This 14 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari is a life giving package that gives you unmatched wildlife experiences with the Big 5 Mammal species, Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and the Tree climbing lions. You will enjoy Cultural experiences that will give you the real definition of an African Culture.
Safari destinations
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located in the Northwestern region of Uganda. It is the largest protected area in Uganda with an area of about 3840 square kilometers.
The park has a variety of wildlife, including about 76 mammal species. These are Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Bush bucks, Chimpanzees, and also Primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and various birds of about 451 species like the grey crowned crane, rare shoe bill stork, giant kingfisher, Giant heron, marabou stork, black headed lapwing, black-bellied bustard, nightjars among other bird species.
Kibale National Park
Located in Western Uganda in Kabarole district and it was established in 1993, the park is known for being “The primate capital of the World” having various Chimpanzees with a population of over 1500 individuals including habituated ones which are about 120 making it the park with the highest primate population. Among the primates include the black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboons, Mantled guereza, Potto, Vervet monkey, White-eyelid mangabey, Galago among others. The park is also home to about 120 mammal species including African golden cats, bush pigs, warthogs, blue and red duiker, rare sitatunga, forest hogs, African elephant, forest cape buffaloes, among others and also more than 300 species of birds including olive long tailed cuckoo, western tinker bird, grey parrot, blue breasted king fisher, blue headed sunbird, red faced woodland, yellow spotted nicator, little greenbul among other bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Known for having the Tree Climbing Lions at Ishasha sector of the park, these lions are not found in any other National park in Uganda thus being “The Medley of Wonders”, the park is home to 95 mammal species including the 4 members of the Big 5 which are Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards and also Uganda kobs, bush bucks, oribis, bush pigs, forest hogs, hippos, sitatungas and over 600 Bird species like the African skimmer, rare saddle billed stork, grey headed kingfisher, African mourning dove, African crowned eagle, Nubian woodpecker, swamp flycatcher, grey capped warbler, little bee eater among other bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
One of Uganda’s oldest rainforests with more than 25000 years of age. The park is home to almost half of the World’s population of Mountain Gorillas which gives a great opportunity for Gorilla Trekking and Habituation experiences in the park’s sectors of Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. The park harbors 120 mammal species, like the elephants, duikers, yellow-backed duiker, buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted Duiker, clawless otter, side-striped jackal, civet, numerous bats, rodents and 350 bird species, like the handsome francolin, purple sunbird, red headed blue-bill, African blue cuckoo, regal sunbird, breasted sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, Shelley’s crimson among other bird species.
Volcanoes National Park
Also known as Parc National de Volcans (PNV), is one of the oldest parks in Africa garzetted in 1925 mainly to conserve the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Volcanoes National Park covers an approximate area of about 162 sqkm and it is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda in Musanze. The park lies within the Great Virunga Volcano Conservation region and it is home to various Wildlife species, including mammals like Bufaloes, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, forest hogs, spotted hyenas and primates like the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees and about 178 bird species including about 29 species that are endemic to Rwenzori mountains and also the Virunga.
Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to your Hotel
The 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five will start with pick up from Entebbe International Airport by a Driver Guide from Gorilla Page Safaris. Meet and greet, take you through the itinerary and then he will transfer you to your Hotel where you will have relaxation from your long flight. Later you will have a delicious dinner and an overnight.
Location: Kampala Uganda
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Latitude 0 Degrees |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On this day of your safari, you will wake up early in the morning for your mouth-watering breakfast and then embark on a drive to Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is the only protected area in Uganda where you will have an opportunity to see these endangered and magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Here you will encounter not only the white rhinos but also some antelopes like bushbucks, oribis, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and also bird species like the Grey-Crowned Crane, Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Marabou Stork, Red-Billed Ox-peckers, African Grey Hornbill, White Egret and other bird species. You will return for a special lunch, and continue to Murchison Falls National Park for a delicious dinner and an overnight.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Nile Safari Lodge |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game drive – Launch cruise to the Bottom of the falls – Hike to Top of the falls
Today after waking up, enjoy your morning breakfast and also prepare yourself for another exciting encounter. While on the game drive, you will meet eye-to-eye with several unique mammal species like the Bufaloes, leopards, elephants, lions, bushbucks, giraffes, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, Jackson’s hartebeests, and Uganda kob among others then you will return to your lodge for a hot lunch and have relaxation.
