18 DAYS UGANDA RWANDA SAFARI – GORILLA TREKKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, RWENZORI MOUNTAINS CLIMBING SAFARI
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – SAFARI OVERVIEW
18 days Uganda Rwanda safari is a 17 nights 18 day Rwanda Uganda safari tour that is perfect for wildlife lovers with a serious sense of adventure. Starting in Entebbe Uganda and ending in Kigali Rwanda, this 18-day trip offers 2 incredible mountain hiking adventures:- the 8-day hike to Africa’s 3rd highest point that is Margherita Peak (5109m) on Uganda’s snow-capped the Rwenzori Mountains and a 2-day hike to Africa’s 6th highest point (4507) on Karisimbi Volcano in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Besides the mountaineering adventure, the trip offers thrilling game viewing in Queen Elizabeth Park where you’ll enjoy game drives in the scenic savannah plains in search of the rare tree-climbing Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Uganda kobs, Waterbucks, and more, as well as a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view some of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos.
Wild dreams come true on this 18-day Rwanda Uganda tour after entering the world of the world’s largest living primate; Mountain Gorillas in the great Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and trek to meet a family of these endearing creatures for one breathtaking hour. This soul-stirring adventure is sure to stay etched on your mind forever.
After gorilla trekking, go relax and chill out at magically beautiful Lake Bunyonyi before crossing the border into Rwanda’s misty hills of Volcanoes National Park (another home of Mountain Gorillas). This is where the legendary primatologist, Dian Fossey spent 18 years studying and protecting these gentle creatures – a lifetime of work that inspired the well-known feature film, ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.
Then move to Kigali, the cleanest and safest of Africa’s cities, and your home for your final nights in Africa. Undertake a historical tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial to get an insight into Rwanda’s recent heartbreaking history of the 1994 genocide. Combining all these adventures, you’ve got a trip that can sometimes be physically and emotionally challenging, but will be talked about for the rest of your life.
Book or customize this unforgettable adventurous safari of a lifetime at an affordable price.
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – PRIME SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Visit two African countries: Rwanda and Uganda
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park Uganda
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP in Uganda
Search for the legendary tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda
Climb Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s highest mountain range at 5109m − 8 days
Hike Karisimbi Volcano in Rwanda, the Africa’s 6th tallest mountain at 4507m − 2 days
Boat cruise and sightseeing on Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda
Scenic drives over the stunning landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda
Learn about fascinating culture of Uganda and Rwanda
Tour Rwanda’s Kigali city, the cleanest and safest city in Africa
Visit Kigali Genocide Memories and discover Rwanda’s turbulent history
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – SAFARI DESTINATIONS
Day 1: Entebbe, Uganda
Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Day 10 & 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 13 & 14: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 15, 16 & 17: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Day 18: Kigali City, Kigali Genocide Memorial
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the Hotel
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Rwenzori Mountains
Day 3: Hike Rwenzoris from Nyakalengija (1,615m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m)
Day 4: Climb from Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut (3,505m).
Day 5: Climb from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut (3,962m).
Day 6: Climb from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut (4,430m).
Day 7: Ascend Margarita peak (5,109m) from Elena Hut & descend to Kitandara Hut (4,023m).
Day 8: Descend from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman (3,505m)
Day 9: Descend from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m)
Day 10: Descend from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija & transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 11: Morning game drive, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive
Day 12: Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions as you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 13: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
Day 14: Free day at Lake Bunyonyi – relaxing at the lake of a thousand Islands
Day 15: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Day 16 & 17: Hike/climb the Karisimbi Volcano
Day 18: Transfer to Kigali City, visit Kigali Genocide Memorial & drive to Kigali International Airport for departure flight.
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari −DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive In Uganda Via Entebbe International Airport & Transfer to Your Hotel.
This 18 days Uganda Rwanda Safari kicks off the moment you touch down at the Entebbe International Airport. Our company representative will be at the airport to welcome you, help load the bags into our comfortable 4×4 safari car, and then lead you on a journey to the hotel in Entebbe.
