Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorilla Chimps Trek, Wildlife Tour - 9 Days
On this 9 Days Rwanda Culture Uganda Gorilla Chimp Wildlife tour, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Trek Musanze caves, Iby'Iwacu cultural village experiences; and track mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoy splendid game viewing experiences in Queen Elizabeth NP looking for lions, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hyenas, etc.
You will also track the Kibale chimpanzees (with possible sightings of other 12 primates species) in Kibale National Park.
The tour is private and exclusive, only you or your privately arranged group with your safari guide. So you can start any day.
The safari starts from Kigali city or airport but can also start from Entebbe airport in Uganda.
Transportation is by a 4x4 safari customized land cruiser with a pop-up roof for enhanced game viewing experiences.
Preview of the Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Trek, Wildlife Tour -9 Days
- Day 1: Meet in Rwanda's capital/ airport Kigali, sightseeing in the city, genocide memorial, Musanze cave experience.
- Day 2: Iby'Iwacu cultural village experiences (or opt for gorilla tracking or Golden monkeys). For gorilla tracking, the permit cost is $1500 and has to be pre-booked.
- Day 3: Twin Lakes canoe trekking, cross to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (you can top-up USD700 to have 4 hours with the gorillas in the gorillas habituation experience instead of the standard 1 hour)
- Day 5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, wildlife game drives to look for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector
- Day 6: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat safari on Kazinga Channel looking for more wildlife
- Day 7: Kibale National Park, East Africa's primate capital
- Day 8: Chimpanzee & primate trekking in Kibale Forest (or top-up $70 for the full day chimps habituation experience)
- Day 9: Drive to Entebbe International Airport (5 hours) or Kigali Airport for departure (8 hours).
Tour Plan for the Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Trek, Wildlife Tour -9 Days
Day 1: Kigali City Tour, Visit Genocide Memorial, Musanze cave experience, Rwanda
Your guide meets with you at your hotel in the morning or at Kigali Airport. You go through the tour program and a general brief about Uganda and Rwanda before the Kigali city tour. On the city tour we visit the Kigali Genocide memorial (at Gisozi) and other interesting places in the city.
The memorial is very moving – the tour takes a couple of hours - and will be of interest to anyone who has spent some time in this enchanting country. It is in memory of the multitudes murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994. The memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.
The Musanze Caves just opened to exploratory tourists in 2013. Located at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the caves offer a peek into the geological history of the region, which was created by intense volcanic activity that formed the Albertine Rift Valley some 65 million years ago. Extending for a length of two kilometers and relatively easy to hike, the underground caverns provide guests with a profound understanding of the origins of the area.
The Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda Defense Forces have provided access to the caves so adventurous holiday-makers can enjoy exploring them. The floors of the caverns are paved, while the trails have stairways and walkways in place to facilitate easy movement. As you wander through the various subterranean areas, you can view intricate rock formations lit by pockets of soft sunlight, which filters through gaps in the ceiling. You might also chance to encounter some of the Rwandan bat species that have taken up residence there.
Top Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on full board basis)
Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Iby’Iwacu Village Cultural Experiences
Iby’iwacu Village is located in Kinigi, close to Volcanoes National Park. Taking a trip to the village as part of your itinerary will leave you feeling as though you have stepped back in time, to when kings ruled over the kingdom of Rwanda. The village offers visitors to the country an opportunity to gain a fascinating glimpse into an age-old culture, which can extend to spending a night there to get a taste of the traditional lifestyle. Activities depend on the interests of the visitors.
As you wander through the village on a guided community walk, you will be overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the local folk. They are happy to introduce you to their traditional way of life, including songs and dances accompanied by lively drumming. You can listen to “gorilla songs” sung by the well-known performer Ngayabatema (better known as Kayuku), or perhaps watch the unique dance form presented by the Intore dancers and accompanied by traditional instruments. Take a lesson from a traditional healer in how to create medicinal elixirs from local plants, grasses, and shrubs, or peek into a classroom at one of the local schools.
Top Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on full board basis)
Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Canoe Trek experience on Twin Lakes, Cross to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have morning breakfast and then visit the beautiful region of the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. You will be introduced to traditional sustainable farming methods with African vegetables and fruits, visit the local fishermen and also see the fishing competition with children from the adjacent villages.
While here, you will go a launch cruise in one of the traditional canoes and have a visit to the local witch doctors and the “snake man” and also to the convent “Foyer de Charité”.
Afterwards, a few minutes drive leads us to the Rwanda/Uganda border post of Kyanika. We cross and continue driving through amazing landscapes of the terraced Virunga region.
After the fabulous scenery drive, we will be at our overnight accommodation.
Bwindi Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Moderate: Engagi Lodge |Gorilla Mist Camp | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today enjoy surely. After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip- Gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day. We trek through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.
Bwindi National Park, located in south western Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, is considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. The area, one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa, where lowland and mountain habitats meet, contains a dense ground cover of herbs, vines, and shrubs. Home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. The park contains almost one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Bwindi is also home to several endangered bird species with very limited ranges, and acts as an important catchment area for many rivers, supplying water for agriculture in the surrounding region.
Bwindi Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Moderate: Engagi Lodge |Gorilla Mist Camp | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Tree Climbing Lions search in Ishasha Sector
We depart in the early morning after your breakfast to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We drive through some of the most fabulous sites with clear views of the 6 Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Bunyonyi, the terraced hills and valley of South Western Uganda.
We go through stunning savannah grasslands as we head to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The game densities here are high, and this region has reported some of the largest herds of Elephant anywhere in Uganda, as it is their main migration corridor between Uganda and the DRC.
The northern circuit is known for the only tree climbing lions and your tour guide will do all it takes to ensure you see them.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains-the famed "Mountains of the Moon". This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the North East by Lake George and on the South West by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Zaire Parc Du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda Kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.
Popular Accommodation options in Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge | Buffalo Safari Resort
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast we depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains - the famed "Mountains of the Moon". This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the north-east by Lake George and on the south-west by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga.
As we drive through the park, expect to spot teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.
In the afternoon we will go for a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray at very close range from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.
Accommodation options available:
Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge | Buffalo Safari Resort
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Kibale National Park
Early morning after breakfast we continue driving through the undulating highlands of western Uganda on our way to the greener and beautiful Fort Portal area.
Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities.
As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed.
Accommodation options available:
Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Luxury cottage at Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp | ensuite cottages at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse | ensuite rooms at Rweteera Safari Park
Low Budget: Sheltered tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Rooms in main house at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse | sheltered tents atRweteera Safari Park
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Chimpanzee & Primate Trekking in Kibale Forest (or top -up $70 for the full day chimps habituation experience)
In the early morning, we will go chimp tracking.
On your forest walk in the afternoon, you will look for the fascinating multi-species troops of monkeys. Various species move through the forest together, each specie occupying different elevation in the forest. They understand each other's alarm calls when predators are spotted, so when, for example, an eagle soars overhead, the monkeys at the higher elevation will sound the alarm and all monkeys will take appropriate evasive action. The same applies when those at the lowest elevations spot a ground-dwelling or ambush predator such as a leopard: the terrestrial monkeys will sound the alarm signal and all monkeys will rapidly move up to the higher elevation.
Accommodation options available:
Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Luxury cottage at Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp | ensuite cottages at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse | ensuite rooms at Rweteera Safari Park
Low Budget: Sheltered tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Rooms in main house at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse | sheltered tents atRweteera Safari Park
Meals Included today: Lunch and dinner at the lodge.
Day 9: Drive to Entebbe Airport or Kigali Airport for Departure
Embark on your journey to Entebbe. This route travels through breathtaking scenery and delightfully rolling plantations, some of the best in Uganda.
Sample Accommodation for the Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Trek, Wildlife Tour -9 Days
Mweya Safari Lodge is located on the ridge of the Mweya peninsula that separates Lake Edward from the Kazinga Channel. There are fantastic views over the lake and the channel. The 54 rooms are laid out along the ridge in single storey blocks. Each room has a ceiling fan, mosquito nets and en suite bathroom with bath and shower. All the rooms have their own private terrace and most look over the Kazinga Channel below. The standard rooms are quite simple and the deluxe rooms are of a good standard with air conditioning. The suites are even larger with a separate sitting area and there are now also luxury tents. The main lodge has a large swimming pool and sundeck with some steps leading down the hill to an observation point where you can sit and watch the animals coming down to the water to drink and the hippos wallowing. The dining room serves good food that switches between buffet and a la carte meals.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge is situated in Uganda in the idyllic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, well known for being home to the rare and elusive mountain gorilla. From the private veranda of each cottage guests can enjoy views overlooking the forest whilst relaxing and taking in the stunning natural surrounds. Buhoma is an ideal accommodation for guests interested in gorilla trekking, being closely located to the meeting point for the treks.
There are ten comfortable cottages at Buhoma Lodge, each complete with a private veranda offering superb views of the forest. Cottages are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings, but each is comfortable and spacious. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, and some provide bathtubs.
Meals are taken in the main, elevated lounge area, and are prepared using local ingredients to create an international cuisine. Located in the lounge, the bar is the perfect place to relax after the day's activities, or enjoy a drink around the fireplace.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Looking out over the waters of Lake Mutanda, Chameleon Hill Lodge is one of the more Uganda's more unconventional architectural accomplishments. A mishmash of square buildings are strung along a beautiful ridge, culminating in the turret-clad reception building, with its unorthodox array of window designs.
Each building is painted in a different bold colour, adding a feeling of energy to this beautifully positioned lodge. Inside the rooms, the quirky style continues - they are decorated colourfully, but with care. Simple but comfortable, rooms are welcoming and bright.
WHY WE LIKE IT
This is a wonderful, quirky lodge, with beautiful sweeping views across Lake Mutanda. The kitchen is famed for its delicious food and staff are always praised for their friendly and helpful service.
Kyaninga Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge is comprised of just eight cottages as well as the main lodge building. This makes for a peaceful and relaxing stay, perfect for unwinding after a day trekking with chimpanzee. Cottages are set apart offering guests complete privacy, and connect with the main lodge via a raised wooden walkway.
FACILITIES
Meals at Kyaninga Lodge are served in the main lodge dining room. The menu is based on European dishes but with a Ugandan twist, making use of the local ingredients available from the kitchen garden and nearby markets. The bar has an extensive wine list. WiFi is provided in the main lodge building.
Ndali Lodge
No words can fully do the location justice as it needs to be seen to be believed.Yes,it is that visually stunning. It is without a doubt one of Africa's most beautiful locations. It is also close to the Kibale National Park making it ideal for chimp trekking.
Ndali Lodge is set stunningly amidst the Bunyaruguru crater lake region of Western Uganda, 24 kilometres south of Fort Portal lies at the centre of 1000 acres of privately owned fertile farmland still cultivated in a traditional style.
There are eight cottages provided for travelers with hot and cold water and beautiful views before you. Ndali Lodge cottages are tastefully furnished, once again showing that Ndali Lodge is one of the premier accommodations around Kibale Forest. The cottages were built with local stones and thatch giving them a most welcoming appearance after a long drive here or day in the KIbale Rainforest. Each cottage has a private verandah that allows you beautiful views of the Mountains of the Moon and Lake Nyiambuga.
At night the dining room is festooned with candles - the lodge has no electricity or generators to destroy the tranquility and atmosphere although there are solar lights in the cottages. The sitting room, reception and dining room open out onto Lake Nyinambuga and are connected by two open passageways or breezeways: fruit bats, owls and frogs like to use them as a highway to the crater lake. Breakfast is on the verandah overlooking the lake: freshly squeezed passion fruit juice (from Ndali's vines when in season) and homemade bread with wild honey go down well with a full English breakfast.
Mid Range Accommodation (usually self-contained rooms/ cottages/ furnished safari tents)
LE Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Situated in Ruhengeri, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is 9 km from Musanze Caves Entrance (Underground Cave System). Bukane primary school is 10 km from the property. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge also includes a barbecue. Guests can enjoy a children's playground and a restaurant on site. The property also offers packed lunches. Bike hire and car hire are available at the property and the area is popular for cycling and hiking. Umuzabibu Mwiza - Handspun Hope Women's Center is 11 km from Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, while ORTPN Office / Ruhengeri (Gorilla track pass) is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Kigali International Airport, 87 km from Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Bwindi Gorilla Lodge Nkuringo
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge is situated on the shores of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Muhokya sub-county, near Kahendero Fishing Village.
