Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking

Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking

For adventure seekers planning a Uganda safari, Uganda offers beautiful yet unforgettable experiences. From the challenging Rwenzori Marathon run to the amazing encounter with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The Rwenzori Marathon is one of East Africa’s top Marathons that is set against the Backdrop of Tourism in the region including Mt Rwenzori National Park as well as supporting the local communities of the region.

Mt Rwenzori is Africa’s third highest mountain located in the western part of Uganda and acts as an international border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain stands 5109 meters above sea level consisting of the glacier and meadows giving trekkers on a Uganda safari a memorable adventure of a lifetime. The Rwenzori Marathon consists of different routes such as the Equator Full Marathon, Kilembe Half Marathon, 10km run, and 5km run taking participants through rolling hills, and local villages, and offering stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountain.

The Rwenzori Marathon is one of Uganda’s events that is typically celebrated in August every year in Kasese District. Currently, the Rwenzori Marathon is going to take place on August 23rd, 2025. So, travelers/athletes planning to go on a Rwenzori Marathon safari can combine the experience with a gorilla trekking safari.

If you plan a Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, you can have a chance to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after the Rwenzori Marathon. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas which is half of the total population of Mountain gorillas in the world. Mountain gorillas can be seen in only three countries in the world including Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Imagine a close face-to-face encounter with Mountain in their Natural Habitats.

5 days combined Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking Safari

The 5-day combined Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking Safari offers a chance to participate in the race categories of your choice from the challenging Equator run (42km) to the shortest 5km run which is designed for families and first-time runners and getting close up with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The 5-day combined Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking Safari starts from Kampala to Kasese for the Rwenzori Marathon and later joins Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a memorable adventure. Below is a highlight of the 5-day combined Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla Trekking Safari:

Tour highlight 

• Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Kasese District
• Day 2: Rwenzori Marathon Experience
• Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience
• Day 5: Return to Kampala/Drop-off Destination 

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Kasese District

On this day, you will be picked up by our representative who will be your safari guide for the next 5 days. Your guide will take you through a briefing including the destinations to visit, activities to do, and other places to visit.

Later you will embark on a thrilling journey to Kasese district ahead of the Rwenzori marathon. The journey takes you through Mityana – Mubende – Fort Portal to Kasese town where you will have a stay for the next 2 nights. Arrive at the hotel and check in for your accommodation.

Day 2: Rwenzori Marathon Experience

After an early breakfast, you shall join the Rwenzori Marathon participants and prepare for the race. You will be taken through the instructions including dos and don’ts. You will select the marathon route you want to participate in and later start the race. The routes include the Equator full marathon, the Kilembe half Marathon, the 10km run, and the 5km run.

Upon finishing, you will have refreshments at the water stations and later proceed for lunch at the hotel. After lunch, you may opt to spend a relaxed evening at the hotel or an evening city walk around Kasese town. The Rwenzori Marathon Experience prepares you for the next gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, check out, and embark on a scenic drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park with some wildlife viewing opportunities as you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes about 5 hours to the lodge where will spend your next 2 nights. You shall have lunch en route and arrive at the lodge for a relaxed evening. You shall have a pre-briefing after your dinner from your guide including what to pack for gorilla trekking and what you need to know.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge and proceed to the visitor’s information center for a briefing. You shall have a briefing from the Park Guides including the rules and guidelines to follow while observing the gorillas in their natural habitats. Later, you shall be assigned a specific gorilla family and given 2-armed park rangers to provide security and safety with the Gorillas.

Begin the actual gorilla trekking experience as you navigate through the dense forests of Bwindi in search of the gorillas. Upon the trekking experience, you will have a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife species including monkeys, baboons, and different bird species such as the African green broadbill, the Grauer’s broadbill, and the white-headed wood hoopoe. Additionally, the forest is home to the handsome francolin, bar-tailed trogon, and a variety of hornbills and raptors. On finding the mountain gorillas, you will be granted a chance to spend 1 hour with the mountain gorillas as you take photos and learn more about them. Descend to the starting point where you will be awarded a gorilla trekking certificate.

Return to the lodge for an afternoon relaxation. In the evening, you shall have dinner at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s drive.

Day 5: Return to Kampala/Drop-off Destination

Rise in the morning with a mouth-watering breakfast and checkout for your departure. Embark on a thrilling 7-hour drive to Kampala/drop-off destination as you conclude your 5-day Rwenzori Marathon and Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.