Uganda and Rwanda are two countries located along the Western arm of the Rift Valley, characterized by different landscapes, but unified by the presence of the green colors and green hills. Two different experiences of the African landscape and culture.
This tour is a full immersion in the true nature, the forests and biodiversity. You will encounters cultures and traditions of the Central Africa region. You will follow the river Nile at Murchison Falls in Uganda, descending along the Albertine rift escarpment down to the “thousand hills” and lakes of Rwanda.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Entebbe / Kampala
On the arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kampala, Fairway Hotel (C) or Ivys Hotel (B).
Day 2: Murchison Falls on the river Nile
After breakfast, leave Kampala driving northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park. Stopover for visiting Ziwa Ugandan Rhino sanctuary for a nature walk to see the rare rhinos in the wild. Lunch in Masindi. Proceed to the Park, the largest protected area in Uganda, with 3.840 Kms, named after the falls on the Victoria Nile. Stopover at the site of the “Top of the Falls” to enjoy the marvelous falls from above. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge (C) or Red Chilli Rest Camp (B). FB
Day 3: The boat cruise on the river Nile
After an early breakfast, game drive to view and take photographs of elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, giraffes, Uganda kobs, lions, if you are lucky the leopards, plus a variety of bird species. After lunch at the lodge, proceed for a boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of the mighty Murchison falls. This is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles along the riverbanks and many water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. FB
Day 4: On the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon
After breakfast drive from Murchison Falls heading Southwest via the Albertine Escarpment of the great Western Rift Valley. Drive through Hoima and reach Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, situated in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori. Have lunch. In the afternoon you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and sightseeing on the way to Mweya Safari Lodge (C) or Mweya Hostel (B) for dinner and overnight. This day’s journey is long, as it takes an average of 8 hours. FB
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Pearl of Uganda
Take an early morning cup of coffee before setting off for a game drive in the Northern area of the park towards Lake George and expect to see lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs and lots of animals and birds. Go back to the lodge for breakfast. After lunch, enjoy the two hours launch trip on Kazinga Channel for amazing bird life and a variety of wild life. In the evening you drive to the crater lakes region for the best sunset in the savannah and view of the Rift. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (C) or Mweya Hostel (B). FB
Day 6: The habituated chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge
After a cup of coffee, with a packed breakfast and lunch, drive to Kyambura gorge for a forest walk to look for the habituated chimpanzees and other primates. This gorge is 16 km long on the Rift Valley and 100 meter deep. The rangers will provide you with a walking stick. After primate walk, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, through the cultivated terraced hills of Kigezi. Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages or Ha Buharo. FB
Day 7: The fabulous scenery of Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, have a two hour boat ride inside Lake Bunyonyi to various islands inside the lake for bird viewing, sight seeing and discovering the sites of the Bakiga culture. Drive to Ruhengeri at the gate of Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge (C) or Kinigi Guest House (B). FB
Day 8: Mountains Gorilla tracking
Early morning you enter the gorilla sanctuary of Parc National des Volcans, the rain tropical forest covering the hills surrounding the five Virunga Volcanoes. It was here where biologist Dian Fossey worked until her death in 1985. The trekking is a demanding but rewarding experience. Ensure you bring with you enough water and the packed lunch. The time spent in the forest depends on the movements of the primates in their natural environment. After the activity you return at leisure to Gorilla Nest Lodge (C) or Kinigi Guest House (B) in Ruhengeri for dinner and overnight. FB
Day 9: The beach of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi
After breakfast, leave Ruhengeri and proceed to Gisenyi, a pretty town located on the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu, the main water body of Rwanda. You descend the escarpment down to the lake, with fantastic views of the Volcanoes. Relax on the beach in full board at Serena Kivu Hotel (C) or Palm Beach Hotel – Stipp Hotel (B). FB
Day 10: Along lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe National Park. The road is panoramic along the Lake. Lunch in Kibuye. Arrive in Nyungwe National Park in time for dinner and overnight at ORTPN Guest House or similar. Optional: leave Gisenyi on boat to reach Kibuye for lunch, enjoy the navigation. FB
Day 11: The primates of Nyungwe National Park
