8-Day Gorilla Safari: Uganda & Rwanda
Experience the best of East Africa with gorilla trekking in two countries, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and cultural encounters
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe → Kampala
Entebbe to Kampala
Arrival & Transfer
- • Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
- • Warm greeting by your private guide
- • Transfer to Uganda's capital, Kampala
- • Settle into your accommodation
Evening & Accommodation
- • Check into Marie's Royale Hotel
- • Briefing about your safari adventure
- • Dinner at the hotel
- • Rest after your journey
First Night Insight
Kampala is Uganda's vibrant capital, blending modern development with rich cultural heritage. A perfect gentle introduction to East Africa.
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls
Kampala to Murchison Falls NP
Rhino Encounter
- • Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- • See Uganda's only wild rhinos
- • Guided walk with rangers
- • Photography opportunities
Murchison Falls Journey
- • Continue to Murchison Falls NP
- • Check into Nkundwa Nile View Lodge
- • Evening views of the Nile
- • Dinner with sunset backdrop
Conservation Insight
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a successful conservation project working to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda's national parks after their extinction in the 1980s.
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls NP
Morning Game Drive
- • Early morning game drive
- • Search for elephants, giraffes
- • Antelope and buffalo viewing
- • Birdwatching opportunities
Afternoon Boat Cruise
- • Relaxing boat cruise on the Nile
- • Cruise to base of Murchison Falls
- • Spot hippos and crocodiles
- • Photography of the waterfall
Natural Wonder
Murchison Falls is where the Nile River forces through a 7-meter gap and plunges 43 meters. The boat cruise offers the best views of this spectacular natural wonder.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Journey to Kibale
- • Scenic drive to Kibale National Park
- • Arrive at Kibale Forest Lodge
- • Lunch and preparation briefing
- • Afternoon chimpanzee tracking
Primate Experience
- • Track chimpanzees in dense forest
- • 1 hour with chimp family
- • See other primate species
- • Evening relaxation at lodge
Primate Capital
Kibale Forest has one of the highest primate densities in the world, with 13 species including the chimpanzees you'll track. The forest is also home to 375 bird species.
Day 5: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP
Transfer & Arrival
- • Morning drive to Queen Elizabeth NP
- • Check into Pumba Safari Cottages
- • Lunch with park views
- • Afternoon relaxation
Evening Game Drive
- • Late afternoon game drive
- • Explore savannah plains
- • Look for tree-climbing lions
- • Buffalo herds and warthogs
Unique Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth NP is famous for its tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector. These lions are unique as they rest in fig trees during the day.
Day 6: Ishasha Sector & Scenic Drive to Bwindi
Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
Ishasha Sector Exploration
- • Morning game drive in Ishasha
- • Search for tree-climbing lions
- • Photography of unique behavior
- • Other wildlife spotting
Scenic Highlands Drive
- • Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- • Drive through scenic highlands
- • Check into Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- • Gorilla trekking briefing
Gorilla Preparation
Tonight's briefing prepares you for tomorrow's gorilla trekking. Learn about gorilla behavior, trekking rules, and what to expect in Bwindi's misty forests.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi
Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
Gorilla Trekking Experience
- • Morning gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- • Find a mountain gorilla family
- • 1 hour with the gentle giants
- • Return to lodge for lunch
Lake Bunyonyi Transfer
- • Travel to Lake Bunyonyi
- • Check into Itambira Island Resort
- • Relaxing evening by the lake
- • Reflect on gorilla experience
Life-Changing Experience
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is often described as a life-changing experience. The connection with these endangered primates in their natural habitat is unforgettable.
Day 8: Cross to Rwanda → Kigali Genocide Memorial
Uganda to Rwanda
Border Crossing
- • Breakfast with lake views
- • Cross border into Rwanda
- • Scenic drive to Kigali
- • Experience Rwanda's cleanliness
Kigali & Memorial Visit
- • Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
- • Learn about Rwanda's history
- • Lunch in Kigali city
- • Airport transfer or hotel drop-off
Journey Conclusion
Your 8-day adventure ends in Rwanda. Schedule flights from Kigali International Airport for evening. The memorial visit offers important historical context to Rwanda's remarkable recovery.
Expedition Highlights
