18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari
Overview of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari
This 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla safari Primates & Adventure Safari is an exciting inter-country safari starting in Entebbe Uganda and ending in Kigali Rwanda. The Safari covers two legendary hikes; the 1509m high Rwenzori Mountains and 4507m high Karisimbi Volcano taking the 3rd and 6th tallest Mountains in Africa respectively. Besides the adventure Mountaineering, the trip offers incredible moments with the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, extensive wild game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National park and historical tour to the Kigali genocide memorial at Gisozi National Park.
Safari Highlight of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari
Day 1 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport at 02:45hrs & transfer to the Hotel
Day 2 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer from Kampala / Entebbe to Mount Rwenzori Area. Enjoy sightseeing experience en route
Day 3 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut
Day 4 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut
Day 5 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
Day 6 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut
Day 7 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Elena Hut to Margarita peak and descend to Kitandara Hut
Day 8 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman
Day 9 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba
Day 10 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija & transfer to Queen Elizabeth Np for relaxation
Day 11 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Do Morning game drive in Kasenyi sector, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track
Day 12 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Np. Do game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions
Day 13 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Np & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
Day 14 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Free day at Lake Bunyonyi – relaxing at the lake of a thousand Islands
Day 15 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Sightseeing of Kigezi Highlands and Virunga Volcanoes en route
Day 16 & 17 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike the Karisimbi Volcano
Day 18 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Kigali, visit Gisozi genocide memorial & depart at 00:45hrs
Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari
Day 1 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the Hotel
Arrive in Uganda following the flight from your respective country of origin. You land at Entebbe International Airport which is the main gateway to Uganda where you will find the company representative dedicated to offer you a courteous welcome. You will connect to the respective hotel for relaxation and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Midrange: Boma Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Airport Guesthouse Entebbe
Day 2 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer from Kampala / Entebbe to Mount Rwenzori Area. Enjoy sightseeing experience en route
After breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, embark on the transfer to Rwenzori Mountains 440km about 7 – 8 hours’ drive. You pass through impressive rural landscapes of Uganda with a lush green cover, scattered human settlement except for the en-route towns and impressive natural features such as the Inselbergs of Mubende, the scenic views of Fort Portal area before being welcomed by the towering Rwenzori Mountains. You retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget: Sandton Hotel Kasese
Day 3 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba Hut
Mt. Muhavura
You set off from the Rwenzori Park Headquarters at Nyakalengija standing at 1,646m following a 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 commences with an encounter of the Bakonzo farmlands – the famous mountain people traversing their garden plots and the elephant grass. The hike follows the River Mobuku before crossing River Mahoma passing through open bracken fern slopes and Podorcarpus Forest until you reach Nyabitaba Hut standing at 2.652 m – the arrival point of the day. At this point, you view the north of Portal peaks and sights of monkeys, the Rwenzori Turaco and sounds of Chimpanzees may not be missed.
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut (Full Board)
Day 4 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyabitaba Hut to John Matte Hut
Departing Nyabitaba hut, you cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge passing through a muddy area following a trail that passes through a bamboo forest. Upon arriving at a steep rocky area that leads to Nyamuleju Hut, you start the impressive sights of the groundsel and giant lobelia vegetation. The trail continues through a bog filled with plants walking along the Bujuku River. The eventual destination is John Matte hut standing at 3.414 m where you will spend a night.
Accommodation: John Matte Hut (Full Board)
Day 5 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut
Hike from John Matte Hut where you cross the River Bujuku before entering the lower Bigo bog which is grassy thus offering you an experience of jumping from a tussock to tussock. You approach the Bigo hut and penetrate the upper Bigo bog before continuing to Lake Bujuku which acts as the beginning of alpine savannah zone of little vegetation. Eventually, you arrive at Bujuku Hut standing at 3.962 m and this point offers the views of the peaks of Stanley, Baker and Speke.
Accommodation: Bujuku Hut (Full Board)
Day 6: Hike from Bujuku Hut to Elena Hut
Depart Bujuku and traverse the muddy area before climbing through a forest of giant groundsels up to when you reach the Groundsel gully. You follow trail that heads to Elena hut standing at 4430 m. You have arrived at your post for the overnight.
Accommodation: Elena Hut (Full Board)
Day 7 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Elena Hut to Margarita peak and descend to Kitandara Hut
From Elena hut, you make the last climb to the summit – the Margarita peak 5,109m which is the highest point in the whole of Uganda and the third in Africa. This last section requires mountaineering equipment including the ice axe, crampons and rope. The peak was first summited by the Prince Luigi Amadeo the Duke of Abruzzi at 9:30 am on June 18th 1906. You retreat from the peak. You descend from the peak to Lake Kitandara hut for overnight
Accommodation: Lake Kitandara Hut (Full Board)
Day 8 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman
Depart Lake Kitandara 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, 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.
