Overview
This 7 Days Great Apes in Rwanda and Uganda takes you through the stunning landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda to see some of the world’s most fascinating great apes. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, you’ll explore the city before heading to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. You’ll then cross into Uganda to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for more gorilla tracking, and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The trip ends with a relaxing visit to Lake Bunyonyi and a drive to Entebbe for departure. This itinerary offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and scenic beauty, perfect for any nature enthusiast.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Begin your adventure with breakfast at your hotel in Kigali. A company representative will meet you and introduce you to your guide/driver. Enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial Center, and take in the sights of Kigali, known as Africa’s cleanest and safest city. After lunch at your hotel, you’ll set off for Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 3-4 hours through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Arrive at 5 Volcanoes Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Meet other trekkers and enjoy a coffee while waiting to be assigned to a gorilla family. After a briefing, enter the forest with an armed ranger to track gorillas. Spend up to an hour observing these majestic creatures, capturing photos and watching their daily activities. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Ellen Fossey Museum to learn more about gorillas and the renowned primatologist. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3
Golden Monkey Trekking, Visit the Twin Lakes, and Transfer to Ruhija Sector
After an early breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. With a ranger, search for these unique monkeys and spend an hour with them, taking photos and asking questions. Head back to the lodge for lunch, then check out and drive to the Twin Lakes, Burera and Ruhondo. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel to the Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a 3-4 hour drive, check in at Kiho Lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 4
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rise early and have breakfast before heading to the briefing point. Watch a local dance performance before starting your gorilla trek. As in Volcanoes, you will spend one hour with the gorillas under the guidance of an armed ranger. After the trek, visit the Information Centre to receive your gorilla trekking certificate. In the afternoon, drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing boat cruise. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Eco-Resort.
Day 5
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast and take in the views of the “Switzerland of Africa” as you drive to Kibale National Park. After a long drive through scenic landscapes, check in at Chimpundu Lodge, have lunch, and relax. Spend the evening enjoying the lodge’s amenities before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6
Chimpanzee Trekking
Enjoy an early breakfast and take in the views of the “Switzerland of Africa” as you drive to Kibale National Park. After a long drive through scenic landscapes, check in at Chimpundu Lodge, have lunch, and relax. Spend the evening enjoying the lodge’s amenities before dinner and overnight stay. Start the day with an early breakfast, then head to the briefing point for chimpanzee trekking guidelines. Explore the forest with your ranger, learning about the flora and fauna. Spend up to an hour with the chimps before returning to the lodge for lunch. Optionally, visit the Bigodi Swamp in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 7
Transfer to Entebbe Airport
After breakfast, drive to Kampala, enjoying the savannah scenery along the way. Have lunch in Kampala before continuing to Entebbe for your departure flight.
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