Entebbe is an attractive tropical, verdant town in central Uganda. It was a capital city of Uganda during the early years of the British protectorate. The town stands on the shore of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, a few hundred meters north of equator and only 40km south of the modern capital Kampala.
While at your hotel in Entebbe, you can have a briefing about the entire trip but if you are tired, you can opt to have it the following day over breakfast. After you have comfortably settled in the hotel, this closes the first day of your safari.
Highlight of the day: – Sighting the serene waters of Lake Victoria, – the second biggest fresh water lake in the world.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Serena Lake Victoria Resort/Protea Hotel Entebbe
Midrange: – 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe/Lake Heights Hotel Entebbe/Boma Hotel Entebbe
Budget: – Acacia Boutique Hotel/Airport Guesthouse Entebbe
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 4 km or 20-30 min
Activities & Services:-
- Pick up from the airport and transfer to a hotel
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
- Entebbe city tour
- Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Visit Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Canoe ride in Mabamba Swamp in search of the Shoebill
- Sundowner boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
We start our day with an early breakfast at your place of stay in Entebbe at around 8.00 am. We then pack our bags, checkout and set off for 440km (7-8 hours) drive to Kasese town on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. We’ll travel through central Uganda, passing the rural towns of Mityana and Mubende with impressive natural features.
We have lunch in Fort Portal town, another scenic area of the country. It is an important commercial area too, as it is in the heartland of the tea-growing area of Uganda. After lunch, we’ll continue with our journey arriving in Kasese town where you’ll be welcomed by the towering Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. You will retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Truly the stuff of legend, Ptolemy’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon”, the Rwenzori Mountains, means “rain-maker” in the local Lukonzo language which is befitting as the range is known for being one of wettest places in Africa. This mountain range with its permanent snow capped peaks including the third-highiest in Africa at 5109 metres gifts hikers with sublime high altitude trails with stunning views of pristine tropical rainforests, spectacular glacial landscapes, and fascinating equatorial alpine vegetation including giant lobelia forests.
Highlight of the day: – The scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Equator Snow Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Sandton Hotel Kasese
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: Approx. 440km or 7-8hours
Activities & Services:-
- Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains
Day 3: Hike Rwenzori Mountains from Nyakalengija (1,615m) To Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m).
After an early breakfast at around 6.30 am, we drive to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park offices at Nyakalengija at 1,615m for briefing from the Rwenzori Mountaineering services in conjunction with Uganda Wildlife Authority. At this point, you have the opportunity to hire the mountaineering equipment if you didn’t have any.
The hike follows the Central Circuit Trail and will commence with an encounter of the mud Buhonjo homes − the famous mountain people gradually moving upward through elephant grass and garden plots.
You’ll then pass through the montane tropical rainforest which hosts several animal species such as Elephants, Chimpanzees, Angola colobus, Black-and-white colobus, Blue monkeys, bushbucks and unusual reptiles such as the three-horned chameleon.
It is also home to some of the bird species including Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori turaco, strange weaver, Archers’ Robin-Chat and Rwenzori batis and several others as well as various tree and plant species. You will expect to see some of them.
It’s about 10km from the trailhead at Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba hut at 2,651m. You will have dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba hut.
Accommodation:-
- Nyabitaba Hut.
Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 1615m -2651m or 5 hours
Altitude gain: – 1,036m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities And Services:-
- Hiking from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba hut
Day 4: Climb from Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut (3,505m).
At around 7 am after breakfast, depart Nyabitaba hut. This is the most difficult and longest day’s hike. The path from Nyabitaba goes through the forest for a short time before it crosses the Bujuku Hut. For the first few hours, the trail is good; however, it gets steeper and very rocky as you take up the moorland zone, where heather plants are abundant.