The lodge has about 10 special suites constructed with stones, thatched and are located in a secreted setting with enough space to do personal work.
The design of the suits leads you to the main lodge and after connect you to the bush. Which ever corner of the lodge you are in, you have a magnificent view of the forest, the windows lodge are glass thus give you a perfect view of nature.
Among the services provided include telephone, internet with a fully well stocked bar. The rooms are air conditioned with up to date bathrooms and toilets.
Meals are served in a spacious dinning overlooking the magnificent Lake George in order to deliver a relaxing and comfortable feel of the Lake breeze as the sun sets calmly over the horizon.
Breakfast comprises of a full English breakfast containing freshly made juice, Eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled tomato & toast accompanied by CAFE PAP Coffee or Tea. Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10: 00 am.
A light lunch is offered to all guests, that is, a variety of pasta, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Guests who need packed lunch for the game drive are given exclusive light pack accompanied by picnic juice.
After dinner, all guests are escorted to their cottages by the lodge guide.
The lodge has a professional wine cellar manager who is good at selecting good wine for the visitors. Besides wine, there are other drinks that you will like.
Engagi Lodge
Engagi Lodge is a small and exclusive property on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest, close to the park headquarters. The lodge is open-ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park from every corner inside the building.
The accommodation consists of eight en-suite Cottages which are evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each Cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All units have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee.
The kitchen, which has been built a distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients, prepares a variety of three course meals and all requirements such as vegetarians and vegans are catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs. The main lodge comprises a rock bar, the restaurant and a large wooden verandah with a separate outdoor viewing platform. The lodge building is large enough to cater for sizeable groups needing banqueting tables, but still allows smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.
Isunga Lodge
Isunga Lodge is situated on the boundary of Kibale National Park, close to the UWA park headquarters and a short drive from chimpanzee treking at Kanyanchu.
They have magnificent views overlooking the forest, right down to Queen Elizabeth and across to the Rwenzoris. There are currently 5 self-contained double/twin cottages and main restaurant building.
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge is conveniently situated for your safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Located close to as well the chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge as to the prime game viewing areas in the park, it forms an excellent base for your exploration.
In the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking Kazinga Channel, The Bush Lodge offers a unique safari experience. The coming and going of game witnessed from the terrace of your room, hippos lingering in the shallow waters of Kazinga channel, or a lion’s roar while seated at the campfire.
The lodge currently consists of 6 self contained units which are spaciously placed between the indigenous bush. Built along ecological principles the accommodation blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The rooms are stilted buildings on wooden platforms and are made from a fine combination of canvas and local materials. Huge windows allow you to fully absorb the environment and to feel one with nature.
Each room is comfortably equipped and has its own private ensuite bathroom with an eco toilet and an outside shower where 2 showerheads allow couples to take their starlit shower together.
Service Inclusions for the Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Trek, Wildlife Tour -9 Days
- Accommodation with all meals during the tour
- Private Transportation using a safari land-cruiser
- All tour activities as indicated including 1 Uganda gorilla permit, 1 Kibale tracking permit
- Game drives and Kazinga boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Sight seeing opportunities in Virungas, Lake Bunyonyi, Rwenzori
- Accommodation as per programme
- Park fees
- Entry fees
- Bottled drinking mineral water
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Reviews on Rwanda Culture, Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Trek Tours
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A stunning glimpse into the natural world - A simply stunning experience from start to finish. What started as a spur of the moment idea to visit the mountain gorillas turned into an extraordinary and continually delightful tour... read more 
Samuel T
14th January 2024 Amazing experience and Richard is the best - I did a 3 day gorilla tracking safari with Richard and I had the time of my life. The gorilla tracking was amazing, and the whole 3 days were just... read more 
TomBroenink
19th December 2023608savannahw My sister organized an itinerary through Gorillas and Wildlife Safari. We love that it was Uganda-owned. She worked with Ivan to put together a fabulous itinerary through Rwanda and Uganda... read more
31st August 2023
