This 3 day gorilla safari starts and end in Kigali city. You visit Rwanda’s must see, Volcanoes National Park which is located in the North western part of Rwanda. Most tourists know it for the Mountain Gorillas. It includes trekking gorillas in Volcanoes national park, Kigali city tour; community walks plus a visit to the twin lakes.
Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
On arrival, the driver / Safari guide will pick you from Kigali airport, brief you about what’s included in this 3 days safari and then transfer you to the North western side where to Volcanoes National Park is located 80km from Kigali; taking approximately two hours for the drive.
Depending on time of arrival whereby in case you reach Kigali early you will first do a Kigali city tour visiting the National Museum, Genocide memorial centres, have lunch and then transfer to the park in afternoon.
Check in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay, some of accommodation options to stay include Muhabura Hotel (Budget), Le bamboo lodge (Moderate), 5 Volcanoes lodge (Luxury).
Day 2: Volcanoes Park – Mountain Gorillas & Community walk
Early in the morning have breakfast and then our driver guide will transfer you to the park headquarters by 8 am for a briefing which is conducted by park officials to highlight trekkers about how to behave while in the Jungle and in presence of these apes.
Gorillas live in groups called Gorilla families and each family is assigned to be trekked by only a group of eight people plus park ranger and armed officers per day.
After the briefing the trekking journey is started in a group with park ranger guide and armed officers heading to the Jungle following permanently established routes in search of these apes and after locating their presence you are allowed to stay in their presence for only one hour while seeing them playing with young ones, feeding, laughing plus taking photos and videos of them. Time taken and distance moved depends on location of these apes in the Jungles.
After one hour session next hour is heading back to Park offices for Gorilla trekking certificate award then after head back to the lodge for relaxation as you prepare for a visit to the twin lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) plus a visit to the Iby’wacu cultural village.
Day 3: Volcanoes – Drive to Kigali city.
Early in the morning have breakfast and check out from the lodge and driver guide will transfer you to Kigali city where you will have a short time shopping from local cultural markets, buy souvenirs.
If time allows, you could also visit the pottery project and Franco-Rwandan cultural centre. Have lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight back home. End of Safari.
Package includes;
- Airport pick and transfer.
- English speaking guide.
- Gorilla permits.
- Accommodation.
- Mineral water.
- Transport.
- All tour activities mentioned.
It excludes;
- Laundry services.
- Visas
- Hotel fees (Kigali).
- Tipping fees
- International flights.
- Beverages/ drinks, and any other extra activity.
Day 1: Kampala – Transfer to Bwindi
Early in the morning after breakfast, check out at the hotel and meet our driver guide. The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park starts via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway including en route stopover at the equator for some information about it, photos, cup of coffee and snacks.
The journey continues for another stopover in Mbarara town to have lunch. After lunch, continue to Bwindi where you will arrive in the evening. Check in at the lodge and accommodation options to stay include:
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp/ Buhoma Community
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp/ Silver back lodge
Luxury: Mahogany springs/ Buhoma lodge
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Early in the morning, transfer to the Park offices for the short briefing conducted by the available officials to highlight trekkers on how to behave while in the jungle. After briefing, the journey to the jungle starts in a group following the permanently established routes searching for these apes.
Only one hour is allowed to stay in the presence of these apes after discovering their location. The one hour session includes sighting of these apes while feeding, laughing, playing plus taking photos and videos of them.
After the close encounter with these apes in the jungle return to the park offices for certificate award and then see your way to the lodge for relaxation.
Later in the evening you will do a community walk visiting the Batwa people in their local communities for different experiences including cultural performances, way of living and more.
Day 3: Bwindi – Transfer to Queen – Afternoon Boat Cruise.
After morning breakfast, check out and start the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the southern Ishasha sector route. Chance are high that you will sight the famous tree climbing lions resting up in the fig tree branches on your way.
Continue with the journey straight to Mweya canteen for lunch as you get prepared for the afternoon launch trip cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Launch trip cruise along Kazinga Channel offers several panoramic views of areas around and aquatic species like Hippos, crocodiles, water bird species and wild animals which come closer to the banks in need of water.
After boat cruise, check in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options to stay include:
Budget: Bush Lodge/ Mweya Hostel/ Simba Safari Camp
Mid-range: Simba Safari Lodge/ Katara Lodge.
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kyambura game lodge/ Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Day 4: Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains – Transfer to Kampala
Have your delicious morning breakfast, Check out at the lodge and meet our driver for the morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains to catch the early risers like Kobs, Elephants, Buffaloes, spotted hyenas, reed bucks, different bird species and more.
After 2-3 hours game drive, the stirring journey back to Kampala starts accompanied with stunning views of areas around, rolling hills and terraces. En route stopover is included in Mbarara for lunch and after continue up to Kampala.
Our driver will drop you at the airport for your return flight or Hotel of residence if you are to stay for the night. End of four day amazing Safari in Uganda.
Package includes:
- Gorilla Permit
- Batwa Cultural entertainment
- Park Ranger Fees
- Full Board Accommodation
- Full time English speaking Driver
- Ground Transportation
- Airport Pick & Drop.
Excludes:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature like luxury drinks, tips, laundry, cigarettes.