You’ll emerge at Nyamileju after about 5 hours, where the little-used hut is supplemented by a rock shelter, making for a good lunch stop. From Nyamileju, the path passes a giant heather forest and follows the Bujuku River for about 2 hours to John Matte Hut, which is in good condition and stands about 200 meters from Bujuku River, where water can be collected.
Here you will have a view of the Margherita glacier which is on mount Stanley between Alexandra and Margherita peaks. You’ll have dinner and overnight stay at John Matte hut. The hike takes about 7 – 8 hours.
Accommodation:-
- John Matte Hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 2,651m -3,505m or 7Hours
Altitude gain: – 854m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities And Services:-
- Climbing from Nyabitaba hut to John Matte Hut
Day 5: Hike from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut (3,962m).
We’ll have breakfast at around 7 am at John Matte Hut and then cross River Bujuku and hike through the forest to the lower Bigo bog. This area used to be the hardest part for the Rwenzori since the area is so boggy. Currently, there is a walk board up to the end of the boggy area which makes the walk much easier for hikers. As you move you’ll expect to see giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, and groundsels.
You’ll then take a steep hike along a ridge which will lead you to the start of the upper Bigo bog. There is also a boardwalk up to Lake Bujuku. L. Bujuku has a magnificent setting between Mounts Stanley, Baker, and Speke. The lake also acts as the beginning of the alpine zone of little vegetation. You’ll eventually arrive at Bujuku Hut standing at 3.962 m. You’ll have dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.
Accommodation:-
- Bujuku Hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 3,505m – 3,962m or 5 hours
Altitude gain: – 457m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities And Services:-
- Climbing from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
Day 6: Hike from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut (4,430m).
After breakfast at around 7 am, you will depart Bujuku and continue with the hike to Elena hut, which takes about 5-7 hours. You will hike through the sides of the upper Bigo bog and then through the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku. As you climb Lake Bujuku’s steep slopes on the west, the trail ascends the 4,372m Scott-Elliot pass and you will pass through more swamps and the thrilling ground gully.
You will go over a steep section at the top of the gully using a metal ladder.
The trail is then divided into two. The two trails, the left trail leads to the Scott-Elliot pass descending to Kitandara Lakes while the right trail heads to the Elena Hut and on a steep trail above large boulders to Mt Stanley. Elena hut is on the rocky part of Mount Stanley and the area is too cold. At this point, you are at the highest mountain of the Rwenzori and you will have a direct view of Mount Baker and Mount Speke.
You will have dinner and overnight stay at Elena hut.
Accommodation:-
- Elena Hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 3,962m-4,430m or 5-7hours
Altitude gain: – 468m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities And Services:-
- Climbing from Bujuku Hut to Elena hut
Day 7: Ascend Margarita Peak (5,109m) From Elena Hut & Descend To Kitandara Hut (4,023m).
On this day you will have to wake up as early as 2 am, have breakfast at Elena hut, be ready in your warmest gear, put on your harness, warm hand gloves, and headlock, have your headlamps and helmets, and make sure you have sunglasses in the day pack on. Hike to the top of mount Stanley, Margherita peak, through the Stanley plateau. On steep rocky areas, you will use the ropes to help you move. The guide will teach you how to use the equipment while on the ice.
After moving for a couple of hours after the Stanley plateau glacier, you will reach the bottom of the Margherita glacier. This is the most challenging part of the entire hiking Rwenzori experience. You will hike through this glacier up to the top of mount Stanley, Margherita peak (5109m).
At the top, you will have a view of Ireen Lake, mount Speke, and the surrounding environment. Then descend to Elena Hut for Lunch and later proceed to descend to Kitandara. You will have dinner and an overnight stay at Kitandara hut.
Accommodation:-
- Kitandara hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ascent distance and time: – Approx. 4,430m – 5,109m or 7-8 hours
Altitude gain: – 679m
Descent distance and time: – 5,109m – 4,023m or 2-3 hours
Decent: – 1086m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities and services:-
- Summiting Margherita peak
- Descending to Lake Kitandara hut
Day 8 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Descend from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman (3,505m).
