20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari highlights
20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari trip is so adventurous and highlights. Its the best of both Rwanda and Uganda, we can offer. Compare and explore the Ugandan and Rwandan primates in one safari. So you do not have to visit a country in its own but all can be explored in this 20 day safari.
Day 1 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Arrival at Kigali Airport and transfer to the hotel
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be welcomed by our office representative who will brief you shortly and later transferred to your reserved city hotel. Spend the rest of time at your leisure and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel/ Chezlando Hotel /Quiet Haven Hotel. Meal Plan: Dinner.
Day 2 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Kigali City Tour
After your breakfast, you will embark on a journey to tour this beautiful city of Kigali. Visit the Genocide Museum which was inaugurated in 2004; the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. You will also have an opportunity to visit the National Museum in Butare to learn about the introduction of Rwanda’s Kingdom, look at the colonial architecture as you also enjoy the traditional dancer’s performance. Visit the Catholic church here that was also turned into a museum toremember the so many Tutsis who were killed by the Hutu extremists. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel/ Chezlando Hotel /Quiet Haven Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Kigali -Nyungwe Forest National Park (5.5 hours drive)
Have your breakfast early in the morning and later you will be driven to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is composed of Mountain rainforest boarding Burundi and it is known for its famous Chimpanzees. It contains 75 species of mammals and 310 species of birds. Along your way, Have lunch and you will visit the Royal Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum in Southern Province, this will give you a great history of traditional ways of living among Rwandese and their past way of leadership and Kingship. Upon arrival, you will be served Dinner and Overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) and Gisakura Hotel (Budget).Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
After early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the briefing point and you will be escorted in the forest to search for Chimpanzees. Enjoy seeing the closest creatures to human being including the other 12 species of primates inhabiting this park among which include Owl-faced monkey/ Hamlyn’s monkey Grey-cheeked mangabey,Red-tailed monkey,L’Hoest’s monkey, Vervet monkey,Olive baboon,Dent’s Mona Monkey and Blue Monkey. Return for lunch as you wait for the afternoon Canopy walk along the 90 meters suspended metallic bridge above the Nugungwe Forest. The walk is guided along a 160 meter bridge along the walk way and it takes 2 hours. The canopy walk offers a great view of the forest and you might be exposed to many other primates along this walkway. Dinner and Overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) and Gisakura Hotel (Budget).Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Lake Kivu for Boat ride and coffee tour
Leave for Lake Kivu after your breakfast for boat cruise on Lake Kivu. It takes 2 hours on the water. You will explore the beautiful attractions on this Lake. It is also known as a birding haven as it host a number of bird species like the cormorant, pied king fisher’s, weaver birds,common kestrel, African Pied Wagtail, Tropical Boubou, Common Waxbill, spotted Yellow-throated Greenbul, Speckled Pigeons, Chin-spot Batis, Ashy Flycatcher, Cardinal Woodpecker, Bronzed Sunbirds, African Pied Wagtail among others. While on boat, you will proceed to Kimbiri for coffee experience, where you will have coffee tour experience. You will later return at your lodge for leisure and relaxation. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/Moriah Hill Resort Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Lake Kivu – Rwanda Parc Volcano (3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to RwandaParc Volcano. Volcanoes National Park is located at north-west corner of Rwanda, north of Virunga Mountains and it is famous for Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey.Enjoy the rolling hills for which Rwanda is well known as you proceed to Ruhengere via Musanze. You will pass by Lake Bulera for a canoe ride and along is Lakes Ruhondo. This great thrilling canoe ride adventure will give you a chance to have a beautiful moment as you explore this small lake on a canoe and also on a self-ride. After, you will proceed to Volcanoes National Park. The afternoon is spent on sightseeing and relaxing around the hotel. Meals and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) or at The Garden Place (Budget).Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and IbyIwacu Cultural experience at Volcano National Park
This huge cross-border forest is another home for Mountain Gorilla. It is thought that these Gorillas have created different developments in an isolated environment. You will be briefed from the park headquarters and later you will be escorted by the ranger guides into the park to search for the rare Mountain Gorillas. Watch the Gorillas feeding, playing and so often they are inquisitive. They also spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. Return to the lodge and get ready for the afternoon village foot safari, to explore the indigenous local life with a taste of the traditional performance at IbyIwacu cultural center. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) or at The Garden Place (Budget). Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (4 hours’ drive)
After your breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National park via the lakes of Ruhondo and Mutera. Proceed to Cyanika border and clear with Immigration before proceeding to Bwindi. Bwindi is famous for its Mountain Gorilla. It has rich ecosystem, 95 species of mammal and 345 species of bird. The afternoon will be spent on Village walk for the outstanding cultural experience. Overnight at Rushaga Lodge/ Chameleon Hill Lodge/ Ruhijja Gorilla Lodge/ Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge/ Trekkers Tavern Lodge or Similar accommodation depending on permits availability and location. Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Leave your room and drive to UWA briefing point ready for the Gorilla trek starting at 8:00am. This great ape is endangered and only 1,063 individuals remained in the whole world. Bwindi is a home for its ¾ world population. It takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the Gorillas from the previous day trek. Remember to carry the rain jacket, drinking water, jungle boots and your packed lunch and every moment of the Gorilla trekking is unique and amazing as you watch them playing, eating, coupling, and the youngsters swinging on the tree branches. This is a lifetime experience and incomparable with any other East African adventure. Overnight at Rushaga Lodge/ Chameleon Hill Lodge/ Ruhijja Gorilla Lodge/ Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge/ Trekkers Tavern Lodge or Similar accommodation depending on permits availability and location. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
Relaxing and leisure at Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight and meals at Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi/ Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi/ Bunyonyi Overland Camp Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional activities
Boat trip for sightseeing and birding along Lake Bunyonyi, Zip lining, and village walk to share the life style of the local communities
Day 11 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Lake Bunyonyi – Queen Elizabeth National Park (6 hours drive)
After your delicious breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Parkwhich is the second largest national park in Uganda with 95 species of mammal and 600 species of bird has been recorded. Altitude is low as between 900 to 1,000, so it is warmer than other area. The Evening will be spent on the game drive at Ishasha sector in search for the tree climbing Lions and you will also be able to see Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Antelopes. Proceed to Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kyambura Lodge/ Elephant Plains Lodge/ Enganzi Safari Lodge/ Buffalo Safari Lodge/ Simba Safari Camp. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 12: Game Drive and Boat safari on Kazinga Channel
Leave your accommodation in the morning. Drive through the vast savannah, and look for your favorite animals, with a help of experienced park ranger. Enjoy observing the animals in vast savannah at the foot of Rwenzori Mountains. You will be able to spot leopards, elephants, lions, Uganda kobs, Topi, hyenas, and big herds of buffaloes, large families of banded mongoose, warthogs, bushbucks and waterbucks. The afternoon will be spent on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel which connects the water flow from Lake George to Lake Edward. The channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world’s largest concentration of hipposand numerous Nile crocodiles, it is also an opportunity of seeing the elephants, Buffaloes and many antelopes on its shores quenching their thirst and cooling their bodies. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kyambura Lodge/ Elephant Plains Lodge/ Enganzi Safari Lodge/ Buffalo Safari Lodge/ Simba Safari Camp. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest National Park (3 hours drive)
After your morning breakfast, you will be driven to Kibale National Park. Upon your arrival check at your lodge and relax. The afternoon will be spent on Chimpanzee trekking, you will be driven to Kyanyanchu UWA headquarters for briefing before you are assigned a ranger guide to start your Chimpanzee trekking at 8:00am. Enjoy seeing the closest creatures to human beings and it will take half day enjoying this adventurous activity. It is also an opportunity of seeing other primates like Grey cheeked Mangabeys, Colobus monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, phoestes, and butterflies. Overnight at Kyaninga Lodge/ Ndali Lodge/ Primate Lodge Kibale/ Chimpanzee Guest House. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 14: Kibale National Park – Murchison Falls National Park (7 hours drive)
