The 6 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari combines unforgettable primate experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. The journey starts in Kigali, Rwanda before crossing into Uganda to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It ends back in Kigali after visiting Volcanoes National Park and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or Kampala depending on the client’s departure schedule guided by Africa Adventure Safaris
During this safari, you will enjoy a game drive, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, gorilla trekking, a Batwa cultural experience, golden monkey tracking, and scenic drives through the Kigezi Highlands and Virunga Mountains.
Trip Highlights – 6 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha Sector
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Day 6: Golden monkey tracking or Kigali city tour and departure
Tour itinerary – 6 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your 6 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. After meeting your safari guide, leave Kigali and travel towards western Uganda through the Katuna Border Post. The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes about 7 to 8 hours including border formalities and comfort stops.
As you leave Kigali, enjoy views of Rwanda’s rolling hills before crossing into southwestern Uganda. The landscape changes to terraced farms, valleys and small trading centres. Stop for lunch in Kabale or Rukungiri before continuing to the park. If time allows, enjoy short stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Kigezi Highlands. Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening and check into your lodge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda between Lake Edward and Lake George. It covers about 1,978 square kilometres. The park has open grasslands, forests, wetlands, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel. These habitats support elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes and more than 600 bird species. The park is also home to the famous Ishasha Sector where tree-climbing lions are regularly seen resting in fig trees. Accommodation options include Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Elephant Plains Lodge (mid-range) and Bush Lodge (budget)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Wake up early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The early hours provide the best opportunity to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, waterbucks, warthogs and Uganda kobs. Your guide will explain how different animals adapt to the park’s grasslands and woodlands. Bird lovers may also spot saddle-billed storks, African fish eagles, secretary birds and martial eagles.
Return to your lodge for lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel. The afternoon boat cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts wildlife throughout the day. Large pods of hippos spend much of their time in the water while Nile crocodiles rest along the shoreline. Elephants and buffaloes often come to drink during the afternoon. The cruise also offers excellent opportunities to photograph water birds and animals at close range. Later, visit Katwe Salt Lake where local communities continue to harvest salt using traditional methods. Return to your lodge before sunset. Accommodation options include Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Elephant Plains Lodge (mid-range) and Bush Lodge (budget).
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, leave the Mweya area and travel south through the Ishasha Sector. The drive to Bwindi takes about 5 to 6 hours including the game drive. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Your guide will search for lions resting in large fig trees before continuing the journey. The area also supports elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs and many bird species. After the game drive, continue towards Bwindi through the Kigezi Highlands. Along the way, stop at a local coffee farm where farmers explain how Arabica coffee is grown and processed. You may also visit roadside craft markets selling handmade baskets, carvings and woven products. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the evening.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda along the Albertine Rift Valley. It protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. The park has four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Besides gorillas, Bwindi supports many bird species, butterflies, forest elephants and several monkey species. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (mid-range) and Broadbill Forest Camp (budget).
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family before entering the forest. The trek may last between 2 and 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. As you walk through the forest, guides explain different tree species, birds, butterflies and medicinal plants. After locating the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silverback lead the family while younger gorillas climb trees and play nearby.
After lunch, visit the Batwa community. The Batwa once lived inside Bwindi Forest before it became a protected national park. Community guides demonstrate traditional hunting skills, fire making, medicinal plants, music, dancing and storytelling. The experience shows how conservation and community development now work together. Return to your lodge in the evening. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (mid-range) and Broadbill Forest Camp (budget).
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit the twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and drive towards Rwanda through the Cyanika Border Post. The journey to Volcanoes National Park takes about 4 to 5 hours including border formalities. After checking into your lodge, continue to the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. The lakes sit at the base of the Virunga Mountains and offer some of Rwanda’s most beautiful scenery. Take a traditional canoe ride or enjoy a guided walk through nearby villages. Meet local residents and learn about farming, fishing and everyday life in the area. Return to your lodge before dinner.
Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda within the Virunga Mountains. It is Rwanda’s oldest national park and one of the world’s best places to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park protects bamboo forests, afro-montane vegetation, volcanic peaks and many native plant and animal species. It also played an important role in the mountain gorilla research carried out by Dian Fossey. Accommodation options include Bisate Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (mid-range) and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (budget).
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking or Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, choose between golden monkey tracking or return to Kigali for a city tour depending on your flight schedule. If you choose golden monkey tracking, begin the morning with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests and are known for their bright golden-orange fur and playful behaviour. The trek usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
After spending one hour with the monkeys, return to the lodge for lunch before driving to Kigali. If your departure flight is later in the day, travel directly to Kigali after breakfast and enjoy a short city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and its journey towards unity and reconciliation. You can also stop at Caplaki Craft Village or Kimironko Market to shop for handmade crafts and local products. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Tour
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Included in the Quotation for the Gorilla, chimps and Wildlife Tour are the following:
- The cost of all ground transportation and Fuel
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Full time safari guide and his related expenses
- Accommodation and meals
- Boat cruise
- Game drives
- But it excludes; Items of personal nature like Laundry, Beers,
- Park entrance fee
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
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