The combination of Uganda and Rwanda in one great journey leaves guests feeling enriched and enlightened to the sheer variety of wildlife and cultures of this stunning part of the world. In Western Uganda lies the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park (QE), with the ice-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop. It is rich in wildlife, including the tree lions at Ishasha, and is a haven for bird-watchers. Chimps can be seen in the steeply forested sides of the Kyambura Gorge, near Queen Elizabeth National Park; and the Kibale Forest. Further south, in the chain of eight blue Virunga volcanoes strung out on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, at the heart of Africa, lives the mountain gorilla. .
Rwanda has a number of unique delights to offer travellers. Parc National des Volcans in the Virunga volcanoes is home to the mountain gorillas to which Dian Fossey dedicated her life. Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest montane forests in central Africa, is renowned for its large troops of colobus monkeys and rich variety of orchids. Akagera National Park is a savannah park with elephants, hippo and crocodile.
Fantastic wildlife in wonderfully wild places
Uganda & Rwanda Classic Safari
- 11-08-2010
- Categorized in: Safaris in Uganda, Set Date & Guided in Uganda & Rwanda
-$7500 pp 12 Days single supplement $900
Web offering this safari monthly during 2012.
This safari can be arranged as a private departure, the cost will increase depending on the size of your party, please call for a quote.
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Day 1 Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by your guide. Briefing on the journey ahead. Set off on the southbound road at 10am. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
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Day 2 TUESDAY Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
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Day 3 WEDNESDAYAn excursion to Kyambura Gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the Blue Lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
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Day 4 THURSDAYStart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
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Day 5 FRIDAYGo gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
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Day 6 SATURDAYEither go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at the time of booking subject to permit availability) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for a stroll around the Lodge or for a community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
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Day 7 SUNDAYLeave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the beautiful terraced hills. Proceed, via the frontier town of Kisoro, up the mountain to Mgahinga at 2,300m. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).
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Day 8 MONDAYEither go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).
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Day 9 TUESDAYEither relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities in day 8 in the morning (except gorilla tracking) and transfer to Rwanda after lunch. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Stroll around the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
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Day 10 WEDNESDAYGo gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
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Day 11 THURSDAYEither go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
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Day 12 FRIDAY Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport. (HB).
NOTES:
This safari can be arranged as a private departure, the cost will increase depending on the size of your party, please call for a quote.
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GORILLA TRACKING in Bwindi, Uganda and PNV, Rwanda (five opportunities).
STAND on the Equator.
GAME DRIVES in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
BOAT CRUISE on the Kazinga Channel.
PRIMATES bat cave and Blue Lake in Maramagambo Forest.
CHIMPANZEES in Kyambura Gorge.
TREE CLIMBING LIONS in Ishasha.
NATURE WALK in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
CLIMB the Muhavura or Gahinga Volcanoes/nature walk.
GOLDEN MONKEYS in Mgahinga/PNV.
DIAN FOSSEY'S grave in PNV/Ros Carr's orphanage
For 2011 we are expecting an increase on the cost of safaris between 10% – 15 %, gorilla permits and other park activity prices are also expected to rise, we are waiting for the local Wildlife Authorities to publish their new price list before being able to communicate those rates.