After an early breakfast, you enter Nyungwe forest for the trekking in search for the numerous troops of Angolan Colobus monkeys and/or tracking the chimpanzees. Nyungwe is a vast, uncontaminated mountain rain tropical forest over 1000 sq km in size and you will be amazed by such an intense, green mountain vegetation. It is home to 13 species of primates, over 275 species of birds, 100 varieties of orchids. Ensure you carry with you packed lunch and water. Return to ORTPN Guest House or similar for dinner and overnight. FB
Day 12: Kigali and the culture of Rwanda
After breakfast you will drive to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Stopover in Gikongoro for a tour of the Genocide Memorial of Murambi. Lunch in Butare, where it is possible to find the best Rwandan, original handicraft, which you cannot find in other countries of Africa. Butare hosts the biggest university and the national cultural museum, worthy to visit. Stop over in Nyanza for a tour of the royal palace of the traditional king of Rwanda, the Mwami. Arrival in Kigali for dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (C) or Hotel Gorillas – Chez Lando (B). FB
Day 13: Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park located along the Tanzanian border of Rwanda. After lunch at the Lodge, go for game drive in the park and take the boat trip on the Lake Ihema to see the large number of hippo, the huge Nile crocodile and birds. The park is famous for its herds of game animals including Burchell's Zebra, lions, elephants, topi, giraffes, impalas and over 425 species of birds including the shoe billed stock, African jacana, sacred ibis goliath heron. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge (C) or ORPTN Camping Site (B) with view on the Lake Ihema. FB
Day 14: Akagera National Park
Early morning game drive along the trials of Akagera Northwards while exit the park. In the afternoon return to Uganda for dinner and overnight in Mbarara, Agip Motel. In alternative, drive back to Kigali for dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or similar (C) or Hotel Gorillas – Chez Lando (B). FB
Day 15: Reserved for departure flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport. BB
Tariff per person From January 2007 to December 2008 (including Gorilla Permit):
*1 CLASSIC (C)
Each of 2 people sharing: USD 3900
Each of 4 people sharing: USD 3300
Each of 6 people sharing: USD 3000
Each of 8 people sharing: USD 2900
Single room supplement: USD 330
Hotels: hotels and lodges standard category and bandas, double room accommodation.
*2 BUDGET (B)
Each of 2 people sharing: USD 3250
Each of 4 people sharing: USD 2500
Each of 6 people sharing: USD 2250
Each of 8 people sharing: USD 2100
Single room supplement: USD 190
Hotels: hotels and lodges budget category and bandas, double room accommodation.
The tariff includes:
- Airport transfers
- Full board accommodation (FB), included one soft drink for the meals
- Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist Land Cruiser or minibus
- English speaking Driver/Guide
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- Entrance fees, taxes
The tariff does not include:
- Air ticket.
- Tourist insurance/ local health insurance
- Entrance visas: Uganda 50 USD directly from Entebbe Int. Airport; Rwanda 60 USD directly from airport or at the border.
- Extra drinks and tips.
Terms and Conditions:
*Reservations:
We require a 30% deposit of the total tour cost upon confirmation of the safari in low season period and to secure gorilla permits.
In peak seasons from July to September we require a deposit of 40% of the total tour cost for the clients to safeguard the reservations and gorilla permits. The balance 2 weeks prior to the arrival. For bookings coming one month before departure we shall require the full payment of the tour costs. The payment is made by international money transfer to the company bank account in Uganda.
*Cancellations:
- All cancellation penalties depend on the number of days before tour departure:
- Before 60 days: Full refund
- Between 60 days and 30 days: Refund of 70% of the deposit
- Less than 29 days: No refund
- There is no refund of any unused portion of your safari once commenced.
Please note that Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda are not refundable when already booked.
*Important Information:
- Tour tariffs are based on all known costs and rates of exchange at the time of the transfer, any significant changes beyond our will be immediately communicated to our clients.
- We also retain the right to alter any arrangements due to local conditions. We also retain the right to refuse any person from participating or continuing any tour if that person causes or is deemed to cause hazard or inconvenience to other clients and to our environment and ecosystems.
- Please note that in Uganda US dollar banknotes series before year 2000 are accepted only with a low exchange rate, therefore clients are advised to travel to Uganda with more recent banknotes series. The same applies to banknotes below 50 USD.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
You will encounters cultures and traditions of the Central Africa region. You will follow the river Nile at Murchison Falls in Uganda, descending along the Albertine rift escarpment down to the “thousand hills” and lakes of Rwanda
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Wildlife Viewing
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