Launch cruise to the Bottom of the falls
After your afternoon relaxation, you will head out for a rejuvenating boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the Falls which will take about 3 hours, while on the cruise, you will see several giant Nile crocodiles resting under shade trees, herds of hippos, several elephants swimming and drinking water at the river banks, and also for the bird enthusiasts, be on the look-out for the unique bird species like the shoebill stork, Malachite kingfisher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bee-eater, grey-crowned crane, marabou stork, Long-tailed nightjar, Senegal thick-knee, Black-headed lapwing, Long-toed lapwing, Black-billed barbet, and many others. You will enjoy the captivating views of the Falls as it roars and pours out it’s waters through a narrow 8-meter gorge.
Hike to Top of the falls
You will hike up to the top of the Falls for yet another breathtaking moment. Take as many pictures as possible give you beautiful memories and keep you connected to the Pearl of Africa! Then you will return back to your accommodation for a lovely dinner as well as a blissful night.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Nile Safari Lodge |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Visit the Bigodi Wetland and Community
Upon waking up on day 4 of your Safari, proceed for an early morning game drive as you exit the park to proceed to Kibale Forest National Park. You will enjoy a lunch stopover in Fort Portal, the Tourism City, and then you will proceed to the park’s Bigodi wetland for a swamp walk. During this walk you will spot some bird species like the Black-crowned waxbill, White-spotted flufftail, White-breasted Negrofinch, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black Bishop, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western Nicator, Superb sunbird, and several butterfly species. In Bigodi, you will as well witness how the community brews Gins from bananas and get an opportunity to taste it, engage in craft making, coffee processing, and then return back to your accommodation for a delicious dinner as well as an overnight.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Kyaninga Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking – Evening Relaxation
After your morning breakfast on day 5 of the 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five, prepare for the most exciting activity of the day by wearing appropriate clothing like a long-sleeved T-shirt, a pair of khaki or jean trousers, water proof boots, a round cap and a heavy sweater or rain coat. This is to protect you from the falling tree branches and also in case of bad weather. Carry in your backpacks some snacks and drinking water to help keep you hydrated during the trek since it may take from 1 to 5 hours to find these primates depending on their location.
At Kanyanchu visitor center, you will be assigned a chimpanzee family to look out for and also a ranger guide who will take you through the rainforest. During your search, you will meet several primate species like the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Red colobuses, Mantled guereza and also bird species like hornbills, flycatchers, black billed turaco, kingfisher, cuckoos, crowned eagle, black capped waxbill, purple breasted sun bird and black collard apalis among others. On finding the chimpanzees, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them to learn about their behaviors, social life, how they communicate among others. You will then return back to your accommodation for lunch and then spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Kyaninga Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat Cruise along the Kazinga channel
After waking up, you will start your day with a heavy delicious breakfast and thereafter transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is located about 2 hour’s drive from Kibale Forest National Park. Upon reaching, you will enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at your lodge and have rest. Later in the afternoon you will proceed for a rejuvenating boat cruise along Kazinga channel. This cruise will offer you stunning views of the surrounding areas including the Rwenzori mountain ranges at a distance and also an opportunity to view several mammals like herds of hippos in water, elephants swimming and drinking water, Nile crocodiles resting at the banks of the Kazinga channel, and for the bird lovers, also be on the lookout for various bird species like the African fish eagle, the yellow billed stork, rare saddle-billed stork, the African skimmer, Nubian woodpecker, grey headed kingfisher, Swamp Nightjar, little bee-eater, swamp flycatcher, grey capped warbler and many others. Your dinner awaits you later at your lodge.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Experiential Lion and Leopard tracking – Evening to Night Game Drive
Day 7 of the 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five will start with a delicious breakfast and then you will head out for a unique experiential lion and leopard tracking experience. This activity is done in Kasenyi sector where you will have an opportunity to drive off track as you track the lions and leopards using radio collars which are placed on their necks. You will learn about their population, behavior, life style and many more then return back to your lodge for a heavy delicious lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at leisure.
