Country Safaris

Uganda-Rwanda

Day:1
Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by our guide. Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the southbound road. On the way see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator, bargain at the roadside markets. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. Overnight at Mweya/Jacana safari lodge.

Day:2
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The game seen will depend on the season; the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. Overnight at Mweya/Jacana safari lodge.

Day: 3
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. Overnight at Mweya/Jacana safari lodge.

Day:4
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. Overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.

Day:5
Go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Overnight in Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.

Day:6
Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the beautiful terraced hills. Proceed, via the frontier town of Kisoro, up the mountain to Mgahinga at 2,300m. Overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Day:7
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Day: 8
Transfer to Rwanda [Clocks go backward one hour]. Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time. Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.

Day: 9
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.

Day 10
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport.