Embarking on an 8 Day Uganda Wildlife Safaris Via Kigali is truly unforgettable, it’s a journey of discovery, learning, and connection with the natural world. This carefully curated itinerary combines thrilling encounters with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, awe-inspiring landscapes. The safari further brings you to Elizabeth National Park, a stunning location known for its scenic beauty, volcanic features, diverse ecosystems, and spotting tree-climbing lions. Wrap up your safari with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park. Despite its size, this park boasts a variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Safari Highlights:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Gorilla Trekking.
- Batwa cultural experience.
- Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
- Countryside scenic experiences.
- Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
- Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Kigali city tour – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kickstart your gorilla trekking adventure with an exploration of Kigali. After breakfast at 0800hrs, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour through Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. You’ll visit Kigali Genocide Memorial which will provide you with a moving insight into Rwanda’s Genocide history and resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength of its people. Following our Kigali exploration, you will embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once we arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience.
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Begin your safari with a warm breakfast at your hotel. From here at 0800hrs, embark on a scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive to the park is approximately 5-6 hours and takes you through lush countryside, expansive tea plantations, and picturesque views of the rolling hills. Your evening will be spent at leisure whilst enjoying your first taste of the Ugandan wilderness with a sunset view over the savannah.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a habitat to close 100 mammal species and about 606 types of birds dwell within this park among them are the: large schools of hippos, large forest hogs and the alluring Uganda kobs commonly seen in the tourist villages on the magnificent Mweya Peninsula which prides in a beautiful waterfront locale within the shadows of Mountains of the moon. However, the isolated Ishasha Sector is prominent for the resident tree-climbing lions, the Maramagambo forest is habitat to an attractive diversity of monkeys plus birds, the crater lakes hold thousands of the prepossessing pink flamingoes, while the Kyambura Gorges and Kalinzu forest is home to the habituated Chimpanzees.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5: Game Drive – Boat Cruise.
Kick off the day with breakfast at 0600hrs followed by an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area of the park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, and the morning hours are ideal for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species. The Kasenyi Plains also host predators like leopards, which can often be found lounging on trees or prowling through the grasses. Our expert guides are knowledgeable about the animals’ movements and behaviors, ensuring you get up-close views and fantastic photo opportunities.
After a delightful lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari. The channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward, is a sanctuary for numerous animal species. This unique boat safari provides an up-close look at hippos wallowing in the water, Nile crocodiles basking along the shore, and elephants drinking by the water’s edge. The channel is also a haven for birdwatchers, as you can spot kingfishers, African fish eagles, pelicans, and more than 600 other bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Sunset Game Drive.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your safari guide who will brief you on the safari itinerary. Prepare to experience the mesmerizing landscapes of Uganda as you embark on a 4-5-hour drive through picturesque villages and plantations, making your way to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll check into your chosen lodge or camp. After a short rest, begin your safari adventure with an exciting sunset game drive. The park comes alive in the evening with a range of wildlife, including zebras, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, and the famous Elands that are only found here. This is a perfect opportunity to spot these animals against the beautiful African sunset, creating a remarkable start to your journey.
Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge/Kigambira Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Midrange), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Mburo.
Start your day early with a thrilling morning game drive after grabbing a cup of coffee at 0600hrs to explore the park’s extensive grasslands and acacia woodlands. Mornings are ideal for spotting predators such as leopards as well as herbivores like Giraffes, elands, topis, and oribis. Your guide will take you through areas rich with wildlife activity, offering ample opportunities to witness the biodiversity of Lake Mburo before returning to the lodge for a proper breakfast and lunch. After a hearty lunch prepare for a boat safari on Lake Mburo, the park’s central water body. The lake is home to a vibrant mix of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants. You may also spot hippos and crocodiles basking on the shores. The boat safari provides a unique perspective of the park and is ideal for photography enthusiasts eager to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge/Kigambira Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Midrange), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 8: Nature Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe – Departure.
At 0700hrs, you’ll join a guided nature walk led by park rangers. This allows for a closer encounter with the park’s flora and fauna. Experience the tranquility of the African bush, walking through the open savannah and alongside animals like Giraffes, Zebras, Elands, warthogs, and bushbucks. The nature walk is a refreshing experience that deepens your connection with the natural surroundings. After an active morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the lodge. Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Lake Mburo as you make your way back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions.
1. All Permits and Entrance fees included in the itinerary.
2. All park entrance fees.
3. Ground transport in a 4WD Safari vehicle.
4. Kigali Genocide Memorial.
5. Gorilla Trekking.
6. Batwa cultural experience.
7. Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
8. Countryside scenic experiences.
9. Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
10. Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park.
11. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
12. All Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
13. English-speaking driver/guide.
14. Refreshments in the safari vehicle.
Exclusions.
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
3. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
4. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.