Later you will embark on an evening game drive which will continue until nightfall. You will drive through Mweya peninsular with an armed park ranger and also spotlight torches which will enable you spot nocturnals as they hunt for their prey. Among these nocturnals include the spotted hyenas, lions, jackals, leopards, and also elephants and hippos as they feed on short grass. Thereafter, you will return back to your lodge for a lovely dinner and as well as an overnight.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park through the Ishasha sector
After breakfast on day 8, you will check out of your accommodation and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through Ishasha sector to search for the tree climbing lions and other wildlife like Topis, Aardvark, lions, elephants, monkeys, Uganda kobs, Hippos, leopards, water buck among others. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located about 5 hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park and the journey to reach the Northern sector of Buhoma will take about 5 hours. You will enjoy a lunch stopover in Kihihi and then continue to the Park for your dinner as well as an overnight.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Buhoma Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking
Upon waking up, you will start your day 9 with an early morning breakfast. Wear appropriate clothing for the day bearing in mind that there might be chances of rain since the forest is unpredictable. Pack some snacks and mineral water to help in keeping you hydrated during the trek.
Gorilla Trekking
Proceed to the park’s headquarters for a briefing about the forest and its mountain gorillas, you will also be assigned a park ranger who will guide you through the impenetrable forest and also a gorilla family to look out for. You will then begin your search for these gentle giants which will take about 1 to 7 hours depending on their location in the previous night. Having set your eyes on the gorillas, you will spend a maximum of 1 hour in their presence, but please ensure to follow all the rules and regulations. You will learn about their ways of life, how they feed and take care of their young ones and how they communicate among others. Also try to relate with them so that they become used to human presence and take as many pictures as possible so that you may have a story to tell.
You will also stand a chance to see many forest dwellers you meet on your way during the search for gorillas. These include several species of birds, primates, elephants, antelopes, and if lucky you may as well spot chimpanzees. Bwindi is one of the parks where gorillas and chimpanzees co-exist in the same environment. Later return back to your accommodation for late lunch and spend the rest of the day enjoying the tranquility at your lodge.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Buhoma Lodge |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Having had a relaxed breakfast on your day 10 of the 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi which is located about 3 hours away from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The Lake is situated in the extreme border between Uganda and Rwanda and it is the best place in Uganda to enjoy a great rest and relaxation especially after a safari. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda with 29 different Islands, a fresh climate to relax from and also clear views of the Virunga Mountain ranges.
On reaching, you will your mouth-watering lunch and then later enjoy a variety of optional activities which will rejuvenate your body after a long safari. Among the activities here include Canoeing, swimming, Cycling, Birding and Community visits depending on your preferences. Later you will have your dinner as well as an overnight.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 11: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Day 11 of your safari will start with a delicious breakfast and thereafter you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park located in the Northern Province of Rwanda in Musanze. This drive will take about 3 hours and upon reaching, you will check into your lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing as you await your dinner and an overnight.
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 12: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking
Day 12 of your 14 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five will start with a lovely breakfast and then get ready to explore the Volcanoes National Park. Wear appropriate clothing for the day since the day will have strenuous but rewarding treks. Also bear in mind that the weather is so unpredictable therefore ensure to wear a sweater or a rain jacket. Also pack some snacks and mineral water to help in keeping you hydrated throughout the trek.
