“Embark on a 15-Day Odyssey Across Uganda and Rwanda for a face-to-face encounter with the Gorillas in Misty Mountains, chase the wild in the lush Savannahs, take boat cruises on the Nile, Kazinga channel where the wild drinks, the twin lakes where breathtaking scenery awaits, and explore the Untamed Heart of East Africa.”
Step into the wild heart of East Africa on a 15-Day odyssey through Uganda and Rwanda, an adventure that brings you closer to nature, culture, adventure, and wild encounters. Enjoy game drives in Uganda's savannahs, teeming with the Big Five, including rhinos, towering giraffes, and antelopes, and follow the mighty Nile as it transforms into the mighty cascading Murchison Falls.
Venture into the misty forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks, where the rare and majestic mountain gorillas dwell and await. Witness their intimate social bonds up close, an encounter that will stay etched in your memory forever. In Kibale Forest, the playful chimpanzees swing through the canopy, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world.
Rwanda’s rolling hills and serene lakes provide a perfect counterpoint to Uganda’s wild savannahs. From the bustling streets of Kigali to the tranquil beauty of Volcanoes National Park, each day unveils a new chapter of discovery, adventure, and reflection.
Evenings are spent under star-filled skies, sharing stories, laughter, and the profound silence of the wilderness. Every sunrise and sunset becomes a moment to pause, breathe, and absorb the magic of East Africa.
This 15 Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tracking Safari is not just a journey but a soulful adventure into the untamed landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the enduring spirit of two incredible countries.
You’re Invited to Journey with Gorilla & East Africa Safari- Where Every Safari is a Story, and Every Traveler Finds Their Wild
A Soulful Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Step off the plane into the rhythm of East Africa. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will be waiting to usher you into your first whispers of your safari; with a warm welcome, meet and greets, you will be transferred to the Hotel for you to settle. Dinner sets the tone for the journey ahead and the overnight stay.
Highlights: Meet and Greet | Accommodation: Flames Tree | Dinner Only| Upgrade to Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Day 2: Kigali City & Nyungwe Forest
Explore Kigali’s poignant history at the Genocide Memorial Center, then drive southwest toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, rich with biodiversity. Let the lush greens of Nyungwe Forest National Park sweep over you. The forest hums with life, promising secrets of the wild yet to be discovered. Check in at the Hotel, where dinner awaits.
Highlights: Kigali city sights, Rwanda history, Sweeping views of Nyungwe| Accommodation: Hilltop View Hotel |
Upgrade to Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House| Full Board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking or Canopy Walk
Today offers two thrilling options: You can venture into the emerald forest for chimpazee tracking to witness playful chimpanzees swinging and chattering, Or Rise above the treetops for a canopy walk to float above the treetops on a suspended bridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes National Park. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Highlights: Rare primate encounters, Rainforest immersion, Breathtaking canopy views| Accommodation: Hilltop View Hotel | Upgrade to Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House | FullBoard
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
Journey to the volcanic heart of Rwanda, with Lake Kivu’s shimmering waters guiding your path. Drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing scenic vistas of Lake Kivu along the way. The volcanic peaks rise dramatically against the sky, promising awe-inspiring landscapes. Arrive at the Lodge for check-in, evening falls over the mountains as you rest and have your dinner, and overnight.
Highlights: Lake Kivu panoramas, volcanic landscapes| Accommodation: Mount View Gorilla Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest| Full Board
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Encounter
An early trek leads you into the misty forests, where you will do one of the activities: Golden Monkey tracking or Trek to Diana Fossey’s Grave.
You may as well enter the misty forest where mountain gorillas emerge from the green, a moment both humbling and unforgettable. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is an opportunity to witness these majestic mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rhythms of local life at a cultural village to engage with the community, learn about traditions, and observe daily life.
Highlights: Golden Monkey Tracking/ Trekking to Diana Fossey’s Grave| Mountain Gorilla encounter ($1500 permit)| Cultural immersion| Accommodation: Mount View Gorilla Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest| Full Board
Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Lakes Burera & Ruhondo
Visit the Twin Lakes, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, and enjoy a scenic boat ride, visiting several islands and encountering local fishermen at work, all framed by the dramatic volcanic scenery. Cross into Uganda, then journey into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to dense forests and endangered mountain gorillas.
Highlights: Scenic Boat rides, local fishing communities, jungle landscapes| Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge| Full Board
Day 7: Gorilla Encounter in Bwindi
Experience a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. Spend an hour observing gorillas interacting, feeding, and playing, moments that are both moving and unforgettable. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Highlights: Intimate mountain gorilla encounters| Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge| Full Board
Day 8: Ishasha Sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, to enjoy a game drive, and look out for the lions hanging in the tree branches.
Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, savannah wildlife, spectacular landscapes| Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp| Full Board
Day 9: Mweya Sector
Another morning in the wild, then journey to Mweya sector, with elephants, buffalo, and antelopes punctuating your route, reminding you that Africa’s heartbeat is alive and strong. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way, offering a continuous connection with the African wilderness.
Highlights: Wildlife encounters en route, scenic drives| Accommodation: Bush Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge| FullBoard
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Begin with an early morning game drive that unveils the park’s wonders. This time is the best to spot animals as they start their daily activity; spot lions, elephants, and antelopes in the savannah. We will follow with an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, immersing you in life along the water where wildlife congregate; hippos surfacing, birds soaring, elephants drinking at the banks.
Highlights: Boat safari, wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes| Accommodation: Bush Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge| Full Board
Day 11: Kibale Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking
Drive to Kibale Forest, renowned for its large population of chimpanzees. The forest is a sanctuary of sound and motion. Trek into the heart of the forest to meet these intelligent primates in their natural home, a very magical experience; observe the playful chimpanzees, watching their acrobatics, and feel the rhythm of a forest untouched by time.
Highlights: Chimpanzee trekking, other primate encounters, nature| Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp | Upgrade to Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge| Full Board
Day 12: Murchison Falls National Park
Journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most beautiful national park. Check into the Lodge, and prepare for game drives and river adventures the next day. Relax and enjoy the sound of nature.
Highlights: Vast landscapes, anticipation of wildlife adventures| Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge | Upgrade to Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge| Full Board
Day 13: Game Drives & Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Murchison Falls
Spend the morning on a game drive, seeking lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo across the Savannah. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, the amazing sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and elephants arrayed at the river bank for a drink and bath, and standing close to the powerful falls watching its cascading waters pour down in a powerful force. Drive to the top of the falls to witness the Nile roar through a narrow gorge is a dramatic spectacle of nature’s power. The roar of the Nile and the sight of wildlife against the endless horizon etch memories that last a lifetime.
Highlights: Vast landscapes, anticipation of wildlife adventures| Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge |
Upgrade to Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge| Full Board
Day 14: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Kampala
Depart the park to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track endangered rhinos on foot. Then drive to Kampala, get a glimpse of the city. Check into the Hotel, relax, and reflect on your extraordinary journey.
Highlights: Rhino tracking| Accommodation: Kaazi Beach Resort | Upgrade to Luxury: Serena Hotel Kampala| Full Board
Day 15: Kampala City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, explore Kampala’s iconic sites, the Buganda Kingdom Palace & Idi Amin's torture chamber, gather souvenirs, and let the vibrant city mark the end of your odyssey. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport, carrying the wild heart of East Africa with you. That will be the end of the 15-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tracking Safari - an East African safari odyssey.
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