the rainforest. Towering trees, vibrant flora, and the distant calls of wildlife create a backdrop that enhances the thrill of your rafting journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rafter, this adventure is tailored to accommodate all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Your safety is our top priority. Our team of certified professional guides, with years of experience rafting on the Nile and around the globe, will lead the way. To ensure a secure and enjoyable experience, at least two safety kayakers will accompany your group, ready to assist whenever needed. Their expertise and knowledge of the river will provide you with the confidence to fully immerse yourself in the adventure.
This rafting adventure serves as a perfect complement to the more traditional experiences of gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris that Uganda is famous for. It offers a refreshing contrast, adding an adventurous twist to your itinerary.
After the adventure, your Nandi Adventures guide will then transfer you to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest and most visited nature reserve. Take the boat safari along the Kazinga Channel bringing you into a unique vantage point to observe a variety of animals that gather at the water’s edge. Some of the wildlife to look out for includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, and an array of birdlife like African fish eagles and pelicans. The combination of land and water exploration allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity and stunning scenery of Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a must-do for safari enthusiasts.
A game drive and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer an unforgettable wildlife adventure in one of Uganda’s most iconic parks. The game drives, typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon, take visitors through the park’s diverse landscapes, from savannah plains to lush wetlands, in search of wildlife like elephants, lions, buffalo, antelope, and the over 600 bird species in this park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary renowned for its diverse ecosystems, the park offers a unique blend of savanna, wetlands, and forested areas, providing a home for a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can spot four of the iconic African Big 5 wildlife animals like lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalos, as well as a variety of primates, including chimpanzees and baboons.
Later in the day transfer to Kasese at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This is your basecamp for the hiking adventure into the Mountains of the Moon.
Today is you embark on your hike into the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kasese, your guide will drive you to the trek starting point at Trekkers Hostel at the foothills of the mountains.
The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer a truly unforgettable mountaineering experience. These majestic peaks, second only to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, are renowned for their stunning beauty, diverse ecosystems, and challenging terrain. Ascend through lush rainforests, traverse across glaciers, and summit towering peaks, all while being surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Rwenzori Mountains offer a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it a must-do for any avid mountaineer or nature lover.
Start Point: Trekkers Hostel, Kyanjuki (1,450 meters), 12 km from Kasese.
Begin your trek through the Afro-Montane Forest, home to a variety of birds and wildlife like blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. There’s also a chance to spot L’Hoest monkeys and hear wild chimpanzees.
Along the way, you’ll pass through bamboo thickets and moss-covered vines. Don’t miss Enock’s Falls, just 200 meters from Sine Hut, a perfect spot for a photo.
Overnight: Sine Camp, with rustic wooden huts surrounded by tall trees, offering views of a waterfall.
Height Gain: 1,146 meters | Distance: 9.5 km
Hike to Mutinda Camp at 3,588 meters (11,752ft), giving you a height gain of 992m (3,255ft). The trek ends in Mutinda Camp, which sits near a small waterfall. You will be staying here for the night. You can now wash, refresh and simply enjoy being in the Mountains of the Moon.
Or if you do have what it takes, climb up to the Mutinda Lookout -3975m (13,041ft) – which is one and a half hours up, and one hour down. You will be rewarded with great views of Kasese town and on a clear day, even Lake George in the savanna plains farther away in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This afternoon trek is also good for acclimatization.
Start the day by climbing along a rocky riverbed and passing through boggy areas. You’ll reach the top of a high waterfall before descending through Hunwicks Pass. The trail leads through the Twin Peaks, where you can spot hawks, eagles, and possibly Hyrax or Red Diker. After crossing bogs and passing giant lobelias, you’ll arrive at Kiharo Camp at which is situated in a deep valley with high cliffs and dense vegetation.
On the way down the valley after each bog you will climb over a ridge of stones and earth which seems out of place but actually was pushed there by slow moving glaciers which eventually stopped moving, melted and left a pile of rocks and debris in front of where the glacier once stood.
Overnight: Kiharo Camp, located near a beautiful waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks.
Height Gain: 387 meters | Descent: 545 meters | Distance: 5 km
It is time to say goodbye to Africa’s greatest secret and botanical garden. Enjoy the sunrise before breakfast and the trek back to base. The Nyamwamba Valley offers stunning scenery, with cascading waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and some of the best forests in the Rwenzori Mountains. After passing several Duiker clearings and breathtaking waterfalls, you’ll climb up and over a ridge before descending through dense forest. Stop at Forest View Camp for lunch before completing the final leg of your adventure at Trekkers Hostel.
From Kiharo Camp, you’ll trek 16 kilometers downhill to the park gate, plus an additional 2.8 kilometers to Trekkers Hostel. It takes about 5 to 8 hours to do the trek. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will debrief you before you exit the national park.
Your guide will then transfer you to a local coffee farm lodge where you will freshen up and rest for the night. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee as you listen to the night sounds of the countryside.
After completing your exhilarating hike through the Rwenzori Mountains, unwind and rejuvenate at the Clarke Farm and Coffee Estate. Nestled amidst serene landscapes, this idyllic retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Immerse yourself in the art of coffee cultivation, learning about the farm-to-cup process and sampling freshly brewed Ugandan coffee.
Take leisurely walks, biking, river walks, or bouldering through the lush plantations, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and scenic views. It’s a day to savor the tranquility and indulge in the flavors of Uganda’s renowned coffee, reflecting on the memorable adventure. This enriching experience offers a delightful introduction to the warmth and hospitality of Ugandan culture, and providing the perfect cup to toast your unforgettable adventure.
Break the morning with a cup of freshly brewed Ugandan coffee that was harvested from these same lands. Thereafter, take a coffee tour at the farm, learning about the bean-to-cup journey. There is no better way to toast to your Uganda safari than enjoying a coffee safari experience with the locals of the coffee estate. Over 800 individuals and families are positively impacted by this coffee plantation that shares its knowledge and expertise. One more mountain summit down, one community lifted up, you are now part of that positive change.
After a memorable safari experience, depart the coffee farm and transfer to Entebbe to the next destination.
Optional activities like a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park; Chimpanzee Tracking, or Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi can be arranged on request. It is always an honor to serve you and our team is flexible to meet any extra needs like short tours in the city.
