Gorilla Trekking Adventure: Uganda & Rwanda

Entebbe Airport - Murchison Falls National Park

Day 1: Uganda Welcomes You!

Your adventure begins today with an early morning departure for Murchison Falls National Park. This natural wildlife haven is situated in northwestern Uganda, on the northern shores of Lake Albert. 

Travelers interested in tracking rhinoceroses may choose to stop off at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. This tranquil reserve located on the Tafu River is home to the only southern white rhinos in Uganda.  

Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park you will venture to the park's upper elevations where you will witness a breathtaking site as the rushing waters of the Nile River flow powerfully through a 7m-wide gorge before plunging 43 meters to "The Devil's Cauldron."

Later, check in to Paraa Safari Lodge, your home base for the first two nights of the trip.

Murchison Falls National Park - Murchison Falls National Park

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Nile River Cruise

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge this morning before setting off on a game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. As you venture across the grassy savannah and through serene forests, keep an eye out for the indigenous African animals that make their homes here. From lions and giraffes to waterbuck and hartebeest antelope this nature reseve is rich with an abundance of wild species.

Later, you will embark on a cruise along the Nile River to get a first hand view of the hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and beautiful water birds like the shoebill stork that can be found here.

End the day with a relaxing dinner of local or international cuisine at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Murchison Falls - Kibale Forest

Day 3: Journey South to the Great Crater Lakes

Today, after an early breakfast at the lodge, you will venture south on a drive to Kibale National Park. The journey will take you through the beautiful mountainous landscape overlooking Lake Albert. Known as the East African Rift Valley, the dramatic geography of this region is truly inspiring.

As you start passing banana and avocado plantations you will know that you're approaching your destination. Tonight you will stay at Papaya Lake Lodge, a peaceful hotel comprised of serene cottages set within the verdant landscape of the Ugandan Great Crater Lakes region.

Spend the evening relaxing in this tranquil environment.

Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4: See Chimpanzees and Monkeys in the Kibale Forest

Today's adventure will take you into the heart of the Kibale Forest on a quest to find the local chimpanzees. 

After breakfast, you'll get a short briefing at the park headquarters before being guided to the locations where the chimp families tend to hang out. Along the way, you may get a glimpse of Colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. The diversity of primates found here, give the Kibale Forest the title of "primate capital of the world."

After refueling with lunch at the lodge, you will continue your Ugandan safari adventure to Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you make your way to your next hotel, the Mweya Safari Lodge, keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, and antelope.

Settle into your new hotel, surrounded by the Rwenzori Mountains, otherwise known as the Mountains of the Moon.

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Witness the Diversity of the Kasenyi Plains

Begin your day with a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, a spectacular savannah in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will witness an array of African wildlife. A major breeding ground for the Uganda Kob antelope, this region attracts lions, elephants, buffalo, and a vast array of grassland birds including grey-crowned cranes.

Later, head back to the lodge for a late breakfast, and spend some time relaxing. You can enjoy a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel later in the afternoon, where you will have the chance to see hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and water birds like the pink-backed pelican and malachite kingfisher. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 6: Search for Tree-Climbing Lions

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before checking out of Mweya Safari Lodge. Today's quest will have you searching for none other than the king of the jungle.

As you journey out of Queen Elizabeth National Park, stop for a game drive in the Ishasha Sector in the park's southern realm. Here, you will have the rare opportunity to observe tree-climbing lions that lounge in the branches of this region's massive fig trees. 

Continuing on to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, you will stop for lunch before an evening arrival at Gorilla Safari Lodge, your home base for the next two nights.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7: Meet the Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda

Around 400 Bwindi gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and today you will get to meet some of these remarkable creatures. 

After breakfast at the lodge, you will head to the park headquarters for instructions on how to track the gorillas and respect their habitats. Accompanied by a knowledgable forest ranger, you will hike through the dense forests of this magnificent, mountainous nature reserve. After a trek lasting anywhere from two to eight hours, you will have the chance to spend up to one hour with the gorillas.

Later, you can join a community walk to visit some of the local people who live in this region, before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Bwindi National Park - Volcanoes National Park

Day 8: Cross the Border to Rwanda

Rwanda is known as the "land of a thousand hills." Today as you venture into this verdant country, the reason why will be obvious. Take in the rolling green jungle-covered mountains as you make your way to your hotel, the Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge. Perfectly situated for a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is surrounded by serene nature.

Spend the day relaxing in this tranqil environment as you prepare for tomorrow's gorilla safari.

Volcanoes National Park - Volcanoes National Park

Day 9: Encounter Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

This morning you will have another opportunity to observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

After your briefing at park headquarters, you will hike into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of these gentle creatures. Once again, after you have found a family of gorillas you will have one hour to spend among them, observing the ways in which they communicate and interact with each other. 

After the gorilla trek, you can visit the Banyarwanda people on an optional cultural walk. Enjoy performances and get an intimate first-hand look at their culture before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Volcanoes National Park - Kigali City Tour

Day 10: One Last Day in East Africa

It's hard to believe your 10-day tour of Uganda and Rwanda has come to an end!

Enjoy your breakfast at the Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge before heading to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Here, you can take in a city tour, which includes a visit to one of the country's most important remembrance sites, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honors those who lost their life in the devastating genocide of 1994.

You can also visit some of the city's museums, arts and crafts shops, and local markets before heading to Kigali International Airport to catch your onward flight.

We hope you have had an unforgettable time in Africa!