Overview
The 8 days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla circuit is the ideal safari to trek the gorillas twice in different countries. The tour will begin in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport ant then head to Bwindi national park for the first gorilla trekking experience and also enjoying the Batwa community. Cross to Rwanda and head to Volcanoes national park another great home for mountain gorillas.
While at this destination, there is optional activities you will encounter such as visiting the twin lakes, Lake Kivu or even taking part in the Iby’iwachu cultural village tour. There will be a great time to enjoy the equator line in Uganda.
Detailed itinerary
Day1. Arrival at Entebbe international Airport
The driver guide will be eagerly waiting to receive you on your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Immediately, head to the hotel booked to enjoy the ambiance of fresh air from Lake Victoria.
Day2. Transfer to Bwindi national park, equator view point
Leave Entebbe hotel and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after breakfast a drive that will last for about 9 hours. This will include several stopovers such as that one at the Uganda equator for photos and souvenir buying and another one at Igongo cultural center for a cultural performance and tasting the local dishes like “Eshabwe”. Proceed to Bwindi a home to almost half of the gorilla population for late dinner and overnight stay.
Day3. Gorilla trekking and Batwa community tour
Wake up excited to meet the gorilla family for the first time on this great safari. Take breakfast which will be followed by a short drive or walk to the briefing point. This time is very important since it protects both you and the gorillas. During this time, be told about the dos and don’ts to follow as the park warden crosschecks the gorilla trekking permits.
After head into the forest to search for these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The trail involves walking long distances and hiking since these creatures are found higher areas of the mountain. Meeting up a family of the gentle giants reward you with an hour to capture great memories of feeding, walking, searching for food, breastfeeding if it has a baby and more.
After the experience, head back to the lodge for lunch followed by Batwa community tour that will introduce you the real back word African culture which is believed to be the people of the forest. This will be through music, dance and drama, folk tales, tasting local dishes, dressing code and many more others. Later on, head back to the accommodation for leisure dinner.
Day4. Leisure on Lake Mutanda
Spend a full day on Lake Mutanda watching over the waters. You can also have different optional activities such as swimming, canoeing, Hiking and more others. Lake Mutanda offers a great view of the Virunga Mountains in the backdrop.
Day5. Cross to Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes national park
Leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the morning and transfer to Rwanda crossing the border post. The driver guide will help you to acquire all the necessary documents like the Rwanda visa, yellow fever card and more. Proceed to Volcanoes national park another gorilla destination in Africa located in the Virunga Mountains. Arrive at the lodge and enjoy your dinner and overnight stay.
Day6. Gorilla trekking
Like in Bwindi national park, spend about 30 minutes attending briefing after your breakfast. This exercise introduces you to the dos and don’ts to follow while trekking, crosschecking the gorilla trekking permits, hiring Porters and more. After, be assigned to the park ranger guide who will take you through the forest in as you search for these rare and beautiful creature. The search will begin while meeting other attractions like red tailed monkeys, varvet monkeys, olive baboons and many others.
Meeting these beautiful creatures enables you to understand their behaviors, movements and more. Spend an hour in the presence of these gentle giants capturing memories. Head back to lodge after trekking for leisure evening after lunch.
Day7. Optional activity
Take part in any optional activity such as nature walk in the park, cycling, and Community walk to Iby’iwachu village, visiting Lake Kivu or even the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Later on, head back to the lodge for your dinner.
Day8. Head to Kigali, city tour and departure
Have a morning breakfast at the lodge, check out, and transfer to Kigali the main capital city of Rwanda. This will take about 3 hours’ drive and on arrival, take part in a short city tour where you expect to visit attractions like the local markets, craft center, the genocide memorial grounds, and more. Later on, board your departure flight back home and this will mark the end of the safari.