Experience the ultimate luxury safari adventure in Uganda and Rwanda, where breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife encounters await. Embark on exhilarating game drives in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Kibale Forest as you embark on a thrilling chimp trekking expedition, observing these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Take your adventure to new heights as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park, for a chance to come face to face with the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas. Enjoy premium services throughout your journey, ensuring a truly unforgettable safari experience.
- 12 days | 11 nights
- Uganda & Rwanda
Highlights
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and explore the Bigodi Wetlands on a guided nature walk
- Meet the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park
- Experience local traditions and history firsthand through authentic cultural experiences
- Enjoy game drives and a boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Destinations
DAY 1: Arrival & Kampala/Entebbe
DAY 2: Kampala/Entebbe
DAY 3-4: Kibale Forest National Park
DAY 5-6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
DAY 7-8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
DAY 9-11: Volcanoes National Park
DAY 12: Kigali
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: In the Pearl of Africa
- ENTEBBE/KAMPALA
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Hornbill Treks & Safaris and transferred to your accommodations. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel No. 5, Lake Victoria Serena, Boma Hotel Entebbe, Latitude 0
Day 2: Culture & Conservation
- ENTEBBE/KAMPALA
Spend the day exploring the Entebbe/Kampala region. In the morning, set out on a boat tour of the Mabamba Wetlands as you search for the rare Shoebill stork. Enjoy lunch in Entebbe, followed by a visit to our partner school on the outskirts of Kampala.
In the evening, relax at the hotel or take in the views on a sunset cruise of Lake Victoria.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel No. 5, Lake Victoria Serena, Boma Hotel Entebbe, Latitude 0
Day 3: Journey to Kibale Forest
- ENTEBBE & KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, transfer via scheduled light aircraft flight to Kibale Forest National Park.
Kibale Forest is home to at least thirteen primate species, including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey, earning its reputation as “the Primate Capital of the World.” If this weren’t enough, Kibale also boasts a remarkable opportunity to track habituated chimpanzees.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your accommodations.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 4: Chimp Trekking & A Walk in the Wetlands
- KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, set out on your chimpanzee trek in the rainforest. The trek, which may last two to four hours, offers the chance of watching chimps in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your accommodations for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. This wildlife corridor is home to over 200 species of birds–including the Blue Turaco, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and more–as well as eight species of primates.
The Bigodi Wetlands conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for locals, and local health care efforts.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Primate Lodge
Day 5: Game Drive on the Plains
- KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK & QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The day begins with tree planting in the region as part of our reforestation project, followed by a relaxed drive as we leave Kibale and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As we journey towards the park, the incredible scenery of the “Mountains of the Moon” unfolds before us. Upon arrival at the park, settle into your accommodations before taking an evening game drive to explore.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 6: Boat Safari & Game Drive
- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After a sunrise breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, followed by an early lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel by boat for an opportunity to see the stunning variety of wildlife at the water, including hippos, elephant, and crocodiles. Birdlife in the park includes the African finfoot, Broad-billed roller, Red-chested sunbird, and Yellow-throated cuckoo, among others. Before returning to the lodge for dinner, embark on an evening game drive.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 7: Hillside Forests
- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK & BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Take a scheduled flight from the Queen Elizabeth region to Kisoro, near southern Bwindi. There, you will be met and transferred to the lodge.
Enjoy a late afternoon visit with the Batwa tribe, followed by sundowners and time to relax.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 8: Meet the Gorillas of Bwindi
- BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
The hike of a lifetime begins today. After breakfast we will meet the park rangers who will be our guides for the day, and then we will start the trek in search of the exquisite mountain gorillas of Uganda. Trekking can last between thirty minutes and eight hours, but once you discover the gorillas, you will be able to spend one unforgettable hour with them. Gorilla trekking begins where the gorillas were last seen the previous day.
After your trek, return to the lodge for time to unwind and enjoy dinner.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 9: Volcanoes National Park
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, transfer with your guide by road to Rwanda, ending your journey at Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn more about the behind-the-scenes conservation of the gorillas, followed by dinner and overnight at your lodge.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Wilderness Sabyinyo, Virunga Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, Wilderness Bisate, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Day 10-11: Among the Gorillas
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy two days of explorations in Volcanoes National Park, including a day of gorilla trekking.
On your second day in the park, you might opt to take in another gorilla trek, track the golden monkeys, enjoy cultural excursions in the region, or hike to see Dian Fossey’s former research site.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Wilderness Sabyinyo, Virunga Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, Wilderness Bisate, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Day 12: Kigali & Departure
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Transfer to Kigali by road with your guide. Depending on the time of your outbound flight, you might opt to visit the local sights in Kigali and enjoy lunch in the city before transferring to the international airport for your flight.
How It Works
1. Share Your Inspiration
We’ll listen to your aspirations and discuss the experiences that will meet your travel needs.
2. We'll Plan & Fine-Tune
We’ll put our knowledge of the region to work and create a personalized safari for you.
3. Reserve Your Safari
When you’re ready to book, we’ll handle the details of reserving everything for your trip.
