On the slopes of the dramatic
Volcanoes National Park and in the dark forest of Kibale, you will search for man’s shy cousins, the mountain gorilla and the chimpanzee.
On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris and along the River Akagera, you will see the great game of Africa, including elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard.
The cruise on the Kazinga Channel and the Bigodi swamps are a paradise for birdwatchers.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVAL
Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali.
Overnight in Kigali
Day 2 - AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Early start to the Akagera National Park. The Highlands, home to the shy oribi and to the elusive topi, afford breathtaking views of the undulating hills, rolling grassland and the extensive series of lakes linked by papyrus swamps. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck are some of the game roaming this peaceful heaven. There is also an abundance of remarkable bird life with over 500 bird species to be observed in the many diverse habitats of the park.
Overnight near the Park
Day 3 - RWANDA - UGANDA
A good road links Kayonza with the border post of Kagitumba. On the Ugandan side, the road winds through the beautiful hillside that
characterizes much this southern region of the country.
Lunch at Mbarara.
Continue via Ibanda to Kibale National Park.
Overnight near the Park
Day 4 - KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Morning guided nature walk, visit Kibale forest in the search of chimpanzees.
Afternoon, bird watching in the Bigodi swamps.
Overnight near the Park
Day 5/6/7 - QUEEN ELISABETH NATIONAL PARK
The Rwenzoris form a majestic backdrop, as we cross the Equator and enter Queen Elisabeth National Park. Explore a few of the crater lakes typical for this region.
Two full days of game viewing.
The shores of Lake Edward are the mating grounds of the Ugandan cob and home to the elephant and hippo. Lions and leopards prefer the Ishasha savannah, with chimpanzees to be found at the bottom of the
Kyambura. There are thousands of birds everywhere. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Shoebill Stork during the especially rewarding launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel which links Lake Edward and Lake George.
Overnight near the Park
Day 8 - RIFT AND HIGHLANDS
After a last early morning game drive, relax at the lodge or take a guided nature walk.
In the afternoon, climb the Albertine rift escarpment to arrive at Lake
Bunyonyi.
Overnight on the lakeshore
Day 9 - SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA
Visit Kabale, a small, busy town. Stroll along the shores of beautiful Lake
Bunyonyi.
After lunch we take the steep road to Kisoro, lying on the foot of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes
Range.
Cross into Rwanda and arrive at Kinigi.
Overnight near the Park
Day 10 - MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet, muddy conditions.
To see a gorilla at the end of it, certainly makes the trek worthwhile.
Overnight near the Park
Day 11 *** - LAKE KIVU
Leisurely drive to Gisenyi. Lunch at a beach restaurant.
On your way to Kibuye, you will have the chance to stop in villages, browse around the local market place and enjoy the fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shoreline.
Overnight in Kibuye
***If you prefer, another gorilla tracking can be arranged before driving to Gisenyi
for a stop at Lake Kivu, time permitting.
Overnight near the Park
Day 12 *** - DEPARTURE
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeshore or a refreshing early morning
swi
m.
After a wholesome breakfast, leave the gleaming waters of Lake Kivu and journey back to Kigali, through the beautiful countryside of the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’.
Transfer to the airport (BL)
***Enjoy the view of Lake Bulera and Ruhondo as you travel back to Kigali. Sightseeing tour of the capital city.
Transfer to the airport
