On this unforgettable gorilla tracking expedition, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, where you’ll experience wildlife in their natural, untamed habitat. Prepare for an intimate encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and venture to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for the remarkable sight of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with wildlife, and take part in chimpanzee tracking in the lush Kalinzu Forest. Afterward, you’ll return to Entebbe for your flight back home, carrying with you memories of a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Highlights

  • Lake Bunyonyi
  • Kigali City Tour
  • Gorilla Tracking
  • Scenic road trips
  • Tropical rain forest walks
  • Tree climbing
  • Culture

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali genocide memorial tour and take a Scenic Road trip to Bwindi Forest

You will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali and begin with a brief overview of your safari. Our first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and its remarkable journey to recovery. Afterward, we’ll embark on a scenic road trip to Bwindi, with a lunch break en route. In the evening, we’ll arrive at your lodge, located on the edge of the forest, where you can unwind and relax, ready for the exciting adventures ahead.

Accommodation: Bweza Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Ultimate gorilla tracking in the mist and Community Walk

After an early breakfast at 7:00 am, you’ll take a short drive to the UWA briefing center, where you’ll be briefed on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking. Once assigned to a gorilla family in a small group of 8, you’ll be guided by armed ranger guides into the forest in search of the gorillas. Upon locating them, you’ll have a full hour to observe these magnificent creatures as they go about their daily routines from a respectful distance of 7-10 meters.

After the thrilling gorilla trek, we’ll conclude the day with a community tour, giving you the opportunity to learn about the local communities living around the forest. This will be a great chance to explore the culture and way of life of the people who coexist with these incredible creatures in this breathtaking region.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3: Discover Ishasha Sector (Sothern Queen Elizabeth national park)

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive from Bwindi to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Ishasha is a unique blend of savannah woodlands, dotted with cactus trees, fig trees, and acacias, creating a stunning backdrop for your safari. This day will be dedicated to exploring the vast plains of Ishasha, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including herds of elephants, topis, buffaloes, kobs, as well as lions, leopards, and hyenas. As you take in the stunning surroundings, keep your eyes peeled for these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the Ishasha sector, reflecting on the day’s safari adventures.

Accommodation: Topi Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Morning game drive in Ishasha and afternoon Kazinga community boat cruise.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a final game drive as you head to the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch before preparing for the afternoon’s exciting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which is renowned for having the highest population of hippos on the African continent. As you cruise, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including African elephants, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, and numerous bird species. You may also encounter reptiles such as Nile crocodiles.

After the boat cruise, we’ll drive to your lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight at the edge of the park, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters and the stunning beauty of the Kazinga Channel. Dinner and overnight at the edge of the park

Accommodation: Enshama game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Morning game drive and Pm chimpanzee trekking in Kibale

After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on one final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the hope of spotting the elusive big cats and other wildlife that call this park home. Following the game drive, you’ll transfer to Kibale Forest for your afternoon chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you’ll head to the Kanyanchu briefing center, where you’ll join other visitors for a comprehensive briefing before setting off with your ranger guides. Together, you’ll venture into the forest, following the calls and tracks of the chimpanzees. Once the chimps are located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior and social dynamics.

After this exciting experience, you’ll transfer back to your lodge, where you can unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night at the edge of the forest, reflecting on your wildlife encounters of the day.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House  

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Community tour and Transfer back to Entebbe

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic walk through the renowned Bigodi Wetlands, a community project dedicated to improving the lives of the local communities. As you stroll through the wetlands, keep an eye out for wildlife such as olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to engage with the local communities, learning about their culture and how the project has positively impacted their lives. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you back to Entebbe, where you’ll be dropped off at the airport for your flight home, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories created throughout your safari.

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch only

Included

  • 4×4 Customized Safari Vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • 1 Gorilla Permit per person 800$
  • 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person (Kibale Forest) 250$
  • Accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary

Excluded

  • Porter fees $40 per person
  • En route lunches
  • Tips or any additional costs of personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary