Our 18-day uniquely hand-crafted journey takes you through some of Rwanda and Uganda’s top spots to see these gentle giants, including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park. You also get to track down other primates, like chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and the rare golden monkey in Mgahinga. And the unforgettable experiences don’t stop there. Set out on boat cruises and thrilling game drives the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy many cultural activities, such as hiking to Diane Fossey’s grave, visiting Milles Collines Hotel, made famous by the film, Hotel Rwanda and interacting with members of local community-based initiatives.
The adventure rhythm on top of this incredible journey is the accommodation properties you’ll be staying in throughout your safari. Expect world-class service, friendly staff, fine dining, state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, modern rooms and every creature comfort you would need on an East African safari getaway.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Entebbe town for an overnight stay. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a brief city tour or a peaceful walk along Lake Victoria’s shores. Dinner and overnight at Entebbe Airport Hotel.
Day 2: Rhino tracking & Visit to the Top of the falls
After breakfast, drive north to the famous Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the rhinos that are protected in the sanctuary. Later, after lunch, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest protected wildlife area in Uganda, covering 3,840 sq. km. Climb to the top of the falls to admire its natural beauty. This is where one of the wonders of the Nile lies. You will see the Nile snaking through a narrow gorge that is 7 meters long and over a kilometer wide and falling below with a thunderous roar, forming a spray of water flanked by a breathtaking rainbow. Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Game Drives & Nile Delta Cruise
On this day, you will have a tasty breakfast and go for a game drive. The guide will take you to the best places to see animals. You will definitely enjoy the wild nature of Uganda by taking the best pictures that will be unforgettable during this safari. You will have the pleasure of seeing lions, lionesses and their cubs as well as other wild animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes grazing in the savannah. Return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and a restful afternoon. In the evening, return to the jungle for a game drive to increase the number of wild animal sightings.
Day 4: Transfer game drive to Kibale National Park
Early breakfast at the lodge and drive to Kibale Forest. The magnificent scenery of this countryside will make the journey more exciting and enjoyable. Lunch en route at Fort Portal town and continue your drive admiring the Rwenzori Range. Check in at your lodge. You can take a guided walk in the Bigodi wetland which is home to many species of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Visit to the Bigodi wetlands
Early morning after breakfast at Kibale Forest Camp drive to the park offices at Kanyanchu for preparation and briefing for the chimpanzee trekking. Return to the Lodge for lunch and afternoon rest.
Day 6: Visit Ndali Crater Lakes, Queen Elizabeth Park
In Uganda, Kibale region is one of the most charming places, known for its various primates and numerous crater lakes. In the morning, you will check out of the lodge and have breakfast before heading out to visit the numerous crater lakes scattered around the area. Lunch at Ndali Lodge, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will arrive in the evening. Delicious dinner and overnight rest at the lodge.
Day 7: Safari, excursion in the Kazinga channel
Enjoy your breakfast and go for a game drive through Kasenyi track and other tracks where you will have the chance to spot different species of wildlife like lions, elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes and if you are lucky leopards as well as amazing and beautiful bird species. Queen Elizabeth Park features a diversity of Ugandan ecosystems such as savannah, wetlands, lakes, forests and over 600 species of birds that live in the park.
The scenery is therefore spectacular with crater lakes like Nyamunuka and various shrubs and forests. Later return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon you will take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of the most memorable experiences in the park. This is one of the most memorable experiences in the park. You will have the pleasure of observing different water birds and their sweet sounds, as well as animals such as hippos, African crocodiles, waterbucks, buffaloes and many more. After experiencing the real wilderness, return to the lodge for a night’s rest and dinner.
Day 8: Chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorges and transfer to Lake Mburo Park
Early breakfast at the lodge and drive to the Kyambura Gorge to track the chimpanzees. Man’s closest “cousins” (chimpanzees) live and roam in the thick forest on the banks of the gorge. Chimpanzee tracking involves climbing up and down the banks of the gorge. In addition to chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge is a favourite haunt of flamingos, lesser flamingos and great egrets. Return to the staging area where you will meet your driver and depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Check in at the lodge and prepare for a night game drive in the park, in search of the elusive leopards and other nocturnal species.
