The 8 Day Luxury Uganda Safari from Kigali is designed for safari enthusiasts who have limited flight options through Kigali or prefer shorter drives. It is also ideal for those staying in Rwanda and seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience. With the current price of gorilla permits in Rwanda, Uganda has become a preferred destination for gorilla tracking. This safari offers shorter drive times and provides a comprehensive exploration of both Uganda and Rwanda. During this trip, you will have the opportunity to visit several national parks in Uganda, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee encounters. To conclude the safari, the last day is reserved for relaxation around the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi.

• 01

  Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  We will begin our Safari with a visit to the Genocide Museum and a tour of Kigali city, if time permits. The journey from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take you through a picturesque landscape of a thousand hills, showcasing the beauty of Rwanda. We will cross over to Uganda at Katuna or Chanika border, with a stop in Kabale town (Katuna) or Kisoro (Chanika), before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an overnight stay.

  Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours

  Lodging: Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs

• 02

  Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  Prepare for an early morning as we head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts during your habituation experience with the mountain gorillas. Guided by researchers and knowledgeable guides, we will trek into the forest, where you will have the chance to encounter various bird species, animals, and primates. Once we find the gorillas, you will spend four hours observing and interacting with them before returning to the lodge. During this time, you may even have the opportunity to assist the researchers by collecting samples, naming group members, and participating in other activities.

  Overnight Lodge: Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs

• 03

  Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  After breakfast, we will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. Upon arrival, we will have lunch at Elephant Hab Lodge, followed by some relaxation time. In the evening, we will embark on a game drive in the savannah plains of Kasenyi, where you may spot wild animals such as buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, lions, and leopards, depending on your luck. We will then return to our lodge for overnight accommodation.

  Accommodation: Katara Lodge and Mazike Valley Lodge

  Drive Time: 5-6 Hours

• 04

  Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

  In the morning, we will return to the plains of Kasenyi for a game drive, hoping to spot any animals we may have missed the previous day. After lunch at the lodge, we will proceed to the jetty along the Kazinga Channel for a private boat cruise. This relaxing cruise offers excellent opportunities to view hippos, water birds, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and other wildlife that gather along the channel for water.

  Accommodation: Katara Lodge and Mazike Valley Lodge

• 05

  Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

  After an early breakfast, we will drive to the northern bank of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi area) for a morning game drive, where we may encounter elephants, buffaloes, wild cats, savanna birds, and various species of antelopes, including waterbucks and Uganda kobs. After lunch, we will drive to Kibale Forest National Park and arrive at our lodge in the evening.

  Lodge: Papaya Lake Lodge Drive Time: 3-4 hours

• 06

  Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

  After breakfast, we will transfer to the Kibale National Park headquarters at Kanyakyu, where we will join other trekkers for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger/guide, we will explore the forest and visit one of the habituated chimpanzee communities, spending an hour observing and photographing these incredible primates. Kibale National Park is also home to 11 other primate species and a variety of forest birds. After the trek, we will visit Bigodi Village for a wetland walk, which benefits the local community living around the park. We will then return to the lodge for overnight accommodation.

  Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge

• 07

  Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

  We will drive from Kibale Forest National Park to Lake Bunyonyi, breaking the journey to Kigali and allowing time for relaxation after our adventurous tour. Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Lake of Small Birds,” was formed when lava from a volcano blocked a river channel, creating a beautiful and deep lake. It is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings after a long safari.

  Drive Time: Approximately 6-7 hours

  Lodging: Bird Nest Main Lodge

• 08

  Day 8: Optional Canoeing or Hiking Activities and Return to Rwanda

  After breakfast, take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding hills. You can choose to embark on a canoe ride, exploring the lake and its islands with intriguing histories. For instance, you can visit Punishment Island, where unwed girls were once abandoned to perish. This full-day activity promises enjoyment and discovery. Alternatively, you can opt for a hike up one of the hills around Lake Bunyonyi. Encounter Africa Safaris also supports volunteer work, allowing those interested to engage in meaningful activities during their tour. After any optional activities, we will drive to the Katuna Border and proceed to Kigali, where you can catch a late flight or arrange post-tour accommodation on your own.

  Drive Time: 4-5 Hours