Detailed itinerary of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari

Day 1 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe Airport.

Arrive in Uganda from your country of origin. You will find our courteous guide zealously waiting for you to take you through the wonders of the 17 days Uganda Rwanda Safari. Upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction about the safari and the general overview of the situation in Uganda and Rwanda after which you will be transferred to your hotel.

 Accommodation: Cassia lodge (Midrange/standard), The Lodge (Budget/basic) or Sheraton Hotel (Luxury/upmarket).

Day 2 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Visit the source of the Nile – Jinja

Wake up very early to transfer to Jinja the source of the longest River in the world – River Nile 117km about 2 hours’ drive. Do some water rafting, bungee jumping and encounter the source of the Nile on a cozy boat ride. You will have lunch in Jinja and return to Kampala in the evening.

 Accommodation: Spend a night at your previous hotel.

Day 3 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park & visit Ziwa en route.

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park 348km about 6 hours’ drive from Entebbe. You will branch off at Nakitoma to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary about 175km from Kampala. Continue with the journey to Masindi for lunch and proceed to the park to visit the top of the falls.

 Accommodation: Murchison River lodge (Midrange/standard), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget/basic) or Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury/upmarket).

Day 4 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Do game drive & boat cruise on River Nile

Wake up early enough to catch up with the ferry crossing at 07:00am to the northern side where you will be able to do game drive. You will be able to spot a range of game including; Giraffes, Jackson Hartebeest, Lions, Buffalo, elephant, Uganda Kobs, among other species. Return from this activity at 11:00am and relax at the lodge till lunch time after which you draw closer to Paraa to catch up with the Nile boat cruise at 03:00pm. On this boat ride, you will enjoy sights of Nile crocodiles, Hippos, water birds and other dwellers including the rare shoebill stork. Many animals are also seen drinking on the river side.

 Accommodation: Spend an overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 5 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Drive to Kibale National Park.

After breakfast, embark on the drive to Kibale national park 441km about 9 hours’ drive through the lush country side and magical scenery of the western rift valley plus the Rwenzori Mountains before arriving in Fort Portal and Kibale in the evening.

 Accommodation: Primate Lodge (Luxury/upmarket), Chimps nest (Midrange/standard) or CVK resort (Basic/budget).

Day 6 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Do Chimp trekking & transfer to Kibale National Park.

After breakfast, gather at Kanyanchu tourism center for briefing about the Chimpanzee trekking activity at 08:00 am. Set off to the forest of Kibale full of birds, 13 primate species of which chimpanzee is among and other remarkable fauna. The activity takes over 2 – 5 hours and one hour is available for you to interact with Chimps and take photos. Afternoon, embark on your journey to transfer to Kasese 110km about 3 hours of drive. Arrive in the early evening for relaxation and overnight.

 Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge (Luxury/upmarket), Ruboni Community Camp (Basic/budget) or Mihunga safari Lodge (Midrange/standard).

Day 7 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Hike from Nyakalengija (5400ft /1646 m) to Nyabitaba Hut (8700ft /2652m)

Wake up for an early breakfast after which you will transfer to Ibanda – the park Headquarters and the logistics support center at Ruwenzori Mountaineering Services. Equipment, porters and guides are gathered at this point so as to gain momentum for this 8 day active adventure. Hike up to Nyabitaba hut over 5 – 7 hours.

Day 8 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Nyabitaba- John Matte hut (11200ft/3414 m)

Wake up early enough to embark on the 7 hour hike from Nyabitaba hut to Kurt Shaffer Bridge across Bujuku and Mubuku rivers. It’s quite steep and slippery here. Proceed to John Matte hut to rest your day.

Day 9 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: John Matte – Bujuku Hut (13000 ft 3962 m)

Embark on this 3 -5 hour hike from John Matte across Bujuku River before penetrating Bigo bog where you will then ascend on dry surface to Lake Bujuku. Mt Baker and Mt Speke appearing in the north, you will maintain your trail until you rest your day at Bujuku hut.

 Day 10 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Bujuku Hut – Elena Hut (14,700 ft /4430 m)

Hike from Bujuku hut to Scott Elliot stretching to Elena hut which is the end point of the central circuit. The Margarita peak climb commences from here over 5,109m which requires two extra days.  From Elena hut, descend via sparse vegetation that characterizes the Alpine zone up to Lake Kitandara hut for overnight.

Day 11 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Lake Kitandara hut – Guy Yeoman hut (10700ft/3261m)

Start from Lake Kitandara hut and descend amidst sights of Democratic Republic of Congo and Margarita peak northwards. Arrive at Guy Yeoman hut for overnight.

Day 12 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Descend from Guy Yeoman hut to Nyabitaba Hut

After an early breakfast, embark on the downward movement for over 5 hours up to Nyabitaba hut. You will relax and spend an overnight here.

