RU 05: 14 Nights/15 Days Tracking Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Day 1: Entebbe-Kampala

On the arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kampala, Holiday Express Hotel or Ivys Hotel.

Day 2: Murchison Falls on the River Nile

After breakfast, leave Kampala for a long but rewarding journey through the famous Luwero triangle to Murchison Falls National Park. A quick stop at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for a look at the rhinos in their natural environment. Lunch in Masindi then Proceed to the Park most known for its breath taking falls and vast glasslands rich in a variety of wildlife. Dinner and over night at Paraa Safari Lodge or Red Chilli Rest Camp. FB

Day 3: The boat cruise on the River Nile

Have early breakfast in preparation for a game drive to view and take pictures of elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, giraffes, Uganda kobs, lions, if lucky enough the leopards, plus a variety of bird species. After lunch at the lodge, proceed for a boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of the mighty Murchison falls. This is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles along the riverbanks and many water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. FB

Day 4: Murchison falls/queen

After breakfast drive from Murchison Falls with packed lunch. Head Southwest via the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley. Drive through Hoima, the town of the Bunyoro kingdom, passing though the green countryside, tea plantations and traditional homesteads. You arrive in the vibrant town of Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, in the shadow of the magnificent Snow peaked Rwenzori Mountain. Have lunch and proceed on a rewarding journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge/Mweya Hostels.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, the wild jewel

Take an early breakfast and thereafter set off for a game drive for game viewing and photo shots of the abundant wildlife of lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs and lots of other animals and birds. Go back to the lodge for breakfast. After lunch, enjoy the two hours launch trip on Kazinga Channel for amazing bird life and a variety of wild life. In the evening you drive to the crater lakes region for the best sunset in the savannah and view of the Rift valley. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or Mweya Hostel. FB

Day 6: The habituated chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge

After a cup of coffee, with a packed breakfast and lunch, drive to Kyambura gorge for a forest walk to search for the habituated chimpanzees and other primates. This gorge is 16 km long on the Rift Valley and 100 meter deep, and it harbors River Kyambura where its name was derived. The rangers will provide you with a walking stick. After primate walk, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, through the cultivated terraced Kigezi hills. Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages or Ha Buharo. FB

Day 7: The fabulous scenery of Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, have a two hour boat ride inside Lake Bunyonyi to various islands inside the lake for bird watching, sight seeing and discovering more about the Bakiga culture. Drive to Ruhengeri at the gate of Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge or Kinigi Guest House. FB

Day 8: Mountains Gorilla tracking

Early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary of Parc National des Volcans, the rain tropical forest covering the hills surrounding the Virunga Volcanoes. It was here where biologist Dian Fossey worked until her death in 1985. The trekking is a tough but rewarding experience. Ensure you have with you enough water and packed lunch. The time spent in the forest depends on the movements of the primates in their natural environment. After the activity you return at leisure to Gorilla Nest Lodge or Kinigi Guest House in Ruhengeri for dinner and overnight. FB

Day 9: The beach of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi

After breakfast, leave Ruhengeri and proceed to Gisenyi, a pretty town situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, the main water body of Rwanda. You go down the escarpment to the lake, with the captivating views of the Volcanoes. Relax on the beach in full board at Serena Kivu Hotel or Palm Beach Hotel – Stipp Hotel. FB

Day 10: Along Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe National Park. This journey is so rewarding because of the panoramic view and a relaxing feel a drive along the Lake brings. Have lunch in Kibuye (en route). Arrive in Nyungwe National Park in time for dinner and overnight at ORTPN Guest House or similar. Optional: leave Gisenyi on boat to reach Kibuye for lunch, enjoy the navigation. FB

Day 11: Primate Tracking in Nyungwe National Park

Have early breakfast before you enter Nyungwe forest for the trekking in search for the numerous groups of Angolan Colobus monkeys and/or tracking the chimpanzees. Nyungwe is a huge, uncontaminated mountain rain tropical forest over 1000 sq km in size and you will be impressed by such an intense, green mountain vegetation. It is home to 13 species of primates, over 275 species of birds, 100 varieties of orchids. Ensure you carry with you packed lunch and water. Return to ORTPN Guest House or similar for dinner and overnight. FB

Day 12: Kigali and the culture of Rwanda

After breakfast you will transfer to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Make a stop in Gikongoro for a tour of the Genocide Memorial of Murambi. Have lunch in Butare for an opportunity to shop for Rwanda’s best original handicraft, which you will not find else where. In this same place you will find Rwanda’s biggest university and the national cultural museum. Stop over in Nyanza for a tour of the royal palace of the traditional king of Rwanda, the Mwami. Arrival in Kigali for dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Gorillas – Chez Land. FB

Day 13: Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park situated along the Tanzanian border of Rwanda. Return to the lodge for lunch after which you will embark on a game drive in the park and take a boat trip on the Lake Ihema to have a look at the large numbers of hippo, the huge Nile crocodile and birds. The park is famous for its herds of game including Burchell’s Zebra, lions, elephants, topi, giraffes, impalas and over 425 species of birds including the shoe billed stock, African jacana, sacred ibis goliath heron. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge or ORPTN Camping Site with view on the Lake Ihema. FB

Day 14: Akagera National Park

Do an Early morning game drive along the trials of Akagera Northwards on you way out of the park. In the afternoon return to Uganda for dinner and overnight in Mbarara. Alternatively, drive back to Kigali for dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or similar or Hotel Gorillas – Chez Lando. FB

Day 15: Fly Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport. BB.