09 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda Welcome to Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, relax and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills while preparing for the incredible experiences ahead. Accommodation: Eagle View Lodge Meals: Dinner ________________________________________ Day 2 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park After breakfast, explore Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive cities. Visit some of its most significant attractions, including: • Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Conservation Campus • Local craft markets • Cultural centers • Kigali viewpoints • Optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Following lunch, drive north through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside toward Volcanoes National Park, where the majestic Virunga Volcanoes dominate the skyline. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today begins with one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters. After a briefing from park rangers, trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they feed, groom, and interact naturally within their family groups. Following lunch, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Accommodation: Kaara Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 4 – Batwa Cultural Experience Immerse yourself in the fascinating traditions of the indigenous Batwa people, the original forest inhabitants of Bwindi. Join local guides as they share their ancient knowledge through: • Traditional storytelling • Forest survival demonstrations • Medicinal plant identification • Music and dance performances • Hands-on traditional cooking experiences This cultural encounter offers meaningful insight into one of Africa’s oldest surviving communities while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge amidst the tranquil rainforest. Accommodation: Kaara Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 5 – Second Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Return to the rainforest for your second gorilla trekking adventure. Experiencing a different gorilla family provides a unique perspective on their behaviors, social dynamics, and habitat while allowing additional opportunities for photography and observation. Each trek is distinct, making the second encounter just as rewarding as the first. After your extraordinary experience, return to the lodge to celebrate another unforgettable day in the forest. Accommodation: Kaara Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 6 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari Depart Bwindi and journey north through scenic highlands to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, embark on a relaxing afternoon boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s richest wildlife corridors. Watch enormous pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants drinking at the shoreline, buffaloes grazing nearby, and an abundance of birdlife including pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles. The boat cruise provides exceptional wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 7 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest After breakfast, set off on another exciting primate adventure as you search for wild chimpanzees. Guided by experienced trackers, explore either the dramatic Kyambura Gorge or the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve while learning about chimpanzee behavior, forest ecology, and conservation efforts. Other primates frequently encountered include: • Black-and-white colobus monkeys • Red-tailed monkeys • Vervet monkeys • Olive baboons Return to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon. Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 8 – Full-Day Game Drive & Lion Tracking Experience Spend the day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early morning game drives offer excellent opportunities to spot: • African lions • Elephants • Buffaloes • Uganda kobs • Waterbucks • Hyenas • Warthogs • Leopards (with luck) A special highlight is the lion tracking experience, where researchers and park experts use radio telemetry to monitor lion movements while sharing valuable insights into predator conservation and behavior. Throughout the day, enjoy spectacular views of crater lakes, open savannahs, and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ________________________________________ Day 9 – Scenic Return to Kigali & Departure After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kigali via the Katuna border. Travel through rolling hills, vibrant villages, tea plantations, and picturesque countryside before arriving in Rwanda’s capital. Enjoy lunch en route before transferring to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable East African safari. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch ________________________________________