overview
Embark on an incredible 8-day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla and wildlife tour. This journey guarantees amazing, once-in-a-lifetime moments as you come face-to-face with the magnificent mountain gorillas. Witness these great apes in their natural habitat, observing their complex behaviors as females feed their young and infants playfully interact.
In addition to the profound gorilla trekking experiences, you’ll also get to participate in diverse activities. For example, track the famous tree-climbing lions and enjoy thrilling game drives to see Africa’s abundant savannah wildlife. This ultimate safari adventure offers an unforgettable, enriching, and actively engaging experience.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Pick up from the airport to Kampala and then transfer to Kibale National Park.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 3: Morning game drive and then evening game drive to trek the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 5: Gorilla trekking and then transfer to Lake Mutanda.
Day 6: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park.
Day 7: Second, gorilla trekking, and then Ibyiwacu cultural center.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and then to the airport.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Kibale
Your adventure begins! A trained guide from Rosamy Africa Safaris will welcome you at Entebbe Airport and drive you to Kampala. First, you’ll take a short drive through the city to view key attractions like museums, the Independence Monument, the Baha’i Temple, and the Kabaka’s Tombs.
Afterward, you’ll immediately begin the approximately 6-hour scenic transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel to enjoy dinner and rest up for your overnight stay, preparing you for the exciting activities ahead.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Get an early start with your morning tea before driving to the park headquarters. First, a trained guide will conduct a thorough briefing, explaining the rules and regulations for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Next, you’ll actively head into the jungle to begin the trek.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll spend over one hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and immediately begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your lodge to settle in for dinner and overnight, preparing for tomorrow’s game drive.
Day 3: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day early with morning tea before embarking on an exciting morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this drive, you’ll actively seek out a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and many more.
Next, you’ll return to the lodge for a replenishing lunch. Later that afternoon, you’ll head to the Ishasha sector for a special evening game drive specifically to track the famous tree-climbing lions. Finally, return to your lodge to refresh, have dinner, and get a good night’s rest.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After your morning breakfast, you’ll set off on the approximately 5-hour scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately check in to your lodge.
Next, you’ll enjoy lunch and have time to relax. Later that evening, you’ll actively go for a Batwa community walk. Here, you’ll get the chance to interact with local people, especially the women, to learn about their daily activities and how they earn a living. Finally, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay, in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
Day 5: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Lake Mutanda boat cruise
After a hearty breakfast, your trained guide will drive you to the park headquarters. First, you’ll join other visitors for a crucial briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Next, you’ll be assigned to a small group of up to eight people and transferred directly to the starting point to begin your trek into the dense jungle.
Once you successfully locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing, taking photos, and simply enjoying their presence. Following the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. Later that afternoon, you’ll set off for a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mutanda, where you’ll actively look for animals like hippos and crocodiles. Finally, return to your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Immediately after breakfast, you’ll begin your transfer from Uganda to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Upon arrival in Musanze, you’ll check in to your pre-booked lodge for your overnight stay.
After enjoying your meals at the lodge, you will go for an exciting evening nature walk to visit the famous Musanze Caves. Inside the caves, you’ll discover local handicrafts and witness cultural demonstrations by locals showcasing traditional ways of living. Finally, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and rest.
Day 7: Rwanda gorilla trekking & Iby’iwacu cultural experience
Start your day with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. First, you’ll attend a briefing where a trained guide will explain the rules and regulations for your gorilla trekking adventure. Next, you’ll be assigned to a small group of eight people and actively set off into the jungle to begin the trek.
Once you successfully find the gorillas, you’ll spend quality time with these magnificent primates and capture stunning photos. Following the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax.
Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy a nature walk to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Center. Here, you’ll fully immerse yourself in Rwandan culture, experiencing traditional dances, tasting local foods, viewing traditional houses, and learning about the Rwandan lifestyle. Finally, return to your lodge for a final dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Departure from Kigali
On your final day, you’ll wake up early and enjoy your last morning tea. Afterward, your guide will transfer you directly to Kigali International Airport (KGL). From there, you will catch your flight back to Kampala (or your onward destination).
This marks the end of your truly unforgettable 8-day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Tour adventure.
