Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Arrival and Pick up by a guide from Africa Adventure Safaris from the airport in Entebbe. Depending on arrival time, you will have a brief Kampala city tour. You will tour the Uganda museum, the Nakasero market and in the afternoon have a cultural presentation and later have dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to western Uganda along the western rim of the great Rift Valley. En route to the Park stopover at the Equator for water experiment and photographs; also stop over at Mpigi (Mpambire drum village) where you can be able to watch the ceremonial drums made out of local materials. Proceed and have lunch in Mbarara town and then proceed and reach Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening. The Park is also located on the foot hills of Mountain Rwenzori also known as the Mountains of the Moon.
Day 3: Game drive and launch cruise
Early morning after breakfast, you will set out for the game drive along the Kasenyi track for game viewing including the Buffalo, Elephant, Warthog and Lion. After this, return to the lodge for lunch and later depart for the 2 hours launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Here you will encounter a close look at the Hippos, crocodiles and other bird species. Dinner and overnight stay at Simba Safari camp for budget/Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or Hippo hill camp for mid range/ Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Safari lodge for Luxury.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector an area commonly known for the rare tree climbing lions. After the game drive in Ishasha, have lunch and later proceed with your journey to Bwindi reaching in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Resort Camp or Gorilla Forest Camp for Luxury/ Lake Kitandara tented camp or Silverback Lodge for mid range/Buhoma community Bandas or Wagtail Safari Camp for Budget.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early morning breakfast, gather at Buhoma the Park headquarters for a briefing from the Ranger Guide of Uganda Wildlife Authority. You will be briefed about the Gorilla tracking protocol and once this is done, you will set out with your packed lunch and penetrate the Jungle forest to search for the rare Mountain Gorillas. The time taken to track gorillas is unpredictable and it can take 2- 10 hours. Dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Resort Camp or Gorilla Forest Camp for Luxury/ Lake Kitandara tented camp or Silverback Lodge for mid range/Buhoma community Bandas or Wagtail Safari Camp for Budget.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi via Kabale the place commonly known as the Switzerland of Africa. Enjoy the boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi to the most Islands on the Lake. Each Island is characterized by different bird species. Dinner and overnight at Bushara Island Camp/Arcadia cottages.
Day 7: Transfer to Rwanda
After breakfast, drive across the Uganda -Rwanda- Katuna Border and connect to Ruhengeri. You will have your lunch en route and arrive at your Lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay. Dinner and overnight stay Virunga Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Kinigi guest house/Hotel Muhabura.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, you will set out of your lodge with your packed lunch to the ORTPN Offices for briefing and gorilla tracking escorts and Rangers. You will then start your trek of the Gorillas. Once you come across the bamboo forest logs and also your first perception of the sound the breaking of bamboo indicating that the gorillas are nearer. Prepare yourself for the enjoyful encounter with the Gorillas and wonderful experience. Stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then and trek back to your lodge or lunch and in the afternoon, visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Dinner and overnight stay Virunga Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Kinigi guest house/Hotel Muhabura.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and transfer to Kigali
After a morning breakfast, you will again assemble at the ORTPN Offices for another briefing from the rangers as you prepare you for Golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys are very rare and so in Rwanda are only found here. Return back to the Lodge for lunch and in the afternoon you will transfer to Kigali for your evening departure flight back home.
