9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safaris

9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari Exploration

This 9 day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking and wildlife safari, provides an exceptional chance to experience gorilla trekking in Pac des Volcanos, Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. During this expedition, you will have an opportunity to compare the animal population, accessibility, types of animals, uniqueness, costs, arrangement and customer care offered by each country. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to explore untamed wildlife parks in Uganda, such as Queen Elizabeth national park, and enjoy canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake after Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika.

Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer to Kampala from Entebbe Airport
• Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda.
• Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National park Game drive and launch cruise
• Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 7: Transfer to Rwanda from Uganda.
• Day 8: Gorilla tracking Park des Volcans Rwanda
• Day 9: Ruhengeri Kigali Airport transfer.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe Airport to your accommodation at Hotel Africana or a hotel of similar quality

Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, a warm and welcoming team member from Gorilla Safaris Uganda will be on hand to greet you. From there, you’ll be smoothly escorted to Kampala, the vibrant capital city of Uganda. Once in Kampala, you have the flexibility to check into your preferred accommodation, tailoring your stay to your desires. Whether you opt for a luxurious stay at Serena Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, or Africana Hotel, or choose a more affordable option such as Shangri-la Muyenga Hotel, we cater to your needs. After settling in, enjoy a delectable dinner before retiring to your overnight stay. If you have other hotel preferences, we will gladly accommodate your requests.

Luxury: Serena Hotel, Sheraton Hotel,

Moderate: Africana Hotel, 

 Low budget: Red chill Hideout  

Day 2: From Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park – A Wildlife and Boat Safari Adventure.

Following a hearty breakfast and a comprehensive briefing on our 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris tour, we embark on a scenic journey from Kampala/Entebbe to the captivating Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The approximately 6-7 hour drive promises picturesque views of the countryside, with a noteworthy stop at the Uganda Equator for photo opportunities, a simple experiment, or a chance to pick up a souvenir.

Continuing our journey, we pause for a satisfying lunch in Mbarara town before venturing into the East African Rift valley, ultimately reaching the majestic Queen Elizabeth National Park. The evening unfolds with an exhilarating game viewing safari around the Leopard Loop and channel tracks, providing a firsthand encounter with the park’s wildlife.

As the day concludes, we transfer you to your accommodations for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages/Simba Safari Camp/Parkview Safari Lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp/Marafiki Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Bush Lodge/Enganzi Game Lodge/Kyambura Gorge Lodge/Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge/Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge

Luxurious: Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge/Elephant Plains Lodge/Ishasha Wilderness Camp/Kyambura Game Lodge

Day 3: Thrilling Wildlife Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Awaken to the crisp morning air and indulge in a steaming cup of tea or coffee paired with fresh pastries. The adventure begins at 6:30 am with an invigorating morning safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Traverse the Kasenyi track in the northern reaches of the park, capturing the essence of a sunrise safari. Observe the impressive hunting prowess and tree-climbing antics of big cats, including leopards, lions, and hyenas. Keep a keen eye out for the graceful Uganda kobs and other wildlife amid the backdrop of crater lakes.

Following the morning game drive, retreat to the lodge for a lavish breakfast and a tranquil poolside interlude. In the afternoon, set sail on a captivating boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Here, witness solitary buffalos, hippos, and various animals seeking respite at the channel’s edge. Be enthralled by the presence of European migrant birds such as terns and gulls, forming expansive flocks and adding an extra layer of awe to this breathtaking experience.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages/Simba Safari Camp/Parkview Safari Lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp/Marafiki Safari Lodge

Mid-range:Bush Lodge/Enganzi Game Lodge/Kyambura Gorge Lodge/Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge/Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge

Luxurious:Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge/Elephant Plains Lodge/Ishasha Wilderness Camp/Kyambura Game Lodge

Day 4: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Forest National Park via the Ishaha sector.

Begin your day with a hearty morning breakfast before embarking on an exciting adventure to the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking, a thrilling wildlife activity that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through the Maramagambo forest on a nature walk, where you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of Uganda’s lush greenery.

Next, head towards Bwindi National Park via the Ishasha area, where you can catch a glimpse of the rare and magnificent tree-climbing lions. Arrive late in the evening Bwindi National Park, retire to your preferred lodging.

budget- Buhoma Community Rest Camp/ Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

Mid-range options: Gorilla Valley Lodge and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.

luxury accommodations: Mahogany Springs/Bwindi Lodge.

