Overview
Welcome to Uganda and Rwanda Safaris, an unforgettable adventure that will captivate your senses and enrich your spirit. This 18-day journey offers the best of Uganda’s and Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. From the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls and the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the dense rainforests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, this safari immerses you in the heart of Africa’s natural beauty. Experience unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a variety of wildlife. Alongside game drives and boat cruises, you’ll enjoy cultural exchanges with local communities, enriching your understanding of East Africa’s heritage. This adventure is designed for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking an in-depth exploration of East Africa’s treasures. Get ready for a truly iconic experience that will uplift your soul and create memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. Take time to relax and enjoy the tranquil setting after your journey. You can choose to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for an introduction to Uganda’s wildlife.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, we stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Continuing to the park, we witness the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge and plunges into the river below.
Accommodation: Lodge within the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an exciting game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and other wildlife that roam the savannah. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile, where you’ll spot crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife, ending at the base of Murchison Falls.
Accommodation: Lodge within the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we depart for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee population. The journey offers scenic views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural landscapes. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge and prepare for an exciting day ahead.
Accommodation: Lodge inside the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On this day, we venture into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll trek through the dense forest in search of these fascinating primates. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and other primates.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, we cross the equator and enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, take part in a late afternoon game drive in search of elephants, lions, and various antelope species.
Accommodation: Lodge within the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a morning game drive, exploring the Kasenyi plains, which are teeming with wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that attracts large concentrations of hippos, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.
Accommodation: Lodge within the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, known for its stunning scenery and numerous small islands. Enjoy a relaxing day by the lake, with opportunities for bird watching, canoeing, or visiting local communities.
Accommodation: Lodge by the lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a leisure day at Lake Bunyonyi. You can opt for activities such as boat rides to explore the islands, swimming, or hiking. The lake’s serene environment is perfect for relaxation after the thrilling gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Lodge by the lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa."
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A highlight of the safari awaits as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by rangers, you’ll trek through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Spending time observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the border into Rwanda and head towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s population of mountain gorillas. This drive offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, which dominate the landscape.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience your second gorilla trekking adventure, this time in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park. The trek may be challenging, but the reward of encountering another gorilla family in the wild is worth the effort.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you can choose between tracking the lively golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park or visiting the Dian Fossey Research Center, where you’ll learn about her pioneering work in gorilla conservation.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to a vast array of wildlife, including chimpanzees and numerous bird species. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge or take a nature walk.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture into Nyungwe Forest for another exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. In the afternoon, experience the forest from a unique perspective during a canopy walk, which offers stunning views of the lush rainforest below.
Accommodation: Lodge near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Along the way, stop at local markets or enjoy scenic views of the rolling hills of Rwanda. Upon arrival, explore Kigali with a city tour that includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (If your flight is in the afternoon)
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Professional tourist driver guide
- Wi-fi on board
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from.
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Full board accommodation
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry etc
FAQs
Gorilla trekking can be moderately to very challenging depending on the terrain, the location of the gorillas, and the weather conditions. Participants should be prepared for hiking through dense forests, steep hills, and sometimes muddy trails. Porters are available to assist.
Essential items to pack include:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock and hat
- Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries
- Refillable water bottle
- The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for wildlife viewing, including gorilla trekking, is during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to February
- These months offer better trekking conditions and wildlife visibility.
Yes, only 8 people per day are allowed to visit each gorilla family in both Uganda and Rwanda. This limit is to minimize human impact on the gorillas and ensure a more intimate experience.
However, we have a number of gorilla families and if you are more than this number, you will allow the division amongst yourselves, so that you will be able to track different gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking can take between 2 to 6 hours or more, depending on the movement of the gorilla families and how far into the forest they are located. The time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour once they are located.
The safari generally uses 4×4 safari vehicles that are customized for game viewing, with pop-up roofs for photography and comfort during long drives.
