6-Day Ultimate Apes and Wildlife Rwanda-Uganda Safari
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This is a wildlife lover’s dream trip spanning two countries: the Rwanda and Uganda wildlife tour. Explore the wonders of volcanic landscapes, track the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees to see them in their natural habitat. Spot leopards, lions, buffalo, hippos, and elephants on game drives and boat cruises through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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Upon your arrival at Kigali Airport, you will be greeted by our driver guide who will accompany you on a guided tour of the rapidly developing neighborhoods of Kigali, which are significantly transforming the city's landscape. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Presidential Museum, which served as the residence of two former Presidents of Rwanda. This visit will provide you with a glimpse into the political history of Rwanda. Subsequently, we will traverse the older commercial and residential areas, with a significant stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, which commemorates the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Afterward, we will pause for lunch before proceeding to Musanze. If time permits, we will visit the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, which are characterized by their deep blue waters, surrounded by steep hills and tall waterfalls, with the nearby Virunga Volcanoes providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Please wake up early for breakfast and proceed to the park head offices in Kinigi by 7:00 am. Upon arrival, you will join other trekkers of the golden monkeys and meet the ranger guide for a brief orientation about the activity and the park. At 8:00 am, you will be transferred to the trailhead located just outside the park. As you embark on your trek into the park to locate the golden monkeys, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the mountain scenery. The golden monkeys are known to reside near the park's edge in the bamboo forests, where the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Once you locate the monkeys, you will observe them as they feed, skillfully picking young bamboo leaves from the tip of the bamboo tree. They may also venture out of the park into the potato fields, where they have a particular fondness for the tubers. After an unforgettable hour spent with the golden monkeys, you will return to the trailhead and be driven back to the lodge for lunch. Following lunch, we will proceed to the border, where we will clear customs and continue on to Bwindi.
Following an early morning meal, participants are expected to make their way to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on the appropriate conduct and guidelines to adhere to during the gorilla tracking experience. Subsequently, individuals will proceed to the designated gorilla trail. The duration of gorilla tracking typically spans from 2 to 8 hours, and in some cases, may even extend to a full day in order to successfully encounter the gorillas. However, visitors will be granted a minimum of one hour to remain in the presence of these magnificent primates. It is strongly recommended that individuals bring a packed lunch, which will be provided, as the duration of the encounter with the mountain gorillas cannot be predetermined. Following this exhilarating activity, participants will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, before embarking on a cultural tour of the Batwa community.
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and is a popular destination for visitors traveling from Bwindi. While the sighting of these lions cannot be guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is highly recommended. Following the Ishasha game drive, guests may proceed to the Mweya Peninsular of Queen Elizabeth for a boat cruise experience on the Kazinga Channel. If time permits, guests are encouraged to join the Kazinga Channel boat cruise for an afternoon of wild game viewing, where they may observe crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a diverse range of bird species on the channel waters. Following the cruise, guests may retire to the lodge for dinner and their overnight stay.
The Kasenyi Plains game drive will commence with an early morning breakfast at the lodge. Subsequently, we will proceed to the renowned Kasenyi Plains located within the expansive savannahs of the Albertine Rift in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This excursion promises an exhilarating morning filled with adventure, as we will also have the opportunity to partake in chimpanzee tracking at the Kalinzu Forest before embarking on our journey to Lake Bunyonyi. Anticipate encountering a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, buffalo herds, elephants, Uganda kobs, topi, and bushbucks. While the sighting of the "Big Five" within the park cannot be guaranteed, there is a possibility, on a fortuitous day, of catching a glimpse of leopards, thus completing the "Big Four." Following the game drive, we will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi for a range of activities and a chance to unwind.
Following breakfast, you will embark on a boat excursion across the lake, visiting various islands. Subsequently, we will proceed to the Katuna border to transit into Rwanda. Upon arrival, we will commence a comprehensive tour of Kigali city, commencing with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. We will explore notable city landmarks and peruse local craft markets. Finally, you will be transported to Kigali Airport to board your return flight to your country of origin.