After breakfast at around 7: 30 am, depart Lake Kitandara Hut to climb the fresh field pass standing at 4,282m traversing the extended flat of high alpine mossy glades before descending the circuit among the boggy and rocky areas. The panorama is greatly covered by the glaciers of Mount Baker and Mount Stanley.
The muddy trail takes you to Bujongolo, Akendahi, and Kabamba rock shelters where the Kabamba valley starts heading down to Guy Yeoman Hut standing at 3.261 m. The Guy Yeoman Hut is surrounded by impressive vegetation, mountains, and rivers. You will have dinner and overnight stay at Guy Yeoman hut.
Accommodation:-
- Kitandara hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descent distance and time: – Approx. 4,023m – 3,505m or 6-7 hours
Decent: – 518m
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities and services:-
- Descending from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut
Day 9: Descend From Guy Yeoman To Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m).
From Guy Yeoman descend back to Nyabitaba Hut through the bamboo forests. The path down can be slippery and muddy with little to hold on to and requires careful balancing over the vertical mud or steep rock. After about 5 hours of trekking, you will reach Nyabitaba hut for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation:-
- Nyabitaba Hut
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descent distance and time: – Approx. 3,505m − 2,651m or 5 hours
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities and services:-
- Guy Yeoman Hut to Nyabitaba Hut
Day 10: Descend From Nyabitaba Hut To Nyakalengija & Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From Nyabitaba, you proceed on the descent back to Nyakalengija to mark the end of your experience. Upon arriving at Nyakalengija, you’ll reunite with your driver guide again to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 72km about 2 hours’ drive for relaxation and overnight
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Mweya Safari Lodge, Mazike Valley Lodge/Katara Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Enganzi Game Lodge/Bush lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp
Budget / Basic: – Pumba Safari Cottages/Park View Safari Lodge
Descent distance and time: – Approx. 2,651m – 1,615m or 3 hours
Descent: – 1036m
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Descend the mountain
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 11: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive.
We’ll have our breakfast at around 6.30 am and embark on a 3-4 hours morning game drive in the scenic savannah plains of the Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth Park in search of Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, Hippos and various smaller creatures.
This section, apart from the great wildlife, is also one of the prettiest in the park, especially in the golden light of the morning.
While a major attraction for us is of course the mammals, birding within Queen Elizabeth is superb with over 600 species of birds recorded. We’ll certainly spend some time ticking a good number of special species including Grey-crowned crane, Red-throated spurfowl, Yellow-throated longclaw, White-backed vulture, White-headed vulture, Palm-nut vulture, hooded vulture, Flappet lark, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied bustard, Sitting cisticola, Grey-backed fiscal, African Skimmer and Brown Snake Eagle, to name just a few.
After our game drive, we’ll return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon, we drive to Mweya Jetty for another remarkable, unforgettable activity planned; the 2-hour boat trip on the 40 Kazinga channel which flows between Lakes George and Edward. One of the continent’s densest concentrations of hippo live here, as well as large numbers of elephants, crocodiles, and waterbirds like African fish eagles and pelicans.
Retreat from the activity and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for your overnight.
The highlight of the day: – An amazing wild boat cruise along the spectacular Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation:-
- Upmarket/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/Mazike Valley Lodge/Katara Lodge
- Midrange/Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge/Bush lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp
- Budget/Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages/Park View Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector
- Afternoon launch cruise on the Kazinga channel
- Evening game drive along the channel track
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
- Bush breakfast
- Birding
- Cultural interactive village visits
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge/Kalinzu Forest
- Night game drive
Day 12: Undertake A Game Drive In Ishasha Sector In Search Of Tree Climbing Lions As You Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After breakfast at around 8.30 am we’ll set off on a 4-7 hours drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Before leaving Queen Elizabeth Park, we’ll enjoy a short game drive in the Ishasha Plains in search of the plain’s well know tree-climbing lions.
