Uganda – Rwanda: From Lake Victoria to the Gorillas – 8 Days

Uganda is situated right on the Equator. With its 20 million inhabitants it is a large country of savannah grasslands dotted with lakes and papyrus marshes. Uganda is also the land of the Rwenzori Mountains, the famous “Mountains of the Moon”; of the western branch of the Rift Valley with its sparkling lakes; of impenetrable forests of jungle vegetation; of hills cultivated with care by meticulous farmers; of tea plantations whose endless green carpets stretch to the far horizon. The national parks scattered throughout the country are home to an unparalleled abundance and variety of wildlife — it is not without good reason that Churchill referred to Uganda as “the Pearl of Africa”. Rwanda, on the other hand, is a small land-locked country whose Virunga Mountains, giant volcanoes with luxuriant green slopes, are home to the rare Mountain Gorilla, which we visit in their jungle environment. This is one of only two such sanctuaries remaining in the wild. Highlights: Lake Mburo National Park · Queen Elizabeth National Park · discover on foot the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge · discover on foot the last mountain gorillas · the 2 great lakes, Victoria and Edward. Practical aspects: about 1,800 km of tracks and roads on board of comfortable vehicles. 7 nights spent in good hotels, nicely located tented camps or simpler accommodations. Experienced, English speaking guide during the whole safari.

Duration: 8 days
Type: Grand tour
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

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Itinerary

1Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe Airport, met by our smiling guide briefing you on the great African adventure. Overnight at your preferred lodge/hotel.

2Day 2: Kampala – Lake Mburo NP

Set off on the south-bound road; look at royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables. Continue to the small Lake Mburo NP keeping an eye out for the game. Overnight at your preferred lodge/hotel.

3Days 3–5: Queen Elizabeth NP

Morning lake cruise. Continue via Mbarara to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley. An unforgettable sight. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife. Evening game drives. Have a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel spotting numbers of water birds. Track chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations, in Kyambura Gorge. Go for an easy walk in Maramagambo Forest to observe groups of colobus monkeys. Overnight at your preferred lodge/hotel.

4Day 6: Busheny – Kabale – Lake Bunyoni – Kisoro – Kinigi

Start early. Drive through the hills and valleys via Busheny, Tungamo, and Kabale for lunch at Lake Bunyoni. In the afternoon leave for Rwanda. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. Exit Uganda at Cyanika. Overnight at your preferred lodge/hotel.

5Day 7: Mountain gorillas

As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. Overnight at your preferred lodge/hotel.

6Day 8: Departure

Drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport.