ULTIMATE EAST AFRICAN ADVENTURE

11-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari Gorillas, Chimps & Volcanoes

Double Gorilla Trekking • Chimpanzees • Golden Monkeys • Volcano Hike

11-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Double gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and volcano hiking across two countries

1

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali International Airport

Arrival & Welcome

  • • Arrive at Kigali International Airport
  • • Meet your private guide from WildMed
  • • Transfer to Five to Five Hotel
  • • Settle in and relax after travel

Evening City Tour

  • • Explore Kigali's clean, safe streets
  • • Visit vibrant local markets
  • • Learn about Rwanda's transformation
  • • Dinner at the hotel

Rwanda Insight

Kigali is consistently ranked as one of Africa's cleanest and safest capitals. Experience its unique blend of modernity and tradition on your first evening.

2

Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

Cross Border to Uganda

Border Crossing & Transfer

  • • Cross border into Uganda
  • • Scenic drive to Lake Mburo
  • • Check into Hyena Hill Lodge
  • • Lunch and relaxation

Afternoon Game Drive

  • • Late afternoon game drive
  • • Spot zebra, impala, buffalo
  • • Photography in acacia woodlands
  • • Sunset viewing

Wildlife Note

Lake Mburo is Uganda's smallest savanna park but boasts impressive wildlife density. It's the only park in Uganda where you can find zebras.

3-4

Days 3-4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Two Full Safari Days

Game Drives & Wildlife

  • • Morning and evening game drives
  • • Visit Ishasha tree-climbing lions
  • • Elephant herds in Kasenyi plains
  • • Diverse birdwatching (600+ species)

Kazinga Channel Cruise

  • • Relaxing boat cruise
  • • Hippo and crocodile viewing
  • • Water bird photography
  • • Stay at Enshama Game Lodge

Park Diversity

Queen Elizabeth NP spans 1,978 sq km with diverse habitats: savanna, wetlands, forests, and lakes. It's home to 95 mammal species and 600 bird species.

5

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bwindi Transfer

Kalinzu Forest to Bwindi

Chimpanzee Tracking

  • • Kalinzu Forest chimpanzee trekking
  • • 2-4 hour forest walk
  • • 1 hour observing chimpanzees
  • • Other primate species viewing

Transfer to Bwindi

  • • Scenic drive to Bwindi Forest
  • • Check into Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • • Gorilla trekking briefing
  • • Rest for tomorrow's adventure

Primate Experience

Kalinzu Forest is home to about 320 chimpanzees across 6 communities. It's less crowded than Kibale, offering a more intimate primate experience.

6

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla Trekking Experience

  • • Early morning briefing
  • • Trek through ancient forest
  • • Find mountain gorilla family
  • • 1 hour with the gentle giants

Afternoon & Accommodation

  • • Return to lodge for lunch
  • • Transfer to Itambira Island Resort
  • • Lakeside relaxation
  • • Dinner with lake views

Conservation Note

Bwindi is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas (about 459). Your permit fee directly supports conservation efforts.

7

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

Cultural & Relaxation Day

Lake Activities

  • • Morning canoe ride on the lake
  • • Visit local villages on islands
  • • Birdwatching (29 islands)
  • • Photography of scenic landscapes

Leisure Time

  • • Optional nature walks
  • • Relaxation at lakeside resort
  • • Cultural interactions
  • • Evening bonfire (weather permitting)

Lake Facts

Lake Bunyonyi ("Place of Many Birds") is Africa's second deepest lake at 900m. It's bilharzia-free and perfect for swimming and relaxation.

8-9

Days 8-9: Mount Bisoke Hike, Rwanda

Volcano Adventure

Volcano Hike

  • • Cross back into Rwanda
  • • Hike Mount Bisoke (3,711m)
  • • Reach stunning crater lake
  • • Views of Virunga Mountains

Accommodation & Recovery

  • • Stay at Isange Paradise Resort
  • • Rest after challenging hike
  • • Enjoy mountain views
  • • Prepare for golden monkeys

Hiking Details

Mount Bisoke hike takes 6-7 hours round trip. The crater lake at the summit is one of Africa's most beautiful volcanic features. Good fitness required.

10

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking

Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkey Tracking

  • • Morning golden monkey trek
  • • See playful primates in bamboo
  • • Photography opportunities
  • • Learn about conservation

Afternoon Options

  • • Cultural village visit
  • • Rest and relaxation
  • • Last minute souvenir shopping
  • • Farewell dinner

Primate Diversity

Golden monkeys are endangered and found only in the Virunga Mountains. Their bright orange-gold fur makes them one of Africa's most beautiful primates.

11

Day 11: Kigali Memorial & Departure

Return to Kigali

Kigali Genocide Memorial

  • • Visit moving memorial center
  • • Learn about Rwanda's history
  • • Understand reconciliation journey
  • • Reflection on transformation

Departure Preparation

  • • Final city tour or shopping
  • • Lunch at local restaurant
  • • Transfer to Kigali Airport
  • • End of 11-day adventure

Historical Significance

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a powerful place of remembrance and education. It honors the 1994 genocide victims and teaches important lessons about peace.

