Trip Summary for the Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Day 1: Arrival at the Airport
Day 2: Kampala City Tour
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 4: Game drive and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Game drive and proceed to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 6: Transfer to Rwanda
Day 7: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
Day 9: Transfer back to Kigali and departure
Detailed Itinerary for a Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Tour
Day 1: Arrival at the Airport
On arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, you will be received by one of our company representative who will welcome you and then drive you to your Hotel found in Kampala where you will have dinner and spend the night. Options are: Hotel Rutch, Minister Village Hotel, Cassia Lodge, Kampala Serene Hotel, or Hotel Africana
Day 2: Kampala City Tour
After your breakfast, you will go for a full day City Tour in Kampala to visit the various cultural – heritage sites such as the Makerere Universityone of Africa’s oldest Universities, Kasubi Tombs, Bahai Tempe, Namugongo Martyr’s shrine and the Uganda Museum, as well as the National Theater for a cultural experiences. Dine and spend the night at Hotel Rutch, Minister Village Hotel, Cassia Lodge, Kampala Serene Hotel, or Hotel Africana
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Following breakfast at the Hotel within Kampala, you will drive toLake Mburo National Park found in western Uganda. Along the way, you will stopover at Kayabwe – Uganda Equator for an informative talk and also take some photos. You will continue to the park through Masaka and arrive in time to have lunch in the park. In the afternoon you will have a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mburo where you will see different animals such ascrocodiles and hippos. Dine and overnight at Arcadia Cottages, Mihingo Lodge, or Mantana Luxury tented Camp.
Day 4: Game drive and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will go in the park to search for animals such as Zebras, Impalas, Elands and various savannah species. Among the bird species here are the African Fin foot, Bush Shrike among others. Later drive to queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in the Park just in time for lunch. In the afternoon, go for the Launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you will have an opportunity to see variouswild animals up close including gianthippos playing in the water just a couple of feet away from your boat, and buffaloesloiter in the shallow waters. Thesechannel shores are as well home to a great profusion of birds such as thesaddle billed stork, pink backed pelicans and the malachite kingfishers, among others. At the end of this great adventure, you will return at leisure for dinner and the overnight rest at Ihamba Safari Lodge, or Mweya Safari Lodge, or Simba Safari Camp
Day 5: Game drive and proceed to Lake Bunyonyi
After a delicious breakfast, you will go for a game drive in the morning within the Kasenyi area. You will search for various animals including Lions, Spotted Hyenas, Buffaloes, Leopard, Antelopes, Elephants and Kobs plus the hard to findhuge forest hogs. Head back for some refreshments at the lodge before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi through Kabale also referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ due to its amazing topography dominatedby hills plus highlands. Dine and overnight rest at Bushara Island Camp, or Arcadia cottages, or Bunyonyi overland camp
Day 6: Transfer to Rwanda
When you finish breakfast, you will cross the national border of Uganda -Rwanda at Gatuna and drive to Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda. On arrival, you will explore Ruhengeri town before driving to your lodge where you will relax, dine and spend the night; options:Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, or Kinigi Guest House, or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 7: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, you will head to the Park headquarters where you will be allocated to a Gorilla group. There you will be shortly briefed about the mountain Gorilla tracking rules. After this the guide and ranger will accompany you as you search the forest for these giant Apes. Slowly you will search the Volcano Virunga Hills and the verdant Valley for the gorillas and this activity is in some way tiring but on coming face to face with the Gorillas, all the exhaustion you went through will come to pass as you will have an hour in their presence observing and taking photos of them. Later you will return to your lodge to rest and ponder on the memorable gorilla experience. You will visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera in the evening for a cultural experience.Dine and overnight rest at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, or Kinigi Guest House, or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
In the morning you will have breakfast, and drive to Kibuye town which is found on the Eastern Shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu. On arrival at Kibuye, you will enjoy Lunch and later in the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Kivu to discover the Island of ‘Napoleon’s Hat’ and as well transfer to Gisenyi town using a boat. On this boat ride you will get a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views Congo’s Nyiragongo Volcano. Dine and overnight rest at Kivu Serena Hotel, or Bethanie Hotel, or Kibuye Guest House or even Palm Hotel
Day 9: Transfer back to Kigali and departure
Following breakfast, you will be drive to Kigali for a brief city tour to visit the different Genocide memorial sites, lively markets and Local schools. Later you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight.
What is included in your tour
• Ground transportation in a private 4WD vehicle
• Accommodation during the safari as indicated on the itinerary on full board basis
• Park fees
• A gorilla permit per individual
• Boat cruise
• Sightseeing per your safari itinerary
• Airport transfers
• Entry fees
• Porters where need be.
What is excluded in your tour
• Flight tickets plus departure taxes
• Travel documentation such as visas
• Travel plus medical insurance
• Excursions indicated as optional
• Surplus buggage charges,
• Laundry, tips / gratuities for your guides
• Accommodation staff
• Beverages besides mineral water served in the vehicle and during the meals
• Personal items for example telephone calls and postage fees.
