12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package- Volcanoes & Bwindi

12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package

Our 12 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari adventure is well designed and tailored to suite all kinds of traveler’s interests, desires and budget. The trip starts in Kigali Rwanda and ends in Entebbe Uganda. The tour will enable you explore the history and culture of people in Rwanda and Uganda, Gorilla tracking experience in both Rwanda and Uganda, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and launch cruise, Kibale Forest National Park for chimp trek and nature walks; Murchison falls National Park for game drives, launch cruise and finally to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary the only place where you can see the rhinos in their natural setup.

The tour can as well be reversed and it starts in Uganda and ends in Kigali. The trip starts in Kigali with a city visiting the local food and craft markets along with a Genocide memorial that was built in the memory of the more than one million people that died in 1994. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park a head of your first Gorilla trek.

Located in the north west part of Rwanda, the park is famous for Gorilla tracking among other wildlife including Golden monkeys and the 200 bird species. The Park is a home to 12 habituated gorilla families – known as Bwenge, Hirwa,Ugyenda Sabyinyo, Umubano Karisimbi, Susa, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Igisha, Muhoza. These can be visited by a maximum of 96 people at any single day. Gorilla tracking starts at 07.00am local time with briefing from the park authorities at Kinigi park headquarters before the hiking starts, the time taken will depend of the family you are allocated to; ranging between 30 minutes to 5 hours with altitude ranging from 2500m to 4000m, after meeting the gorillas you will be allowed to stay with them for a maximum of one hour. In the afternoon enjoy a community to learn more about the people and culture of the local community.

Following morning will do a Golden monkey tracking before crossing the boarder to Uganda drive to Bwndi Forest National Park ahead of your second Gorilla Trek. In Bwindi Gorilla Tracking can be done at 4 designated locations including Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhijja and Buhoma with a total of 18 Gorilla habituated families that can be tracked every single day. On your day of tracking visitors are allocated different families in the groups of 8 people and are allowed to view the Gorillas maximum of one hour per day. Trekking time depends on the group allocated to, ranging from 3 to 8 hours.

After this unforgettable adventure continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s most famous park, with several outstanding tourist attractions including the 95 species of mammals and 600 bird species, the game drive in the Kasenyi plains, boat cruise on the beautiful Kazinga channel and the tree climbing lions.

Kibaale Forest National Park, the primate’s capital of Africa, several activities can be done while at the park however the most popular is Chimp tracking, chimp tracking started as far as 1993, 2 tracking sessions have been allocated for 08.00 am and 02.00pm for morning and afternoon sessions respectively, the trek is quite easier compared to Gorilla tracking, the trek takes on average 3 hours in groups of six people and the minimum age limit is 12 years. After enjoying your chimp trek explore the Bigodi wetland another famous spot in Kibaale for a nature walk where you would see different bird species and primates, this 4.5Km nature walk at Bigodi wetland is run by KAFRED a community-based organization, several bird species over 200 have been identified on this trail including Turacos, Kingfishers among other birds. Over 8 primates have been identified including the L’hoest Monkey, red colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, Vavert Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboon, black & white colobus monkeys and the Grey Cheeked Mangabey.

From Kibale we drive to Murchison Falls National Park a park covering an area of approx… 3,840sqkm that was gazette in 1926. The Park was named after the Murchison falls that flows along the Albert Nile River which separates the park into two sections namely the southern and the northern sectors. It’s a habitat to over 550 species of birds and 76 species of mammals. From Murchison falls we visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to Entebbe.
This marks the end of your 12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package.

Safari Highlights

Kigali City tour
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda,
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda
Top of the world and Kasenda craters Lake Visit
Bigodi Swamp walk
Community walk in Volcanoes National Park
Boat cruise along the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Sanctuary
Border Crossing

Full Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport

Welcome to the Land of A thousand Hills. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our experienced safari guides who will transfer you to your Hotel for the rest of the day and overnight. At check in, you will be briefed about your 12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package and what to expect, the safari do’s and don’ts. Overnight at your Hotel. Bed and Breakfast

Accommodation Options:

Scheba Hotel /ChezLando Hotel (Budget)
Heaven Boutique Hotel/Mille Collines Hotel/Lemigo Hotel (Midrange)
Kigali Serena/The Retreat (Upmarket or Luxury)

Day 2: Kigali City tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Morning breakfast at your Hotel in Kigali and set out for a half day Kigali city tour. The tour is inclusive of a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site and Museum, Nyamata genocide Church, local markets and so on. Later have Lunch and then depart for Volcanoes National Park which is a home of endangered species of Mountain Gorillas. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board.

