The 11 day/10 nights trip offers the best of Uganda and Rwanda’s Big game and primates. You will have a walking safari in Kibale Forest National Park, look for chimpanzee and go for a community walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is popular for Game viewing while on game drives and Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.  You will have spectacular sundowners with views of gorgeous craters.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the few places to see the endangered mountain gorillas. You will immerse yourself in cultural experiences of the Batwa community.

Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda to see Mountain Gorillas. In the foothills of the bamboo forest is where the elusive Golden Monkeys live. The communities in the area have contributed heavily towards conservation, visit local community projects, learn about their culture and also live a positive impact.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport – Uganda.

Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale National Park by road.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – & Optional Afternoon community walk.

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 5: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Afternoon Batwa experience.

Day 8: Bwindi to Rwanda by road – Volcanoes National Park.

Day 9: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda & Afternoon village/community walk.

Day 10:  Golden Monkey tracking – Afternoon drive to Kigali.

Day 11: Kigali city tour – Return/International flight.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport – Uganda.

Adventure Consults’ airport staff will meet you on arrival, assist you through customs, get your luggage, and transfer you to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may have a briefing on your safari today/tonight or opt to have it in the morning after some hours of relaxation.

Overnight accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Most of the hotels are 10 minutes’ drive from Entebbe airport.
Inclusions: Bed & Breakfasts basis.
Excludes: All meals and Drinks.

Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale National Park (Approx. 6 hours’ drive).

After Breakfast, meet your guide at the lobby, briefing on the day’s adventure and start your journey to western Uganda.

You will drive via the new express highway and avoid Kampala traffic. The drive to Fort portal is quite smooth, with busy towns and roadside markets. Part of the journey is green as you enter the ever-green Kibale forest and Tooro tea plantations.

You will have stops on the way to buy fresh fruits (mangos, pineapples, sugarcane and more). Proceed to the lodge arriving in time for lunch.

Afternoon at leisure or go for a crater walk where you will enjoy the village farmlands, homesteads, Birds or play soccer with the friendly Ugandans.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Exclusions: All drinks.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Kibale Forest NP and Bigodi swamp walk

After Breakfast, begin the day with a transfer to Kanyanchu Park Headquarters in time for a briefing that starts at 7:30 am, then later head out to the forest to observe the endangered chimpanzees.

Scientifically known as Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, the Eastern chimpanzees are found in the moist evergreen Kibale Forest National Park with over 1500 individuals. This 795-square-kilometer Protected Area is popular for sheltering the highest concentration of primates in the world – 13 species, including the very ‘localized’ Red Colobus as well, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabey, to mention but a few.

During the chimpanzee trek, the Ranger guide will provide detailed information on more than just primates. The forest is endowed with some of the oldest trees in Africa out of which some are medicinal, and others are used by Chimpanzees for communication. Your walk will be interestingly informative and exciting. You don’t have to be a birding enthusiast to enjoy the competition of Chimpanzee calls and bird sounds.

Today, you have there’s an option for a Uganda meal to give you a true feel of Africa. At Tinka’s homestay, food is served in a grass thatched hut while seated on a mat. You however have an option for other international cuisines or dishes at any of the lodges in Kibale area (discuss with the guide on the type of preferred type of lunch).

In the afternoon, you may simply relax at the lodge or go for a nature walk in the Bigodi swamp for primate and bird viewing. The approximately 4.5 Km round walk takes you through a swamp that shelters over 200 species of birds that include Great Blue Turacos, Papyrus gonolek, Blue, Crowned eagles, Purple-breasted sunbirds, African Pitta, Papyrus Canary, and many more swamp endemics. During this wetland walk, you are likely to see more primates such as Olive baboons, Black and White Colobus, Red Tailed monkeys, L’Hoests Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Blue Monkeys among others.

The local guides will share exciting details of the local lifestyles, history, and culture of the community. On returning to the Lodge in the evening, you can relax while watching the sun as it dips down in the snow-capped Mountains of the moon, and many hills surrounding the lodge.

Meals and Overnight at Safari Lodge.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Exclusions: All drinks.

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park. App. 3 hours’ drive.

After breakfast, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, via the frontier town of Kasese, surrounded by the breathtaking snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain Range. You will arrive at the lodge early afternoon.

After lunch, go for a game drive. This savannah park is a haven for about 95 species of mammals that include Defassa waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Lions, Topis, Hippos, Leopards, Bushbucks, side-stripped jackals, warthogs, spotted hyenas, African bush elephants, and Cape buffaloes among others.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 5: Game drive & Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.

Make sure you are up before so that you don’t miss out the colorful sunrise session!

After a cup of coffee/tea, head out for a game. As the sun peeps out of the broken clouds, it reflects on thesavannahs, creating shady moments. The sparkling sunlight reflection on the lakes and green wetlandsgives the best moment for classic big game and colourful birds to hang out.

Two famous game tracks- Kasenyi track, and Queens’s mile will never disappoint! There are high chances of sighting the Leopard, African bush elephants, Hippos, Lions, Cape buffaloes, and several antelope species.

Enjoy a Picnic Breakfast at a beautiful site by the community craft market, facing Lake Bunyampaka. Depending on the season, you might see the colorful flamingos in a distance.

After lunch, drive to the Mweya pier in time for the 2 pm boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a 32-kilometer- long natural water stretch that links Lake Edward and George.

The boat cruise on the channel provides the best opportunities for up-close animal viewing and photography with lots of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s bird life is rich, colorful, and stupendous totaling to 600 recorded species.

We normally book scheduled boats. The type of boat to use (either big or small) is to be determined on the day of the boat trip. Private/exclusive boats are available on payment of supplement.

Weather permitting, go for a sundowner and have a taste of Uganda’s finest gin, and a mix of both local and premium drinks as you look at the sun dipping in the horizon. Note that snacks and soft drinks on house, all alcoholic drinks are on own account.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Today, you will head out to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector famous for its tree climbing Lions and multitude of animals. The drive from Mweya sector to Ishasha is about two and a half hours, and a short game drive through Ishasha is about one hour.

The Northern Sector of Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha) is still pristine and untouched with only a handful of game vehicles found around the area at any time. Large herds of buffalo are common in Ishasha, as are Uganda Kob. You will not miss the elephant, waterbuck, bushbuck, and topi. The ‘super stars’ of the area are the tree climbing lions that can regularly be seen snoozing on a limb on one of the fig trees.

After a short game drive, have lunch at Savannah lodge then after head out to Bwindi/Buhoma, arriving late afternoon.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got almost 400 species of plants, providing habitat for over 120 mammal species (including 11 primates), 346 species of birds (including 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics), 202 species of butterflies, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many other endangered species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is notable for being home to over 50% of the approximately 1,060 Mountain Gorillas still living on earth.

In the afternoon, visit the Pygmy/Batwa community. This is cultural tourism activity at its best! It’s a hands-on, mind-opening adventure you will never forget as you go for an incredible hike in the rain forest with the elderly Batwa (pygmy) guides.

The Batwa are known to be one of the oldest surviving indigenous people on earth. A very special and unique group of people, lived in the bush and entire lifestyle depended on the forests. Just like the well-known ‘hunters and gatherers’, the Batwa gathered plants and fruits for food, hunted any animals within their reach, caves were their homes with the main big caves reserved for Kings.

A hike to the Batwa community, will enrich you with the history of these historical people. You will enjoy demonstrations and storytelling sessions of how the Batwa lived before they left the forest in favor of conservation programs. They will make fire using very simple tools (sticks and stones) and take you back to the old stone age period. You may participate in the mock hunting exercise, learn how to use a bow and arrow, and can taste the local meals and drinks, and participate in traditional dances.

Time permitting, go for a visit to Ride for a woman project:  This is a charitable organization set up to support women struggling with poverty, HIV and domestic violence. Your visit indirectly supports the project work and while here, you may participate in basketry, weaving, and have an opportunity for craft shopping. You can as well place your order for African designed cautions, dresses, wrappers, table mats and all that has got an African touch on it! The ladies will ensure your orders are ready for collection within 24 hours or earlier.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking – Afternoon Gorilla lab visit

Today is dedicated to visiting the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

While in Buhoma, you can access Gorilla families of Buhoma or Ruhija sectors. Depending on the sector/family booked to track gorillas, you may leave the lodge either at 0600hrs for Ruhija or 0700hrs for Buhoma area. Breakfast is always ready by 0500 hours or can opt to have a packed breakfast if leaving at 0600hrs.

This beautiful park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 50% of the world’s remaining Gorillas. The rainforest is spectacular, heavily vegetated, and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for trekkers. The time taken to find the Gorillas depends on Gorilla movements and in most cases, they are either looking for food or simply taking time to walk in their territory.

When you finally find them, you are allowed to spend 60 minutes while watching and following their movements. The thrill of spending time with and observing these gentle giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long-lasting memories of a truly unique experience.

Mountain gorillas are generally shy and peaceful creatures, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other.

In the afternoon, Visit Dr. Gladys’ Conservation through Public Health (CTPH) center. This is a non-profit organization that promotes conservation by improving the quality of life of the people living around protected areas. CTPH focuses on human and wildlife coexistence in and around protected area. It’s at Conservation through Public Health that samples from the Gorillas are examined as part of the health observation process to ensure the good health of Gorillas. If you are lucky, you may meet the founder (Dr. Gladys Kalema). If not at the center, you are assured of meeting one of her team members who will take you through detailed explanation and experiments of their day-to-day job to ensure animals and local community health is taken care of.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 8: Bwindi –Volcanoes National Park – Approx. 6 hours drive.

After breakfast, start an early morning misty drive to Rwanda.

You will proceed to Cyanika borderc clear customs and cross to the land of a thousand hills, as Rwanda is fondly known! The 6 hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, terraced farmlands, lakes, and green plantations. Proceed to the lodge arriving in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you have the option to relax at the lodge and enjoy the tranquil setting of your lodge. sit back and enjoy the views!

Alternatively, visit the “Gorilla Guardian Village”, also known as the “Iby’ Iwacu cultural village”.  The village is close to Volcanoes National Park. During your visit, you will get an insight into Rwanda’s culture, traditions, and history. As a special visitor, you will be welcomed by the community leaders. Adventure consults’ guide will hand you over to the site Culture guide for a thrilling experience.

The highlights of the visit include touring the king’s house replica with all the interpretation of all parts and stories attached to this cultural treasure. You will be enthroned and become a king for a short time while exercising the king’s powers as presented to you by a village elder through a village ceremony. There will also be traditional dances, drumming, listening to folktales, and a visit to the traditional medicine man / local traditional healer.

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 9: Gorilla trekking adventure – option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.

An early breakfast, and head out to Kinigi Park headquarters in time for briefing. Depending on choice of accommodation, departure time varies. Gorilla trekking takes 3-6 hours or more and an Adventure Consults’ guide will ensure you have a packed lunch, snacks and enough drinking water.

Volcanoes National Park is the only National Park in Rwanda where mountain gorillas live. The early morning’s adventure involves visiting one of the 12 habituated Gorilla groups within the Northwestern side of Rwanda.

You will enter the Gorilla Sanctuary and start the search for Mountain Gorillas. Once you find them, you are allowed to have one-hour of interaction as you watch them play, groom, relax, feed and make calls.  After an hour with the Gorillas, slope back to the base and transfer to the lodge.

Lunch, and have the rest of the afternoon free or take an optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey (on payment of supplement).

Ellen DeGeneres Center visit costs vary depending on choice of activity. All activities require reservations, so let the sales team know in advance for proper arrangements and related costs.

Self-guided tours: You take a walk through the Conservation Gallery which has interactive games, fun quizzes and a 360-degree theatre. You are free to take a walk through the Ellen DeGeneres Campus grounds and explore the gorilla, biodiversity, and wetlands trails.

Behind the scenes tour: In addition to activities listed in self-guided tours, here you get an opportunity to interact with a senior staff member of the research centre. You have a privilege to ask any questions. You will get to visit some of the labs to learn more about the research work and also see the work done by students.

Silverback Sundowner: Enjoy the serenity of Ellen DeGeneres Campus after official working hours. This exclusive experience is offered from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. You will enjoy drinks and canapés at the Virunga Lounge with a backdrop of all the 5 volcanoes. You also get to interact with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund senior staff members, ask any questions about conservation work, Gorillas and people souring the Gorilla parks. This activity is best done on a day/evening when the night is to be spent at any of the lodges in Musanze (not returning to Kigali).

Meals and Overnight at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include drinks with exclusion of premium/imported wines and spirits.
Standard exclusions: All drinks.

Day 10: Golden Monkeys/ Volcano climb/Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave – Drive to Kigali.

Today, you have many options to choose from. All activities listed begin early morning and are conducted once a day. Reservations highly recommended for well-arranged preparations.

You may either track the rare chattering Golden Monkeys or climb one of the famous Volcanoes (Visoke or Muhabura) or trek to Dian Fossey’s grave. See detailed activity description under activities in PNV

Alternatively, you may go for a second Gorilla trek – this will be on payment of supplement (USD 1500 per permit). No doubt, this would be a different family. Every Gorilla tracking experience is different and unique!

After lunch, drive to Kigali arriving late afternoon/evening. Last minute craft shopping and drop off at your hotel. Today’s lunch is included in the package price.

Overnight accommodation is included in Kigali on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch.
Exclusions: Dinner and drinks.

Day 11: Departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a short tour of Kigali city including the Kigali Genocide Memorial!

The memorial is a center of education, and peacebuilding and honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans who were killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provide a powerful educational tool for all.

The exhibition is shocking, provoking and attempts to piece together the causes and events of the three-month genocide which destroyed Rwanda in 1994.  Thousands of first-hand accounts are documented, and personal film footage and photography are showcased, illustrating the collection of events in a simple and striking way. No doubt, 99.9% of the Rwandan population were affected by the horrific violence of the genocide, a dark past that makes the present friendliness and goodwill of the country’s locals more inspiring.

You will later transfer to the airport in time for your return flight. Check-in time is 3 hours in advance.

Where to stay while on safari to Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda have got a wide range of accommodation facilities. Adventure Consults doesn’t dictate where visitors should stay as the decision is left for clients to decide. We however guide you through options which we believe are perfect choices.

Where to stay in Entebbe

Entebbe has got accommodation options for every traveler. Whether it’s a large group or family travel, both options are available. Entebbe has got large hotels, small boutique hotels with limited rooms (10 to 20 rooms) ranging from luxury, midrange to budget.  While in Entebbe or Kampala, our packages are usually on Bed & Breakfast basis.

  • Hotel Number 5.
  • Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
  • The Boma hotel.
  • Lake Victoria Serena Golf resort and spa.
  • 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
  • Papyrus Guesthouse.
  • Best Western Premier Garden Hotel.
  • K Hotels.
  • Admas Grand Hotel.

Where to stay in Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation options at/around Kibale Forest National Park are endless. Most if not all facilities have got beautiful views of either the verdant forest, crater lakes, hills or valleys.

  • Ndali Lodge.
  • Kyaninga Lodge.
  • Crater Safari Lodge.
  • Primate Lodge.
  • Turaco Treetops.
  • Chimpundu Safari Lodge.
  • Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge.
  • Kibale Forest Camp.
  • Papaya Lake Lodge.
  • Isunga Lodge.
  • Kibale Forest Lodge.
  • Nyaika Hotel.
  • Fort Motel.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park provides a wide array of accommodation options. Some facilities are inside the park and others all outside but within proximity of park activities. All facilities have magnificent views of the savannah plains, lakes, rivers, mountains, and every green craters.

  • Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
  • Elephant Plains Lodge.
  • Mweya Safari Lodge.
  • Katara Lodge.
  • Buffalo Safari Lodge.
  • Enganzi Lodge.
  • Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.
  • Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
  • Parkview Safari Lodge.
  • Kasenyi Safari Camp.
  • Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge.
  • Ishasha Jungle lodge.

Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi has got a variety of accommodation options. They range from high-end luxury camps/lodges, midrange, to budget camps.

  • Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
  • Buhoma Lodge.
  • Mahogany Springs lodge.
  • Trekkers Tavern Lodge.
  • Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge.
  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
  • Engagi Lodge.
  • Ride 4 a woman Cottages.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

There are many lodging/accommodation facilities in and around this Gorilla Park. The choice entirely depends on budget and personal tastes. We can’t list them all here, but below are some of the options.

  • One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
  • Virunga Lodge
  • Bisate Lodge
  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge
  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
  • Amakoro Songa Lodge
  • Bishop’s House
  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Where to stay in Kigali

Kigali has got a variety of hotels to cater for large groups, small boutique hotels with limited rooms and commercial hotels ranging from high end, midrange to budget. Kigali hotels are all on Bed & Breakfast basis.

  • The Retreat by Heaven.
  • Kigali Serena Hotel.
  • Hotel des Mille Collines.
  • Kigali Marriott Hotel.
  • Four Points by Sheraton.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center.