Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by an Odyssey World representative and transferred to Hotel No.5 for overnight.

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Kihihi, from where you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park.  This park set in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many bird species.

Day 3: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, looking out for huge herds of buffalo, elephant and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area. Guests can enjoy late afternoon sundowners beside the Ntungwe River, or from a scenic viewing point along the ridge overlooking Ishasha.

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Immerse yourself in Agartha’s ‘Taste of Uganda’ tour – a fun, educational experience for the inquisitive visitor: watch how the local crops are transformed into local staples such as millet porridge and kalo bread.

A scenic drive brings you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site. Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one-half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Coming face to face with an endangered mountain gorilla is something words cannot aptly describe.

Please note that gorilla trekking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is well worth the hike to get there!

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park

From Bwindi, we drive through the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ along winding mountain roads, and through rural villages, to the border of Rwanda, Kisoro.  Here, on a clear day, the Virungas can be seen ‘standing sentry’ along the border – a row of massive, dormant volcanoes watching over the region.

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Groups are lead by a guide and two scouts.

If you opted not to trek, take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or enjoy forest walk with Golden Monkeys.  You will only be able to enjoy one of these activities (as they all take place in the morning) and pre-booking is essential.

Day 8: Departure

After lunch, drive to Kigali, the bustling capital of Rwanda. Optional visit to the haunting Genocide Museum.

Drop off at airport – please book a late flight home or overnight in Kigali.

Included:

• Airport transfers in Entebbe and Kigali
• Vehicle with English speaking local driver/ guide throughout
• Bottled water in safari vehicle
• 1 x overnight Hotel No.5 including breakfast
• Domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• All park entrance fees
• 2 x overnights Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board basis including local drinks
• Community visit en route from Ishasha to Bwindi
• 2 x overnights Buhoma Lodge on a full board basis including local drinks
• 2 x overnights Mountain Gorilla View Lodge full board basis
• Full liability insurance cover
• Compulsory emergency evacuation insurance in Rwanda
• 24 hour emergency contact

Excluded:

• Due to pricing fluctuations, Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are NOT included!
• All international flights and airport taxes
• Personal expenses such as porters, drinks, tips, visas, health requirements and travel insurance
• Services/activities/meals not included above

Tracking Permits not included and range from $65-1700 per person. Your destination specialist will include exact costs in your bespoke itinerary.