Have the delicious morning breakfast and later you will be driven to Murchison falls National Park. It is known for its powerful Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. This is also where you can site 76 species of animals and 451 species of birds. Enjoy the fresh air, views and treasures of Murchison falls. The afternoon will be spent at leisure and relaxation. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Bakers Lodge/ Pakuba Lodge/ Nile Safari Lodge/ Red Chilli Rest Camp. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 15 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Murchison fall game drive and boat cruise
Have your breakfast amidst hooting birds as your driver guide is waiting for you to start your morning game drive. Savannah in northern bank of River Nile is very extensive and uneven. It is quite exciting to search animals and birds in such environment. The ranger guide will spot for you Elephants, Lion, Cape buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, hartebeest, Waterbuck, Oribi, Bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard. After lunch, you will ascend the Victoria Nile up to the bottom of the Murchison Fall by boat where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. It is also home of many water birds, hippos and Nile Crocodiles, also high chance of seeing elephants, buffaloes, and many antelopes. Leave your boat and hike to the top of fall and see where waterforces through a 7-meter canyon dropping 45 meters with a thunderous roar sound. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Bakers Lodge/ Pakuba Lodge/ Nile Safari Lodge/ Red Chilli Rest Camp. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 16: Murchison Falls National Park – Kampala (6 hours drive)
You will be driven to Kampala via Masindi town with a must stop over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino trekking. This is the only place where you can see the rhinos in Uganda. Later in the afternoon proceed to Kampala. Overnight at Latitude 0 Degree Kampala/ Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo/ Mestil Hotel/ Speke Hotel Kampala/ Dolphin Suites Hotel. Meal Plan or Bushpig Backpack hostel: Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 17: Transfer to Jinja (2 hours drive)
You will be picked from your hotel and be transferred to Jinja. Have a stopover around Sezibwa Falls for a guided nature walk and sighting seeing, head to Mabira forest for a nature walk. Proceed to Jinja and arrive in time for lunch before you take a boat ride to the source of River Nile. Time permitting you may also visit Samuka Island where you will have a great time viewing birds. Overnight at Jinja Nile Resort Hotel/ Gately on the Nile/ The Haven Eco River Lodge/ Surjio’s Guest House or at the 2 Friends Hotel. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 18: White water Rafting and drive back to Kampala (2 hours drive)
After your breakfast, head for water rafting on the Nile. It is an amazing and adventurous time rafting on these falls with lunch on board. Later drive back to Kampala: Overnight at Latitude 0 Degree Kampala/ Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo/ Mestil Hotel/ Speke Hotel Kampala/ Dolphin Suites Hotel. Meal Plan or Bushpig Backpack hostel: Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 19 of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari: Leisure and Relaxation
This is day is for relaxation and leisure at your hotel. Overnight at Latitude 0 Degree Kampala/ Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo/ Mestil Hotel/ Speke Hotel Kampala/ Dolphin Suites Hotel. Meal Plan or Bushpig Backpack hostel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 20: Kampala – Entebbe Airport (2 hours drive), End of the 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari
The morning of the last day is free. Please advise our driver guide the place you want to visit (Kampala city tour or shopping).Please make sure to leave Kampala in time before the departure time of your flight back home. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
This 20 Days Best of Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari package includes:
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and an English-speaking driver guide.
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary.
- Gorillas and Chimpanzee permits for both countries, Rhino tracking.
- Kigali City tour, white water rafting fees, Nature walks, Community, farm and cultural tours.
- All boat cruises and Boat rides as indicated on the itinerary.
- Park entrance and ranger guide fees.
- Canopy walk.
- 1 liter bottle of mineral water per day per person during safari.
The package excludes expenses of personal nature like: Air fare, Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills and cigars.