Overview
Step into an unforgettable 9-day journey from the misty mountains of Rwanda to the vast savannahs of Uganda, combining once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters with rich cultural immersion and comfort. The adventure begins in Kigali and travels to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for mountain gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, and Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, the trip includes carefully selected hotels and lodges, private boat cruises, scenic drives, guided cultural experiences, and community-led conservation visits. It is presented as an exclusive, comfortable East African safari experience.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kigali, cross into Uganda, and enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the guide welcomes the traveler and begins a scenic transfer toward the Katuna border crossing into Uganda. The route passes countryside views, traditional homesteads, and tea plantations before reaching Lake Bunyonyi. In the late afternoon, enjoy a private boat cruise, visit Punishment Island, hear local legends, and experience the lake’s serenity.
Experience cultural activities by Lake Bunyonyi before heading to Bwindi.
After breakfast by the lake, take part in traditional dances, learn about indigenous herbal medicine from a local herbalist, and interact with local women’s groups and artisans. After lunch, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and check into a lodge overlooking the forest canopy.
Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi and receive a trekking certificate afterward.
After an early breakfast, go to the park headquarters for a briefing and begin the gorilla trekking experience through dense jungle terrain with expert guides and trackers. After encountering a gorilla family, receive a trekking certificate and have lunch back at the lodge. In the afternoon, there is an optional Batwa cultural trail.
Travel through Ishasha, known for tree-climbing lions, en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Drive north through the Ishasha sector, famous for rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Enjoy a leisurely game drive en route to the lodge in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and arrive in time for sunset views over the Rwenzori Mountains.
Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains and afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Head out at dawn for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, a hotspot for lions, elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob. After breakfast and relaxation, take an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes Edward and George, with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife.
Travel to Kibale and stop at the Fort Portal Crater Lakes and local farms or shops.
Depart for Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. En route, visit the Fort Portal Crater Lakes, a landscape of volcanic cones and crater rims, and stop at local farms or artisan shops to experience Ugandan rural life before arriving at the forest retreat.
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
After an early breakfast, go chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and observe primates in their natural environment. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project known for monkeys, butterflies, and over 200 bird species, with storytelling and coffee with local villagers.
Travel to Lake Mburo National Park for a walking safari or optional night game drive.
Depart Kibale and head southeast to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in time for a walking safari or optional night game drive to spot leopards and nocturnal species. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda where visitors can walk alongside zebras, elands, and impalas.
Enjoy a morning game drive or horseback safari before returning to Kigali.
Start with a morning game drive or horseback safari in Lake Mburo, then return to Kigali via the Katuna border. In Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore local art galleries or craft markets, and optionally enjoy a farewell dinner before transfer to the airport or hotel.
Useful Information
- Visas
- Meals are full board with drinking water. Best time to travel is June to August and December to February. Gorilla trekking requires moderate physical fitness. Permits are limited and must be booked in advance. The trip can be customized and sample itineraries are adjustable to preferences.
