5 Day Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth from Kigali

Uganda: Private tour • 5 days

Your 5-day Rwanda safari, day by day

Each day below shows where you go, what you experience, and where you can stay—luxury, mid-range, and budget lodge options included.

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    You’ll be picked up from the airport Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged at extra cost Your adventure begins in Kigali, the bustling capital of Rwanda. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and embark on a scenic drive towards the border with Uganda. The journey will take you through the picturesque landscapes of Rwanda, often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Enjoy the rolling hills, terraced farms, and lush green countryside as you make your way to Uganda. After crossing the border, the drive continues to , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dense forests and significant population of mountain gorillas. Arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon, you will have time to check in and relax. In the evening, a park ranger will brief you on the gorilla trekking experience scheduled for the next day. Dinner will be served at the lodge, offering a taste of local and international cuisine as you settle into the tranquil surroundings of Bwindi.

    Meal plan
    lunch and dinner
    Also visited
    Kigali

    Accommodation options

    • Luxury Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge/ Gorilla Heights lodge
    • Mid-Range Four Gorillas lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla lodge, Gorilla mist camp
    • Budget Rushaga Gorilla Haven lodge, Trekkers Tavern cottages
  2. Day 2

    Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on the rules and expectations of gorilla trekking. Equipped with a packed lunch and plenty of water, you will set off into the forest with your guide and a small group of fellow trekkers. The trek can vary in duration, from a couple of hours to most of the day, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. The hike through Bwindi's thick, misty forest is an adventure in itself, as you navigate through steep and sometimes muddy terrain. When you finally encounter the mountain gorillas, the experience is nothing short of magical. You will spend an hour observing these gentle giants, watching them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable experience, you will return to the lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the local community, including visits to nearby Batwa pygmy villages or a nature walk around the lodge. Dinner will be served in the evening, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the surrounding forest.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    Accommodation options

    • Luxury Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge/ Gorilla Heights lodge
    • Mid-Range Four Gorillas lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla lodge, Gorilla mist camp
    • Budget Rushaga Gorilla Haven lodge, Trekkers Tavern cottages
  3. Day 3

    Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

    On the third day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a journey to . The drive takes you through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, also known as the "Switzerland of Africa," with its terraced hillsides and stunning landscapes. You will pass through local villages and rural communities, offering glimpses of everyday life in this beautiful region. Arriving at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon, you will check into your lodge and have some time to rest. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and lush forests, making it one of Uganda's most popular national parks. In the evening, you will embark on a game drive in the , known for its large herds of Uganda Kob, elephants, and a variety of other wildlife. As the sun sets, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Also visited
    Kigezi Highlands

    Accommodation options

    • Luxury Mweya safari lodge, Elephant Plains lodge, Mzike Valley lodge
    • Mid-Range Elephant Hab lodge, Enganzi Game lodge
    • Budget Pumba safari camp, Simba safari camp
  4. Day 4

    Game Drives and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Your fourth day begins with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of . The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. The early morning hours are the best time to spot predators and other animals as they start their day. After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time. In the afternoon, you will head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari. The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting and , is famous for its high concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles. During the boat cruise, you will also see a variety of bird species and other wildlife coming to the water's edge to drink and cool off. Following the boat safari, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

    Meal plan
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Also visited
    Lake Edward, Lake George
  5. Day 5

    Return to Kigali

    Your final day starts with breakfast at the lodge and thereafter, check out of the lodge and exit the park and start your journey back to Kigali. You will have lunch and Depending on your schedule, you may have the opportunity for a short city tour in Kigali, visiting sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, before heading to the airport for your departure flight. End of Tour

    Main destination
    Kigali
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