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This 8-day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure takes you through the heart of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife and primate habitats. You’ll experience thrilling game drives in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This itinerary offers a rich blend of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences in two of Africa’s most stunning countries.
Highlights:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park. Known for its large population of chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is a lush tropical forest offering a thrilling primate trekking experience. The journey will take you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing tea plantations and rolling hills along the way.
You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. If time allows, you can take a nature walk or visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is great for birdwatching and spotting other primates.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your second day of the Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari starts with an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale National Park. After a briefing from your ranger guide, you’ll head into the forest to track chimpanzees. These fascinating primates are highly social and intelligent, and observing them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Along the trek, you may also encounter other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is famous for its wildlife diversity, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside, offering beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Rift Valley.
Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.
Day 3: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
On day three of the Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’ll start with an early morning game drive through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide excellent opportunities to spot big game, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha sector of the park.
After your game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat safari offers a great chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Many animals come to the channel to drink, making it an ideal location for wildlife photography.
You’ll return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, you’ll depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive offers breathtaking views of terraced hills, lush valleys, and local villages as you travel through Uganda’s scenic highlands.
Upon arrival in Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge and spend the rest of the evening preparing for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience the next day. You may choose to take a short nature walk or visit a local community to learn more about the Batwa people, who are indigenous to the area.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The highlight of your Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari awaits on day five – gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and procedures. You’ll be assigned to a group and guided into the forest by expert trackers. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe them up close as they interact, feed, and move through the dense forest. The sight of the majestic silverback watching over his family is awe-inspiring, and the chance to observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat is a truly humbling experience.
After your trek, return to your lodge to rest and reflect on the amazing encounter. The evening can be spent relaxing or exploring the surrounding areas.
Day 6: Transfer to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
On day six of the Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’ll cross the border into Rwanda and travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to the Rwandan side of the mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside of both Uganda and Rwanda, offering stunning views of the Virunga mountain range and picturesque villages.
Upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check into your lodge near the park. You’ll have time to relax or take a short cultural tour of the local communities around the park. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rwanda’s rich culture and history.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Your second gorilla trekking experience on the Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari awaits on day seven. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on another thrilling trek into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. The terrain here is slightly different from Bwindi, with more open bamboo forests and volcanic slopes.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend another magical hour watching them up close. Each gorilla family has its own unique dynamics, so this trek will offer a different experience from your time in Bwindi. The opportunity to trek for gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda offers a rare and comprehensive gorilla trekking experience.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation or explore the nearby cultural sites, such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn more about Rwanda’s traditional culture and way of life.
Day 8: Departure from Kigali
On the final day of your Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’ll leave Volcanoes National Park and drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Your 8-days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure comes to an end as you head to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had, from tracking chimpanzees and gorillas to witnessing the stunning wildlife and landscapes of East Africa.