13 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Wildlife Safari

This 13 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Wildlife Safari gives you total encounter of the amazing wildlife in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa as you explore its different savanna game parks and Bwindi Gorilla habitat, and then take you to Rwanda – the ‘land of a thousand hills’ where you will also get a chance to explore this small yet beautiful country. The safari begins in Kampala – Uganda and ends in Kigali Rwanda.

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP, Rhino Tracking

Day 2: Game drives and boat cruise

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Game drive and Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise

Day 7: Track Ishasha Tree climbing lions, Transfer to Bwindi NP

Day 8: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking, Batwa Cultural Tour (Optional)

Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Day 10: Rwanda Gorilla trekking

Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking

Day 12: Dian Fossey Hike

Day 13: Departure to Kigali, end of Safari

Safari Activities: Visit Dian Fossey, Golden Monkey Trek, guided Nature walks, Double Gorilla Trekking, Launch cruises, Chimpanzee tracking, Ziwa Rhino tracking, Game drives, track Ishasha tree climbing lions

Optional Activities: Bigodi Nature Walk, Batwa Cultural Experience,

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP, Rhino Tracking

Today early morning, your safari driver-guide will pick you from your hotel, brief you on this amazing 13 Day safari and then transfer you to Murchison Falls National Park. You will make a stopover to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will get a chance to track rhinos on foot. This sanctuary was established to restore the population of white rhinos which in the late 1970’s had become totally extinct due to severe poaching. You will have lunch en-route in Masindi town and later in the afternoon arrive in the park.

Once in the park, transfer to the top of the falls where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the large water volumes squeeze through a narrow 7 meter wide gorge and then drop below of a 43 meter height. Later proceed to your accommodation where you will dine and spend the night.

Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours

Meals Plan: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge in tents, Murchison River Lodge in tents

Day 2: Game drives and boat cruise

You will have a quick breakfast and then set out for an early game drive to search and see several animals such as buffaloes, lions, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, different antelopes and several bird species. Later return to your accommodation for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go for a Launch cruise on river Nile on the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’ found at the bottom of the waterfalls. The boat will stop just a few meters from the falls and you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the falls. As you sail on the river, you will enjoy amazing views of different bird species like the rare shoebill stork, bee-eaters, kingfishers and also see several animals in the shallow waters as well as on the river banks such as the giant Nile Crocodiles, large schools of hippos, elephants and buffaloes, Return for Dinner and the overnight at your Accommodation

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge in tents, Murchison River Lodge in tents

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Have an early morning breakfast and then begin the long drive to southwestern Uganda driving through several towns, plantations and the beautiful rolling hills that offer great photography opportunities. Towards the beautiful clean city of Fort Portal, you will enjoy views of the snow-capped mount Rwenzori. Kibale national park is home to the highest diversity and number of primates across the east African region with 13 types of primates among which is a large number of chimpanzees –considered to be man’s closest living relative, Blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, the black and white colobus monkeys and baboons. In addition there are several bird species like the yellow spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle and the black bee-eater you will also spot within this forest national park.

Travel Time: 9 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp Tents, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

Following an early breakfast transfer to the park headquarters by 8:00am where you will be briefed about chimpanzee tracking which is the most activity in the park. There are 3 main chimpanzee communities in this forest park each with over 100 individuals. You will be visited a habituated chimpanzee group and each of these is led by the dominant male whose primary role is to safeguard his group. The park guides will help you locate the chimps as you search through their natural habitat, as you follow the chimps’ loud calls ad hooting. Once you find them, you will observe as they feed, swing from one tree branch to another, care for each other and even take photos. Other wildlife you will encounter in the forest include: birds like the great Blue turaco; blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, bush pigs, otters, and if lucky bushbucks among others.

In the afternoon there will be an optional guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you will also see animals, primates, birds and the local people. Alternatively you may choose to spend the rest of the day resting from the morning hike in the forest.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp Tents, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast, driving through the beautiful Fort Portal town found on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori – the ‘Mountain of the Moon’. You will enjoy remarkable views in the crater lakes region, and eventually make it to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Katara Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge
Budget: Pumba Cottages, Simba Safari Camp in tents

Day 6: Game drive and Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise

Begin the day early with a game drive at the break of dawn in the Kasenyi plains where you will search for the different early risers. This area is popularly visited by holidaymakers especially during the peak safari season as it has a high number of animals including herbivores like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, topi, different other antelopes; and carnivores like lions, hyenas and leopards which can easily be seen. In addition, you will not fail to notice the different bird species including saddle billed storks, pink backed pelicans, kingfishers and the seasonal flamingoes that crowd the water sources in this area. You will return for a late breakfast at the lodge, relax and have lunch.

