Uganda and Rwanda In Depth 11 Days
11 Days: Kampala, Ziwa Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Albert, Fort Portal, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Kigali
Tour overview:
Chimpanzee and gorilla tracking are the highlights of this exceptional opportunity to experience the unspoiled reserves of this pristine corner of the African continent. The vast plantations, magnificent mountain vistas and high plateaus beckon with adventure and amazing wildlife viewing.
Day 1 - Arrive Entebbe / Kampala
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, where you are met and escorted to your hotel in Kampala.
Day 2 - Kampala / Ziwa Sanctuary / Murchison Falls National Park
Depart Kampala to Murchison National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route. The sanctuary is home to 6 rhinos and a range of other game and many bird species, where a guided rhino-tracking excursion is offered. Cross the Nile by ferry and proceed to your lodge. (BLD)
Day 3 - Murchison National Park
A morning game drive most commonly reveals elephant, giraffe, buffalo, warthog, leopard, lion, and many others. Afternoon boat trip to the bottom of the falls. Enjoy a stunning sunset on your return. (BLD)
Day 4 - Murchison National Park / Lake Albert / Western Uganda
Travel through the Rift Valley, via Lake Albert and its coastal fringes where flocks of small zebu are tended by the proud Alur herdsmen. Continue to Fort Portal, traveling through changing vistas of high plateaus, valleys, and resplendent tea plantations. The landscape becomes more tortuous, descending to the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, whose snowcapped peaks can be seen in the distance. (BLD)
Day 5 - Kibale National Park / Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start early for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale National Park protects a large block of rainforest harboring the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. Afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park along the foothills of the Rwenzoris for an evening game drive.
Day 6 - Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel
Morning game drive in the park. The Mweya peninsula is good for a variety of animals including elephants; in the Kasenyi plains you will find mostly lion and Uganda cob. A vast array of birds and the wildlife is seen on the afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. (BLD)
Day 7 - Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi National Park
Depart for Bwindi through grass covered hills, valleys filled with a mixture of banana, soy and coffee plantations, and the busy commercial center of Kabale. As you approach, you are afforded the most magnificent view of the whole volcano chain of the Virunga Mountains. Continue to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. (BLD)
Day 8 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking
An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. You will get within feet of the family and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Return to the lodge for a late lunch, with an opportunity for a forest walk with the guides. (BLD)
Day 9 - Bwindi / Volcanoes National Park
Morning departure from Bwindi and head into Rwanda. Travel to our lodge near the Volcanoes National Park. (BLD)
Day 10 - Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking / Lake Kivu
Early this morning, you are guided into the Volcanoes National Park. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. In the late afternoon drive to Gisenyi, a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu.
Day 11 - Lake Kivu / Depart Kigali
This morning leave the gleaming waters of Lake Kivu and journey to Kigali. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)