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uganda and rwanda gorilla group trek

14-Day Safari & Primate Experience in Uganda and Rwanda

Some of the most incredible wildlife experiences you will ever encounter await you on this trip of a lifetime that combines Uganda and Rwanda. Coming face to face with endangered mountain gorillas is a truly unforgettable experience.

Explore Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards and other wildlife. You will also trek for chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda, before crossing the border into Rwanda. There you can trek gorillas, take a forest walk in search of golden monkeys or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. A visit to the genocide memorial in the capital city of Kigali gives a haunting insight into the dark past from which Rwanda has risen to become one of the cleanest, safest African countries.

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Entebbe: On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and after clearing customs, you will be met by your guide, who will then drive you to your hotel. Overnight at Airport Guest House Entebbe.

Airport Guest House Entebbe is located just 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. The guesthouse is set in a quiet residential neighborhood with 10 en-suite standard rooms and beautiful gardens.

Day 2 – Murchison Falls National Park: After breakfast, drive through Kampala on your way to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here you will have a walking safari to the Southern White Rhinos that have been re-introduced in Uganda. In the afternoon, drive to the legendary Murchison Falls, from which the national park derives its name. Overnight at Murchison River Lodge.

Murchison River Lodge is situated directly on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls. The en-suite thatched safari tents are nestled amongst the trees around the lodge grounds. There are also en-suite river tents located close to the River Nile in a beautiful setting with their own private porch area.

Day 3 – Murchison Falls National Park: After a light breakfast, go for an early morning game drive. The trip takes you through beautiful landscapes made up of savannah grasslands down to the delta point in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, elephant and several antelope as well as bird species. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the River Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls, enjoy the spectacular waterfall. Overnight at Murchison River Lodge.

Day 4 – Kibale National Park: After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and drive to Kibale National Park, driving past the Rift Valley Escarpment. In the afternoon, arrive in Fort Portal. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight at Kluge’s Guest Farm.

Kluge’s Guest Farm has 10 bungalows with private terraces surrounded by farmland and untouched nature full of birds and butterflies, delicious homegrown food and recreation facilities on a 72 acre piece of paradise.

Day 5 – Kibale National Park: After breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for a morning of chimpanzee trekking. While trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, you will be surrounded by bird song and can expect to see many primate species. There are nine diurnal primates living in the forest, including vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon, and of course, the chimpanzee. Once you find the chimps, you will spend an hour observing their behavior before hiking out. In the afternoon, choose from a nature walk in the Bigodi Swamp, a community visit or relaxing at the farm. Overnight at Kluge’s Guest Farm.

Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth National Park: After breakfast, drive to the world-famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the equator along the way. Spread over more than 1,200 miles in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the park includes the southern Ishasha area with the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda. Arrive in time for an evening game drive. Overnight at Enganzi Lodge.

Enganzi Game Lodge is situated overlooking Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering breathtaking views of the park from each room and common area.

Day 7 – Queen Elizabeth National Park: Start the day with an exciting early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks. Overnight at Enganzi Lodge.

Day 8 – Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park: After breakfast, drive to Ishasha, the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the African wildlife in indescribable scenery. In Ishasha, have a game drive in search of the unique tree-climbing lions. Overnight at Enjojo Lodge.

Enjojo Lodge is set on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park with seven cottages. Four cottages are situated in lush vegetation and three are overlooking an open grassland where elephants are regular visitors. Each cottage has its own en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and an outdoor shower.

Day 9 – Lake Bunyonyi: Today, journey to one of the most beautiful places in Uganda – Lake Bunyonyi, which means a place with “many small birds.” Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Ugandan mountains. This area is called the “Switzerland of Uganda.” Time allowing, you may choose between different activities, including a canoe ride, a swim in the Bilharzia free lake or explore a nearby village. Residents are happy for your visit and are open to explain their daily lives. Overnight at Birdnest Resort.

Birdnest Resort is a hotel on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking oasis of serenity. All 15 rooms have beautiful views of the lake or mountains.

Day 10 – Gorilla Trekking: Today will be a bucket list experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rainforest on the mountain slopes. The opportunity to come within feet of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities, is an experience you won’t soon forget! Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 1000 remaining in the wild. Note: Gorilla trekking may be fairly strenuous with treks ranging from 30 mins up to six hours or longer, at high altitudes. Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, viewing success rates are high. Following the trek, return to your accommodation. Overnight at Birdnest Resort.

Day 11 – Travel to Rwanda: After breakfast, drive to Rwanda, fondly known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Enjoy the stunning landscapes along the way. Overnight at Davinci Gorilla Lodge.

Davinci Gorilla Lodge is perfectly positioned in Kinigi, Musanze and offers a prime location gorilla tracking and exploratory tours within the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge has just five cottages with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 12 – Virunga: The volcanic chain Virunga is a breathtaking beauty of old volcanoes rising nearly 15,000 feet, completely covered by dense, green rainforest. Choose your activity this morning: trek the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, hike the 12,000 ft high Mt Bisoke, visit the grave of the famous gorilla researcher Dian Fossey or visit habituated golden monkeys. In the afternoon, leave Ruhengeri and proceed south to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu. You will take a walk through the fashionable lakeside resort, as well as to the border post with DR Congo. Overnight Paradise Kivu Resort.

Paradise Kivu Resort is located on the banks of Lake Kivu. The resort has its own private beach and offers adventure activities such as canoeing, fishing and hiking, as well as organically grown food from their garden.

Day 13 – Lake Kivu: Today choose to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or go for a boat ride on the lake. Overnight at Paradise Kivu Resort.

Day 14 – Depart: After breakfast drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. Upon your arrival in Kigali take a city tour, including a visit the Genocide Museum in the suburb Gisozi. In the evening, you will be driven to the airport for your departing international flights.

Note: One hour is permitted with the gorillas per trek. Permits are subject to availability. Trekking through the forest can be steep, wet and slippery.

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Quick Facts

Perfect for:

  • Perfect for Gorilla Trekking
  • Perfect for Active Travelers
  • Duration 14 days
  • 2024 Departures Jan 12
    Feb 9
    Mar 29
    Jun 14
    Jul 5
    Aug 16
    Sept 6
    Dec 6
  • Accommodations Value-priced camps and lodges
  • Fitness Rating Difficult
  • Activities Gorilla trekking, game drives, cultural visits, boat cruise
  • Safari Type Group
  • Style Value
  • Land-Only Price* $$
  • Permit Prices $700 per trek in Uganda
    $1,500 per trek in Rwanda
    Optional golden monkey trek $100 per trek

*Pricing is per person and an estimate. Contact a Journey Specialist for a customized quote.
$ = <$5,000 | $$ = $5,000 – $9,999 | $$$ = $10,000 – $20,000 | $$$$ = >$20,000

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