This 11-days tour around the three gifted destinations of Rwanda, Democratic republic of Congo and Uganda is one of its kind, with several breathtaking scenes such as the wildlife – the mammals, big cats, unique bird species and rare primates such as mountain Gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and more. You will relax along the banks of different water bodies as you carry out some activities which include bird watching, game viewing, and boat cruise.
The places you will visit are; Nyungwe Forest national park for chimpanzee trekking, Lake Kivu for R&R, Kahuzi-Biega in democratic republic of Congo for western low land gorillas, hiking to the Nyiragongo volcano, Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national Park in Uganda, explore the city of Kigali and so much more. The trip starts in Kigali – Rwanda and ends in Entebbe – Uganda.
Day 1: Pick-up and Transfer to the lodge
Upon landing in the beautiful land of a thousand hills, Rwanda, our professional guide will welcome you and brief you of all the activities you will be undertaking during this 11 days exploration, as well as explaining to you the different treasures hidden in the various places you will visit.
The guide will later drive you to the hotel for lunch before heading to Kigali’s craft market, and the genocide memorial museum for an excursion.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early morning breakfast, commence your tour with a six-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest national park, one of the largest forest reserves in Africa. This forest teems with flora and fauna including 13 unique primate species from Colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, chimpanzees- the most sought after of all primates.
With over 310 recorded bird species and 26 endemics to the area, Nyungwe Forest is appropriate for any birding enthusiast. On arrival, you will check-in to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early morning breakfast, head for briefing in the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections, after briefing conducted by the park rangers to explain what is expected of you during the trekking exercise. Be accompanied to the jungle in search of the apes which will be enjoying their peace in the paradise of Nyungwe forest.
Though the trek is somehow tiresome, the whole experience is worthwhile, it lasts for up to 6 hours depending on the speed, fitness level and movement of the chimps. The encounter however becomes better and better when you are given one hour to observe and take a keen study of these rare primates.
After lunch in the afternoon, rest and head out to the forest once again for monkey tracking. Track the Ruwenzori Black colobus and other rare monkey species, like the rare owl-faced monkey, etc. Return to your lodge near the park headquarters for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Bukavu region (Kahuzi Biega National park) in D.R. Congo
Upon finishing your delicious breakfast, embark on a journey to Kahuzi-Biega National park for an encounter with the only surviving lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will drive through the scenic route of Rwanda while viewing the rolling Hills, Congo-Nile Drive and amazing shores of Lake Kivu. The journey lasts for about 4-5 hours.
In case you arrive early, you can be driven around Bukavu – a big city in eastern D.R. Congo as you spot some of the old colonial architecture in the city. Enjoy the mountain views of Kahuzi and Biega volcanoes right from the balcony of your hotel.
Day 5: Kahuzi-Biega National park: Tracking the Lowland Gorillas
After an early breakfast, head to Kahuzi-Biega park ranger station for a pre-trekking briefing, before heading to the jungle looking for one of the last remaining groups of western lowland gorillas in the distinguished destination of Kahuzi-Biega national Park, which hosts an estimation of over 250 individuals with only about 80 habituated for trekking on daily basis.
These eastern lowland gorillas are one of the largest gorilla species in the world. So during your tracking, you will encounter the gorillas at short range when you are given one hour to study the real behaviors of these primates. In addition to the gorillas, also meet several other bird species endemic to the eastern region of D.R. Congo. Utilize the remaining free time to take photos, eating packed lunch and some refreshments.
Later on, drive to Lake Kivu, located in the north of the park for an afternoon boat ride experience which lasts for roughly 3-hours.
Day 6: Proceed to Nyiragongo Volcano in D.R. Congo
After an early morning breakfast, you will have a simple excursion around the neighboring villages; learning how natives here run their day to day activities as well as enjoying some traditional dances from the community members. Afterwards, return for lunch at your lodge to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Enjoy the cool breeze as you have your lovely evening at the lodge.
Day 7: Mount. Nyiragongo hike
Wakeup to a very hefty breakfast, before heading to Kibati patrol post on the foot Nyiragongo volcano. It is at this point that your 5-6-hour hike begins right from 10 am. With help of hiking boots, camera, and supporting sticks, your hike to the top of the crater will have been made possible. Nyiragongo volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes with the largest lava lake.
Your night will be on top of the volcano in one of the shelters on the crater rim. The night on Nyiragongo is ever covered with fun and laughter as you watch the sea of lava which presenting opportunities for spectacular photography.
Day 8: Nyiragongo descent and cross to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda
In the morning, enjoy a very tasty breakfast with breathtaking views overlooking the crater before you descend. Upon reaching down at the patrol post, join the driver guide who will transfer you to D.R. Congo – Uganda border at Bunagana. Have lunch in Kisoro town before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale; Bunyonyi is an iconic lake marked by 29 islands, vibrant Bakiga and Batwa communities and spectacular scenery.
This is a destination that never stops to amuse all visitors with its several bird species and a very conducive atmosphere. Have dinner and overnight stay at a resort on the lake shores.
Day 9: Explore Lake Bunyonyi and proceed to Ruhija – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, immediately get onto a traditional dugout canoe to explore the interior of Lake Bunyonyi- a birders’ hub and the renowned Switzerland of Africa. This destination is surrounded by up 29 island that are rich in history, biodiversity and vibrant communities. The local guide will ride with you in a canoe as you visit different islands, while explaining to you some of the secrets you ought to understand about some islands. After that, head back to the lodge for lunch, check out and proceed with your journey to Ruhija – the eastern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Encounter
After breakfast, head to the park office headquarters for a very important briefing prior to trekking the gorillas in the thick impenetrable forest. At 7:30am, the park head ranger will take you through vital guidelines to know while trekking the gentle giants. Though strenuous, this is a life time experience worth trying out. With a supporting stick, binoculars, cameras, trekking boots, you will head to the forest accompanied by guides, rangers and porters who will lead you in the quest of your allocated gorilla family.
Dependent on the trekkers’ speed, fitness level and movement of the gorilla group, the trekking exercise might last between 1-7 hours and upon finding them, one hour will be given to you to closely observe and enjoy the presence of these shy and kind apes; watching them go on with their daily activities and capture some photos for memories.
Have your packed lunch/snacks, and descend back from the jungles to the lodge. Relax and in the afternoon, head out for an encounter with Batwa pygmies in the periphery of Bwindi forest. The Batwa are one of the oldest human races on earth who possess real authentic African Culture and have leaved most of the time as wonderers and gatherers.
Day 11: Bwindi National Park – Kampala/Entebbe International Airport & Departure
After breakfast, start your long but interesting return journey to Entebbe International Airport for you flight back home. On the way, you will have a stopover at the equator for lunch and photography moment. Then afterwards, proceed to the airport.
End of safari.
