When to visit, how to pack, what permits cost, what to expect on the harder treks — straight answers from our guides.
For most people, high season is July, August and September. Next tier: October, January and February — plus December, all considered Uganda and Rwenzori high season. Shoulder months are December, March and June. The rains arrive in April, May and November — Rwenzori low season, which we offer at a discount. The trade-off in the dry season: you stay dry, comfortable, acclimatise better, and the views are clear.
Gorilla and chimp trekking runs year-round, but the dry months — June, July, August and September — make Bwindi and Kibale much easier underfoot. Permits cost more in the dry season; in the wet season (April, May, November) permits drop to around US$600 (subject to change) but the slopes are slippery and most clients avoid them.
The forest is thick with steep slopes, so dress for it: hiking boots, long-sleeve shirt and trousers, gloves (some shrubs itch), a hat and glasses. Bring energy-giving food, insect repellent, and your camera — you'll get a real chance at close-up pictures.
Sabinyo sits inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the border with Rwanda and the DRC. It's one of Uganda's best climbs — sharp ridges and crater lakes near the summit, with handmade UWA ladders bolted into the rock to handle the steepest bits. Three peaks; at the third you stand in all three countries at once. Four hours up, four hours down. The full breakdown lives on the Mt Sabinyo attraction page.
Clothing: light rain coat, warm stockings, hand gloves for the cold summit, long-sleeve shirt and trousers to keep crawling insects off. Sturdy hiking boots with above-average traction. Packed lunch or snacks plus at least 2L of water — the hike takes a full day. A camera, binoculars (you can see Lake Kivu and Lake Bunyonyi on a clear day), a portable first aid kit and toilet paper. Porters are available for hire if you have heavy gear.
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Easy — book online from any tour page, or contact us and we'll plan something custom around your dates and interests.
Wildlife safaris, cultural visits, mountain hikes, gorilla and chimp trekking, birding, honeymoons. Browse the full catalog or tell us what you have in mind.
Yes — by experienced local guides who actually live here and know the terrain, the wildlife, and the seasons.
Absolutely. Solo, family, group — we tailor the itinerary to fit your time, budget, fitness level, and what you actually want to see.
Source of the Nile (Jinja)
. Mount Elgon National Park & Sipi Falls (Eastern Uganda)
Lake Mburo National Park (South-Central Uganda)
Kidepo Valley National Park (Northeastern Uganda)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Southwestern Uganda)
Lake Bunyonyi (Southwestern Uganda)
Kibale National Park (Western Uganda)
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Western Uganda)
Murchison Falls National Park (Northwestern Uganda)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Southwestern Uganda)
Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Sabinyo