In the afternoon head out on a 2 hours launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you will enjoy up-close views of wildlife like hippos, buffaloes and even elephants in the shallows, plus several birds. This boat ride offers great photo moments. There is an optional activity of lion tracking which costs $80 per person, bird counting, hippo census as well as mongoose tracking.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Katara Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge
Budget: Pumba Cottages, Bush Lodge in tents, Simba Safari Camp in tents

Day 7: Track Ishasha Tree climbing lions, Transfer to Bwindi NP

After breakfast, proceed to the Ishasha Sector found in the southern part of the park, driving through the acacia and savannah grasses found in the wide arid craters. In this sector, you will have another game drive as you search for the unique tree climbing lions normally seen resting in the huge tree branches.

Proceed to Bwindi NP home of the endangered mountain gorillas which are estimated to be about 1006 individuals only remaining in the world today. This is the best place to enjoy a Gorilla Tracking Safari in the whole world as Uganda is home to more than half of the gorilla population in the world today. On arrival check into your accommodation where you will dine and spend the night.

Travel Time: 4 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Silverback Lodge Bwindi
Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp, Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp

Day 8: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking, Batwa Cultural Tour (Optional)

Have a very early morning breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters by 8:00 am where you will be briefed by the park guides about this amazing activity. You will hike in this natural gorilla habitat for between 2 to 4 hours before finding them but when you do you will be allowed an hour in their midst observing and taking photos. The sight of the giant dominant silverback will be very breathtaking as he will also be staring back at you while seated quietly.

In the afternoon, there will be an optional Batwa Cultural Visit – a pygmies’ community which for years has survived off this forest. They will entertain you with songs and dances and teach you about their traditional lifestyle. Alternatively, you may spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Silverback Lodge Bwindi
Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp, Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp

Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Following breakfast, you will depart from Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, and cross the international borders into Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda driving through the beautiful countryside.

The Volcanoes National Park which lies at an altitude range of 2,400m to 4,507m, is another of the three destinations in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen. Several years backs, renowned researcher and primatologist from America – Dian Fossey conducted a 20 year ground breaking study on the behavior of mountain gorillas. On arrival, check into your accommodation for dinner and the overnight rest.

Travel Time: 3 hour

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura

Day 10: Rwanda Gorilla trekking

Today you will get a second chance to trek gorillas howeve, this will be done in Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by the ranger guides. The activity will take between 2 to 8 hours. Later return for diner and the night’s rest at your accommodation

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura

Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking

After breakfast, head out for another exciting early morning activity – Golden Monkey tracking. This amazing activity is conducted in Volcanoes National Park during which you will search for the endangered Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti). You will track the habituated Kabatwa troop which is found in the area close to the park Headquarters or the Musanga troop found close to the Karisimbi volcano which requires more hiking ability.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura

Day 12: Dian Fossey Hike

In the morning you will have a quick breakfast and then head to the headquarters of the park where you will begin the thrilling adventure on Mount Bisoke one of the extinct volcanoes in this park. Visit the Karisoke research Centre where Dian Fossey based her research. This 2 to 3 hour hike will also reward you with views of the beautiful vegetation on the slopes.

The Bisoke forest trail you will follow is normally used by mountain gorillas as well so you may be lucky to spot them. You will also visit the burial place for Dian Fossey and enjoy views of the Virunga ranges found in neighboring DR Congo, and the remains of the home where this great primatologists used to stay. Don’t forget your camera as this hike gives you a great chance for photographs.

After lunch in the afternoon, there will be an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu traditional village which is a community tourism initiative where the locals exhibit their unique traditional way of life. Alternatively you may return to your accommodation and spend the evening at leisure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura

Day 13: Departure to Kigali, end of Safari

This is the final day of our 13 Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari. After a nice breakfast, you will begin on the journey to Kigali. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you will enjoy a Kigali city tour to the museums and genocide memorial centers before being transferred to the airport. Your safari driver-guide will bid you farewell and this will be the end of the safari.

Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch.