Africa:Rwanda
Uganda & Rwanda
Tour Highlights:
- Track some of the last wild mountain gorillas during your Uganda safari in three national parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, and Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda.
- See elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard on the savannas of Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Climb ancient volcanoes Muhavura or Gahinga in Uganda and Visoke in Rwanda.
- Visit the Dian Fossey Karisoke Centre, her grave and the graves of the gorillas she studied.
- Relish nature walks in search of the many species of birds, butterflies, monkeys and orchids.
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda / Queen Elizabeth National Park
Arrive in Entebbe, where you are welcomed by your guide. After a briefing, set out for your lodge. You travel the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley and continue on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for game along the way. Mweya Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge (L,D)
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park
During morning and evening game drives, you may see crater lakes filled with huge flocks of flamingos, lions relaxing on grassy plains, and elephants ambling through the bush. The area ranks extremely high in biodiversity. Mweya Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park
On an excursion to Kyambura Gorge, you search for elusive and unpredictable chimpanzees. To walk in this lost wilderness is an enchanting experience. Maramagambo Forest is home to several unusual species, including red-tailed and L’Hoest’s monkeys, pygmy antelope and giant elephant shrew. Mweya Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi
Journey to Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest. Depending on road conditions, you drive one of two routes: travel via Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions lounging in old fig trees; or take a route that passes through cultivated expanses. Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5: Bwindi
Savor the excitement as you prepare for your first gorilla-tracking expedition (permit included in tour cost). This is the first of five opportunities to encounter some of the 700 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild. Tracking requires stamina as you climb steep, densely forested hills.When you do come upon the gorillas, all the difficulty of getting there falls away and you are left in awe of these incredible creatures. Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bwindi
Head out on tracking gorillas (permit available with additional supplement), or select a guided nature walk to see birds, monkeys and more. Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7: Bwindi / Mgahinga
Depart for Mgahinga, with brief stops on the way. At Kanaba Gap, savor expansive views of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. Continue to Mgahinga, or opt for a detour to Lake Mutanda to stroll along the shore. If weather permits, enjoy a canoe trip to Toyo Island. Continue to Mount Gahinga, which nestles in the shadow of Virunga volcanoes. Mount Gahinga Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8: Mgahinga
This is the site for your third opportunity to see gorillas (permit available with additional supplement). Hikers can choose to trek up one of the volcanoes. Mount Gahinga Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9: Mgahinga / Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
This morning, relax, take a nature walk, or climb a volcano. After lunch, cross into Rwanda. Visit local communities around Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Virunga Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10: Parc National des Volcans
Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans is a magical experience. You hike the lush, forested slopes of the Virungas. If you find a gorilla group (permit included in tour cost), you spend an hour observing them before returning to base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families, however, are more elusive and tracking can take a full day. Virunga Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 11: Parc National des Volcans
This is your final opportunity to track gorillas in PNV (permit available with additional supplement). Other options include a nature walk to see golden monkeys, a climb up Visoke Volcano, a walk to Old Karisoke, or a visit to local communities. Virunga Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 12: Parc National des Volcans / Kigali / Depart
You leave the forests for Kigali. If time permits, you are treated to a tour of Kigali. Depart for Nairobi and connect with your homeward flights. (B,L)
Rates/Departures:
Please call one of our destination experts to get all the details.