This epic Africa Safari takes you from the shores of Lake Victoria through the vast savannah plains of the Western Rift Valley to the forested volcanic slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spot chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in the sunken rainforest of Kyambura Gorge; catch a glimpse of leopards, lions, elephants and hippos in the less traveled Queen Victoria National Park, and a spy on a plethora of birds in the dense forests of Uganda and Rwanda on this Africa tour. The highlight of any trip to this area: Silverback Gorilla tracking, and on this trip you have 5 opportunities!
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive Entebbe, Uganda and make your way through customs. Meet your expert guide who will travel with you for your entire journey. Drive south towards Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge, your home for the next three nights. En route, visit the royal drum makers, and stand on the equator before arriving to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a drink on the veranda of the lodge and enjoy an amazing view of the Rwenzori Mountains before sitting down to dinner with your fellow adventurers.
NOTE: You must arrive no later that 11 AM on day 1. Please let your travel consultant know if you need to arrive the day before the trip starts.
Start the day with an early morning game drive. Depending on the season visit Kasenyi Plains to watch for lions and herds of Uganda Kob, or the Mweya peninsula, which offers the best place to see leopards. Depending on the animal sightings, there may be time to visit the Kyambura Women's Coffee Cooperative and its coffee processing station, or go birding in the wetland reserve.
Today you venture into the Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzee, one of our closets living relatives. The chimp population is extremely mobile, and tracking can be unpredictable, but any visit to the gorge will be worthwhile. This afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel, where you will find the largest concentration of hippo in Africa, as well as herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals that seek the cool water of the channel. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, Africa fish eagle, and other birds.
Move from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Bwindi forest today. The route is subject to the road conditions and may take the majority of the day. Drive via Ishasha, where you will observe tree-climbing lions. Notice the change in surroundings as you move into the thick forest of Southern Uganda. Arrive at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in time for dinner.
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing the lodge in search of gorillas. The Bwindi habitat is steep and densely forested and the trek requires stamina, as it can take the better part of a day to come across the gorillas. The first moment you finally see the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. If you would like a change of pace, enjoy any of the other activities hosted by the lodge.
The day is yours to spend as you wish! Choose between another gorilla tracking adventure (fees apply) or any of the optional activities hosted by the Bwindi Lodge.
After breakfast journey through bamboo forests and on mountain roads on your way to Kanaba Gap, where you will have spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the veranda of the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge and soak in the breathtaking views of the nearby volcano.
Accompanied by Batwa elders, walk the Batwa trail and learn about their unique cultural heritage. Watch as the Batwa demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques, and listen as they share their in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants. Visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the music and dance of this interesting culture. Alternatively, you can participate other activities offered at the lodge.
Take the opportunity to try out another of the optional activities offered at the lodge (except Gorilla Tracking) this morning. Mid-morning you head south to Rwanda and Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, near Lake Bulera and Ruhondo. Watch the changing landscape for the next few hours as you enter Rwanda. Tonight, enjoy a performance for the Intore Dance troupe (weather permitting).
Through the mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga range we track gorillas. Once you locate the troop, spend one hour with these amazing primates. Usually, you return to camp in time for a late lunch, however, some of the gorilla families are elusive, and tracking can take a full day.
Today participate in the activity of your choice hosted by the Virunga Lodge. Choose to track gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans (fees apply), or opt for another activity here.
Day 12: Depart Rwanda
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Your journey comes to an end as you arrive to Kigali. Depending on your international flight times you may have the opportunity for a city tour, or a visit to the Genocide Memorial. Return to your hotel, or transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
Note: Flights must depart after 4 PM. Earlier flight times will require an overnight in Kigali.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Uganda Tours.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Select a Date
Rates based on high season scheduled departures
Low season scheduled departures: $7,591
Custom start dates available. Rates range from $6,914 - $10,282
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
The booking was processed efficiently and quickly. We got what we wanted.
Doug Laporte
8 hours ago
Great company. Good communications. Great accommodations, excursions, transport. Guide Elvira was spectacular along with transport, driver, Cesar and activities
Kathy S
1 day ago
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
2 days ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
3 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.