12 Day Uganda and Rwanda - Gorillas Galore
Countries: Uganda , Rwanda
Destinations: Entebbe , Kibale National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park , Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , Volcanoes National Park , Kigali
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 12
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
This 12-day safari has been created due to an increased demand for combining the best of Uganda with Rwanda. There is time to trek in BOTH Bwindi and the Virungas, Rwanda, but included in this dynamic trip is also chimpanzee trekking, and some incredible game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This itinerary is just a suggestion – we can startwith Rwanda, and/or increase the number of days actually spent gorilla tracking. Whatever you prefer. This safari includes Kibale Forest (chimpanzees), Queen Elizabeth (wildlife, birds, chimpanzees), Bwindi (gorillas and culture), Rwanda (gorillas, volcanoes and culture) and ending in Kigali.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe | The Boma Hotel |
| 2 | Kibale National Park | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| 3 | Kibale National Park | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| 4 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp |
| 7 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 8 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 9 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 10 | Volcanoes National Park | Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge |
| 11 | Kigali | Kigali Serena Hotel |
| 12 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met and transferred to The Boma Guest Lodge
Rest of day at leisure to explore the town of Entebbe. Additional activities and transfers to be booked upon request.
Uganda
Uganda - The "Pearl of Africa." Uganda offers a vastly different experience from the standard safari itinerary, with lush jungles, volcanic mountains, plenty of primates, and the Nile River all creating a fabulous adventure.
Uganda has earned the well-deserved reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa, and you will be delighted by the local hospitality. While having quite a turbulent history, the people of Uganda have remained warm and welcoming.
With wonderful birdlife, a vast array of plains game, and the most extensive species list of primates, a wildlife safari in Uganda offers something special.
As asked on Uganda's Tourism website, "where else but in this uniquely lush destination can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to enjoy viewing the unique mountain gorillas?"
Entebbe
The Boma Hotel
The Boma Hotel is Entebbe’s original and most exclusive hotel, set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb, a few minutes drive from Entebbe International Airport. Our rooms combine the modern comforts one expects today with the charm and character of the original 1940’s home. The Boma Hotel in Entebbe Uganda is an ideal stopover for all airline passengers, and we will arrange all your airport transfers. Our staff and management team ensure guests receive a personable service and enjoy hospitality standards which are in keeping with the tradition of this charming lakeshore town.
Day 2 : Kibale National Park
After breakfast you will be driven to Kibale Primate Lodge. This journey is approx. 6 hours. For an additional cost you can fly to Kibale. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Kibale National Park
With it southern edge joining Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park helps make up a 180 km long corridor for Africa's wildlife, and is home to some wonderful creatures, as well as an astonishing 13 species of primates.
As one of the most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda, Kibale Forest provides a beautiful location for chimpanzee trekking, and is one of Uganda's most delightful parks.
Primate Lodge Kibale
Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda’s primates’ paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates and numerous other mammals, butterflies and birds. Primate Lodge Kibale’s principal edge is our location, tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.
All of our nine spacious and en-suite Luxury Cottages, each secluded deep in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel, come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining large veranda with excellent views to the forest. The seven mid-level Forest Cottages are private and en-suite with spacious bathrooms, 2x Twin size Beds or 1x King Size Bed as well as a spacious veranda over-looking the rain-forest with lounge chairs. The popular double storied ‘Elephant Banda’ has an upstairs bedroom fitted with a giant King size Bed and a downstairs living room where we can also place a smaller extra bed. As a double occupancy, it is very popular with honeymooners, anniversaries and the ‘hopeless romantics’ who can also enjoy private lounging and dining at the extensive upstairs veranda that seems to go right into the forest.
Other lodge amenities include a spacious dining terrace, a well-stocked bar, complimentary room service, a secluded lounge area with a small library, an evening camp fire, laundry service (at a small fee) as well as free WiFi in the public areas.
Day 3 : Kibale National Park
Today you will go Chimp Trekking. This will generally take place in the morning. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floor. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. As with gorilla tracking, sightings cannot be guaranteed even though the chimps are habituated to humans.
Enjoy a visit to Bigodi Swamp this afternoon.
Day 4 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Kibale this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spendtime game viewing in the north of the park before moving down to the south to Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Stretching from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori ranges in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the South, Queen Elizabeth National Park incorporates a wide of variety of habitats that range from savanna and wetlands to lowland forest.
Besides fantastic wildlife sightings, the park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters.
Combining with Kibale National Park in the north, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south to form one of the most remarkable safari regions in Africa.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wild. This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service in this unspoilt and remote region of the National Park. The Ishasha savannahs are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.
Day 5 - 6 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend today and tomorrow enjoying morning and afternoon game drives.