Accommodation Options:

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Davinci Lodge (Budget)
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Ingagi Park View Lodge (Midrange)
Bisate Lodge/ One & Only Gorilla Nest/ Bishop’s House/Virunga Lodge/Sabinyo Lodge (Upmarket or Luxury)

Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community walk

This is the first highlight of your 12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package! Today morning after breakfast, you will be transferred from your lodge to the park headquarters for the days’ briefing about Gorilla trekking activity. Its advisable to park your lunch, drinking water and hire porters as the time taken in the jungle is unpredictable. After the briefing from the Park rangers, you will be allocated your Gorilla family and then head into the forest to search for the gentle jungle giants. Tracking the Gorillas may take a few hrs. to a full day to hike up and down the mountain as this always depend on where they were last seen the previous night. Physical Fitness is highly recommended but also those who are not fit enough, they have the chance to hire Human helicopters (Sedan chair). Upon seeing the gorillas, you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour maximum (Take videos and Photographs). Then later return back to your Lodge and evening visit the Ibwachu Cultural Village (Also known as the ex-poacher’s village) for entertainment and cultural experience. Dinner and overnight stay at your Lodge. Full Board.

Accommodation Options:

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Davinci Lodge (Budget)
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Ingagi Park View Lodge (Midrange)
Bisate Lodge/ One & Only Gorilla Nest/ Bishop’s House/Virunga Lodge/Sabinyo Lodge (Upmarket or Luxury)

Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

After morning breakfast, you will head back to the Park offices for your briefing about the morning activity. This time it will be Golden Monkey tracking. These endangered monkey species are found within the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Unlike the Gorillas, Golden monkey trekking will not take long and are easily located. Return to the lodge for early lunch and afternoon transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board.

Accommodation Options:

Ride 4 A woman /Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – (BUDGET)
Buhoma Haven Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Engagi Lodge (MIDRANGE)
Mahogany Springs Lodge/Bwindi Lodge /Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The day is finally here for your unforgettable life time experience of meeting face to face with the giant mountain Gorillas. You will start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge and then transfer to the Park headquarters (Depending on which location you have booked your accommodation) for briefing. There are 4 sectors in which Gorilla trekking takes place with in Bwindi Forest. The northern side of the park is comprised of Buhoma and Ruhija Sector and the southern side comprised of Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. After Briefing, you will start on your day’s trek. Searching for the gorillas may take like 2-5hrs depending on where they were last spotted the previous day. Once they have been spotted, you will be given one hour to take videos, photos and also get a chance to ask the rangers and the guides any questions about these giant apes. Besides the great Apes, the forest is also a home to other wildlife and bird species such as butterflies, primates, mammals, frogs and so on which all can be seen along the way to the Gorillas. After seeing the Gorillas, you will then head back to your lodge and retire for the rest of the day. The whole day activity can take between 5 to 9hrs. Packed Lunch and hiring porters are highly recommended. Dinner and overnight stay at your Lodge. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

Ride 4 A woman /Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – (BUDGET)
Buhoma Haven Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Engagi Lodge (MIDRANGE)
Mahogany Springs Lodge/Bwindi Lodge /Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park via Ishasha Sector

Morning breakfast in Bwindi and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector. Game drive in the mid-morning hours searching for the rare tree climbing lions as well as other animals that habitants in the sector. Afternoon embark on your journey to the Northern side of the park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of country’s best wildlife National parks with over 600 bird species, mammals like Lions, Leopards, elephants, buffaloes and so many others. Dinner and Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

Baboon Safari Resort/Elephant Hub Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
Park View Safari Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge/(MIDRANGE)
Elephant Plains/ Mweya Lodge/Katara Lodge/Kyambura Gorge (UPMARKET)

