18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari −DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Arrive In Uganda Via Entebbe International Airport & Transfer to the 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 into the hotel, this closes the first day of your ultimate 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 of the day:-

• 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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, check out and set off for 440km (7-8 hours) drive to Kasese town on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. We’ll travel through the central region of the 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 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 notorious for being one of  wettest places in Africa. This mountain range with its permanently-snow-capped peaks including the third-highest in Africa at 5109 metres gifts hikers with sublime high altitude trails complete with stunning views  of pristine tropical rainforests, spectacular glacial landscapes, and fascinating equatorial alpine vegetation with 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 forest to the lower Bigo bog. This are used to be hardest part of 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 board walk up to Lake Bujuku. L. Bujuku has magnificent setting between Mounts Stanley, Baker and Speke. The lake also acts as the acts as the beginning of 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 5hours

Altitude gain: – 457m

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Activities and services:-

• Climbing from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut

 

Day 6 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 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 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 at 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Ascend Margarita Peak (5,109m) From Elena Hut & Descend To Kitandara Hut (4,023m).

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 headsock, 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 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, 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 re-unite with your driver guide again to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 72km about 2 hours’ drive for relaxation and overnigh

 

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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 the 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 overnight.

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 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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, harbouring 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 colourful butterflies.

Highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 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 take 2- 6 hours and can sometimes be wet, muddy, uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres 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 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.

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 Bwindi Buhoma sector of Bwindi
• Cultural visit to Batwa/Bakiga communities around Bwindi.

 

Day 14 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxing at the Lake Of A Thousand Islands.

This is dedicated for relaxation enjoying the natural environment of Kahungye Island surrounded by Lake Bunyonyi Uganda and the overlooking Kigezi Highlands.

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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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.

Highlight of the day: – The scenic drive from Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands and the Virunga Volcanoes 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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Hike the Karisimbi Volcano in Volcanoes National Park.

We’ll wake early for breakfast at around (6.00 am). We will then head out 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 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 5.30am, 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 altitude.

After around two hours you should reach the top, from where you can peer down in to 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.

Highlight of the day: –

 

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 of the 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: 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 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

Highlight of the day: – The historical tour to 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

• 21 Days Safari to Uganda, Primates Trekking, Rwenzori Mountains Hiking Tour