Uganda and Western Kenya Uganda and Western Kenya lie at the very heart of Africa, the meeting point of the East-African savannah, West-African rainforest and semi arid desert of the Sahel belt. Much of Uganda's charm lies in its intimacy and compactness, whilst Kenya is a vast land of striking contrasts and spectacular landscapes.

The region is a melting pot of cultural diversity that includes over 40 different resident tribes such as the Baganda, Samburu and the Maasai. There are numerous National Parks on both sides of the border, incorporating a range of different habitats from savannah to rainforest, home to a wide variety of animals including lion, leopard, baboon and cheetah. The region also boasts rare populations of elephant and chimpanzees.

This is an ideal destination for teams looking for a broad variety of experiences. Enjoy the physical challenge of climbing a high mountain, view the abundant and diverse range of wildlife close at hand and immerse oneself totally into the fascinating and rich culture, the local people being amongst the friendliest and most welcoming on the continent.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Programme Manager for Uganda & Western Kenya will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Acclimatisation
Kakamega Forest (Kenya)
The Kakamega Forest is Kenya's only remaining patch of the great tropical rainforest that once spanned West and Central Africa. It is world famous for its diversity of birds and animals, including the very rare De Brazza's monkey, which is found nowhere else in Kenya.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's oldest parks, with almost 2000km2 of grass savannah, rainforest, wetlands, rivers and lakes, supporting an astounding density of wildlife. There are opportunities for teams to go on game-walks, a boat safari down the River Nile or chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Kibale Forest National Park.

Main Trekking phase
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon, lying 140km north-east of Lake Victoria, is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda border and is both countries' second highest mountain. It is an ancient eroded volcano with a huge caldera and, on its summit, a spectacular flat-topped basalt column. Wagagai Peak (4,321m) in Uganda is slightly higher than Koitoboss Peak (4,187m), the highest peak on the Kenyan side and teams can choose to climb either from the Kenyan or Ugandan side. The mountain offers an excellent challenge for those with limited mountaineering expertise, yet is much more remote, less touristy and offers more in the way of fauna and flora than Mount Kenya.

The vegetation and terrain changes dramatically as you ascend, from rainforest covering the lower slopes, through bamboo jungle before emerging out onto open alpine moorland, culminating in the bare boulder-strewn multi-peaked crater in which there are hot springs. Another unique feature of the mountain are the lava tube caves, some over 60m wide and frequented by elephants renowned for their habit of digging salt.

Rest and Relaxation
There are many opportunities to relax on both sides of the border and teams could choose between the shores of Lake Victoria or white water rafting at the source of the River Nile.