The 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari is a 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo tour that takes you through three destinations of Africa known to have the great populations of Primates in the world. The Safari features double Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking in Congo, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Uganda, Nyiragongo Volcano hike, Mount Rwenzori Day hike and Sabyinyo Volcano climbing, extensive game drives in Murchison Falls National Park for the Big five and Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions, Relaxation at Idwji Island in Lake Kivu and Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. The 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo Combined Safari commences in Kampala Uganda and ends in Kigali Rwanda.
Day 1 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route for Rhino tracking.
Day 2 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Do morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison, afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls
Day 3 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Whole day drive exploring the en-route countryside landscapes
Day 4 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo Combined Safari: Do Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park & transfer to Kasese
Day 5 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Whole day hike to the Rwenzori Mountains – the legendary Mountains of the moon
Day 6 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Do game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park & afternoon Kazinga Channel boat ride
Day 7 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo Combined Safari: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do game drive en route in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions
Day 8 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
Day 9 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Day 10 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Undertake a whole day Sabyinyo Volcano climbing
Day 11 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Morning chill at the lodge and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 12 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & transfer to Gisenyi for an afternoon relaxation at sandy beaches of Lake Kivu
Day 13 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Undertake an adventure hike to Nyiragongo Volcano – the world’s most violent lava lake
Day 14 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Descend from Nyiragongo Volcano and connect to Idwji Island for relaxation
Day 15 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Morning Island experience & connect to Bukavu – Kahuzi Biega National Park
Day 16 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Do Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking & Tshibati falls tour
Day 17 of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari: Drive to Kigali. Visit the National Museum of Rwanda en route in Butare
Following your breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, you depart for the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park at 6:30 am driving through the beautiful landscapes of Nakasongora and the famous Luwero triangle where the NRA bush war was fought. The journey is 311km about 5 hours’ drive excluding stops en route. You make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 7km from the main road at Nakitoma to undertake a memorable Rhino tracking encounter. The sanctuary is home to 15 southern white Rhinos thriving in beautiful natural savannah woodland with enough grass for grazing and trees for shade. Retreat from 1 – 3-hour Rhino experience and embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Lunch can be enjoyed at Kabalega dinner or Masindi town. Cross with the ferry to the northern section for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge, Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge
Settle for breakfast at 6 am and connect to the park for a game drive at 7 am. The game drive is carried out in the northern section of the park where a myriad of wild game thrive ranging from the four of the big five land animals namely the elephants, the Buffaloes, the Leopard and the lion and other counts of Rothschild Giraffes, the Jackson’s Hartebeest, the Oribis, the Uganda Kob, the waterbuck and Patas monkey among other species which may be explored on the 3 – 4-hour game drive. You retreat to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa jetty to undertake the Nile launch cruise departing at 2 pm. The 2-hour cruise to the bottom of the falls is a recreational and an impressive safari activity that offers you a possibility of viewing the Nile Crocodiles, the Hippos and the shoebill stork along with other birds that like to dwell close to water. The wild game viewing on the river banks may not be missed. Upon reaching the bottom of the falls, you embark on the hike to the top of the falls following a challenging narrow path with steep and slippery slopes as you walk past the Nile River mesmerized by its waters splashing out after hitting hard rocks. You connect with the driver guide at the top of the falls and head to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge, Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge
Embark on the whole day transfer to Kibale National Park 441km about 8 hours drive enjoying the scenic landscapes of Uganda’s countryside before approaching Fort Portal and eventually Kibale for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages, Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent, Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
The chimpanzee trekking experience commences at 8am with briefing by the park rangers at Kanyanchu Tourism Center. This is followed by a trek through the forest traversing the prehistoric forest of Kibale noted to have survived the last ice age. The search for the Chimpanzees takes 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour of chimpanzee viewing. The possible sights of other wildlife like the Black and white colobus monkeys, Red Colobus, the forest duiker and the range of birds and remarkable flora with trees that are over 55m tall and 200 years old present a supplement exciting experience. Retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to Kasese for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge, Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp
From Nyakalengija park station, you team up with the ranger guide and embark on the hike of Rwenzori Mountains. It is a day exploration in the foothills of Africa’s third-highest mountain rising to 5,109m above sea level with snow-capped peaks proclaimed the Mountains of the moon by Ptolemy – the ancient Greek geographer in the 150AD. The hike offers beautiful views of the mountain foothills, the Kasese town below, rift valley system and the savannah stretches of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Katara Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Lodge, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
