Uganda & Rwanda, Trekking & Wildlife Adventure
High Altitude treks
location
days
LIVE. LAUGH. TREK.
This immersive multi-country journey blends Uganda’s and Rwanda’s top wildlife, trekking, and cultural experiences. Begin with four relaxing nights at Karibu Guesthouse in Entebbe, including a birding excursion to Mabamba Swamp to spot the elusive shoebill stork. Travel north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trek, then continue to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives, a sundowner boat cruise, and a morning Delta boat safari on the Nile. Fly to Kasese for a one-day trek in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains before heading to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, followed by game viewing in the Ishasha sector. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma), enjoy mountain gorilla tracking, then walk with a ranger through the forest to the southern sector for a unique Gorilla Habituation experience. Cross into Rwanda for trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, hike Mount Bisoke, track golden monkeys, and visit a mountain gorilla family. Enjoy a sundowner boat tour on the twin lakes before heading to Lake Kivu for a guided trek, boat trip, and a visit to the crowned crane sanctuary. End your journey with a classic safari in Akagera National Park, including a morning walk and boat tour, before transferring to Kigali to visit the Nyamata Genocide Memorial. Depart on your final day with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s rich wildlife, mountains, and culture.
DETAILED itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL ENTEBBE AIRPORTTransfer to your lodge.Overnight at Karibu guesthouse Day 2: LEISURE DAYEnjoy breakfast.Today you will spend the day relaxing at your guest house while enjoying servicesoffered at the guest house (No vehicle/Guide available)Overnight at Karibu guesthouse Day 3: LEISURE DAYEnjoy breakfast.Today you will spend the day relaxing at your guest house while enjoying servicesoffered at the guest house (No vehicle/Guide available)Overnight at Karibu guesthouse Day 4: LEISURE DAYEnjoy breakfast.Today you will spend the day relaxing at your guest house while enjoying servicesoffered at the guest house (No vehicle/Guide available)Overnight at Karibu guesthouse Day 5: MABAMBA SHOEBILL EXPERIENCETransfer to Lake Victoria to visit Mabamba Swamp: it's a Ramsar site which is famously known for the shoebill stock. You will be transferred to the shores of Lake Victoria; enjoy a Boat-rideacross the lake with beautiful views (you might also see fishermen). Arrive at the Mabamba swamps, disembark the bigger boat, and enter the smaller canoes to search for the great birdlife and have a good chance to see the rare shoe bill stork with great photography moments.Transfer back to the hotel for Lunch (own account)Overnight at Karibu guesthouse. Day 6: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARKEnjoy early breakfast and check out.Transfer to Murchison Falls N.P; this is the park with the world's most powerful waterfall, the big river Nile and great wildlife on the shores of the Nile and in the surrounding park.Lunch enroute - own accountVisit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, this is an awesomely unique activity which grants you a chance to see rhinos on foot; this involves watching them up close and at a safer distance. You can take as many photos as you want and observe these endangered rhinos feed in their habitat.Proceed to Murchison Falls national park. Afternoon visit the Top of the Falls where you see the river impressively falling in the rift valley escarpment.Check in at your lodge and enjoy dinner.Overnight at Murchison River lodge Day 7: WILDLIFE SAFARI & SHARED SUNDOWNER Full morning wildlife safari with packed breakfast in the park. You will be impressed by the bherds of giraffes, buffaloes, and possible lions or other cats.Back to your lodge for lunchTransfer to the boat starting point to enjoy in the afternoon a scheduled/Shared sundowner boat cruise to the bottom of the falls and experience the falling water at the bottom of the falls as you watch the sunset (drinks and snacks included), The calm river gives comfort to beautiful birdlife like brightly colored kingfishers anc bee-eaters dwelling along the riverbanks, hippos, and crocodiles while you enjoy the beautiful sunset.Overnight at Murchison River Lodge. Day 8: SCHEDULED/SHARED MORNING DELTA BOAT CRUISE - AFTERNOON SCHEDULEDFLIGHT TO KASESE AIRSTRIPEnjoy an early breakfast.Morning scheduled/shared boat cruise to the Delta of the Nile - with amazing birdlife including chance to see the shoebill.Enjoy a light early lunch at your lodge and check out.Transfer to Pakuba airstrip to Kasese airstrip and transfer you to your hotel. Check in at the hotel and relax as you prepare for your hike the next day.Enjoy leisure time.Overnight at Hotel Margherita Day 9: Mountain RwenzoriMt. Rwenzori also Known as the mountains of the moon is a UNESCO site because of its exceptional untouched natural beauty. You will enjoy the scenery and experience the different climate and humid changes, not forgetting the different bird species and on a good day you will be able to see the mighty 3 horned chameleon. One day hike detailed explanationThis is a relatively easy walk as you climb steadily through montane forest, with tall trees, thick undergrowth, and a multitude of different species of birds and primates. Then a steepish climb up a ridge below Omusita Rest Spot where you join the trail coming down from Samalira Camp and this is the highest point of the walk at 2,373 meters. The forests are untouched and carry a wide variety of trees and plants. Many species of birds can be heard and seen in this rich environment. The first few kilometers climb steadily crossing several small streams and rivers then we branch off on our birding trail, within a few hundred meters from the turnoff you will see evidence of bush pigs digging for roots and grubs in the undergrowth and along the path. If you walk quietly, you may get a chance to see these shy animals. The trail then moves along the top of the Nyamwamba River where you see the river and the beautiful ravine forests along the river. There is a small trail where you can walk down to the river edge and maybe see Kingfishers and the water loving birds. As you climb the trees become taller, bigger in size and very straight. It is common to see and hear many types of primates, hear chimpanzee calls echoing around the valley. You will see chimp nests made of twigs and branches high up in the tallest trees which the chimps will use for several weeks during the fruiting season then more on in search for other food sources. You may be lucky and see a troupe of 10 to 15 black and white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the trees particularly when the various trees are bearing fruit. Occasionally you may see a blue monkey. The forest, the wide variety of plant species and the environment along the river are stunning and well worth the effort to experience this unique environment. Overnight at Hotel Margherita Day 10: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK - AFTERNOON CHIMPANZEE TREKKING EXPERIENCEEnjoy breakfast, transfer to your lodge, located near Kibale national park. Kibale Forest is a primatologist dream; it hosts a population of more than 1000 chimpanzees and monkey species including the acrobatic red Colobus, black and white and the handsome L'Hoest monkeys.Check in at the Lodge, relax and lunch.Transfer to the starting point office to meet your ranger and have the briefing to prepare for trekking experience. Afternoon chimpanzee trekking: hike with local ranger in search of the chimpanzees. You may have a chance to see the chimps hunting for food, at this time of the day the chimps are more active. Enjoy leisure time, service from the lodge and the impressive views over the area.Overnight at Isunga lodge Day 11: MORNING CHIMPANZEE TREKKING EXPERIENCE - TRANSFER TO QUEENELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (+/-3HRS) - EVENING SHARED BOAT CRUISE ON KAZINGACHANNELEarly breakfast and check out.Transfer to the starting point office to meet your ranger and have the briefing to prepare for trekking experience.Chimpanzee trekking: hike with local ranger in search of the chimpanzees In the morning the chimpanzees are coming out of the nests and having breakfast. This gives you the best chance for taking pictures and watching them close.Proceed with Queen Elizabeth national park/central region.Lunch enroute (inclusive)Arrive at your lodge and check in.Transfer or walk to the boat starting pointEnjoy an evening shared boat cruise on Kazinga channel; this channel excellent opportunity to view the varied and abundant wildlife populations. These include Elephants, Hippos, Buffaloes and Nile crocodile. Not to mention large numbers of resident and migratory bird species (600 species).Overnight at Mweya Lodge Day 12: TRANSFER TO THE ISHASHA REGION (+/-3HRS)- AFTERNOON SAFARIEnjoy breakfast and checkout.Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park/Ishasha region; This region of Queen Elizabeth NP is a great wildlife area, and you might be lucky to see the tree climbing lions.Arrive at your lodge, relax, and have lunch.Afternoon enjoy a safari in the park enjoying the sunset!Overnight at Enjojo Lodge Day 13: TRANSFER TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST / BUHOMA SECTOR (+2.5HRSEarly morning game driveEnjoy a hot breakfast at your lodge and check out.Transfer to Bwindi national park, best known for its impressive gorilla tracking but it also provides refuge to Elephants, Monkeys, butterflies and various small antelopes as well as 23 bird species restricted to the Albertine rift.Check in and enjoy lunch at your lodge.Afternoon optional