Classic Rwanda & Uganda
Tags:
Adventure; Hiking; Sightseeing; Adventure Travel; Sightseeing tour; Excrusions; explorations; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Queen Elizabeth National Park; Parc National des Volcans; Kyambura Gorge; Maramagambo Forest;
This safari traces the western Rift Valley in the very heart of Africa. On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, see the great game of Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Trip Length:
- 12 days
- Price Range:
- From $6510 to $7994 (2008 Group Departure Cost: $6,510. 2008 Private Departure Cost: $7,994. 2009 Costs: TBA.) per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- Any time.
- Recommended for:
-
15 - 17, 18 - 20, 25 - 30, 31 - 35, 36 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 55
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
This safari traces the western Rift Valley in the very heart of Africa. On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, see the great game of Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In Ishasha, you’re on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. You will visit three gorilla parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, and Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas five times, twice in Bwindi, once in Mgahinga, and twice in PNV. **One gorilla permit, in Bwindi, is included in the land cost of this trip. Additional permits are $500 per permit. All gorilla permits are subject to availability at the time of booking.**
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Kampala
Kampala, Uganda/Queen Elizabeth National.
Sightseeing
Upon arrival at the Entebbe Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, and set off on your great African adventure. On the way, you will have the opportunity to see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, as well as bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables.
Sightseeing
Continue on to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley, an unforgettable sight. Time permitting, visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping and honey making, to the community nursery for children.
National Parks
Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game.
Hotel
Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Safari
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife.
Safari
Take a rest during the heat of the day, before going on your evening game drive. The game drives in the park depend on the season. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game, especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area.
Hotel
Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Uganda
Kyambura Gorge/Maramagambo Forest/Kazing.
Safari
Visit the nearby Kyambura Gorge to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable, however the walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting.
Sightseeing
Alternatively, go for a nature walk in the Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbors some unusual species -red-tailed and L’Hoest’s Monkey, potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope, and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of game especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds.
Hotel
Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Private Car Service
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Uganda
Bwindi.
Safari
Today you will have the option to go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day.
Sightseeing
Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Uganda
Bwindi.
Adventure
Another day for gorilla tracking (on payment of supplement at the time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the Lodge.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Uganda
Mgahinga.
Private Car Service
After breakfast, you will leave for Mgahinga.
Sightseeing
Make brief stops along the way, including the Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. You can either continue directly to Mgahinga, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda. Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island before continuing to Mount Gahinga. Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Uganda
Mgahinga.
Safari
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano, or go for a nature walk.
Hotel
Mount Gahinga Lodge is at 2,300m, nestled in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Rwanda
Relaxation
In the morning you are free to either relax, walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities listed previously.
Sightseeing
After lunch, transfer to Rwanda. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Visit some of the local communities around the Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Rwanda
Parc National des Volcans.
Safari
Go gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Rwanda
Parc National des Volcans.
Safari
You have the option of either gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking)), visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, trek to the remains of Old Karisoke, or visit some local communities.
Hotel
Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Kigali
Kigali/Onward.
Sightseeing
After breakfast, leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow’s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial.
Airport Transfer
Transfer to the airport for your flight onward. (B,L)
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Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.
Budget Excludes:Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in Journeys Terms & Conditions.
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