Day 7 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning, after breakfast you will head to Bwindi. Time permitting there will be a brief stop en route at a community project near Ishasha Village.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, in the Virunga Mountains along the border with the DRC, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a thick, lush, green jungle, housing heaps of wildlife and half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
This pocket of huge primeval forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It has
an eco-system that defines the very essence of the continent and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge, an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, within a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. An elevated central area, complete with lounge, bar and dining area, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.
Day 8 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area. One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region). Your permit may be organised for day 3 or 4 - depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.
Day 9 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you have the option to do a second gorilla trek. Alternatively there are a number of other activities available - including beautiful forest walks.
Day 10 : Volcanoes National Park
Today after breakfast we will make our way to Rwanda. This is a long drive but the scenery is incredible. We'll arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon. *Optional forest walk from Buhoma to Nkuringo – enquire for details. (We suggest adding in an optional overnight in Nkuringo/Kisoro area before crossing to Rwanda.)
Rwanda
Rwanda - "The Land of a Thousand Hills." Combining the staggering scenery of this beautiful country with the wonderful people who call it home makes Rwanda a magical destination.
Although Rwanda's tragic history is widely known, and the country makes no effort to hide it, the country has been pulling its way back strongly into the tourism market, thanks largely to the lovely locals, astonishing scenery, and the majestic mountain gorillas which live along the slopes of the volcanoes.
With the location of the Volcanoes National Park being so close to Kigali, Rwanda is the perfect add-on to any safari itinerary in Africa, in order to complete your holiday with an exciting gorilla trek.
Travelling to Rwanda you will be blown away by the distance the country has moved in the 18 years since 1994, and are hugely excited about promoting Rwanda as more than just a gorilla trekking destination.
Volcanoes National Park
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas".
That description of the location, given by the primatologist Dian Fossey, explains what to look forward to when planning a visit to the Volcanoes National Park.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane eco-systems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Set in the town of Ruhengeri in the Virunga Mountains area of northwest Rwanda, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge is a modest but relatively well-priced option, with guest accommodation in 22 rooms and providing access to a really good range of guided activities centred on gorilla tracking.
Day 11 : Kigali
Today you have another opportunity to see the Mountain Gorillas.You may opt to look for Golden Monkeys instead or take a hike to see Diane Fossey's grave. In the afternoon you'll return to Kigali.
Kigali
Ideally positioned in the centre of Rwanda, Kigali extends across several hills and valleys, with good road links to the rest of the country. The verdant capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive, with just over one million inhabitants.
First-time visitors to the bustling and colourful centre often remark how clean the streets are, a matter of pride across every community throughout the country.
Kigali is a relatively new city. It was founded as an administrative outpost in 1907, and became the capital of the country at independence in 1962, shifting focus away from Huye.
The city’s wide tree-lined boulevards and immaculate squares are safe to stroll, where outsiders are generally left to their own devices unless they need assistance, in which case they will be greeted with warm hospitality.
There is a burgeoning art scene, as well as a growing number of options to dine out and have a few drinks, many with charming panoramic views. The Kigali Cultural Village offers a dedicated space for local artisans and food vendors to exhibit and trade their goods.
Kigali is developing rapidly, with new shopping malls, office buildings and a world-class convention centre built in the style of the King’s Palace of olden days, which lights up the night sky atop of one of the many hills.
The central business district covers Nyarugenge Hill while the government and administrative quarter is further east on Kacyiru Hill.
Nyarutarama Lake, or Lover’s Lake, borders an 18-hole golf course in one of the main valleys. The track around the lake is remarkably peaceful and makes for an excellent urban nature walk, with the chance to see some of Rwanda’s incredible birds.
No visit to Rwanda would be complete without a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which, through education and peace-building, honours the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and provide a powerful educational tool for visitors.
Kigali Serena Hotel
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the CBD, lies Kigali Serena Hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives.
Enjoy a host of leisure amenities. Lose yourself in the tranquillity of our tropically landscaped pool. Indulge with a Mayan-inspired hot stone massage or a nature-based body wrap at Maisha Mind Body & Spirit Spa. Allow our restaurants to take you on a culinary journey, treating you to everything from expertly crafted Rwandese delicacies to enticing flavours from around the globe.
Kigali Serena Hotel is the city’s most exclusive private retreat for hosting signature social and business occasions of all manner and size with a state-of-the-art conference centre, a 500-seat auditorium and magnificent ballroom.
Discover a hotel renowned for going above and beyond to exceed all expectations and establish its reputation as one of the best hotels in Rwanda. Our unique sense of place, landscaped gardens and exquisite health spa and swimming pool set a serene backdrop for a truly extraordinary experience.
Day 12 - Day of Departure
This morning you will visit the Genocide Memorialbefore being taken to the airport.