 

Day 5: Start your Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Start your day with an early morning breakfast before heading out for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking, after a briefing from the rangers at the park head quarters. Venture into the rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes with a guide and trackers in search of a mountain gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, with steep and muddy terrain, and unpredictable in duration, lasting from 2 to 8 hours. But the reward of coming face to face with the magnificent silverback and spending an hour in their presence makes it a worthwhile and unforgettable encounter.

The sector in which the trekking of these magnificent primates will be carried out is the Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija or Rushaga sectors depending on the availability of the gorilla permit at the time of booking, Keep in mind that conservation efforts limit the time spent with the gorillas to one hour and a ranger will instruct you on how to behave in their presence. A good level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this experience.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Bwindi View Bandas/Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite

Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Camp/Gorilla Valley Lodge/Bakiga Lodge

Upmarket: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs/Gorilla Safari Lodge

Day 6: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to Lake Bunyonyi for Canoeing experience

After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the morning, embark on a morning visit to the nearby communities, where you can choose to take one of the village walks or a nature walk in the forest. Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions, and gain insight into the daily lives of the people living in this beautiful region.

Afterwards, drive to the stunning Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi area. Take a canoe or boat ride to explore the many islands dotting the lake, each with its own unique story and history. Learn about Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned and left for dead by the Bakiga people. You can choose to rent your own canoe or opt for a guided tour on a motorized or non-motorized canoe. For an even more spectacular experience, consider taking a night ride, where the waving waters, the alluring sound of the crickets, and the singing nighttime birds make the journey truly enchanting then later retire and spend the night at the picturesque and comfortable Overland Resort, surrounded by the beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

1. Budget:Bunyonyi Overland Resort/Bushara Island Camp/Byoona Amagara Island Retreat/
2. Midrange:Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort/Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort/Bunyonyi Safaris Resort

3. Upmarket:Bird Island Lodge/Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi/Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 7: Transfer from Uganda To Rwanda via Katuna  Border or Kyanika Border

Start your day with an early morning breakfast before embarking on a relaxing boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, where you can observe various bird species and local communities going about their daily activities. Take in the breathtaking views of the “Switzerland of Africa” scenery that surrounds you, have lunch later and drive to Kisoro then cross the border into Rwanda. Continue driving to Ruhengeri, where you’ll spend the night at the Gorilla Nest Hotel or Kinigi Guest House.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Park in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations and then you will be assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest with a team of experienced guides and trackers. The trek can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe and take pictures while learning about their behavior and habitat, then if you are still strong, you can go golden monkey trekking or hike to Dian Fossey Tomb a renowned primatologist who spent many years studying gorillas in Rwanda.

Note: Golden monkeys are endangered primates that inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. The trek to see them takes about 2-3 hours. 

Dinner and Overnight at your accommodation

• Budget: Muhabura Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Virunga Hotel
• Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel
• Upmarket: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One &Only Gorilla’s Nest

Day 9: Ruhengeri Drive and Departure from Kigali Airport to end our Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari holiday.

Have early morning breakfast and drive to Ruhengeri. Ruhengeri is a town located in northern Rwanda, near Volcanoes National Park. It is a popular base for tourists who are visiting the park for gorilla trekking and other activities. Visitors to Ruhengeri can expect a range of amenities including restaurants, bars, and shops where they can purchase souvenirs and other necessities.The town also has a number of accommodations, ranging from budget to upmarket lodges and hotels, which provide visitors with comfortable places to stay during their time in the area.

Additionally, you can explore the local markets and get a glimpse of daily life in Rwanda. Ruhengeri is also close to several other attractions, such as Lake Kivu and the Musanze Caves, which offer additional opportunities for adventure and exploration. Drive later to Kigali for a brief city tour, where you will visit the Genocide site, Presidential palace and communities, and then be transferred to the Airport for your departure and end our Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safaris.

In summary, this 9-day journey promises a comprehensive exploration of gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, inviting travelers to delve into the heart of Rwanda and Uganda. The experience goes beyond the confines of conventional tourism, offering a nuanced perspective and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of East Africa.