The morning game drive takes you to the savannah landscapes of Kasenyi on the rift valley floor as early as 7am presenting chances of exploring wild game including elephants, lions, Buffaloes, the Defassa waterbucks, the leopard, Side stripped jackal, the Spotted Hyenas, warthogs, Topis, the Uganda Kobs, Oribis among other wild game. The activity lasts 3 – 4 hours drive. In the afternoon, the boat ride departs at Mweya dock at 2pm running for 2 hours along the scenic Kazinga Channel that adjoins Lake George and Lake Edward. The bird species like the African Skimmers, the Great Cormorants; aquatics like the Nile crocodiles and Hippos not forgetting a range of wild game that might be seen drinking on the channel shores. Do an evening game drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Lodge, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park enjoying the impressive views of the southern sector Queen Elizabeth National Park with its good savannah landscape. The game drive is conducted to gain chances of viewing the tree climbing lions among other wild game. Arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp, Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
After breakfast, connect to the park headquarter for briefing about the gorilla trekking conduct at 8am after which you set off to the jungle in search of the Great Apes. The trek through the dense forest of Bwindi patched on very rugged terrain is both challenging and rewarding. The amazing jungle sounds including the enchanting bird songs may not be missed during this historical trek. The encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours but includes one (1) full hour of gorilla viewing where you have an opportunity to see them forage, socialise among other remarkable behaviours. Retreat from the trek and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through fascinating Kigezi Highlands with their beautiful terraces as man attempts to tame terrain for crop production.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort, Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort
Spend ample time chilling at the lake enjoying its beautiful views and the range of 29 Islands. You can opt to keep relaxing in your room and private balcony or take a canoe paddle to have an active thrill on the lake. In the afternoon, you embark on the transfer to Kisoro – Mgahinga National Park fronted by the chain of eight Virunga Volcanoes amidst the scenic road section of Kabale – Kisoro that generate lasting memories. Retire for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Midrange / Budget: Travellers’ Rest Kisoro
After breakfast, gather at Ntebeko visitor centre to embark on the Sabyinyo Volcano hike 3,669m above sea level lasting about eight hours to cover the 14km round trip. The hike to the Sabyinyo Volcano follows an impressive scenic landscape with the views of the gorge and the forested landscapes. The summit is rather rugged with a swamp filled crater that presents magical hiking encounters as you move from one peak to another offering the views of the surrounding area and beyond. Retreat from the climb to mark the end of the encounter.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Midrange / Budget: Travellers’ Rest Kisoro
The morning is left free for you to chill at the lodge, enjoy some extended sleep and refresh from the active trek that you undertook the previous day. You then, transfer to Rwanda crossing via Chania border enjoying the view of the Virungas. Retire for overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga volcanoes where the remaining population of Mountain gorillas 480 thrives. The trek commences at the park headquarters Kinigi at 8 am with a briefing by the park rangers. However, an early arrival offers an opportunity to enjoy the traditional Kinyarwanda performance and a warm cup of home-grown Rwandan coffee. After the briefing, you drive to the trailhead to embark on the hike through the gorilla highlands marked by lush flora and birdlife. The eventual encounter with the mountain gorillas is a lifetime moment and a range of photos can be taken and questions about the gorillas can be asked. After one hour of direct viewing, you return to the starting point and embark on the transfer to Gisenyi Lake Kivu 110km about 2 hours drive for evening recreation and relaxation. An optional boat cruise can be taken to explore this beautiful lake and its Islands. Retire for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Resort, Midrange / Budget: Paladis Malahide
Wake up early enough to transfer to Congo (Goma) about 1-hour drive to catch up with the Nyiragongo Volcano hiking. Gather at Kibati Patrol post from where you will begin the hike from in the company of the Virunga National Park rangers. Enjoy the amazing views and environment of Nyiragongo Volcano noted to feature the largest lava lake in the world. The lava lake is very violent and noted to have had a significant impact on the surrounding environment following its last subsequent eruptions including the 2002 eruption that destroyed half of Goma town 20km away. The accommodation is presented in the mountain shelter and you enjoy the glowing views of the lava lake at night. Nyiragongo Volcano hike lasts between 4 – 6 hours.
Accommodation: Mountain Shelter
This is the second day on the mountain and you enjoy the mountain scenery as you trek back to the starting point. From Kibati, you embark on the drive to Lake Kivu shores from where you will connect by boat to Idwji. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the Island.
Accommodation: Congoman Hotel
Explore the Idjwi Island in Lake Kivu – one of the Great Lakes of Africa. You take an Island walk exploring the King’s Museum, the extensive Pineapple plantations and the Quinquinas before connecting by boat to the mainland in the Bukavu area from where you will transfer by car to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Accommodation: Luxury / Midrange: Orchid Safari Lodge, Budget: Hotel Horizon
Set off for the Eastern low land gorilla trekking adventure in Kahuzi Biega National Park. It is a historical journey to the search of one of the great Ape subspecies in one of the most remote places in the world. These gorillas are fond of thriving in extended groups and they are themselves larger in size compared to the Mountain gorillas. The low land gorilla trek lasts about 1 – 4 hours inclusive of one full viewing hour. From the trek, you can take a walk to Tshibati Falls for sightseeing experience. Retire for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Luxury / Midrange: Orchid Safari Lodge, Budget: Hotel Horizon
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kigali Rwanda driving through the lush forested landscape of Nyungwe before making a stop in Butare to visit the National Museum of Rwanda and lunch. From this encounter, proceed on the drive to Kigali.
End of the 17 Days Uganda, Rwanda Congo safari tour
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