Day 7: Game drive and Boat ride along the Kazinga channel

After an early morning breakfast, depart for your morning game drive in Kasenyi areas. Look out for wildlife animals such as Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks and so on. Lunch and in the afternoon set out for the launch cruise along the Kazinga channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and bird species. this 3hrs boat cruise will enrich you with views of the water loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles and other antelopes as we as bird species. Return to your Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

Baboon Safari Resort/Elephant Hub Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
Park View Safari Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
Elephant Plains/ Mweya Lodge/Katara Lodge/Kyambura Gorge (UPMARKET)

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Morning breakfast and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Upon arriving in Fort portal, clear days will give you a glimpse of the legendary snowcapped Mountain also famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon” (Mt Rwenzori). Kibale Forest National Park is a home to 13 primate species including the common Mans’ closest Cousins (Chimpanzees). The Forest is also a home to over 325 bird species including the rare Green Breasted Pitta. En route visit the Kasenda craters. Take a short hike to the ‘Top of the World’ view point where you are able to see a lot of the small crater lakes with in this region. Proceed and also visit the spectacular Lake Nyinambuga from which the lake shown on the 20.000 Uganda shilling note was depicted. Arrive at your Lodge in the evening. Full Board.

Accommodation Options:

Kibale Guest Cottages (BUDGET)
Turaco Tree Tops (MIDRANGE)
Crater Safari Lodge/Chimpundu Safari Lodge/Primates Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Swamp walk

Morning breakfast at your lodge continue with your 12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package by setting out for a half day Chimpanzee tracking experience. You will be transferred to the park headquarters ay Kanyanchu for a 30-40mins briefing and get to know more about the chimpanzees and their ways of living with in the forest. After this, you will then embark on your journey to search for these primates through the forest. On spotting the chimps, you are only given one Hour to be with them as you take videos and pictures. Along the way other primate species can be spotted such as the LHoest’s Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue Vervet Monkeys, and Black & White colobus Monkeys among others. Other animals that can be seen are Forest Elephants, Buffalos and a lot of bird species. After the tracking, return to your Lodge for Lunch and afternoon set out for a nature and bird walk with in the Bigodi Swamp. The wetland is a project being run by local communities and is very known for its rich diversity of bird species and other primates. It also provides employment and job opportunities to the local youth through tour guiding. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

Kibale Guest Cottages (BUDGET)
Turaco Tree Tops (MIDRANGE)
Crater Safari Lodge/Chimpundu Safari Lodge/Primates Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Early morning have your breakfast at the lodge and depart for Murchison falls National Park. The Journey will take you through the Western Rift Valley’s Albertine Escarpment as well as the green country side and traditional homesteads of the local people with in the Bunyoro and Toro Kingdoms. You will have your lunch along the way as it’s a long drive of approx. 7-8hrs drive. Reach at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 11: Game drive and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls

Rise very early in the morning and set out for the game drive before sunrise. Murchison falls being Uganda’s largest park, you will enjoy a variety of wildlife it has to offer including Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, large numbers of Giraffes, Warthogs, Antelopes, Waterbucks and Bushbucks as well as the so many different bird species. After like 3-4hrs of the game drive, return to the Lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. After Lunch, set out for the afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls along the Victoria Nile. This 3hrs boat cruise will enable you to have a glance at a number of water loving animals such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffalos and so many bird species like the kingfishers, Cormorants, Hornbills, Goliath herons, Egyptian geese, pelicans and bee-eaters. After the cruise, return to your Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board

Accommodation Options:

Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge (UPMARKET)

Day 12: Murchison Falls to Entebbe and departure

Morning breakfast and visit the top of the falls for a clear and magnificent views of the water forcing its self through a 7-meter gorge and drops to over 43 meters below with a thunderous roar hence forming a beautiful rainbow. Proceed with your journey and have another stop over at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, enjoy a 1-2hrs walk as you track the Rhinos. This is the only place where one is able to see these in the wild. Lunch and later continue with your journey to Entebbe passing via the famous Luweero Triangle. You will arrive in Entebbe during evening hours to end your 12 Days Rwanda And Uganda Safari Package. Breakfast and Lunch.

End of Safari.

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