Congo, Rwanda, Uganda Wildlife and Primates Safari for 22 Days
This Congo, Rwanda, Uganda Wildlife and Primates Safari promises awe-inspiring encounters with the famed Big 5 animals and an array of primates, including the majestic mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, and captivating Golden monkeys. Whether you choose to start your expedition from Kinshasa in DR Congo, Kigali in Rwanda, or Entebbe in Uganda, we ensure an unforgettable odyssey tailored to your preferences. However, we highly recommend starting from the vibrant city of Kigali for an optimal experience.
Included:
- Seamless transportation arrangements throughout the itinerary.
- Admission to national parks, craters, and concessions.
- Comprehensive meal plan featuring sumptuous breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and delightful dinners.
- Comfortable four-wheel transportation equipped with a pop-up roof, perfect for game viewing.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide to enrich your safari experience.
- Refreshing complimentary bottled water during exhilarating game drives.
- A diverse range of activities meticulously outlined in the proposed itinerary.
Excluded:
- Visa fees for Uganda.
- Expenses related to meals, transportation, and accommodation beyond the outlined itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks.
- Personal items and expenses.
- International vaccination costs.
- Travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Day 01: Arrival and Transfer to Bukima
On the first day of your adventure, you’ll be picked up early in the morning from your hotel or the airport in Kigali. The journey begins with a drive to Bukima in Congo, where you’ll spend your first night. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about the exciting 22-day Best of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari, offering encounters with the Big 5 animals and various primates, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. After a stop for lunch in Goma town, the drive continues until you reach Bukima, where you’ll settle in for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Virunga National Park-Congo
Accommodation: Mikeno lodge or Bukima Tented camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast Not Included)
Drinks: Drinking Water
Day 02: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Park Headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trek in the Virunga forest. The duration of the trek can vary greatly, ranging from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorilla family allocated for your visit. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have an unforgettable hour to observe their behavior and capture photographs. After this incredible experience, you’ll return to the Park Headquarters, concluding the trek.
Accommodation: Mikeno lodge or Bukima Tented camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast Not Included)
Drinks: Drinking Water
Day 03: Transfer to Goma
Today involves transferring to Goma for overnight accommodation. You’ll have the opportunity to rest and recharge for the next leg of your journey.
Accommodation: Bukima Lodge or Mikeno Lodge or Goma Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04: Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Hike
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll drive to Bukima for a briefing before beginning your hike to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the hike will take approximately 5 hours, with two resting sessions along the way. You’ll encounter steep, muddy, and slippery terrain, as well as thorns and tall trees. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll settle in at the mountain camp tents for dinner and accommodation.
Day 05: Descend from Nyiragongo and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Following breakfast, you’ll descend from Nyiragongo volcano and return to Goma. A city tour of Goma, including a visit to Goma caves, will be followed by a journey to Lake Kivu for overnight accommodation.
Day 06: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
In the morning, you’ll drive to Kinigi in Ruhengeri. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and visit Iby’wachu village for traditional dance performances, providing insight into local culture and traditions.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (high end)/La Palme Hotel(Deluxe)/Muhabura Hotel(Budget).
Day 07: Golden Monkey Tracking and Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in the forest. This activity may take 1-5 hours depending on the movement of the monkeys. Following the tracking experience, you’ll have lunch and a short break before hiking to the Dian Fossey Tomb, honoring the renowned gorilla conservationist.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (high end)/La Palme Hotel(Deluxe)/Muhabura Hotel(Budget).
Day 08: Drive to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, you’ll journey to Akagera National Park for an evening game drive and overnight stay. This park offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, promising an exciting safari experience.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 09: Game Drives and Lake Ihema Boat Trip
The day begins with an early morning game drive, allowing you to encounter a variety of animals and birdlife, including hippos, elephants, buffalos, and more. After breakfast, you can opt for nature activities or relax at the lodge before embarking on a canoe ride on Lake Ihema in the afternoon.
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive north to Bwindi National Park, with optional visits to the Kigali Genocide Museum and lunch stopovers along the way. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll settle in for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury)/Buhoma Community Bandas (Budget)/Lake Kitandala Lodge (Mid Range).
Day 11: Gorilla Tracking and Community Walk
Following breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before commencing your gorilla tracking adventure with experienced ranger guides. This exhilarating experience may take 3-8 hours as you navigate through the dense forest in search of mountain gorillas. After spending precious time with these magnificent creatures, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early in the morning, wake up and eat breakfast. Then, check out to meet our driver guide. We’ll start our journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We’ll arrive in the evening and check in at the lodge.
You can choose to stay at Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge for luxury accommodations. For mid-range options, Enganzi Safari Lodge or Bush Lodge are available. If you’re on a budget, Simba Safari Camp or Tembo Safari Lodge are good choices.
Day 13: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
After breakfast, we’ll hop into a safari vehicle for a morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains. This is the best time to spot early risers like elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, and more. The drive lasts about 2-3 hours.
After the game drive, we’ll head straight to Mweya for lunch at the canteen. Following lunch, get ready for an afternoon cruise along the Kazinga Channel. After the cruise, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 14: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Today, we’ll drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale National Park. We’ll make a stop for lunch on the way. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a nature walk through the Bigodi Swamp, where you can see monkeys and birds.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Chimpanzee Guest House, Mountain of the Moon Hotel, or Primates Lodge Kibale.
Day 15: Chimpanzee Tracking
After an early breakfast, we’ll head to Kanyanchu head offices for a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking. Along the way, we’ll see other primate species like vervet monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, and baboons.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Chimpanzee Guest House, Mountain of the Moon Hotel, or Primates Lodge Kibale.
Day 16: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we’ll drive from Kibale Forest National Park to Murchison Falls National Park. We’ll enjoy an en route game drive through the northern section of the park, known as Para. Keep an eye out for mammals and, if we’re lucky, big cats hunting.
We’ll cross the ferry and overnight in the park.
Day 17: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a cup of coffee or tea and embark on a morning game drive. Expect to see African lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, and more. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast.
After lunch, prepare for a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Birdwatchers will be in paradise with over 450 species to observe, along with crocodiles, hippos, and elephants.
Overnight accommodations will be at Paraa Lodge, Murchison Lodge, Red Chili Camp, or Pakuba Lodge.
Day 18: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with a stop for lunch. Upon arrival, relax and embark on an evening game drive in Narus Valley.
Accommodations include Apoka Safari Lodge for luxury, Ngamoru Wilderness Camp for mid-range, and Apoka Rest Camp for budget travelers.
Day 19: Game Drives in Narus Valley
After breakfast, head to Narus Valley for a morning game drive. Narus Valley is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before an evening game drive.
Accommodations are the same as Day 18.
Day 20: Game Drive and Hot Springs Visit
Drive to Narus Valley for another game drive after breakfast. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Return to the lodge for lunch, then visit the hot springs and the Uganda-Sudan border. Keep an eye out for giant ostriches. Return to the lodge for overnight stay.
Accommodations are the same as Day 18.
Day 21: Drive to Gulu for Overnight
After breakfast, drive to Gulu to break the journey back to Kampala. Spend the night at Africa Roots Guest House. This stop also allows you to track rhinos the next day at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Day 22: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, continue the journey to Kampala/Entebbe for drop-off at the hotel or airport. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot and enjoy a hot lunch at Amuka Lodge. This marks the end of the 22 Days Best of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari.