- Location: Entebbe Uganda
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- info@noblegorillaadventures.com
9-Day Congo-Uganda Primates & Game Safari from Kigali
Tour Cost Includes
- Transportation
- Meals & Accommodation
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Chimpanzee Trekking permit
- English speaking guide Local government taxes
- Bottled Drinking Mineral water
Tour Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo
Your private guide meets you at the Kigali International Airport or your local hotel early this morning. You will start the scenic drive toward the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The route offers beautiful views of the rolling hills that make Rwanda a very famous African destination. After completing the border crossing requirements, you will travel directly to the lakeside city of Bukavu for rest. This city sits on the edge of Lake Kivu and provides a peaceful atmosphere for your first night. You can enjoy a quiet evening at your chosen lodge while preparing for the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Half-Board
Accommodation: Exodus Hotel Bukavu (Budget), Lakeside Hotel Bukavu (Mid-Range), Coco Lodge Bukavu (Luxury)
Day 02 : Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega
You will eat a delicious breakfast before heading to the headquarters of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park for briefing. This massive park protects the rare Eastern lowland gorillas along with over one hundred other different mammal species. The trekking experience usually lasts between one and two hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. You will spend exactly one hour watching these magnificent creatures as they play and eat in the forest. After this magical encounter, your guide will lead you back to the park offices for your trekking certificate. You will then return to your comfortable hotel in Bukavu to relax and enjoy a very tasty dinner.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Exodus Hotel Bukavu (Budget), Lakeside Hotel Bukavu (Mid-Range), Coco Lodge Bukavu (Luxury)
Day 03 : Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your driver will help you depart Bukavu early in the morning to begin the long journey toward Uganda. You will cross the border back into Rwanda and continue driving through the picturesque countryside to the north. The route leads you across the Uganda border and into the ancient, misty heights of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This famous forest is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and many exotic bird species. You will check into your selected lodge and enjoy the cool mountain air of this high-altitude region. A warm meal awaits you at the lodge while you prepare for the next day of primate trekking.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury)
Day 04 : Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure
You will eat an early breakfast before visiting the park offices for a vital briefing on trekking safety. The park rangers will guide you into the thick forest to search for one of the gorilla families. This trek can be challenging due to the steep terrain but the reward is a truly life-changing experience. You will spend one hour observing the social behavior of these gentle giants from a very close distance. Please remember to keep your camera ready for incredible photos of the silverback and the young playful gorillas. Following the trek, you will walk back to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and a quiet evening.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury)
Day 05 : Exploring the Ishasha Sector
The morning begins with a drive north toward the diverse landscapes of the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will enter the park through the Ishasha sector which is world-renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions. Your guide will search the large fig trees for these lions while you look for buffalo and topis. This area features wide savannah plains that support many different species of antelope and beautiful African birds of prey. You will enjoy a packed lunch during the game drive before continuing your journey to the Mweya peninsula. After an evening game drive, you will check into your lodge for dinner and a very peaceful night.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Standard (Mid-Range), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Deluxe (Luxury)
Day 06 : Chimpanzee Tracking and Water Safari
You will start the day with an early breakfast before heading into the forest for a chimpanzee trek. Following the trail of these active primates allows you to see them swinging through the high forest canopy. You will return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. This water safari offers great views of hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants drinking at the shore. You might see the rare shoebill stork or colorful kingfishers while drifting slowly along the calm park waters. The boat trip provides excellent photography opportunities for both the diverse wildlife and the stunning surrounding natural scenery.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Standard (Mid-Range), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Deluxe (Luxury)
Day 07 : Morning Game Drive in the Savannah
A sunrise game drive offers the best chance to see predators like lions and leopards before they hide. You will explore the Kasenyi plains where many Uganda kobs gather and attract hungry hunters like spotted hyenas. Your expert guide will help you spot various mammals including giant forest hogs and the beautiful Cape buffalo. This park is home to nearly one hundred mammal species and hundreds of birds for you to identify. You will enjoy the fresh air of the African savannah while learning about the complex local ecosystem today. After the drive, you will return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the views of the park.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Standard (Mid-Range), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Deluxe (Luxury)
Day 08 : Detailed Wildlife Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will spend this day exploring different tracks within the park to find any animals you missed earlier. This flexible schedule allows for deep exploration of the craters and salt lakes found within the park boundaries. You can focus on birding to see the martial eagle or the elegant African fish eagle near the water. The landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for more photos of the animals living in this protected volcanic region. Your guide will share interesting facts about the plants and animals that make this park a special place. You will return to the lodge for your final dinner in the wild heart of the Pearl of Africa.
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (Budget), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Standard (Mid-Range), Buffalo Safari Lodge-Deluxe (Luxury)
Day 09 : Genocide Memorial Visit and Departure
You will eat a final breakfast in the park before starting the return journey back toward Kigali city. The drive takes you through the beautiful mountains of southwestern Uganda and across the Rwanda international border post. You will arrive in Kigali during the afternoon and visit the important Kigali Genocide Memorial for a tour. This visit provides deep insight into the history and the amazing resilience of the people of modern Rwanda. Your guide will then drive you to the airport or your hotel to conclude this nine-day primate safari. You will leave with incredible memories of the gorillas, chimpanzees, and the vast beauty of the African wilderness.
Meal Plan: Half-Board
Accommodation: None unless requested
