Rwenzori and Queen Elizabeth Combination Guide: Mountains and Savannah

Few places in Africa offer such different landscapes within a short distance. In the morning you may be walking through mossy forest on a mountain trail, and a day or two later you can be on a boat watching elephants and hippos at the water's edge. The two parks share a gateway in the Kasese area and a backdrop of peaks that appear and disappear in the cloud.

This pillar guide summarises the route, how long to allow, who the trip suits and what each stop offers, and links to seven companion pages with itineraries, roads, seasons, practical advice and questions.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why Combine These Two Parks

The Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park sit side by side but offer opposite experiences. One is about effort, cool air and the quiet of montane forest; the other is about relaxed game drives, boat trips and warm evenings. Together they form a balanced trip: you can hike for a day or several, then recover in a safari lodge with a wildlife-rich view. The combination also suits mixed groups, as hikers and non-hikers can take different options and meet again at dinner. For park background see Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Route at a Glance

The Rwenzori Chapter

The Rwenzori range is often called the Mountains of the Moon, and its high peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers despite sitting on the equator. Hikers can choose a short walk through the lower forest or a multi-day trek, such as the one described in Rwenzori central circuit trek. The mountains demand preparation, rain gear and patience, and clouds often hide the peaks until the right moment. For an overview of the range see Rwenzori peaks and massifs.

The Queen Elizabeth Chapter

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's most varied. Game drives cross open savannah with elephants, buffalo, hippos, Uganda kob and sometimes lions, and the Kazinga Channel boat trip is famed for close views of wildlife and birds along the water. Add chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge, the crater lakes near Katwe, and the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions.

How Many Days to Allow

Five or six days allow a taster with a short mountain walk and a safari. Eight to ten days give you time for a day or two of serious hiking. Two weeks or more allow a multi-day Rwenzori trek followed by recovery in the savannah. See the short, medium and long itineraries.

Who the Trip Suits

The combination is ideal for hikers who want a safari reward, couples who enjoy landscape variety, and families with teenagers who can handle short walks. Serious Rwenzori trekking requires good fitness, appropriate gear and acceptance of mud and rain. Travellers who do not want to hike can still enjoy the foothills, viewpoints and cultural visits, and spend more time in the savannah.

Planning the Whole Trip

Use the companion pages: the route guide for roads and transfers, the best time page for seasons, the practical guide for visas and gear, and the FAQ page for common questions. Add gorillas via Ishasha to Bwindi if time allows.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team