Overview
The 8-day safari in Uganda and Rwanda is entirely a complete immersion into African jungles as you look out for the massive mountain gorilla families in the wild. With an expert accompanying you, expect a double gorilla trekking experience on this exclusive gorilla trip. Start your gorilla expedition in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and cross over to Volcanoes National Park for another remarkable gorilla trekking phase.
Beyond up close with the rare mountain gorillas, there will be a lifetime opportunity to meet the common chimpanzees right in the wild while in Kibale National Park in Western Uganda. This special primate and wildlife trip begins from Uganda and ends in Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, drive via Fort Portal tourism city to the lush Kibale NP
Embark on a road trip to Kibale NP with a well-trained and experienced professional, driving along Kampala-Mityana-Mubende –Fort Portal city route. Your journey to Kibale takes between 5 and 6 hours with en-route scenic view of Matiri Forest, banana/tea plantations, Rwenzori Mountain range at Fort Portal and crater lakes.
Once you have arrived at Fort Portal, there will be lunch break at one of the restaurants and relaxation. After, continue via the tarmac Mubende route to Kibale Forest National Park to check in at your pre-booked lodge.
Day 2: Experience the most of Kibale chimpanzee trekking
With all essentials set, head off to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for the morning briefing about your Kibale chimpanzee trekking adventure. At the visitor centre, the park authorities will clear you and you join others for actual briefing on chimpanzee tracking regulations.
Kibale Forest NP chimpanzee trek starts at 8:00am and runs for 2-6 hours inclusive of 1 hour for up close and personal moment with a chimp community. Aside from chimpanzees, Kibale holds several other primate species also easily spotted on a chimp trek. These include vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, colobus monkeys, bush babies, mangabeys and pottos.
Return from the enchanting Kibale chimp trek, enjoy a leisurely lunch and your afternoon will be best spent on a guided nature walk in Bigodi wetland. Bigodi is a naturally endowed wetland with varied primates including vervet monkeys, baboons, colobus monkeys and unique birds.
Day 3: Morning drive to Queen Elizabeth NP, boat cruise on Kazinga channel
After a hot cup of tea/coffee, drive off from Kibale NP to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). Enjoy the stunning views of countryside Crater Lakes and legendary Mountains of the Moon rising tall at 5109m. Get to Queen Elizabeth Park early, connect to your pre-booked accommodation for relaxation, lunch break and later, your driver guide transfer you to Kazinga channel for a boat cruise.
The enriching launch/boat cruise expedition lasts for 2-3 hours and this exposes you to lots of hippos, crocodiles and water birds. From the Kazinga channel cruise experience, return to the lodge to have dinner at leisure and a night stay.
Day 4: Double game drives & depart for Bwindi
Early morning, set off in a 4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof to enjoy a remarkable game drive. The Kasenyi plains game track allows you observe a number of wildlife including leopards, cape buffaloes, lions, antelopes, birds and more. Make a return trip to your lodge while keeping eyes on more wildlife. Settle for an early lunch break and check out afterwards. Head off to the South; enjoy a short game drive at Ishasha, the best location to observe tree climbing lions while they leisurely chill on the tree branches.
Day 5: First visit to mountain gorillas (Bwindi)
This special day starts with a hefty breakfast and followed by briefing at the park offices where the park official provides you with insight into gorilla trekking safety measures. The gorilla families will be assigned to all eligible trekkers before actual trek begins at 8:00am.
After the briefing session, set foot into the jungles of Bwindi in search for mountain gorillas. This adventure is a bit challenging and often takes 2-6 hours as you wind through the hills, valleys and swamps plus lush rainforest in search of these great apes in their natural habitat.
A full hour will be dedicated for you to observe how gorillas feed, socialize, play and so much more. After, begin walking back with the park guide on lead and a certificate will be awarded at the park offices before you proceed to the lodge. Late in the afternoon, expect to spend quality time on a visit to the nearby local community –that is Batwa pygmies’ community.
Day 6: From Bwindi (Kabale) to Volcanoes National Park (Ruhengeri)
Immediately after you have finished up with breakfast, pack your property in your ride prepared to set off to Volcanoes NP. Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP lies on the Northwestern side of the country a significant habitat to 5 Virunga Volcanoes and over 30% of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas. On arrival, you will have a long day chilling at the gorilla lodge and enjoying refreshing surrounding atmosphere.
Day 7: 2nd visit to see mountain gorilla (Volcanoes NP) & Iby’Iwacu Village tour
Take a hefty breakfast and after, join others for briefing at Kinigi park offices. Meet with the park official who will take you through the dos and don’ts to be followed while on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes NP.
Each group comprising of 8 visitors will have a single habituated gorilla group to visit with an experienced guide from Volcanoes National Park. Once you have located a family of gorillas, you have a maximum of an hour to enjoy face-to-face with these large apes, taking pictures and you begin getting back to the lodge. In the evening, you will experience the best of Rwandese distinct cultures and traditions.
Day 8: Departure
Early morning after breakfast, meet your driver guide ready to make your way to Kigali. It will be a short day drive of 2-3 hours and on arrival, you will pay a visit to Kigali genocide memorial as part of the city excursion. After, have lunch, relaxation and later proceed to the airport or at the hotel.