A 5-day safari through Rwanda and Uganda offers a thrilling and diverse experience that combines the best of both countries’ natural wonders and wildlife. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, to the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to track endangered mountain gorillas, witness breathtaking landscapes, and encounter a variety of other wildlife species.
Brief Itinerary:
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Your 5-day Rwanda-Uganda safari begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport. You’ll be met by your guide who will assist with the airport formalities and provide you with a warm welcome to Rwanda. After settling in, you’ll embark on a Kigali city tour, exploring some of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s tragic past. This visit is not only educational but also a tribute to the strength and resilience of the Rwandan people.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
After breakfast in Kigali, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The journey offers stunning views of the rolling hills of Rwanda and Uganda, passing through charming local villages. You’ll notice the changing landscapes as you enter Uganda, with its lush greenery and beautiful countryside.
Upon reaching Bwindi, you’ll check into your accommodation, which is nestled in the heart of the rainforest, giving you a sense of immersion in nature. After settling in, you can choose to relax and enjoy the serene environment or take a nature walk around the lodge. The fresh air and sounds of the jungle will be a soothing welcome.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, you’ll embark on one of the most anticipated highlights of your trip: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early morning breakfast, you’ll gather at the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Experienced guides will provide essential information about the gorillas and the forest.
The trek can be quite challenging, as Bwindi’s terrain is rugged and dense, but the rewards are unparalleled. Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The close encounter with gorillas is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that you will cherish forever.
After the trek, you can return to the lodge and relax, relishing the memories of your gorilla encounter. You may also choose to explore the local community and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Leaving Bwindi behind, you’ll set off on another picturesque drive, this time to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This journey will take you through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda, passing by rolling savannahs and scattered acacia trees. Upon arrival at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have some time to unwind and enjoy the stunning vistas that surround you.
In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat ride offers a fantastic opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. It’s also an excellent way to take in the park’s stunning scenery, with the Rwenzori Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Departure
Your final day of the safari starts with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions that can often be spotted in the Ishasha sector. Your experienced guide will help you spot various animals, such as elephants, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and a wide array of antelope species.
After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before packing up and preparing for your departure. Your guide will drive you back to Kigali, where you can catch your return flight or continue your travels, concluding your memorable Rwanda-Uganda safari.
This 5-day safari provides a remarkable blend of culture, nature, and wildlife, ensuring that you return home with unforgettable memories of your encounters with gorillas, the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the diversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s a journey that offers a profound connection with nature and an appreciation for the remarkable biodiversity of Rwanda and Uganda.
At Volcano Gorilla Tours, a proud division of Pillars of Africa Safaris, we are dedicated to providing exceptional safari experiences that immerse you in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Our passion is to create unforgettable journeys that bring you closer to nature, wildlife, and the captivating landscapes of the wild.
