Prepare for a journey deep into the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley on an adventure that spans two remarkable countries. This 8-day safari is the ultimate primate experience, offering you the rare opportunity to track magnificent mountain gorillas not once, but twice, in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You will also track our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees, in the rainforests of Kibale, search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. From classic savannah safaris to deep rainforest treks and vibrant cultural encounters, this journey is a truly comprehensive exploration of the region’s incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Your adventure begins upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will brief you on the incredible journey ahead. We’ll then set off westwards on a scenic drive to the region of Kibale National Park. It’s a long but fascinating drive, taking you through lush green countryside, bustling rural towns, and tea plantations. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, just in time to settle in and listen to the sounds of the forest.
This morning is dedicated to an unforgettable encounter with chimpanzees. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will venture into the rainforest with expert rangers to find your assigned chimpanzee troop. The experience is a thrilling mix of sights and sounds, from the chimps’ boisterous calls echoing through the trees to the sight of them swinging, playing, and grooming. After your trek, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy one of Uganda’s best wildlife experiences: a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a spectacular array of birdlife.
An early start this morning takes you to the Kasenyi Plains for a classic game drive. This sprawling savannah is the primary game-viewing area of the park, offering fantastic opportunities to spot lions, leopards, elephants, Ugandan kob, and buffalo. After the drive, we’ll journey south to the remote and beautiful Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. We will enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of these incredible predators, who love to rest in the boughs of large fig trees.
After an early breakfast, you’ll have one last morning game drive in Ishasha for another chance to spot the tree-climbing lions. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive is stunning, with the landscape becoming increasingly mountainous and dramatic. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, perched on the edge of the ancient rainforest. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax or embark on an optional community walk to visit the local Batwa people.
Today is the day for a truly life-changing experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will trek into the dense, misty forest to find a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the moment you find the gorillas and spend an hour quietly observing them in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime. After the trek, we will make a short transfer to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Mutanda, where you can relax, take a canoe trip, or simply soak in the stunning views of the volcanoes.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake before we cross the border into Rwanda. You will immediately notice the change in scenery as we drive through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Our destination is the town of Musanze, the gateway to the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. After checking into our lodge, the afternoon is free for you to relax or take an optional visit to the nearby Musanze Caves.
Today you have the incredible opportunity to track gorillas for a second time, this time on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The terrain and experience are different from Bwindi, offering a new perspective on these gentle giants. After your trek and lunch, you will immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu). Here, you will be welcomed with traditional songs, dances, and demonstrations that showcase the lives and heritage of the local community.
After a final breakfast in the mountains, we will drive to Rwanda’s vibrant and pristine capital, Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short city tour, which can include a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Afterwards, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your ultimate primate adventure.
Prepare for a journey deep into the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley on an adventure that spans two remarkable countries. This 8-day safari is the ultimate primate experience, offering you the rare opportunity to track magnificent mountain gorillas not once, but twice, in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You will also track our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees, in the rainforests of Kibale, search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. From classic savannah safaris to deep rainforest treks and vibrant cultural encounters, this journey is a truly comprehensive exploration of the region’s incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Your adventure begins upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will brief you on the incredible journey ahead. We’ll then set off westwards on a scenic drive to the region of Kibale National Park. It’s a long but fascinating drive, taking you through lush green countryside, bustling rural towns, and tea plantations. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, just in time to settle in and listen to the sounds of the forest.
This morning is dedicated to an unforgettable encounter with chimpanzees. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will venture into the rainforest with expert rangers to find your assigned chimpanzee troop. The experience is a thrilling mix of sights and sounds, from the chimps’ boisterous calls echoing through the trees to the sight of them swinging, playing, and grooming. After your trek, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy one of Uganda’s best wildlife experiences: a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a spectacular array of birdlife.
An early start this morning takes you to the Kasenyi Plains for a classic game drive. This sprawling savannah is the primary game-viewing area of the park, offering fantastic opportunities to spot lions, leopards, elephants, Ugandan kob, and buffalo. After the drive, we’ll journey south to the remote and beautiful Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. We will enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of these incredible predators, who love to rest in the boughs of large fig trees.
After an early breakfast, you’ll have one last morning game drive in Ishasha for another chance to spot the tree-climbing lions. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive is stunning, with the landscape becoming increasingly mountainous and dramatic. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, perched on the edge of the ancient rainforest. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax or embark on an optional community walk to visit the local Batwa people.
Today is the day for a truly life-changing experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will trek into the dense, misty forest to find a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the moment you find the gorillas and spend an hour quietly observing them in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime. After the trek, we will make a short transfer to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Mutanda, where you can relax, take a canoe trip, or simply soak in the stunning views of the volcanoes.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake before we cross the border into Rwanda. You will immediately notice the change in scenery as we drive through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Our destination is the town of Musanze, the gateway to the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. After checking into our lodge, the afternoon is free for you to relax or take an optional visit to the nearby Musanze Caves.
Today you have the incredible opportunity to track gorillas for a second time, this time on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The terrain and experience are different from Bwindi, offering a new perspective on these gentle giants. After your trek and lunch, you will immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu). Here, you will be welcomed with traditional songs, dances, and demonstrations that showcase the lives and heritage of the local community.
After a final breakfast in the mountains, we will drive to Rwanda’s vibrant and pristine capital, Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short city tour, which can include a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Afterwards, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your ultimate primate adventure.
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