When to go
January to February, June to August and December
Price
From £7,695 pp
Flight time
10hrs and 15mins, connecting flight
Introduction
The natural environment of Africa is at its most beautiful in Rwanda and Uganda.
Discover Akagera, the largest protected wetland in Central Africa, or experience the wildlife and diverse landscapes at the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Your journey can begin by exploring the most amazing national parks in both countries to see chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and many birds. You could even trek to see the gorillas in the mountainous Rwandan and Ugandan woods’ lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for the renowned fig tree-climbing lion as you traverse the vast grassland of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. If you are looking for some much-needed relaxation after these epic adventures, perhaps you might want to unwind on the banks of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, surrounded by towering mountains and emerald green waters. Then head back into an adventurous exploration of Uganda’s largest wildlife park, the Murchison Falls National Park, which is not only home to the Big Five, but also includes the most impressive and powerful falls in the whole world, the Murchison Falls.
Highlights
TREKKING FOR CHIMPANZEES (2-6 hours - Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda)
Enjoy a fast-paced journey through the jungle’s vegetation in search of one of East Africa’s last intact chimpanzee populations.
EXPLORING THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA (1-8 hours - Virunga Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda)
Spend an unforgettable hour with the highly endangered mountain gorilla in one of its few surviving habitats after walking through the deep jungle with the assistance of specialists.
MEET THE FEMALE RWANDAN BAKERS (2 hours - Kigali, Rwanda)
Meet the Rwandan ladies who have mastered baking in order to provide for their family. You will hear their enthralling tales and learn some practical baking advice from them.
Recommended Hotels
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
The opulent eight-tent lodging, the first camp constructed in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, enchants guests with its divine cuisine, exceptional service, and great understanding of primates, while situated in a breath-taking natural setting. Mountain gorillas occasionally come to play around the premises too.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
This environmentally aware lodge provides panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains while being tucked away among 72 hectares of wetlands and meadows.
The area is perfect for gorilla trekking excursions. Interiors include natural materials and local design. After your hike, you may relax in the heated pool in each roomy apartment.
One&Only Nyungwe House
This 22-room hotel was converted from an existing tea plantation and is perched on the edge of the enormous Nyungwe Forest National Park. The property provides a magnificent view of the region’s renowned fauna. It is situated in one of Africa’s oldest forests, which is home to 13 distinct primate species.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Arrival In Entebbe, Uganda
Your journey will start by flying overnight to Entebbe via Nairobi. Upon your arrival, you can unwind at your hotel for the evening, before your Ugandan adventure commences in the morning.
Day 3: Journey To Kibale Forest
Start your adventure with an awesome drive through Uganda, passing Kyaninga Lake with its lush greenery and the grand Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third highest mountains, with their varied flora and tropical rainforests. Kibale Forest is an absolute must see sight for any nature and animal enthusiast. The freshness of the air and the fragrance of the array of flowers surrounding it will be a splendid experience.
Days 4 & 5: Exploring Kibale Forest
Explore the verdant Kibale Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda through guided walks. The park is home to 13 species of primate, including chimpanzees, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey and red colobus monkeys. You will definitely hear them before you see them trekking across wonderful nature and scenery. The tropical forest is also home to 375 bird species, such as the blue turacos and African grey parrot. Sighting of other species such as the lion, elephant and buffalo is harder due to the density of the foliage.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Opening in 1952, the Kazinga National Park was renamed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following a visit from Queen Elizabeth II and is known for its impressive variety of ecosystems that inhabit the park, including over 600 bird species and just under 100 mammals. During your exploration you will experience the wonderful and diverse birds that call this lush forest home and marvel at their birdsong.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your exploration of this amazing park continues with an exciting boat trip up the Kazinga Channel to witness hippos or embark on a guided trek to experience a jaw dropping sight, the tree-climbing lions.
Day 8: Bwindi Experience
Dating back 25,000 years this amazing forest is home to more than half of our world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Therefore, it provides an excellent gorilla trekking experience amidst amazing flora, majestic waterfalls and magnificent wildlife. Thanks to its rich biodiversity you can also expect to find butterflies, a range of bird species, as well as over 160 types of trees.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking
Join a guided hike deep into the forest to come face-to-face with these powerful, yet endearingly playful, creatures. It’s an adventure that very few people get to experience.
Day 10: Lake Mburo
On this day you can experience the amazing scenery of Lake Mburo, with its vast ecosystem and 68 species of mammals and array of birds. You can expect to see zebra, leopard, hyena, buffalo as well as hippo amidst its rich grasslands and valleys.
Day 11: Entebbe
Experience the luxurious Boma Entebbe, set amidst lush tropical gardens, dating back to the 1940s. This fantastic guesthouse offers ample amenities and is in one the leafiest neighbourhoods offering impressive views of Lake Victoria.
Day 12: Return Flight Home From Entebbe
Your epic adventure across Uganda ends with your return flight from Entebbe.
