An unforgettable meeting with the mountain gorillas in Africa. Start your safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and go in search of the tree climbing lions. Then prepare for a challenging gorilla tracking in Bwindi and enjoy another tracking for the neighboring great apes in Rwanda. The safari ends in the vibrant capital city of Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative of our company who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction with the capital. We also advise you to have money changed today.
Overnight at Le Petit Village- standard suite (BB)
Day 2: Kampala – Queen Elizabeth National Park. Approx. 7hrs drive
From Kampala we depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. On our way we will pass the Ugandan equator where you can take pictures and shop for a souvenir. After lunch in Mbarara we continue to the southwest and head for the Western Rift Valley. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park you will enjoy an evening game drive before you check in at the accommodation in the middle of the park.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins early with a morning game drive at the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we drive to the beautiful crater lakes in the national park and enjoy the view from up here. With some luck you might even spot wild animals that are coming to drink here.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha)
After breakfast you can visit the Maramagambo Forest for a walk through the tropical forest, known for the Blue Lake and the Bat and Hunters Cave. You will get the chance to have a close look at the bats and maybe even the rock python and forest cobras that feed on the bats. The same walk will provide you with views of primates, different bird species and trees. Afterwards we transfer to the southern part of the national park. On your way you will notice a change in landscape and you might spot Uganda kobs, buffaloes and topis. In the evening you will enjoy a game drive in search for the famous tree climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp (B-L-D)
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi National Park. Approx. 225km/3-4hrs drive
Another morning game drive will give you a new chance of finding the tree climbing lions, resting in the fig trees. We return to the Camp for lunch and then continue to Bwindi, an impenetrable forest and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 6 : Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park
The highlight of your primate safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike, it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes.
Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 7: Bwindi National Park – Parc National des Volcans. Approx. 365km/6hrs drive
After breakfast we depart from Bwindi National Park and transfer to the border area. The journey is very scenic and you will enjoy the views en route. Note that the border crossing might take some time and a visa is required (not included). After entering Rwanda we continue to the beautiful national park that accommodates the Virunga volcanoes. This mountain range peaks up to more than 4500 metres. Besides the endangered gorillas, the park has 14 species of primates and other wildlife like the forest elephant, giant forest hogs and the little duiker.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge- standard banda (B-L-D)
Day 8: Gorilla tracking in PNV
Another unforgettable meeting with the gentle giants! Start the day with a briefing on the gorilla sanctuary and then leave for the tracking. Again it is unpredictable how many hours it may take to reach a group of gorillas. However, the forest is not as dense as in Bwindi National Park and in general the walk is easier and shorter. It is advisable to carry packed lunch, which can be arranged with your accommodation the night before.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge- standard banda (B-L-D)
Day 9 : Parque National des Volcans – Kigali. Approx. 114km/3hrs drive
After breakfast transfer to the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali boasts a range of hotels, fine restaurants, busy and colourful markets, and lovely local crafts. In the afternoon you are able to experience the delights of the city as we go for a city tour and visit some interesting, historical sites like the Kigali Memorial Centre.
Overnight at Serena Hotel Kigali- deluxe room (BL)
Day 10: Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the most beautiful countries of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer
- Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle (using a land cruiser)
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in luxury places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) apart from your stay in Entebbe and Kigali (B&B)
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Boat launch on the Kazinga Channel
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa for Uganda and Rwanda
- Gorilla permit for Bwindi US $ 800 per person and PNV (US $1500 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
Note:
Discount based on 4 pax - US $ 8,290 per person
Discount based on 6 pax- US $ 7,940 per person
Please note that demand is very high and only 8 persons per day are allowed to see the gorillas. Therefore we advise you to book permits at least 4 months in advance.
If you wish to stay in budget accommodation please notify so we can inform you about the upgrade fees. Please complete the enquiry form below for more details and tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda!