11-Day Adventure Highlights

Kigali City Tour
Lake Mburo Game Drive
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking Kalinzu
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Ride
Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike
Golden Monkeys Volcanoes NP

Tour Details & Accommodations

Comfortable stays across Uganda and Rwanda with authentic hospitality

Your Accommodations Across Two Countries

Five to Five Hotel Kigali

Five to Five Hotel

Kigali, Rwanda • 1 Night

Budget

Comfortable city hotel with easy airport access. Clean rooms with modern amenities in Rwanda's capital.

Free WiFi • Restaurant • Airport Transfer
Hyena Hill Lodge

Hyena Hill Lodge

Lake Mburo, Uganda • 1 Night

Budget

Scenic lodge with views of Lake Mburo. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts with easy park access.

Park Views • Game Drive Access • Restaurant
Enshama Game Lodge

Enshama Game Lodge

Queen Elizabeth NP • 2 Nights

Mid-range

Beautiful lodge overlooking the park. Ideal base for game drives and Kazinga Channel cruises.

Park Views • Pool • Restaurant • Bar
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi, Uganda • 1 Night

Mid-range

Perfectly located for gorilla trekking. Comfortable lodge with forest views and warm hospitality.

Forest Views • Fireplace • Gorilla Access
Itambira Island Resort

Itambira Island Resort

Lake Bunyonyi • 2 Nights

Mid-range Lakeside

Stunning island resort with panoramic lake views. Perfect for relaxation after gorilla trekking.

Lake Views • Canoe Access • Restaurant • Bar
Isange Paradise Resort

Isange Paradise Resort

Ruhengeri, Rwanda • 3 Nights

Budget

Comfortable base for volcano hikes and golden monkey tracking. Mountain views and warm service.

Mountain Views • Volcano Access • Restaurant

Tour Features

Private Tour

Exclusively for your group across two countries

Flexible Dates

Start any day (subject to permit availability)

Two Countries

Experience both Uganda and Rwanda in one trip

Double Gorilla Trekking

Gorillas in both Bwindi & Volcanoes National Parks

Customizable

Tailor activities to your preferences

Multilingual Guides

English plus other language options

Solo Traveler Friendly

Perfect for individual adventurers

Experienced Guides

Passionate professionals with local knowledge

What's Included

  • Airport transfers in Kigali on arrival and departure
  • All internal transport in luxury 4x4 vehicles (both countries)
  • English-speaking private driver/guide throughout
  • Two gorilla trekking permits (Bwindi & Volcanoes NP)
  • One chimpanzee tracking permit (Kalinzu Forest)
  • One golden monkey tracking permit (Volcanoes NP)
  • All accommodation (10 nights: 3 budget, 7 mid-range)
  • All meals as listed in itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All park fees, boat cruise, and guided hikes
  • Bottled water during all drives

Note: Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits are limited and must be booked well in advance. Minimum age: 15 years for gorilla trekking.

What's Not Included

  • International flights to/from Kigali
  • Uganda & Rwanda visa fees (approx. $100 total)
  • Travel and medical insurance (required)
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
  • Additional meals or snacks beyond itinerary

Gorilla Trekking Preparation Guide

Essential information for your mountain gorilla adventure

Transparent Pricing

Comprehensive 11-day two-country safari with multiple permits included

11-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari Package

Base tour package (per person) $3,200
Bwindi Gorilla Permit (Uganda) $700
Volcanoes Gorilla Permit (Rwanda) $1,500
Chimpanzee Tracking Permit $100
Golden Monkey Permit $100
Border Crossings & Logistics $200
Total per person (double occupancy) $4,800 USD

Early Booking Benefits

  • • 12% discount for bookings 6+ months in advance
  • • Free Kigali airport hotel night if needed
  • • Complimentary souvenir from both countries
  • • Priority permit allocation for both gorilla treks
  • • Multilingual guide at no extra cost

Tour Inclusions Summary

  • • All accommodation (10 nights across 6 lodges)
  • • All meals as specified in 11-day itinerary
  • • Professional English-speaking guide throughout
  • • Private 4x4 transportation in both countries
  • • Two gorilla trekking permits ($2,200 value)
  • • Chimpanzee & golden monkey permits
  • • All park entrance fees and activities
  • • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • • Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride
  • • Mount Bisoke guided hike
  • • Kigali city tour and genocide memorial

Important Notes

  • • Price based on double occupancy
  • • Single supplement: $750 (for solo travelers)
  • • Gorilla permits are non-refundable
  • • Minimum age: 15 years for gorilla trekking
  • • Maximum group size: 6 people
  • • 40% deposit required to confirm booking
  • • Balance due 90 days before travel
  • • Travel insurance mandatory

What Our Travelers Say

Experiences from our Kisoro tour adventurers

Michael & Sarah Johnson

Couple from Australia

"The gorilla trekking was beyond words. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat brought tears to our eyes. The Batwa cultural experience was equally moving - a perfect blend of wildlife and human connection."

Dr. Elena Rodriguez

Solo Traveler, Spain

"As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and well taken care of. Lake Bunyonyi was the perfect place to reflect on the incredible gorilla encounter. The golden monkeys were playful and photogenic - every day brought new wonders."

James & Family

Family from United Kingdom

"Our teenage children said it was the best family vacation ever! The coffee farm visit was educational and fun. The guides were knowledgeable about both wildlife and culture. Accommodations were comfortable with amazing views."