8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

This 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari takes you on a safari to Rwanda and Uganda with visit to two of the most famous gorilla trekking destination in Africa that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park where you will trek two different gorilla families, giving an opportunity to witness two gorilla habitats and different habituated gorilla families.

Highlights of 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

• Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Hike to Bisoke volcano or Visit Dian Fossey centre
• Day 4: Batwa cultural trail and Travel to Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 5: Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day 7: Drive back to Kigali
• Day 8: Kigali City Tour – Departure

Detailed Itinerary of 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by our Representative and be transferred to   the Gorilla haven in the Volcanoes National Park, 116km away from Kigali. The drive is approximately 3 hours through the lush green countryside of undulating hills many of which have been cultivated with skill.

You will have lunch upon arrival and after a short rest go sightseeing in the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Overnight stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

You will have an early breakfast and join other tourists at the Kinigi Park headquarters at 08:00 am for a briefing on the gorilla tracking rules. You will be allocated a Gorilla family to track and guides to lead you to the Gorillas. Trekking is a strenuous exercise through thick jungle on steep terrain that is uneven, wet and often muddy for as many as 2-5 hours, depending on the location of the Gorillas. Once sighted, you will spend a maximum of one hour with the Gorillas.

You will return to the lodge to refresh and later go out to visit the Iby’iwachu cultural village for a Kinyarwanda cultural gala. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Hike to Bisoke volcano or Visit Dian Fossey centre

After an early breakfast, you will be taken either to hike Mount Bisoke 3,711m above sea level or visit the Dian Fossey Centre to pay tribute to the famous American Primatologist (Dian Fossey) who pioneered the initiatives to protect and conserve the endangered Mountain Gorillas. The Bisoke Volcano has two stunning cones that were formed after the volcano eruption of 1957 and contains an amazing crater Lake (Ngezi) about 11km from the summit.

A walk around the volcanic cones gives you a stunning view of the Virunga ranges in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hike takes about 7 hours after which you will cross over to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Overnight stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Batwa cultural trail and Travel to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you will go for a Batwa Cultural Experience done on a trail exposing you to an interesting demonstration of the hunting techniques of these forest people; the honey gathering, preparation of medicinal herbs for the treatment of diseases and the technology of making Bamboo cups.

Also, the trail involves a visit to the sacred Garama Cave which used to be a place of refuge (hiding) for the Batwa after invading and stealing from the neighboring communities. You will be entertained by sorrowful songs of women echoed by the walls of this light – deprived cave that is a reminder of their ancient heritage.

After the Batwa trail, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a beautiful lodge – the second deepest lake in Africa. Enjoy the evening by the shores of the lake, dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, you will head out for a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is dotted with 26 islands surrounded by great scenic hills covered a lush green flora which is a perfect habitat for many unique bird species. In the afternoon you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the Park Headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. After the briefing you will be grouped into 8 people and head into the forest searching for a gorilla family, the trek takes approximately 2 to 5 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night. Once you locate your gorilla troop, spend an hour as you watch them play, feed and groom each other.

In the evening, you can opt or a community walk among the Bakiga people that live near the park or simply relax at the lodge till dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Drive back to Kigali

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Kigali which is a drive of 4 hours through the scenic green hills of Kigezi, Virunga Volcanoes and the undulating hills of Rwanda. Arrive in the city in the afternoon, check in at your lodge. In the evening you will go for a visit to the Genocide Memorial in Gisozi to pay tribute to the victims of the Rwandan Genocide.

Overnight stay: Four Points Kigali

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Kigali City Tour – Departure

After breakfast, you will go for a Kigali City Tour with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where you will listen to the horrendous narrative of how thousands of innocent people were cruelly put to death.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination, bringing your 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari to an end.

End of 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

 Cost Includes:

• Gorilla permits
• Airport transfers
• Safari vehicle
• Fuel for the entire trip
• Drive accommodation and Meals
• English Speaking driver guide
• Accommodation as per the itinerary
• All park fees
• Bottled drinking water

Cost Excludes:

• International airfares
• Visa
• Insurance
• Tips and expenses of personal nature

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