After seeing these brilliantly adapted creatures you’ll exit the park and travel through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda as you make your way you Lodge in the great Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Despite its rather forbidding name, Bwindi is a tropical forest wonderland. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Covering 321 km², it is an amazing piece of land that survived the last Ice Age when most other forests in Africa disappeared.
The name Bwindi in the local language actually means a place of full darkness. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges
Bwindi is world-renowned for excellent gorilla trekking opportunities, harboring nearly half of the Mountain Gorillas on Earth. Aside from the majestic Mountain Gorillas, there are other drawcards including over 120 mammal species, 10 species of primates, over 350 species of bird to spot, 1000 species of flowing plants, and a variety of colorful butterflies.
The highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Valley Lodge/ Bakiga Lodge/Silverback Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 130-220km or 4-7 hours
Activities & Services of the day:-
- The scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a Sunset Boat Cruise & Relaxation.
Today, we’ll wake up very early in the morning (at around 6.00 am). We’ll have a hearty breakfast, pack our lunch and then embark on a short drive to the Buhoma headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where we’ll meet the expert local ranger guides. At 8.00 am, the guides will provide an informative briefing on the gorilla trekking etiquette and the experience.
Top on the list; keep a distance of 10 meters from the gorillas. Not only for your own safety, but also for theirs as our colds, viruses, and diseases can easily spread to them because of the shared DNA.
After the briefing, we’ll embark on a trek to find our closest living relatives. Gorilla trekking in the dense forest of Bwindi is relatively difficult and needs some stamina. The trek usually takes 2- 6 hours and can sometimes be wet, muddy, uncomfortable, and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 meters above sea level, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated family group of gorillas, dominated by a giant male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
An adult male can weigh up to 220kg and reach 6 feet in height but gorillas are placid and gentle; watching their movements are like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Contact time with gorillas is limited to one hour but coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is indeed a life-changing experience that will be etched on your mind forever.
After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point to embark on a drive to the magical Lake Bunyonyi driving through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you embark on a thrilling sunset boat cruise on the lake of a thousand islands as it has been dubbed because of its count of 29 Islands.
The cruise presents an evening soothing recreational encounter that is worth exploring and refreshment after the gorilla trek adventure. Retire for dinner and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The one magical hour with the gentle mountain gorillas who roam Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort/ Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Evening boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
- Birding in the Bwindi Buhoma sector of Bwindi
- Cultural visit to Batwa/Bakiga communities around Bwindi.
Day 14: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxing at the Lake Of A Thousand Islands.
This is dedicated to relaxation enjoying the natural environment of Kahungye Island surrounded by Lake Bunyonyi Uganda and the overlooking Kigezi Highlands.
The highlight of the day: – Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort/ Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Relax and chill out at Lake Bunyonyi
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Cultural interactive village visits
Day 15: Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
After a relaxed breakfast at around 9.00 am, you set off for the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 120km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive. The fascinating Kigezi Highlands and the Virunga Volcanoes will make your journey a memorable one. Arrive in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The 160km² Volcanoes National Park is an immensely scenic and ecologically diverse destination, protecting 5 of the 8 Virunga Mountains, a chain of free-standing volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders.
Indeed, this chain of steep free-standing mountains, spanning altitudes of 2,400m to 4,507m, and linked by fertile saddles formed by solidified lava flows, ranks among the most stirring and memorable of African landscapes. The tallest member of the chain, and the most westerly part of the national park, is Karisimbi (4,507m).
It was on the bamboo-covered slopes of these Volcanoes National Park that the late Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of mountain gorillas and spent 18 years of her life fighting an increasingly savage battle to save them before they disappeared. Sadly, Fossey paid for her love for the African gorillas with her life when she was brutally murdered in December 1985. She is buried in the park.
