14 Days Gorilla Tracking – Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari

Your Kilimanjaro experience begins with a private transfer to Londorossi Gate, where formalities are completed before driving to the remote Lemosho trail-head. The walk begins gently, winding through ancient montane rainforest, rich with birdlife and black-and-white colobus monkeys. As the forest closes around you, the rhythm of the mountain sets in. By afternoon, arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp, where your crew welcomes you with hot drinks and a freshly prepared dinner. Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp Altitude: 2,650 m

The trail climbs steadily out of the forest into open heath and moorland, revealing vast skies and the first sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes. Giant heathers and volcanic terrain replace the dense greenery below. By late afternoon, reach Shira 1 Camp, set on the dramatic Shira Plateau — a high-altitude volcanic caldera with expansive views and crisp mountain air. Overnight: Shira 1 Camp Altitude: 3,610 m

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp Today is a beautifully relaxed day, designed for acclimatization. Traverse the broad Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic sections of the mountain, with uninterrupted views toward Kibo Peak and, on clear days, Mount Meru floating in the distance. Arrive early at Shira 2 Camp, allowing time for rest or a gentle acclimatization walk as the sun sets over the plateau. Overnight: Shira 2 Camp Altitude: 3,850 

A classic Kilimanjaro day and a highlight of the Lemosho Route. Ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,630 m), where lunch is served beneath towering volcanic rock formations — a vital acclimatization milestone. From here, descend into the lush Barranco Valley, a stunning natural amphitheater framed by glaciers, cliffs, and giant senecio plants. Overnight: Barranco Camp Altitude: 3,960 m

After breakfast, tackle the iconic Barranco Wall — an exhilarating scramble that rewards you with dramatic views across the southern icefields. Though steep, it is non-technical and guided with care. The trail continues through rolling alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, a peaceful valley setting ideal for continued acclimatization before the summit approach. Overnight: Karanga Camp Altitude: 4,035 m

A short but purposeful ascent leads to Barafu Camp, perched high above the clouds in a stark alpine desert environment. From here, the summit feels tantalizingly close. The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and final preparations. A nourishing early dinner is served before retiring for a few hours of sleep ahead of the summit attempt. Overnight: Barafu Camp Altitude: 4,640 m

Shortly after midnight, begin the final ascent beneath a canopy of stars. Guided at a steady, deliberate pace, climb toward Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). As dawn breaks, stand atop Africa — a moment of quiet triumph, vast horizons, and unforgettable emotion. After time at the summit, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down into the greener landscapes of Mweka Camp. Overnight: Mweka Camp Altitude: 3,080 m

The final walk descends through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you are presented with your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A private transfer returns you to your hotel, where hot showers, fine dining, and a celebratory toast mark the completion of an extraordinary journey. Dinner and overnight at Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel/ Park View Inn/ Kibo Palace. Dinner only

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, where you will catch a scenic domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip (approx. 1 hr 15 min) at 1030. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you will be transferred to Buhoma, on a 1 hour picturesque drive, to the the northern gateway of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of the Mountain Gorillas. Once you arrive, Check into your lodge nestled at the forest edge, with views of mist-covered hills and bird songs in the air. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a community walk. This immersive experience supports local livelihoods while giving you a rich sense of the culture around Bwindi and the people of Uganda. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge/ Buhoma Lodge / The Haven Lodge. FB

Wake early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Equipped with a walking stick and guided by experienced rangers, you’ll set off into the thick forest for gorilla trekking searching for the awesome gorillas in their natural home. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the moment you come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family, all effort melts away. Watch them feed, groom, and play just a few meters away, lock eyes with a silverback whose gaze feels deeply human. You have one magical and unforgettable hour in their presence, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After this awesome Mountain gorilla encounter, trek back to the lodge. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy a massage, or simply soak in the forest atmosphere from your veranda.Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge/ Buhoma Lodge / The Haven Lodge. FB

Depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the southern Ishasha sector of the park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight found only here and in Lake Manyara, Tanzania. Keep your eyes on the giant fig trees where prides often laze during the day. Continue on an enroute game drive to Mweya sector, with lots of game sightings. The Kazinga Channel Boat Safari. Head to the Kazinga Channel, In the heat of the afternoon, when many animals head to water, you’ll board a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George one of Uganda’s richest wildlife spectacles; drift past hundreds of hippos, elephant herds drinking at the banks, Nile crocodiles, and a dazzling array of waterbirds including pelicans and kingfishers. Hippos in their hundreds, grunting and jostling in pods, Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, Elephants wading in to drink and spray themselves, Buffalo cooling off, sometimes almost submerged. Enjoying watching birds as you glide by with Over 600 bird species recorded, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and cormorants. The boat gets remarkably close to the animals, perfect for an up-close game viewing. As the sun sets over the water, the scene becomes golden and serene. After disembarking, you can do a short evening game drive on your way back to lodge. Sunset often brings predators back on the move, and the lighting makes for magical photo opportunities. Dinner and overnight at Kyambura Gorge Lodge/ Mweya Safari Lodge/ Bush Lodge. FB

Rise early for a sunrise game drive in the open savanna of the Kasenyi sector, where predators are most active. With the golden light spreading across the plains, you’ll observe Lions often stalking Uganda kob (antelopes) in the grasslands, Elephants moving in family herds, sometimes with tiny calves, Buffalo herds grazing as birds perch on their backs, if lucky Leopards draped in acacia trees, Warthogs, water bucks, and hyenas wandering the plains. The Kasenyi plains are also a birder’s paradise crowned cranes, saddle-billed storks, and raptors circle overhead. Proceed to Kibale Forest National Park the primate capital, with a high population of primates and particularly the chimpanzees, check into the lodge and prepare for chimpanzee encounter the next day. Dinner and Overnight at Kyaninga Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge/ Kibale Forest Camp. FB

Kibale Forest, in western Uganda, is a lush tropical rainforest spanning over 700 km². It’s home to 13 species of primates, more than any other forest in East Africa, and harbors the largest population of wild chimpanzees in Uganda (around 1,500 individuals). The forest also shelters red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and a spectacular array of birds, butterflies, and forest elephants. Your chimpanzee trekking experience, starts with a hearty breakfast, then a briefing by the park officials on the protocol, Rand then chimp behavior, safety, and forest etiquette once. You have a ranger assigned to your group who will lead you into the forest for the trek that lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the chimps’ movements. Trails may be muddy, but the forest is enchanting, giant mahoganies, strangler figs, orchids, and butterflies at every turn. As you walk, you’ll hear the forest come alive: bird calls, monkey chatter, and sometimes the distant pant-hoots of chimps. Then you have a chimpanzee Encounter, when you finally find them, you’ll spend 1 magical hour observing them. Watch them: Feeding on figs, berries, or forest fruits; Grooming each other—a vital social ritual; Playing in the trees, juveniles swinging like acrobats.Displaying dominance adult males drumming on buttress roots and calling loudly.Chimps are highly active often moving between trees and ground, making the experience lively and thrilling. After amazing experience,Trek back to the visitor center, exhilarated and full of stories. Certificates are often awarded for completing the trek. Departure: With packed lunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip in Kasese for a flight back to Entebbe International Airport arriving at 1615, then continue to your outbound international flight. This will mark the end of the Mt Kilimanjaro Hike & Primate Safari.