Best of Uganda and Rwanda
In-depth gorilla and wildlife safari
This in-depth 12 day safari takes in the best that Uganda and Rwanda have to offer. The itinerary offers several chances to track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The safari also includes tours to track other primates including endangered chimpanzees, and a host of other wildlife including lion, hippo and bountiful birdlife. Enjoy forest walks and meet an indigenous tribe while surrounded by nature and the specular mountain and volcanic scenery for which this part of the world is renowned.
3 nights Queen Elizabeth National Park • 3 nights Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • 2 nights Mgahinga National Park • 3 nights Volcanoes National Park
Day 1 Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport you will meet your expert guide who will be your source of knowledge throughout your 12 day adventure. Stop off on the road south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park to stand astride the Equator before arriving at the contemporary Kyambura Gorge Lodge and enjoy some pre-dinner drinks on the lodge’s veranda, soaking up the breathtaking views.
Stay: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (LD)
Day 2 Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy daily game drives in the park in the early morning or evening, the best times to view game, giving you time to relax by the pool in the afternoon. The Kasenyi plains are the best place for spotting lion and large herds of Ugandan kob, and in Mweya you can spot leopard, all with the spectacular backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Stay: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (BLD)
Day 3 Kyambura Gorge
Today, take a lovely forest walk into the Kyambura Gorge, a large gash through the Rift Valley and home to our close relative, the chimpanzee. A cruise on the Kazinga channel will provide a close encounter with a hippo pod, the channel having one of the largest hippo populations in Africa, or some of the 600 species of birds that live in this region. Herds of elephant, buffalo, flocks of pelicans and other waterbirds all come fo drink from the shores of the channel.
Stay: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (BLD)
Day 4 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Leave the Kyambura Gorge and head into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This journey gives the opportunity to spot the magnificent tree-climbing lions. This long but incredibly scenic journey travels through ever-changing landscapes before arriving at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge with great views over the forest.
Stay: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (BLD)
Day 5 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Set off early and trek into the hills to find the mountain gorillas. This can be a long day and involve some steep trekking but the rewards are incredible. Alternative activities in the park include a guided rainforest walk to discover the bird life, butterflies and rare plants. Discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies, the indigenous people of the forest.
Stay: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (BLD)
Day 6 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Choose to go gorilla tracking again or another activity in the forest, or simply opt to relax at the lodge.
Stay: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (BLD)
Day 7 Mgahinga National Park
After breakfast, depart for Mgahinga after breakfast, the road winding through bamboo forests giving spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a steep drop, the road winds up once again before arriving at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge at a height of 2300m, and adjacent to the Mgahinga National Park. Enjoy some pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with its stunning views of the volcanoes, or have a warming drink by the roaring log fire.
Stay: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (BLD)
Day 8 Mgahinga National Park
Choose to track gorillas in Nkuringo, a challenging section of the park. Alternatively, take a gentler hike to the Gahinga Volcanoes and enjoy the spectacular views.
Stay: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (BLD)
Day 9 Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
Enjoy a morning guided nature walk through the park which is home to the golden monkeys and a wide varierty of animal and bird life. Set off for the Rwandan border and the Volcanoes National Park and check-in at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge which is situated on top of a hill overlooking the volcanoes.
Stay: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (BLD)
Day 10 Parc National des Volcans
Head into the Parc National des Volcans, through the forest to meet the mountain gorillas. Spend a good hour with these amazing creatures, an experience which will stay with you forever. Return to the lodge for a late lunch.
Stay: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (BLD)
Day 11 Parc National des Volcans
Choose to go gorilla tracking once more (this will require an additional permit) or choose from a number of other activities; visit Dian Fossey’s grave and the cemetery of her favourite gorilla, Digit. You could also visit the local school and various community projects including an orphanage, or simply relax on the inviting beaches of Lake Kivu.
Stay: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (BLD)
Day 12 Kigali
The last day of your safari ends with your journey to Kigali. En route to the airport, take a city tour and an optional visit to the genocide memorial, a moving experience to learn about this country’s recent history. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Prices from
Prices from: £7,397 per person
Valid for travel: 1 May - 18 July & 19 August - 1 December 2012
Offer includes: Return scheduled economy flights, 11 nights accommodation on a full board basis, an expert guide for the duration of the itinerary, all park fees, nature and community walk fees, boat trips, one chimpanzee and one gorilla permit. Extra gorilla permits currently cost US$500.
B = breakfast • L = lunch • D = dinner
Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102610.
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