8-day Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas and Game

One of the most incredible wildlife experiences you will ever encounter awaits you on this trip of a lifetime that combines Uganda – the Pearl of Africa – and remarkable Rwanda. Coming face to face with endangered mountain gorillas is a truly unforgettable experience. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife including tree climbing lions, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, and trek gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: just some of the many reasons to visit Uganda. Crossing the border into Rwanda, discover Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek gorillas, take a forest walk in search of golden monkeys, or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. A visit to the genocide memorial in the capital city of Kigali gives a haunting insight into the dark past from which Rwanda has risen to become one of the cleanest, safest African countries.

Highlights

  • Entebbe
  • Kigali
  • Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Uganda
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Rwanda

Tour Summary

Full Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1 : Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to Hotel No 5. Overnight at Hotel No.5 or similar, with breakfast included.

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Day 2 : Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to airport for your short flight to Mweya, from where you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species.  Drift past local fishing villages and soak up the peaceful tranquility of this beautiful African day. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change –no drinks/ snacks provided on boat). The next two nights will be enjoyed at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, an intimate camp with just ten luxurious safari tents set on a tranquil river bank.

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Day 3 : Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, looking out for huge herds of buffalo, elephant and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area. Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks.

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Day 4 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

A 2-3 hour drive through scenic country brings you to Bwindi Forest National Park. Time permitting, you may visit a Community Project en route. Immerse yourself in Agartha’s ‘Taste of Uganda’tour – it’s a fun, educational experience for the inquisitive visitor who wonders how a rural Ugandan lady lives. Watch how the local crops are transformed into local staples such as millet porridge and kalo bread. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.

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Day 5 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

One of the most humbling and enthralling wildlife experiences imaginable awaits your discovery. Coming face to face with an endangered mountain gorilla is something words cannot aptly describe. Please note that gorilla trekking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is well worth the hike to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and it should be noted that sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are well over 95%. Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Optional activities that may be enjoyed in and around the park include forest walks, visits to a local school or orphanage or Batwa pygmy village, and curio shopping. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.

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Day 6 : Volcanoes National Park

From Bwindi, we drive through the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ along winding mountain roads, and through rural villages, to the border of Rwanda, Kisoro. Here, on a clear day, the Virungas can be seen ‘standing sentry’ along the border – a row of massive, dormant volcanoes watching over the region. It’s a long day – approx 7-8 hours on the road with a +- 1 hour border crossing. Crossing into Rwanda, we continue to our Gorilla Trekking base, and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on a full board basis.

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Day 7 : Volcanoes National Park

Trekking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park is a very similar experience to that in Bwindi – just as challenging, equally memorable. If you’ve opted not to trek today, take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or enjoy forest walk with Golden Monkeys. You will only be able to enjoy one of these activities (as they all take place in the morning) and pre-booking is essential. Overnight Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on a full board basis.

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Day 8 : Departure

After lunch, we drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a bustling, clean and safe city.  Optional visit to the haunting Genocide Museum. Drop off at airport – please book a late flight home or overnight in Kigali.

Included

Airport transfers in Entebbe and Kigali
Vehicle with English speaking local driver/ guide throughout
Bottled water in safari vehicle
1 x night Hotel No.5 including breakfast
Domestic flight from Entebbe to  Mweya/ Kasese
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
All park entrance fees
2 x overnights Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board basis including local drinks
Community visit en route from Ishasha to Bwindi
2 x nights Buhoma Lodge on a full board basis including local drinks
2 x nights Mountain Gorilla View Lodge full board basis

Excluded

Uganda Gorilla Permit(s)
Rwanda Gorilla Permit(s)
Flights
Visas and Medical requirements
Optional excursions
Drinks
Tips
Visas
Items of a personal nature

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