9 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps| Mum And Dad Uganda Tours
9 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps, This 9-day Uganda Rwanda tour is one of the most popular and unforgettable safaris, offering a unique opportunity to explore the best of both countries. The tour begins in Uganda and concludes in Kigali, the vibrant capital and largest city of Rwanda.
In Uganda, you’ll embark on a memorable chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 13 species of primates. You’ll also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can enjoy thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering incredible wildlife views.
The tour continues to Rwanda, where you’ll experience the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, providing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
This itinerary combines breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences, making it an adventure that is not to be missed for any wildlife enthusiast or nature lover.
Next, the tour will take you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the last sanctuaries for the critically endangered mountain gorillas. A once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek in this UNESCO World Heritage site will provide you with an intimate and unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.
Your adventure continues in Rwanda, where you’ll visit Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) for another thrilling gorilla trekking experience. Afterward, you’ll visit Lake Kivu for a relaxing boat cruise, followed by an enriching cultural experience.
The tour concludes with a visit to Kigali, where you’ll pay tribute to the victims of the Rwandan Genocide by exploring the Memorial sites in the city. It is a sobering experience, as you’ll learn about the tragic history that led to the loss of over a million lives in just one month.
This carefully crafted itinerary combines breathtaking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and poignant historical reflections, making it a deeply moving and unforgettable journey.
Detailed Safari Itinerary 9 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our Mum and Dad Uganda Tour representative. After a friendly greeting, our representative will transfer you to your hotel where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the night. If you arrive early enough, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Entebbe with a guided city tour before heading to your accommodation. This will be a great way to kickstart your adventure in Uganda.
Location:Entebbe/ Kampala
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Gately Inn Entebbe/ Via Via Lodge
Midrange: Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe/cassia lodge Kampala
Luxury: Anderita Beach Hote
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 2: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
After your breakfast at the lodge, check-out from the lodge and start your journey to Kibale forest national. A lot will be enjoyed on this exhilarating journey including the scenery in Kabale with fantastic views along the way. Arrive at the park in time check in at the lodge. Have dinner ,if the evening is free opt for an evening forest walk. Where you will be able to see some bush babies (this is based on the accommodation facility you are using). Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Lake Nkuruba Camp Site | Kibale Forest Camp|Rweteera Safari Park
Midrange: Chimpanzee Guest House | Kibale Forest Camp| Mountains of the moon
Luxury: Kyaninga Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge|Papaya Lake Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking- Kibale Forest
On this day after a cup of tea or coffee you will get briefed about the dos and don’ts while with the chimps. Then after you will follow the ranger guide deep into the forest to begin the search of chimps. Chimp trekking may go from 1-6 hour and once the chimps are met you are strictly allowed to spend one hour with them. It is an amazing experience. It will be amazing as you will watch them jump on different branches, watch them feed and play, you will also see nests in which they rest/sleep. Take enough photos but with your camera flash off. During the trek you will also have an opportunity to see other primates such as the White and Black colobus monkeys, Baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Grey cheeked mangabeys among others. You will after the trek go for lunch drive south for 3-4 hours into Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Lake Nkuruba Camp Site | Kibale Forest Camp|Rweteera Safari Park
Midrange: Chimpanzee Guest House | Kibale Forest Camp| Mountains of the moon
Luxury: Kyaninga Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge|Papaya Lake Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 4: Game drive & Boat cruise – Queen Elizabeth Park
After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, embark on an early morning game drive through the park, offering a prime opportunity to witness the wildlife as it starts its day. Keep an eye out for early risers such as hyenas, wildebeests, and a variety of other species including waterbucks, lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, warthogs, and numerous bird species. You’ll also have the chance to view the stunning crater lakes within the park, adding a beautiful touch to your wildlife experience.
After approximately three hours of game viewing, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The Kazinga Channel is renowned for its incredible wildlife, with over 560 hippos calling it home. Along the shores, you’ll also spot a variety of birds, crocodiles, elephants, and antelopes, providing another spectacular view of Africa’s rich biodiversity.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest, reflecting on a day filled with remarkable wildlife encounters.
This is part of the 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari experience, ensuring that you enjoy the very best of Uganda’s national parks and wildlife.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal plan: half board
Accommodation Option:
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge
Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge| katara Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Drinking Water and Fruits throughout
Day 5: Game drive in the Ishasha sector and travel to Bwindi
After breakfast at the lodge, you will head to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famously known for housing the rare tree-climbing lions. These magnificent creatures can often be seen lounging in the branches of fig trees, offering a unique wildlife sighting. In addition to the tree-climbing lions, you will also encounter herds of Uganda kob, their preferred prey, as well as large populations of buffaloes, elephants, and the rare shoebill bird.
