8 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali
Safari Overview
The 8 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking starts in Rwanda and ends in Rwanda, though it involves border crossing to Uganda and back. The Gorilla Trekking trip offers an opportunity to get up close with majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, thus an adventure of a lifetime.
During your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking safari, you will visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s most visited national park, renowned for its diverse array of wildlife and stunning landscapes that make it a medley of wonders. You will have several game drives to explore the animals of the park, as well as a refreshing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Because it is a medley of wonders, the park also offers chimpanzee trekking, which is done in the Kyambura Gorge sector of the park.
Later, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is a premier gorilla trekking destination renowned for harboring almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park is also surrounded by the Batwa indigenous group of people, who offer a rich history of their way of life and their connection with the forest, thus offering you a chance to gain deeper insights about their way of life. Below are the highlights of the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali;
Highlights of the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali
- Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 2: Full-day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking and Batwa community Experience
- Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Relaxation
- Day 7: Canoe Riding and Relaxation
- Day 8: Drop-off at Kigali International Airport and Departure
Details of the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali
Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meet and greet your guide for the next 8 days. Your guide/driver will take you through a briefing of the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking safari, including where to stay, where to go, what to do, and other necessary information regarding your passports for verifications for border crossing.
Later, you will start a scenic drive for about 2 hours to the Katuna border and cross to Uganda, the pearl of Africa. Proceed on your journey for the next 4 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will spend 3 days. Arrive at the park and proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full-day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early in the morning with a mouth-watering breakfast and later embark on a thrilling full-day drive in the park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, which offer an incredible chance to see these creatures roaming freely in their natural environment. Expect to spot a variety of animal species, including Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, Uganda kobs, hyenas, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, waterbucks, and a variety of different bird species. You shall enjoy a drive back to the lodge for your lunch and later proceed with your game drive. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kyambura Gorge and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Rise early in the morning, enjoy your breakfast, and transfer to the visitor’s information center for a briefing about chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. After the briefing, you will start your chimpanzee trek through Kyambura Gorge in search of the chimpanzees. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will have a chance to spend 1 hour with them and later, you can capture photo moments as well as learning more about the chimpanzees. You will be awarded chimpanzee trekking certificates and later return to the lodge for your lunch.
After Lunch, you will proceed for an Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward and is home to a variety of wildlife species. During your boat trip, you will have a chance to see schools of hippos, buffalo, elephants, crocodiles basking in the sun, and different waterbird species. Return to the lodge for your dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and start your journey through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park as you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey shall take you about 5 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to your lodge for the next 2 nights. Your guide will take you through a pre-briefing about gorilla trekking, including what to pack, what to wear, and carry, including a passport for verification. Enjoy your delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight.
Day 5: Gorilla trekking and Batwa community Experience
A day of super adventure finally comes. You will enjoy your breakfast and later head out of the lodge to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. You will be welcomed by a traditional dance to warm you up for the gorilla trekking experience. After the briefing, you will be assigned a specific gorilla family immediately begin your gorilla trekking experience through the steep hills and lush forests in search of the mountain gorillas. Once you find the gorillas, you will be granted 1 hour to spend with the gorillas and later head back to the starting point, where you will meet your guide.
Later in the afternoon, you will proceed for an evening Batwa Experience, taking you through the rich cultural history and insights on their deep connection with the forests. The Batwa Community experience will give you a chance to learn and have a deeper insight into their traditional way of life. You may participate in their traditional dances (if you want), preparation of local foods, and folk songs. Return to the lodge for your dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Relaxation
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge with breathtaking views of the jungle. Later, after breakfast, you will embark on an approximately 2-hour drive to stunning Lake Bunyonyi. Lake is Africa’s third deepest lake, consisting of over 29 Islands surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation. Lake Bunyonyi is the most sought-after destination after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where guests can unwind from the long days of safari and have a peaceful relaxation. The lake is a perfect place for relaxation, offering stunning views of the scenic Islands and sweeping cool fresh air. Arrive at the lodge and check in for your dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Canoe Riding and Relaxation
Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at the lodge and later proceed for the canoe riding experience that will give you a chance to explore the stunning and rich Islands of the lake. The canoe Riding Experience shall take you approximately 3 hours and later return to the lodge for your lunch and relaxation. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served and you will have your dinner and peaceful overnight.
Day 8: Drop-off at Kigali International Airport and Departure
After your breakfast, you will prepare your belongings and check out. Drive to Katuna Border for clearance and entry to Rwanda, proceed to Kigali International Airport for a 2-hour drive. Arrive at the Airport and Check in for your Departure as you conclude your 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking through Kigali.