Accommodation: Guy Yeoman Hut (Full Board)
Day 9 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba
This marks your descent back to Nyabitaba Hut. You pass through the Mubuku and Kichuchu River Valleys that is diverse in the flora of the heather zone before you approach the Bamboo. Encounter the Kabamba falls on the way down and settle at Nyabitaba for overnight
Accommodation: Nyabitaba Hut (Full Board)
Day 10 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike from Nyabitaba Hut to Nyakalengija & transfer to Queen Elizabeth Np for relaxation
Embark on your last descend from the Rwenzori Mountains and re-unite with your driver guide again to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 72km about 2 hours drive for relaxation and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury: Mazike Valley Lodge
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 11 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Do Morning game drive in Kasenyi sector, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track
After an early breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda for a 3 – 4 hour morning game drive exploring the park’s rolling savannah landscapes dotted with counts of wild game including the big four of the big five like lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephants, antelope species like waterbucks, Kobs, bushbucks among others, jackals among other wild game. The stretch to Kasenyi and the Mweya peninsular offers you the best of these. You settle for lunch at Mweya lodge after which you gather at the Mweya jetty to embark on a thrilling boat cruise on the 45km long Kazinga Channel. The cruise takes 2 hours with possibilities of encountering the aquatic species such as Nile Crocodiles and Hippos not forgetting other wild game that tends to congregate on the channel shores to consume water. Retreat from the activity and do a game drive along the channel track as you head to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury: Mazike Valley Lodge
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 12 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Np. Do game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda driving through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda named Ishasha well known for its tree-climbing lions. The Ishasha sector presents a remarkable encounter with the unique tree-climbing lions which are only existing in two spots in the whole world with the Ishasha sector having the best viewing opportunities. You continue on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury: Haven Lodge Buhoma
Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 13 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Np & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
After breakfast, gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing at 8 am and eventual start of the gorilla trekking encounter. You follow the trails of your respective gorilla family traversing the forest with is hilly forested landscapes and deep saddles. The hills are forested with mature trees and dense undergrowth that have earned it the name Impenetrable. The gorilla trekking encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one (1) hour direct encounter with them. Seeing the critically endangered apes as they forage, socialize, the young gorillas rolling themselves on tree branches and the Silverback demonstrating his authority is a moment of wonder that derives remarkable excitement. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands with magical sceneries. 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 counts of 29 Islands. The cruise presents an evening soothing recreational encounter that is worth exploring and refreshment after gorilla trek adventure. Retire for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Luxury: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi resort
Midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Rock-resort
Day 14 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Free day at Lake Bunyonyi – relaxing at the lake of a thousand Islands
This is dedicated for relaxation enjoying the natural environment of Kyahungye Island surrounded by Lake Bunyonyi Uganda and the overlooking Kigezi Highlands.
Accommodation
Luxury: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi resort
Midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort
Day 15 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Sightseeing of Kigezi Highlands and Virunga Volcanoes en route
After a relaxed breakfast, 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
Accommodation
Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 16 & 17 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Hike the Karisimbi Volcano
Wake early for a two-day thrilling adventure hike to the Karisimbi Volcano which is the highest of all the eight Volcanic Mountains that form the greater Virunga massif. The Karisimbi Volcano is a dormant huge dome whose name 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. The adventure hike to the Karisimbi Mountain standing at 4,507m making the sixth highest mountain in East Africa lasts two (2) days and requires appropriate equipment and clothing. You drive to the trailhead at 16km from the park office after which you head to the mountain for the lifetime adventure. The climbing encounter commences at around 2,600m above sea level. You have an opportunity to explore the graveyard of the gorillas and the tomb of Dian Fossey at 2,067m above sea level but this would require an extra cost besides the climbing fee. The hike through varied vegetation landscapes and the views of other volcanoes is impressive to encounter. You first camp at 3,700m before proceeding the next day to summit the peak and descend to the starting point which takes about 6 hours.
Accommodation
Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 18 of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari: Transfer to Kigali, visit Gisozi genocide memorial & depart
Following your breakfast at the lodge, 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, you tour the Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese that lost their lives during the bloody genocide that befell the country in the year 1994. The Gisozi site is a collection of the remains of some of the victims. There is a detailed themed interpretation of the entire genocide occurrence. Retreat from the activity and connect to Kigali International Airport for flight departure
End of the 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas safari Primates & Adventure Safari