You will spend the rest of the day enjoying game drives in this incredible part of the park, capturing stunning views of the diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
After your journey, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the lodge, ready for the exciting adventure ahead.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation option:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Gorilla Safari Lodge,
Midrange: Silverback Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma community Bandas
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch as well as dinner.
Drinking Water throughout
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla trekking safari
After enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, your guide will take you to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. You will also be allocated to a specific gorilla group for your trek. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the most important conservation areas for these gentle giants. In addition to gorillas, the park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including a variety of butterflies, plants, primates, mammals, and amphibians.
Gorilla trekking can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and how long it takes to find them. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend only one hour with them, as a way to minimize disturbance to these endangered creatures.
For those who may not wish to trek the gorillas, an alternative option is available. You can enjoy a guided forest walk or visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience. After your activities, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on your memorable day.
This is part of the 9-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari, offering unforgettable experiences with some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation option:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Gorilla Safari Lodge,
Midrange: Silverback Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma community Bandas
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch as well as dinner.
Drinking Water throughout
Day 7: Cross to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
After breakfast, you will begin your scenic transfer from Bwindi to Rwanda, passing through one of the most beautiful regions of the country, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Africa” due to its stunning landscape and unique Mediterranean-like climate, despite its proximity to the Equator. As you continue your journey, you will arrive at the Uganda-Rwanda border (Gatuna), where you will complete the necessary border crossing procedures before proceeding into Rwanda, a country famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Once you arrive in Volcanoes National Park, you will check in at your lodge. In the afternoon, you will have the option to take a nature walk to the picturesque twin lakes or visit the Iby’ Iwachu Village to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Banyarwanda people.
Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, ready for the next day’s adventure.
This marks another exciting day in your 9-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari, where you’ll experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Accommodation Options
Luxury: one and only |Five Volcanoes
Mid-range: Le Bambou gorilla lodge
Budget: Garden Palace hotel
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 8: Gorilla trekking and Lake Kivu
After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the guidelines and etiquette of gorilla trekking. You will also be assigned to a specific gorilla family for your trek. At 8:00 AM, your adventure will begin as you hike deep into the forest, led by an experienced ranger guide, with the goal of encountering the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is an unpredictable experience, as the location of the gorillas depends on where they spent the previous night.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour with them, observing their behavior and interactions in the wild. After your time with the gorillas, you will begin your descent back to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, you will be driven to Lake Kivu, located approximately 110 kilometers away. This scenic drive will take about two hours. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the beautiful lake, taking in the stunning landscapes and tranquil surroundings.
Afterward, you will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s incredible experiences.
Destination: Volcanoes national park
Accommodation Options
Luxury: one and only |Five Volcanoes
Mid-range: Le Bambou gorilla lodge
Budget: Garden Palace hotel
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water throughout
Day 9: Kigali City Excursion
After a hearty breakfast, you will be driven back to Kigali, where you will embark on an insightful city tour. The tour will include visits to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, the Nyamata Church, and the Presidential Palace Museum, offering a poignant glimpse into Rwanda’s history and culture.
After enjoying lunch in Kigali, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight back home, marking the end of your memorable 9-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!
Location: Kigali
Accommodation Option: no accommodation, end of tour
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Drinking Water and Fruits throughout
Additional costs can be arranged for extra costs , you will be dropped at the airport
End of the Best of Uganda Rwanda Safari Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps
What needed for this Safari?
- Uganda & Rwanda Visas which can be got either from your home country or on arrival at the Airports
- Chimpanzee, Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking permits (paid for in advance through our company mum and Dad Uganda Tours)
- Travel & Health insurance arranged for from your home country
- Yellow fever proof vaccination (certificate)
- Some levels of Physical fitness
Tour inclusions for the 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla
Airport transfers
Transportation in a 4WD plus all fuel for the tour
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Accommodations
Meals
Drinking water in the vehicle
Park entrance fees
Activities as listed
Excluded in the 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla
International flights
Visa
Meals that are not part of your accommodation
Activities that are mentioned as optional in the program
A porter to carry your day pack during gorilla tracking (recommended)
Best of 9 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Chimps
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