Her work is best described in the internationally acclaimed movie; “Gorillas in the Mist”. The park also hosts the very rare and endangered golden monkeys, the “little primates” of the Virungas.
The highlight of the day: – The scenic drive from Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/ Virunga Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Muhabura Hotel
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Day 16 & 17: Hike the Karisimbi Volcano in Volcanoes National Park.
We’ll wake early for breakfast at around (6.00 am). We will then head out of our lodge to meet our guide at Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing, after which we’ll embark on a thrilling hike to the Karisimbi Volcano. Karisimbi literally translates to white shell referring to its white-capped summit which results not from snow but from hail and sleet that gather on the mounting top as a result of its frequent storms.
It rises to a level of over 4507 meters. It is the highest point in Rwanda, the 6th highest point in Africa, and the highest of the 8 Virunga massifs. The trek to the summit of Karisimbi takes two days and it is a real adventure, which involves hiking through different vegetation zones.
To climb Mt Karisimbi, we will head out of our accommodation to meet our guide at Kinigi park headquarters. From here, we’ll drive for one hour or so to the start of the trail, at around 2,600m above sea level, where you will join your porters, and begin the trek. Over the course of the day, you will hike through a number of different vegetation zones, starting with the bamboo forest on the lower slopes, where you can visit Dian Fossey’s tomb for an additional fee.
On the higher slopes you will find hagania-hypericum forest, and then higher still the open hillside is dotted with giant lobelia and Senecio. The Virunga Mountains are home to a wide array of wildlife and birds, and keep an eye out for birds as you go.
Your camp for the night will be at 3,700m: a basic mountain camp with small, backpacking-style tents. Here you can enjoy a well-earned rest and a hearty meal before settling into your sleeping bag for the night. The following morning you will be up early, around 5.30 am, in order to make the push for the summit. Although no climbing skills are required, the final ascent is physically demanding as you will be hiking up relatively steep slopes at high altitudes.
After around two hours you should reach the top, from where you can peer down into the steaming crater below. You will be on the edge of the Congolese border, and on a clear day, the views from the top are beautiful. You will be surely overwhelmed by breathtaking panoramas, with Nyiragongo to the west, Bisoke to the east, and Mikeno to the north.
You will then descend to the starting point which takes about 6 hours for relaxation.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/ Virunga Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Muhabura Hotel
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
- 2 days hike to Mount Karisimbi
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Dian Fossey’s tomb hike
- Golden monkey tracking
- Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Visiting Musanze Caves
Day 18: Transfer to Kigali City, Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial & Drive to Kigali International Airport for Departure Flight.
After breakfast at the lodge at around 9.00 am, we’ll embark on the transfer to Kigali city 116km about 2 – 3 hours drive exploring the scenic countryside landscapes of Rwanda marked by rolling hills that have earned her a dub as the land of a thousand hills.
Upon arrival, we’ll take an illuminating tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum, a deeply moving experience. The Memorial stands amid beautiful rose gardens and fountains. It sets out the heartbreaking history preceding the Rwandan genocide of 1994 in which almost 1 million people were slaughtered in just 100 days.
It includes poignant displays of victims’ photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of the atrocities to life. While it might seem an unusual tourist attraction and can be upsetting, it helps to put into context the causes of the genocide and enables a better appreciation of just how far the country has moved on in the intervening years. It also plays a vital role in educating Rwanda’s future generations about their country’s history.
Retreat from the activity and connect to Kigali International Airport for flight departure
The highlight of the day: – The historical tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Lunch
Activities & Services of the day:-
- Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali City
- Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
- Cultural and heritage tour to Nyanza King’s Palace
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Butare
End of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari −SAFARI INCLUSIONS
Full time English professional registered safari driver guide
4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with poop up roof for game viewing with functional A/C
Full board accommodation
Gorilla trekking permit fees
Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle
Bottled water
18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS
International & domestic flight fees
Visa fees
Laundry services
Items of personal nature
Gratuities and tips
Other beverages/drinks
Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above