Visit the Bwindi development network and learn how they work together with the local community to protect the Bwindi Forest and its wildlife. One of the main activities is the anti - poaching project; meet formal poachers and hear their stories. $ 50 per person (To be discussed with your guide)huarniaht at Engagi lodge Day 14: MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING AND MEET THE SILVERBACK GORILLAEarly morning breakfastTransfer to starting point of your trekking: Meet your ranger and have a briefing prepare for your trekking. The trek can take between an hour to six hours looking for Gorillas. You can spend 1 hour viewing the gorilla family.Gorilla trekking: hike with local park rangers to find and see the Mountain GorillasAfternoon leisure at the lodge or enjoy activities and services offered by the lodge at own cost.Overnight at Engagi Lodge Day 15: WALK THROUGH THE FOREST WITH LOCAL RANGER TO SOUTHERRUSHAGA REGIONMorning breakfast and check out.Transfer with your guide Timothy to the starting point of your walk and have briefing. Walk through the forest with local ranger and porter to the southern sector. this trek requires a reasonable degree of fitness as well as a strong pair of walking shoes.This is a guided walk that leads to clear waterfalls, profusion of trees, colorful birds, and butterflies. You have a chance to see primates in the forest.Overnight at Gorilla safari lodge Day 16: GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCEEarly breakfastTransfer to starting point of your habituation: Meet your ranger and have a briefing toprepare for your experience.Meet your gorilla habituation team.You will walk with trackers and rangers and max. 4 clients to follow and find the gorilla family that is in the process of habituation. This means that they can be a bit shyer when approached by human being or more moving around. You may spend more time to view the gorillas, up to 4 hours in total, but be aware that this can be spread over the day, as the gorillas might be moving. As you are part of the habituation team, you will have time to learn and ask questions about this process and the behavior of gorillas.The walking can sometimes be tough and long and will take a full day, but when youcatch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgottenBack to the lodge for a deserved shower and relaxing time at your lodgeOvernight at Gorilla safari lodge Day 17: TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - VISIT ELLEN DEGENERESMorning breakfast and check out.Transfer to Volcanoes NP (including border crossing) - RwandaProceed to Musanze / Volcanoes NP at your lodge.Check in and enjoy lunch at your hotel. Afternoon visit the Ellen DeGeneres / Diane Fossey campus in Musanze for a round tour and learn from the behavior of gorillas and the work of Diane FosseyLate afternoon leisure at your lodge as you prepare for your trekking.Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Day 18: HIKE MOUNTAIN BISOKEEarly Morning breakfastMorning Mount Bisoke hike which most consider the perfect Volcano from the base of the mountain. At the top of Mount Bisoke, a splendid Crater Lake awaits you.leisure at your hotel as you prepare for your gorilla trekking.Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. Day 19: HIKE AND MEET THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA FAMILYEarly morning breakfast and check out, you may store your luggage at the hotel.Transfer to headquarters for a briefing to prepare for your trek.Hike with a local ranger to find the gorilla family and spend 1 hour with them.Enjoy lunch and leisure afternoon at your lodge.Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Day 20: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING - SUNDOWNER BOAT TOUR ON THE TWIN LAKESEarly morning breakfastTransfer to the Park headquarters for meeting with your local ranger and briefing.Hike with local ranger through the forest to spot golden monkeys and other primates and the variation of the forest, flowers, and birdlife.Enjoy lunch at your Lodge.In the afternoon have a private scenic boat trip on the twin Lakes with breathtaking views of the Volcanoes mountains with a blend of Rwanda's culture and community experience on the smallest island on Lake Ruhondo. Enjoy your sundowner drinks along the coastline of this stunning surrounding.Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Day 21: TRANSFER TO THE CENTRAL PART OF LAKE KIVUMorning breakfast, check out and have a transfer to the central part of lake Kivu.