Virunga Massif Tours | Gorilla-Wildlife Tours in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo |

SAFARI OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

• Your journey begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.
• You will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will be your companion throughout the safari.
• You’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe, where you can relax and acclimate to the new environment.
• This day serves as a rest day to recover from your travels and prepare for the upcoming adventures.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp and Entebbe

• In the morning, you’ll embark on a birdwatching expedition at Mabamba Swamp. This wetland is renowned for its diverse bird species, including the sought-after shoebill stork.
• Following the birdwatching excursion, you’ll head to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe. Here, you can learn about the conservation efforts and see various rescued animals.
• You’ll spend the night in Entebbe.

Day 3: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

• Today, you’ll set off on a road trip to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife destinations.
• Along the way, you’ll enjoy a game drive, allowing you to spot various animals in their natural habitat.
• Upon arrival at the park, you’ll check in at your lodge, which offers breathtaking views of the Nile River.

Day 4: Game Drives and Boat Safari

• Your day will start with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
• In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. This unique experience allows you to witness hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
• You’ll stay overnight at your lodge within the park.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• After breakfast, you’ll depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known for its population of chimpanzees.
• Upon reaching the park, you’ll check in at your lodge, which is conveniently located near the park’s entrance.
• This evening will be a time to relax and prepare for the exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure scheduled for the next day.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

• The highlight of the day is a morning chimpanzee tracking expedition in Kibale Forest. Your experienced guides will lead you to the habituated chimpanzee groups, offering a chance to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.
• In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a nearby area that boasts diverse bird and plant life. Your guided walk here will provide insights into the park’s rich biodiversity.
• You’ll spend another night at your lodge near Kibale Forest.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Departing Kibale, you’ll journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and picturesque wildlife reserves.
• En route to your lodge, you’ll enjoy a game drive, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the park’s resident wildlife.
• Upon arrival at your lodge, you can relax and savor the stunning landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 8: Game Drives and Boat Safari

• The morning begins with another game drive within Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving you another opportunity to spot a variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species.
• In the afternoon, you’ll partake in a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This boat ride provides a unique perspective on the park’s rich wildlife and abundant birdlife.
• After a day filled with wildlife encounters, you’ll return to your lodge for the night.

Day 9: Ishasha and Transfer to Bwindi

• You’ll start the day with a journey to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions. Here, you’ll have the chance to search for and observe these unusual felines.
• Following your adventure in Ishasha, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a renowned gorilla habitat.
• You’ll check in at your lodge in Bwindi, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• This is one of the most anticipated days of the safari. Early in the morning, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters.
• At the park headquarters, you’ll receive a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety guidelines.
• With your experienced guides, you’ll embark on a thrilling gorilla trek, during which you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour in close proximity to a gorilla family in the Bwindi forest.
• The day ends with your return to the lodge, where you can share your exciting gorilla encounter stories.

Day 11: Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Today, you’ll cross the border into Rwanda, leaving Uganda behind and entering the scenic landscapes of Rwanda.
• After reaching Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in at your lodge, which provides a comfortable and convenient base for your upcoming gorilla tracking experience.

• This evening is for relaxation and preparation for your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 12: Gorilla and Golden Monkeys trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Early breakfast at your lodge in Volcanoes National Park.
• In the morning, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters for your second gorilla trek, offering another incredible opportunity to spend an hour with a gorilla family in the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
• After completing the gorilla trek, you’ll have the option to participate in a golden monkey trek. These striking and endangered primates are native to the region and provide a unique wildlife encounter.
• Following your wildlife experiences, you’ll visit a Genocide memorial site in Rwanda. This visit provides an important opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the tragic history of the Rwandan Genocide, which took place in 1994. It’s a sobering but essential aspect of understanding Rwanda’s history and its path toward reconciliation and healing.
• Later in the day, you’ll return to Kigali, Rwanda, where you can either depart for home or continue with your travel plans.