Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi
Morning: Kigali City Tour
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Begin your day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the history of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
- Kimironko Market: Explore this vibrant market to experience local life and shop for crafts and souvenirs.
- Inema Arts Center: Visit the Inema Arts Center to see contemporary African art and meet local artists.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a traditional Rwandan lunch at a local restaurant in Kigali.
Afternoon: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Drive to Bwindi: Embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Evening: Arrival and Check-in at Lodge
- Check-in: Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi and settle in.
- Dinner: Have a hearty dinner at the lodge and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight Stay:
- Rest well at the lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Briefing: After breakfast, attend a briefing by park rangers about the gorilla trekking guidelines.
- Trek: Embark on your guided trek to find a gorilla family. Spend an hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Lunch:
- Return to the lodge for lunch, sharing your trekking experiences.
Afternoon: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying the changing scenery.
Evening: Check-in at Lodge
- Check-in: Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and relax.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the lodge, reflecting on your gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight Stay:
- Stay overnight at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 3: Game Drive and Launch Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning: Game Drive
- Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive, spotting wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffalo, and various bird species.
Lunch:
- Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.
Afternoon: Launch Cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Launch Cruise: In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, seeing hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species along the banks.
Evening: Relax at Lodge
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the lodge.
- Leisure: Spend the evening relaxing and recounting the day’s wildlife encounters.
Overnight Stay:
- Overnight at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Morning: Breakfast and Departure
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at the lodge.
- Drive to Lake Mburo: Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, a journey through picturesque landscapes.
Lunch:
- Stop for lunch en route at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrival and Check-in at Lodge
- Check-in: Arrive at your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park.
- Afternoon Activity: Depending on arrival time, enjoy an optional activity such as a short nature walk or a relaxing boat ride on Lake Mburo.
Evening: Dinner at Lodge
- Dinner: Dine at the lodge, enjoying the serene environment.
Overnight Stay:
- Overnight at the lodge in Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 5: Walking Safari or Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Morning: Walking Safari or Game Drive
- Activity: Choose between a guided walking safari or a morning game drive to explore the park and see wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and elands.
Lunch:
- Return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon: Relaxation or Optional Activities
- Relaxation: Spend the afternoon at leisure, or partake in optional activities like a horseback safari or a boat trip.
Evening: Dinner at Lodge
- Dinner: Enjoy your final dinner at the lodge, reminiscing about your adventures.
Overnight Stay:
- Overnight at the lodge in Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali
Morning: Breakfast and Departure
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at the lodge.
- Drive to Kigali: Begin your drive back to Kigali, enjoying the last views of the Ugandan landscape.
Lunch:
- Stop for lunch along the way at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrival in Kigali
- Arrival: Arrive in Kigali, where you can be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your departure.
Inclusions:
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit: Permit fees for gorilla trekking.
- Guided Trek: Services of an experienced park ranger and guides during the trek.
- Batwa Cultural Experience: Fees for the Batwa cultural tour.
- Meals: Light breakfast/snacks, packed lunch, and bottled water.
- Entrance Fees: All park entrance fees and necessary permits.
Exclusions:
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and beverages not included in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Tips: Tips for guides, drivers, and porters.
- Additional Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional Activities: Any optional activities or extensions not mentioned in the itinerary.
Additional Notes
- Packing Essentials: Bring sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. A good camera with extra batteries is also recommended.
- Fitness Level: Ensure you are in good physical condition, as the gorilla trek and walking safaris can be demanding.
- Health Precautions: Follow all health guidelines and vaccination requirements for traveling in East Africa.
Enjoy your comprehensive adventure through Rwanda and Uganda, experiencing the thrill of gorilla trekking and the beauty of East African wildlife.
