18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

18 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari, Joy of the retired and exclusive primate safari lovers – 5 days with the gorillas and 3 days with the chimps. Uganda and Rwanda are two small African countries located along the Western arm of the Rift Valley, characterized by different landscapes, but unified by the presence of the green colors and green hills. Two different experiences of the African landscape and cultures are offered within this Uganda Rwanda Primate Safari and it is a full immersion into the true nature; Chimps, Gorillas, large and small mammals, the forests and biodiversity of these unique countries. You will encounter cultures and traditions of Uganda and Rwanda. You will follow the river Nile at Murchison Falls in Uganda, descending along the Albertine rift escarpment down to the “thousand hills” of Rwanda a country of endless mountains and stunning scenery in Africa.

Day 1: Entebbe / Kampala – Uganda

On arrival at Entebbe Uganda International Airport you will be met by our English Speaking safari guide who will transfer you to your respective place of accommodation and give a detailed briefing about your Uganda and Rwanda African safari. Dinner and Over night stay The Bomas, Cassia or The Lodge B.B

Day 2: Murchison falls on the longest African river – the Nile in Uganda

After breakfast, drive northwest early morning through Luwero – Nakasongola -Kafu to Murchison Falls National Park, the biggest conservation area in Uganda with a lunch stop enroute, depending on our target, today we have a big chance of going via the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which enhances our chances of seeing the big 5, in company of our great spotting safari guides, at the end you might see them – Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant, Lion and Leapard. In the afternoon visit the top of the Falls where you can see the Nile’s beauty perfected! Marvel at the Nile, compressing from up to one km squeezed through a 7-meter canyon dropping 150 meters with a thunderous roar, creating a beautiful rainbow. Marvel at ‘The Murchison Falls’ and enjoy the sunset as you return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Camp (L) or Sambiya River Lodge (M) for two nights FB.

Day 3: Early Morning Game Safari and afternoon boat cruise on the river Nile – Uganda

After an early breakfast, if we spent the night on the southern sector of the park, we drive shortly and cross to the northern side for a game safari, the Jungle Safaris guide(s) will help you spot African elephant, lion, cape buffalo, Roth child’s giraffe, hartebeast, waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, bohor reed buck, Uganda Kob, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard the primate for today will be the Patas Monkey one of the fastest on the ground, quite at a distance as its brown and moreless the colors of a cat. After a picnic lunch, if we spent a night at Sambiya river lodge and a hot lunch for the other types of accommodation we proceed for a boat safari upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls stopping just tens of meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, marvel at the toothsome hippos, crocodiles and over the 17km stretch you may see African elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. This is also the zone of many bird species like Goliath heron, Egyptian goose, red throated bee eater, kingfishers, cormorants and many more. After taking shots of the photogenic Murchison Falls, return to Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Camp or Sambiya Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight. FB

Day 4: Morning chimp tracking safari then transfer to Hoima.

Today we leave early and go for the chimp tracking experience at Kaniyo Pabid in Budongo forest situated in the southern part of Murchison Falls National park. After this we drive from Murchison Falls with a picnic lunch which shall be eaten en route on a stopover within the local community, head Southwest via the Albertine Escarpment of the Western arm of the great Rift Valley a scenic place with excellent views of the rift floor. We continue to Hoima and spend our night at Korntick Hotel. FB

Day 5: On the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon

After breakfast we start our Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari by driving to Fort Portal, the capital of the youngest Tooro kingdom, situated in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzoris in Uganda. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and sightseeing on the way to Primate Lodge Kibale (L), Rwenzori View Guest House (M). FB

Day 6: Primate Tracking safari in Kibale – Uganda

After breakfast we visit Kibale Forest National Park, which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primate species in Uganda, East Africa and perhaps the African continent or the whole world. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild but habituated chimpanzees, L’Hoests, Varvet, red-tailed, black and white colobus monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangaby and many others. Chimpanzee tracking in the forest gets you to seeing the way our “cousins” feed, climb trees, respond to humans, caring for the young ones, which is a very interesting experience, depending on how we feel, there will be an optional afternoon nature which will give us more chances of getting closer to the primates in Uganda. Back to our lodge for dinner and over night stay. FB

Day 7: Another chimp tracking experience then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Pearl of Uganda in Africa