Day 13 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Descend from Nyabitaba hut to Nyakalengija.

This is the final descend of this active Ruwenzori hiking adventure. You will descend for over 3 hours before arriving at Nyakalengija Park headquarters to mark the end of your adventure. You will be transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight.

 Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge (Luxury/upmarket), Ruboni Community Camp (Basic/budget) or Mihunga safari Lodge (Midrange/standard).

Day 14 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Spend the whole day resting and refreshing:

Since hiking Rwenzori Mountains is not an easy activity, you need a whole day of rest doing passive activities like swimming and allowing the body to rejuvenate.

Accommodation: Spend an overnight at your previous Hotel.

Day 15 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi 311km about 6 hours’ drive. You will pass through the unpaid game sights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the amazing scenic views of Kigezi Highlands.  You will arrive in the afternoon for relaxation on the shores of the waters of Lake Bunyonyi which is the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel (Upmarket/luxury), Lapalme Hotel (Midrange/standard) or Muhabura Hotel (Budget/basic).

Day 16 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Encounter Lake Bunyonyi & transfer to Volcanoes National Park

As it has been dubbed the land of a thousand islands, Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands which can be explored on boat. These islands are surrounded by the magical Kigezi highlands whose terrain and the level of their temperature has justified them as the Switzerland of Africa. The 5 – 6 hour boat ride offers you impressive views of the Lake flora, bird species on the shores, clear waters of Bunyonyi alongside the community encounters exploring into the Bakiga and Batwa traditions. Upon returning from this activity, you will embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National park 120km amidst the great scenic views of Virunga ranges before arriving for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mount Gorilla View Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Hotel La Palme (Midrange/Standard) or Muhabura Hotel (Budget/Basic).

 Day 17 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Do gorilla tracking

Gather at the Park headquarters at Kinigi after breakfast at your hotel. At 08:00am briefing will start to help you gain insight about the day’s activity by the park warden and then you will be divided and allocated gorilla families to track. Set off to the jungle of Volcanoes in search of mountain gorillas which takes over 2 –8 hours. Encounter gorillas for one hour and you are free to take photos provided the flash is off and ask questions to the guide regarding these gorillas. Return from this activity. Relax after which you can visit the Iby’wachu village to explore the Banyarwanda culture or take a nature walk to the twin lakes.

Accommodation: Spend an overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 18 of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari: Drive to Kigali – Rwanda.

Embark on your 116 km journey over 3 hours’ drive to Kigali city after an early breakfast. You will reach in Kigali early enough and embark on Kigali city tour. On this tour, you will see the Kigali Genocide memorial site, the Nyamata church, the Presidential Palace Museum and the general Kigali landscape before preparing for your departure.

End of the 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla tracking safari

Getting There

Transport Means to Your Safari Destinations

Accommodations/ Safari Lodges/ Safari Hotels to Your Safari Destinations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: This accommodation facility extends value for money and the magnificent sights of the Volcanoes national park. It is positioned on the lower gradients of Sabyinyo Mountain. Gorilla view lodge contains 30 private stone cottages with modern furnishing and décor. With a fire place and en suite facilities, the lodge is worth of stay while at Gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda.

La Palme Hotel: With 48 fully furnished rooms with 4 big elegantly designed suites, La Palme Hotel counts among the cozy and ultimate safari accommodations within the environs of Volcanoes national park. Rooms have Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, 24 hour room service, telephone and double beds.

Nyungwe Forest Lodge: The lodge is found on the edge of Nyungwe forest and it has 24 luxury rooms the 2 being suites providing tourists with comfortable sleeps while on their safaris in Rwanda. The lodge has a swimming pool, lounge, bar, fire place, en suite facilities, restaurant, laundry services, internet access, Air conditioner and so many other services provided to Rwanda safari tourists.

Muhabura Guest House: Muhabura hotel is a budget accommodation found opposite musanze headquarters near the bank of Kigali. This exposes you to a comfortable life while you stay away your home. There are 30 rooms with single, double and Twin. The rooms are self-contained, with warm and cold showers, satellite TV, laundry services, balcony, garden and so many others.

La Palme Hotel: This is among the best deluxe hotel in Rwanda where tourists always feel comfortable to stay while o their Rwanda safaris. This hotel has 48 well designed rooms with 4 large suites. The rooms have screens, good services, internet access, Double bed, telephone and are self-contained.

General Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

General Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)

Price per Person for Different Numbers of People

Number of people against price per person

2 – $na pp

3 – $na pp

4 – $na pp

5 – $na pp

6 – $na pp

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Mobile Number: (+256)-773-912-891 – Office Number: (+256)-414-532-162

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Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris, Rwanda Gorilla Tour