Gorilla Trekking
Thereafter, proceed to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing on what to expect and also the regulations to follow during the trek. You will be assigned a park ranger who will guide you through the entire trek and also a gorilla family to look out for. The search for these gorillas will take anything from 1 to 7 hours depending on their location.
During your trek, you will encounter various bird species like Long-crested eagle, stonechat, cinnamon-breasted bee eater, grey throated throat, African marsh harrier, common moorhen, paradise flycatcher and many other species. As soon as your gaze meets the gentle eyes of Africa’s dark-furred Great Apes, you will spend a maximum of 1 hour with these giant creatures, watch the young ones playing around the old ones, feeding each other and also eating foliage, ensure to capture every moment single moment. Later, you will then return back to your accommodation for a delicious lunch and relaxation.
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Kivu
On this day of your Safari, you will have breakfast and thereafter drive for about 2 hours to Lake Kivu which is located in the Western region of Rwanda at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu is one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Africa with lush rolling hills and it is dotted with various green islands. Lake Kivu offers various outdoor activities including canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming and many others. For those travelers seeking a blend of Natural beauty, cultural experiences and also exhilarating adventures, Lake Kivu is the place to be.
Location: Lake Kivu
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Lake Kivu Serena Hotel |
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 14: Transfer to Kigali International Airport or your Hotel with Kigali City Tour and a Visit to Genocide Memorial Site
Today marks the end of your 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Gorilla Trekking. After your lovely delicious breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or opt to spend another night in your Hotel in Kigali. During your drive, you will enjoy a City Tour of Rwanda’s Capital, Kigali which is famously known for being the cleanest City in Africa. During this Tour, you will visit the Genocide Memorial Site where you will learn about the history of The Rwandan Genocide which occurred between 7th April and 15th July 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War. During this period of about 100 days, over 800,000 members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa were brutally slaughtered by armed Hutu militias. Later, you will have your lunch and then proceed to the Airport for departure.
Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, this carefully crafted itinerary is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your time in Uganda and Rwanda. Thank you so much for specifically choosing Gorilla Page Safaris for the 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Gorilla Trekking and we hope to see you again!!!
Location: Rwanda (Kigali)
Accommodation Option: No
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch
The Safari Package Includes on 14 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari Gorilla Trekking
Meet and greet on arrival
Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Experiential Lion and Leopard tracking
Evening to Night Game Drive
1 Chimpanzee Trekking per person
1 Rhino Trekking per person
Accommodation rate includes: meals, alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and one complimentary massage per guest and applicable VAT
Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 with WI-FI in receptive areas
Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide
A complimentary flower bouquet and a bottle of wine
Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1,500.-)
All activities, visits and extra meals mentioned in the itinerary
Emergency Medical Evacuation Services
All government taxes.
The Safari Package Includes on 14 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari Gorilla Trekking
International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
Entry visa fees, Optional extras whilst in Kigali
Drinks throughout the trip, Tips and gratuities,
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.
Passenger Information on 14 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari Gorilla Trekking
In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of similar category.
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space
All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them throughout their travel
Our Safari Vehicles Seating Plan - 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Extended
All our Safari vehicles are Toyota Land-cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roofs. The vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before, during and after every safari. Paradise Adventure Vacations Ltd offering all-wheel drive safari vehicles suitable for off-road driving, which enable travelers to discover the magical areas of East Africa in a pleasant and reliable manner.
Our fleet consists of 4×4 Toyota Land cruisers with a hinged roof and skylights above the front seats. The hinged roof offers two main advantages: it provides shade without restricting the view, so that you can enjoy your safari even in the very sunny hours of the day. It also allows a 360-degree all-round view.
Our Vehicles Are Equipped With:
- Adjustable comfortable seats
- Electric refrigerator for drinks
- High-performance shock absorbers
- Tool & first aid kit
- Adapters and battery chargers
Due to the difficult ground and road conditions inside and outside the national parks and wildlife reserves, a four-wheel drive vehicle is not only recommended, but also crucial for an eventful safari.
