GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI – East Africa -Rwanda Uganda -‘Apes and wildlife’ 8 days 7 Nights

 

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey that begins in the vibrant hills of Kigali, Rwanda, and takes you across borders into Uganda’s pristine wilderness through wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. Your journey starts in Kigali to dense jungles of Bwindi, the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the primate capital of Kibale Forest.
 Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda 
Upon arriving at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your host and transferred to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant before spending the night in Kigali. Accommodation Options:Kigali Serena Hotel (5-star),Hotel Mille Collines by Kempinski (4-star),Heaven Boutique Hotel (4-star) 2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali (3-star)
 Day 2 – Transfer to Bwindi
 Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda After a hearty breakfast, begin your day with a guided tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre, which offers a moving insight into Rwanda’s recent history. After the city tour, depart for Uganda via the Cyanika or Gatuna border post. The scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park takes approximately 6 hours, including time at the border. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge nestled in the forest, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation Options: Cloud Mountain Lodge (5-star),Nkuringo Safari Lodge (4-star),4 Gorillas(4-Star) (3-star)Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (3-star),Rushaga Gorilla Camp(3-Star) ,Lake Mulehe (3 star),Muchwa Lodge( 3-Star) ,Travellers Rest(3-star),Ikoro Hotel(3-star) 
Day 3 – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi and Optional Visit to Lake Mutanda 
This day begins early with a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on gorilla tracking in the dense rainforest of Bwindi. The duration of the trek varies depending on the movement of the gorillas but typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours. After the trek, you may choose to take an optional afternoon visit to the scenic Lake Mutanda, located about 45 minutes away. Return to your lodge for dinner and another restful night.Accommodation Options:Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (5-star)Lake Mutanda Resort (4-star)Chameleon Hill Lodge (4-star)Rushaga Gorilla Camp (3-star)  Day 4 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ruhija Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ruhija. The drive, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, offers spectacular views and opportunities to spot wildlife. An optional detour to the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, can add about an hour to the trip. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.Accommodation Options:Kyambura Gorge Lodge (5-star)Mweya Safari Lodge (4-star),Katara Lodge (4-star) Buffalo Safari Lodge (3-star) ,Aardvark Lodge( 3-star)Enganzi Game Lodge (3-star) Elephant Plains Lodge (4-star),Parkview Safari Lodge (4-star)Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge (3-star)Simba Safari Camp (3-star) Day 5 – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

 Start the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains or the Ishasha region, where you might spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day  6 – Cultural Sites and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park or Fort Portal
After breakfast, visit local attractions such as the Katwe Salt Lake, the Hamukungu fishing village, and the African art and craft centre at Kikorongo. These visits provide insight into the traditional lifestyles of communities living near the park. Later, drive to Kibale Forest National Park or Fort Portal, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, have lunch, and spend the afternoon on a guided forest walk where you might encounter various primates and bird species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.Accommodation Options:Kyaninga Lodge (5-star)Primate Lodge Kibale (4-star)Turaco Treetops (4-star)Isunga Lodge (3-star),Kibale Forest Camp( 3-star)
Day 7 – Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
Following breakfast, begin your journey to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive takes about 5 hours to Kampala or up to 7 hours to Entebbe, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, you may stop at tea plantations, the Tooro Kingdom Palace, or the Mpambire Drum Makers for a cultural experience. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options:Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa (5-star),Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (4-star),Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe (4-star),ViaVia Guesthouse Entebbe (3-star)
Day 8 – Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or local craft markets. Afterwards, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.