(If you like you can make a stop for a walk in Gisenyi)Proceed to your lodge, located on a remote part of Lake Kivu, and has a small beachCheck in and have lunch at your lodge.Leisure afternoonOvernight at Rushel Kivu Lodge Day 22: GUIDED WALK, BOAT TOUR LAKE KIVU - TRANSFER TO KIGALIHave a guided morning walk and continue with a beautiful boat tour on Lake Kivu anexplore the Bay of Islands.Have lunch at Cleo hotel (lunch on own account).Proceed with a transfer to Kigali and check in at your hotel. Opt to visit Rwandan Art gallery, fashion, jewelry, souvenir shops, visit a typical Rwandan coffee shop.Overnight at Amata n'Ubuki Boutique Hotel Day 23: VISIT CROWNED CRANES SANCTUARY - TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONALPARK - AFTERNOON SAFARI IN THE PARKMorning breakfast and check out.This morning visit Umusambi wetlands Sanctuary with great birdlife and hear about the project to safe the crowned cranes (before kept in private houses as pet/status symbol)Proceed with a transfer to Akagera National Park. Along the way you will see different plantations and villages with busy daily lifestyle of Rwandan local people.Check in and lunch at the lodge.Late afternoon safari through the park. You will be accompanied by the local ranger (joining in your private vehicle) who is knowledgeable about the flora and the fauna that is found in the park and will be explaining more on your safari.Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge Day 24: MORNING WALK "THE LINE" - AFTERNOON SAFARIMorning breakfastMorning walk with fence attendants, walk in their shoes for a small section of the 120km boundary fence which plays an essential role in the conservation of Akagera; the fence takes you up a gentle slope, birds are active there and you may meet cattle herders and farmers along the way.Lunch at the lodgeAfternoon enjoy safari through the park with local ranger to spot wildlife.Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Day 25: MORNING BOAT TOUR - SAFARI THROUGH THE PARK TO THE NORTHERNPLAINS - NIGHT SAFARIMorning breakfastEnjoy in the morning a thrilling boat trip on the lake as a result you will be able to see and get closer to some of the water-loving animals you should expect include hippos, and crocodiles. Occasionally you may see some buffaloes, elephants and antelopes on the shores which would have come to drink water.Explore the park by a safari with local ranger to the northern part. On the way you will see the landscape changing from bushy to savanna landscape.This safari gives you a full day with beautiful scenery, viewpoints and great wildlife like buffalos, elephants, antelopes as elands, Topi, Masai giraffes, monkeys, savannah birds, civets, leopards, hyenas, and cats as serval cats and lions. You will be accompanied by the local ranger who is knowledgeable about the flora and the fauna that is found in the park and will be explaining more on your safari.Picnic lunch in the parkCheck in at the lodge and enjoy the view over the plains with sunset.Enjoy a thrilling night safari in search of nocturnal nightlife.Overnight at Karenge Bush Camp Day 26: EARLY MORNING SAFARI - AFTERNOON SAFARIEarly morning wakes up and have a coffee/tea and some fruits.Enjoy an early morning safari with local ranger spotting for wildlife in the park, this safari holds a full surprise as nature reveals its treasures in form of wonders that are so scenic the wildlife like buffalos, antelopes including the elands, Topi, Masai giraffes, monkeys savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats including lions.Hot breakfast at the lodgeLeisure time and lunch at the lodgeAfternoon enjoy a safari in the park. You will be accompanied by the local ranger who is knowledgeable about the flora and the fauna that is found in the park and will be explaining more on your safari.Overnight at Karenge Bush Camp Day 27: TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALIAfter breakfast enjoy a transfer back to KigaliLunch En route - Own accountCheck in at your hotel.Afternoon leisure at your hotelOvernight at Amata n'Ubuki Boutique Hotel - Day 28: VISIT NYAMATA GENOCIDE MEMORIALMorning breakfastVisit Nyamata Genocide Church Memorial located just outside Kigali. This will be an impressive visit to see what happened for all the people from this region who thought to find protection in the church. Most of the time there are people (survivors) around who can talk about this horrible experience. If you like you can visit also the close by school.Enjoy lunch in Kigali - Own account.Your guide and vehicle will be available in the afternoon to explore Kigali city, based onyour personal wishes.Overnight at Amata n'Ubuki Boutique Hotel Day 29: DEPARTUREMorning breakfastTransfer to Kigali International Airport to connect to your departure flight.Departure ..................
All Year Round
INCLUDED
Professional guide(s) Accommodation (type and quality) Meals (if applicable) Park fees / entry permits Equipment (if any) Transport (if provided)
NOT INCLUDUED
International flights Travel insurance Personal expenses Tips and gratuities Optional activities (if any)
ADDTIONAL NOTES
Difficulty level: [Easy / Moderate / Challenging] Age requirements: [e.g., 15+ years] Gear to bring: [List any essential items] Special considerations: [Health, safety, cultural norms]
BEST TIME TO GO