Day 9: Walk and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A morning walk in the park is planned after breakfast at the lodge. Apart from the landscapes and floral scents, you will be able to spot many animals like zebras, impalas, warthogs and antelopes grazing in the savannah. You will then depart for the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a lunch stop in Kabale town. Check in at the lodge on arrival.
Day 10: Mountain Gorilla tracking, community walk in Bwindi
After a cup of tea, you proceed to the park headquarters with your guide, for a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of being in the park with the gorillas. Then, departure for a gorilla trek through the rainforest. The trek can last 2 hours or up to 6 hours, which entirely depends on the location or even the movements of these gentle giants. Trekkers are only allowed one hour of walking with the gorillas. Make sure to bring a packed lunch, enough water, sturdy shoes, cameras without flash, raincoats, walking poles for those who are not fit. Then return to your lodge and relax. In the evening, you will take a community walk where you will visit the Batwa, an indigenous group who have lived in the forest for many years, and watch their traditional dances. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga & relaxing on Lake Mutanda
After breakfast depart for an opportunity to venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search of the magnificent mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking is a captivating and life-changing experience. Spending time with these gentle giants and watching them interact within their natural habitat is an unforgettable encounter. Golden Monkeys are a little harder to track down, but there’s no better feeling of accomplishment than when you finally spot these sprightly endangered creatures as they leap from tree to tree.
Later transfer for lake mutanda for a relaxing rest of the day and a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda. The Mutanda region is a place you can visit and never forget and even if you stay longer, you will probably never draw from the views. The lake overlooks the Virunga mountain ranges and their spectacular appearance is undeniable. Upon arrival, you will check in at the lodge.
Day 12: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
Breakfast and departure from Mutanda Lake for transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Arrival at the Lodge, lunch and departure for the visit of Iby’iwacu cultural village. This place is an exhibition and representation of the cultural heritage of Rwanda.
Meal plan: Full board.
Day 13: Hike to the Diane Fossey Grave, Lake Kivu
Wake up very early for breakfast and depart for Volcanoes National Park headquarters to check in and be briefed on the Dian Fossey Grave hike activity. Climb to the starting point of the trek with your guides.
History buffs, animal lovers and conservationists alike will love hiking through the park to visit the Diane Fossey Grave, as well as her former Karisoke Research Center. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of the incredible life of Diane Fossey and her unwavering passion for gorillas, but you’ll also be rewarded with wonderful views of Volcanoes National Park. On your return, you’ll stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund before heading to th destination.
After finding the hike, return to the starting point where you will meet your driver to continue to the Lake Kivu region to rest in the afternoon and evening.
Day 14: Nyungwe National Park, Canopy Walk
Departure from the lodge after breakfast and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, check in at Emeraude Kivu Lodge for some refreshments and an early lunch. After lunch, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before your canopy walk. Return to the lodge in the evening.
Day 15: From Nyungwe to Akagera National Park
The drive is quite long and we will have a lunch break in Kigali city from where we will depart in the afternoon to reach our destination of the day – Akagera National Park. We will check in at Akagera Game Lodge to freshen up after a long drive and have dinner later.
Day 16: Game drive safari, boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Early breakfast at Akagera Game Lodge before heading out into the jungle to spot animals and admire the breathtaking scenery of the park. After a three-hour game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and then take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon for more game viewing. Return to the lodge for game viewing.
Day 17: Return to Kigali
After breakfast, you will have a leisurely drive to Kigali. Departure from Akagera National Park for a game drive. Visit the local markets of Kigali city for souvenir shopping, check into a restaurant in the city for a delicious lunch and continue to Heavens Boutique Hotel Kigali. Check in, freshen up and rest before dinner and overnight rest.
Day 18: Kigali City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the city of Kigali and the genocide memorial. Lunch in the city and transfer to the airport for check-in for the return flight. End of the safari.
End of 18 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari