Day 1: Transfer to accommodation from Kigali International Airport

On arrival at Kigali Airport, you will perform the routine clearance process and once done, you step out to meet your waiting tour driver-guide. He will welcome you and then hit the road to Volcanoes National Park. The park lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. You will arrive at the booked accommodation and take a rest, awaiting the next day’s activity.
Optional (extra cost): If time allows and you’re interested, you may consider a Kigali City excursion before transferring to Volcanoes National Park.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodgejust outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Hiking at Mountain Bisoke to the summit

If you love hiking and beautiful scenery, Mount Bisoke is just what you have been looking for. Today, you will have breakfast, collect your packed lunch and proceed to the starting point (Kinigi). You will be briefed and thereafter head out with the assigned ranger-guide to hike Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters above sea level). Ascend for 4-5 hours and the descent time is about 3 hours. At the summit, you will be rewarded with the sight of a beautiful crater lake. Return to the accommodation and get some rest.
Optional (extra cost): Depending on your energy level and interest, you may consider the local community for a cultural encounter later today.

Main Destination:

Mount Bisoke (Virunga Mountains, Rwanda)

Accommodation:

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodgejust outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Golden monkey trekking at Volcanoes NP thereafter transfer to bwindi, Uganda

The golden monkey trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park and at the same time (07h00) as the gorilla trekking. These rare monkey species are also listed as endangered. Volcanoes NP has habituated groups that are available for trekking by visitors. The exercise starts with a short briefing from the park ranger at the RDB office. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek the golden monkeys through the rainforest of the Volcanoes NP. Return to the accommodation for some rest and lunch. After lunch, drive to the Cyanika border post. From Cyanika, you will be received by our Uganda-based professional tour driver-guide who will take over from his Rwanda-based colleague. You will cross the border into Uganda and overnight at a property close to Bwindi National Park, where you will undertake the gorilla trekking the next day.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodgejust outside Bwindi NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Day 4: Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Forest

Have breakfast and proceed to the rangers’ post. You will receive a briefing from a ranger-guide on the do’s and don’ts during gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the gorilla sanctuary for your adventure and encounter. The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular! The area offers a steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The terrain and the time it takes vary according to the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants, is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation, and get some rest after a strenuous day.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodgejust outside Bwindi NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5: Ishasha game viewing for tree climbing lions thereafter connect to Queen Elizabeth

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famously known for its tree-climbing lion population. Once there, undertake a game drive in search of this rare species of lions. Should you get the chance to spot the lions up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and unforgettable. From Ishasha (south), exit and head to the booked accommodation in the north sector. Check in and take a rest.
Optional: If interested, you may consider a late afternoon-to-evening game drive/safari in the Kasenyi plains.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Accommodation:

The Bush Lodge (Banda)

• Mid-range banda located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6: Game safari, afternoon boat trip at Kazinga channel

After an early morning breakfast, you will proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains and be on the lookout for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants, as well as lions and leopards (though hard to spot), among others. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife, including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others, will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds on the water shores.

Optional (no cost): If interested, you may go for a brief late afternoon-to-evening game viewing and then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Accommodation:

The Bush Lodge (Banda)

• Mid-range banda located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7: Chimp tracking at Kalinzu and after transfer to Lake Mburo NP

After an early morning breakfast, you will drive out to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The forest is home to habituated chimpanzees plus other primates including baboons, monkeys and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day tracking chimpanzees here. Thereafter, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara city. Once in Mburo, you may decide to check in and just relax, or check in and go for a game drive/safari.

Optional (extra cost): If interested, you can also consider the night game drive to spot the nocturnal wildlife.

Main Destination:

Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda)

Accommodation:

Eagle’s Nest Camp

• Budget tented bush camp bordering Lake Mburo NP (Uganda) without fences

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8: Walking safari and travel to Entebbe for flight

Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo park morning bushwalk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter at close range zebra, giraffe, eland, topi and other antelope, and Cape buffalo among others. Take the trail to the top of the hills to see Lake Mburo and beyond. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe Airport to catch your flight (17h00 or later).
Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast, lunch | Drive time: Approx. 4 hours.

Main Destination:

Entebbe (City, Uganda)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)