Uganda-Rwanda scheduled safari – Group and private wildlife holidays
Uganda-Rwanda scheduled safari – This is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you will ever encounter and awaits you on this trip of a lifetime that combines Uganda the Pearl of Africa and the remarkable Rwanda. Coming face to face with endangered Mountain Gorillas is a truly unforgettable adventure experience.
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife including the tree climbing Lions and enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, and trek the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park one of the many reasons to visit Uganda.
Crossing to Rwanda and discover the Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek the Mountain Gorillas, take a forest walk in search for the Golden monkeys, or hike to Dian Fosseys grave. A visit to the Genocide memorial centre 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.
Tour Highlights:
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Boat safari on Kazinga Channel
Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day One:
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Great Adventure Safaris representative and transferred to the Hotel.
Set in the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat safari on Lake Victoria. You will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and meet the friendly locals.
Make your-self at home unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper you with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. Attention to detail, outstanding dining and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel.
Day Two:
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your short flight to Mweya Airfield, from where you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. This National Park is set in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, 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 its tree climbing lions and Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda.
Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species. Drift past local fishing villages, and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of this beautiful African day. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change –no drinks/ snacks provided on boat).
The next two nights will be enjoyed at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, an intimate camp with just ten luxurious safari tents set on a tranquil River bank.
Day Three:
Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, looking out for huge herds of buffalo, elephant and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.
Day Four:
A 2-3 hour drive through scenic country brings you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a World Heritage site. Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The Forest contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.
Awaken to chattering forest bird species, and watch out for the occasional Mountain Gorillas that has ventured right in to visit the lodge.
Day Five:
One of the most humbling and enthralling wildlife experiences imaginable awaits your discovery. Coming face to face with an endangered mountain gorilla is something words cannot aptly describe. Please note that Gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 minutes up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is well worth the hike to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and it should be noted that sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are well over 95%.
Head back to your Lodge for a relaxation after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Optional activities that may be enjoyed in and around the park include forest walks, visits to a local school or orphanage or Batwa pygmy village, and curio shopping.
Day Six:
From Bwindi Forest National Park, we drive through the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ along winding mountain roads, and through rural villages, to the border of Rwanda, Kisoro boarder town. On a clear day, the Virungas can be seen ‘standing sentry’ along the border a row of massive, dormant volcanoes watching over the region. It’s a long day – approximately 7-8 hours on the road with a 1 hour border crossing. Crossing into Rwanda, we continue to the Volcanoes National Park
Day Seven:
Trekking Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park is a very similar experience to that in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park just as challenging, equally memorable. If you have opted not to trek today, take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or enjoy forest walk with tracking the Golden Monkeys. You will only be able to enjoy one of these activities as they all take place in the morning and pre-booking is essential.
Day Eight:
After lunch, we drive to Kigali city, the capital of Rwanda, a bustling, clean and safe city. Optional visit to the haunting Genocide Memorial centre before dropping you off at Kigali International Airport, please book a late flight home or overnight in Kigali. This will be the end of your 8 days Uganda-Rwanda scheduled safari in Africa.