8 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour via Kigali
This 8 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour via Kigali offers an unforgettable cross-border safari experience. Starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda, the safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
Safari Overview
Beginning in Kigali, you will travel into southwestern Uganda through spectacular countryside and rolling hills. The journey takes you to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park before returning to Kigali. Highlights include gorilla trekking, game drives, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, cultural interactions, and a guided walking safari.
Safari Highlights
- Scenic transfer from Kigali to Uganda
- Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
- Batwa cultural experience
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
- Guided walking safari
- Return transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will meet your driver-guide and receive a short safari briefing. You will then depart Rwanda and cross into Uganda through the Katuna border. Continue to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes surrounded by terraced hills and dotted islands. Arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Drive Time: Approximately 4–5 Hours
Day 2: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Batwa Community Visit
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Bunyonyi. Optional activities include canoeing, bird watching, and exploring the islands. Later, visit a Batwa community to learn about the traditions and history of the indigenous forest people who once lived in Bwindi Forest. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, valleys, and local villages along the way. Arrive at your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing while preparing for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Following an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Begin your gorilla trek through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and celebration of this remarkable achievement.
Highlight: One Hour with Mountain Gorillas
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha
Depart Bwindi and drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park through the famous Ishasha Sector. This region is renowned for its tree-climbing lions that are often seen resting in large fig trees. Continue to your lodge within or near the park for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lake Mburo National Park. Despite being Uganda’s smallest savannah park, it offers excellent opportunities to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, and numerous bird species. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive and sunset views.
Day 8: Walking Safari & Return to Kigali
Start the day with a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. This unique experience allows you to explore the wilderness on foot while observing wildlife from a different perspective. After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali, arriving later in the day for drop-off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your safari.
Drive Time: Approximately 6–7 Hours
Safari Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Game drives and boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
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