For our 9 days Uganda & Rwanda safari, you will explore the top safari destinations in Uganda, before heading to Rwanda for an opportunity to discover its stunning top destination. Begin this adventure in Kampala- the Capital City of Uganda, then head west to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Thereafter, cross the border to Rwanda where you will continue to Volcanoes National Park for another amazing discovery of the jungles.
Highlights
• Unforgettable walk to the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
• Enjoy a rewarding guided walk through Bigodi wetland.
• Trek the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks.
• Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park with the hope of seeing elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, mongoose, Hippos, and so much more.
• Boat cruise in Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park & guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Day 3: Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 4: Game viewing and Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 7: Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 9: Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali, Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park
After an amazing Breakfast at the Hotel or any other place of residence in Kampala, meet your guide for briefing on the day’s adventure, and at 8:00 am (earlier the better) embark on the journey to Kibale Forest National Park.
While transversing through the western side of Uganda, watch out for the jaw-dropping views of the verdant green tea plantations and the ever-moist Kibale forest. Continue to the lodge arriving in time for lunch.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or undertake a guided walk where you will take in views of the village farmlands, homesteads, and different species of Birds or even play soccer with the locals.
Drive time: 6-7 hours.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park & guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
You have two activities on this day, as a way of exploring Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy breakfast and transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center in time for a briefing that usually starts by 7:00 am. Afterward, join the Ranger for the walk through the forest.
While walking through the lush forest, the Ranger guide will provide detailed explanations on more than just chimpanzees. Spot some of the oldest trees in Africa, some of which are medicinal, and others enjoyed by Chimpanzees for food or communication. Later, opt for a picnic lunch or get back to the lodge for a well-deserved hot lunch.
Later, take a guided nature walk through the Bigodi swamp, home to over 200 species of birds including Great Blue Turacos, Kingfishers, Papyrus gonolek, and others. During this wetland walk, you might also be lucky to sight more primates such as Red Tailed Monkey, L’Hoests monkeys and Black and White Colobus monkeys among others.
Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy breakfast and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, through Kasese, surrounded by the magical snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain Range. This journey is about 2-3 hours and you will arrive at the lodge early afternoon.
Immediately start the game drive through the Park where you will come across elephants, buffaloes, Topis, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, waterbucks, and others. A hot lunch awaits you at the lodge, followed by siesta or relaxation by the poolside as you wait for an evening game drive.
Day 4: Game viewing and Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a cup of tea/coffee, leave the Lodge for a morning game drive along Queen Elizabeth National Park’s top game viewing areas- the Kasenyi track and Queens’s mile while watching out for the Hippos, Uganda Kobs, Lions, African bush elephants, Mongoose, Cape buffaloes, Topis, Common Warthogs, Leopards, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, Hippos, to mention but a few. Later get back to the Lodge for a mid-morning siesta and Lunch.
After a wonderful lunch, drive to the Mweya jetty for the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This 2-3 hours’ cruise involves going through high concentrations of Hippos as well as a plethora of animals drinking at the shores. This cruise is also a wonderful bird-watching experience.
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha sector
On this day. You will head out to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree climbing Lions as well as a wide range of other wildlife species. Lunch will be at Savannah Lodge and arrival at Bwindi is in the late afternoon. You may either relax at the Lodge or take a village walk with a visit to local schools, craft shops, or hospitals.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking adventure within the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart the lodge for briefing at the park headquarters, and then venture into the forest for an adventurous gorilla walk. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is verdant, heavily vegetated and extraordinarily crisscrossed by numerous animal trails that make it possible to access for treks. While it takes 1-5 hours, the total time taken to find the Gorillas largely depends on the slowest person’s pace.
You are allowed to spend one hour with them, before returning to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the community to learn about their exciting cultures and way of life.
Day 7: Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Very early in the morning, you will embark on a journey to Rwanda, via Katuna border. Having gone through customs, continue to the “land of a thousand hills”, as Rwanda is fondly known. You will then proceed to Volcanoes National Park, in the Northern Province for a late lunch.
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking experience
The 160-square-kilometer Volcanoes National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa and surprisingly one of the places you can achieve your dream of meeting face-to-face with mountain gorillas. Start your day with breakfast, then drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing. Gorilla treks here last 1-6 hours or even more. It is therefore important to carry packed lunch, enough water and energy-giving snacks. Having sighted the mountain Gorillas, you will have a one-hour to watch and take photos of them grooming, playing, relaxing, and foraging. Later return to the Lodge for lunch and siesta.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the Lodge or visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village to learn about the ways, cultures and traditions of Rwandans.
Day 9: Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali, Departure
Enjoy your one last Rwandan breakfast before hopping onto the safari vehicle for a drive to Kigali City, where you will catch your flight back home or to your next African adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Inclusions;
• Rwanda Gorilla permits
• Uganda Gorilla Permit (at $700 per person).
• Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permit (at $200).
• Border crossing.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Bottled water.
• Ground transportation by customized safari vehicle.
• Community visit.
• Kigali City tour.
• Boat rides.
• Game viewing.
• Park entry fees, where applicable.
• Meals per the itinerary.
Exclusions;
• Airfares.
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone calls.
• Cigarettes.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Visa fees.