Today we can have another day of chimp tracking in the morning or have an optional primate walk in the Bigodi wetland looking out for the L’Hoests, Red Colobus, black and white colobus, and Valvet monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangbey and plenty of birdlife. After lunch we explore the Crater Lake region, as we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, this area being on the floor and on the Western Wall of the Great Rift Valley, it has over 85 creator lakes. On a lucky visit, there is a relaxation as you let a traditional dancing group entertain you if you spent the night at Mweya Safari ro Jacana Safari Lodge (L) King Fisher Resort (M). FB

Day 8: Morning game Safari and afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga channel

Take an early morning cup of coffee before setting off for a game safari in the Northern area of the park towards Lake George and expect to see lions, African elephants, Cape Buffaloes, Uganda Kob, warthogs, Waterbuck coupled with lots of birds like the African Crake, the medium sized Black Bellied Bustard, Red-necked Spurfowl, Southern Red Bishop among others after which we shall drive back to the lodge for breakfast and a mid morning relaxation. After lunch, enjoy the two hours launch tour on the Kazinga Channel for amazing bird life and a variety of wild life remember the biggest schools of Hippos are found in this area on the whole African continent. In the evening there will be an optional drive to the crater lakes region for the best sunset in the savannahs and view of the Albertine Rift Valley or a game drive depending on the results of the morning one, dinner and over night stay at Mweya Safari or Jacana Safari Lodge (L) King Fisher Resort (M). FB

Day 9: A panoramic drive from Queen Elizabeth through the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the Gorilla haven in Uganda

Drive through the ‘Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Bwindi through the Ishasha sector where you will have an opportunity to see the tree climbing lions on a good day. Dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Resort (L) or Lake Kitandara tented camp (M). FB for four nights

Day 10: Gorilla tracking Safari – Uganda

Early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary. The rainforest is spectacular. It offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal’s trails allowing access to tourists. Mammals recorded include the endangered Mt. Gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, forest elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog and others. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas. The time taken and the terrain vary according to the movements of the marvelous primates. The thrill of spending time and observing the gorillas is a rare moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact. Dinner and Over night stay at Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Resort or Buhoma Community Bandas FB

Day 11 and 12: Another gorilla safari experience in Uganda

Spend 2 full days in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 13: Transfer from Uganda to Rwanda via Kinigi

After an early morning breakfast, today we drive to Kinigi in Rwanda today the temperatures will change completely, this African country being so hilly compared to its northern neighbour-Uganda. We shall spend our night at Gorilla Nest Lodge (L) Gorilla Lodge (M) or Kinigi Guest House (B) for dinner and overnight. FB

Day 14: Gorilla tracking Safari – Rwanda

Early morning you enter the gorilla sanctuary of PNV, the tropical rain forest covering the hills surrounding the five Virunga Volcanoes. It was here where biologist Dian Fossey worked until her death in 1985. The trekking is a demanding but rewarding experience. Ensure you bring with you enough water and the packed lunch. The time spent in the forest depends on the movements of the primates in their natural environment. After the activity you return at leisure to Gorilla Nest Lodge (C), Gorilla Lodge (M) or Kinigi Guest House (B). FB

Day 15: Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda then drive to Uganda to the fabulous scenery of Lake Bunyonyi

Today we can get out early in the morning and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before the Golden Monkey tracking and later in the afternoon return to Uganda for dinner and overnight at Lake Bunyonyi one of the African deepest lakes, through the cultivated terraced hills of Kigezi. Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages or Heritage Lodge. FB

Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo National park -Uganda

After an early breakfast, have a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi to various islands inside the lake for bird viewing, sightseeing and discovering the sites of the Bakiga and Batwa cultures. After this ride on the lava dammed lake, we drive to Lake Mburo National Park. A game drive as we enter the park today will enable us to see the zebras, topis, elands, impalas, buffaloes etc. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge – Mantana luxury tented camp (L) Arcadia Cottages (M). FB

Day 17:  Last morning Game safari in Uganda

In the morning, after breakfast we shall do the last game drive in the pearl of Africa then transfer to Kampala and there will be a craft shopping stopover at the equator dinner and overnight stay at Lindsay Cottages or Cassia Lodge

Day 18: Entebbe Uganda onwards

Tour again with us. Optionally depending on the time of your flight we could visit the HASU Youth Centre in Kampala or the African craft village. End of our Uganda Rwanda Primate Safari.