Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali Airport in Rwanda & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for  Uganda Gorilla trekking, Chimps and Game Safari.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, our company guide/driver will warmly welcome you. After a trip briefing, you’ll begin your Uganda Gorilla trekking, Chimps and Game Safari.

If you arrive early, take the opportunity for a brief tour of Kigali, with options to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or explore the vibrant Kimironko Market to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture.

Depart from Kigali and embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crossing the Cyanika or Katuna border. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, valleys, and tea plantations in both Rwanda and Uganda. Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi by late afternoon, where you can check in and unwind in the peaceful forest surroundings. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, preparing for your gorilla trek the next morning. If time permits, consider a short nature walk or visit the local Batwa pygmy community for a cultural experience.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge/ Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma gorilla Lodge
• Mid-range: Silverback Lodge/Engagi Lodge/Four gorillaz/Ride for the Woman.
• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ruhodeza safari Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin your day with an early breakfast around 6:30 AM before heading to the Bwindi Park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You’ll be assigned a specific gorilla family and given important trekking guidelines. The trek starts at 8:00 AM and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Be prepared for challenging terrain, as the path may be steep, muddy, and dense with vegetation, requiring a moderate level of fitness.

Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have one magical hour to observe and photograph them, witnessing their fascinating behaviors in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit Bwindi Hospital or embark on a community walk to interact with the Batwa pygmies, enriching your cultural experience.

Overnight:

• Same lodge as Day 1.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)

After morning breakfast, depart from Bwindi and drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its iconic tree-climbing lions. The scenic journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering beautiful views along the way.

Upon reaching Ishasha, set off on a game drive to spot the elusive tree-climbing lions, as well as other wildlife like elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. After the game drive, enjoy a leisurely lunch at your lodge and take some time to unwind.

In the afternoon, you have the option to go on another game drive through Ishasha or simply relax and soak in the stunning views from your lodge.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
• Mid-range: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
• Budget: Enjojo Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale National Park

Begin your day with an early morning game drive, offering another chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions, as well as leopards, elephants, hippos, and other wildlife.

After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, a 4-5 hour drive through Uganda’s picturesque countryside and charming small towns. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge near Kibale Forest and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Kibale is famed for its abundant primate population, especially chimpanzees.

In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for bird enthusiasts and home to a variety of primates including colobus, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys

Overnight:

• Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge
• Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp, Isunga Lodge
• Budget: Chimpanzee Guesthouse

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya)

After an early breakfast, head to the Kibale Forest headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Your trek begins at 8:00 AM and can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees.

Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, along with other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Following the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before embarking on the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 3-hour drive to the Mweya area offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. Arrive at your lodge in time to unwind and take in the stunning vistas of the Kazinga Channel

Overnight:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge, Bush Lodge
• Budget: Simba Safari Camp

Day 6: Game Drive  in Queen Elizabeth national Park & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

After breakfast, set off for an early morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll have the chance to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to the Uganda kob and boasts over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Later in the morning, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a scenic waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise provides a close-up view of large herds of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide array of water birds.

After the boat safari, enjoy lunch before departing for Kigali, a 5-6 hour drive. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off at either the airport for your departure flight or your hotel in Kigali.

End of 6 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimps and Game Safari via Kigali

Packing List:

• Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots for trekking.
• Rain gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho for unpredictable rain.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: To protect against insect bites and scratches.
• Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Binoculars: Especially useful for game viewing and birdwatching.
• Camera: No flash allowed for primate encounters.