If you are really wanting to experience what the great lakes region of Africa have to offer, it is recommended to embark on this tour. This is the ultimate tour that allows you to visit 3 different countries of Africa. You will see 4 different lakes, Two different waterfalls, and 3 different museums Including the Kigali genocide memorial center where you will get to know what happened in Rwanda during the Genocide of 1994 a year in Which 1 million people was killed within 100 days.
You will also get to experience what Africa is all about with nature and species. Some types of Birds and and Primates like the famous Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Angolan acrobatic Colobus monkeys, Golden monkeys and much more. You will also Experience culture of the people and be entertained by Intore dancers and Burundi Drummers, You will also enjoy a game drive in Queen Elizabeth home of a variety of animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, mongoose among others. Every day is filled with entertainment and adventure.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Bujumbura airport- Night at Novotel.
At your arrival you will be welcomed by our Driver and local guide. Transfer to the Hotel. Briefing. After Lunch we visit the mausoleum of Prince Louis Rwagasore, a hero of the independence of Burundi. We then climb to the “Belvedere” on the top of the hill, a dominating point of Bujumbura, offering a unique view over Lake Tanganyika. Proceed to Lake Tanganyika to enjoy a boat ride. Overnight in Bujumbura at Novotel Hotel.
Day 2: Kagera Waterfalls and Burundi National Museum- Night at Novotel in Bujumbura (3hours Drive). After an early breakfast– Drive ten kilometers south to visit “la pierre de Stanley et Livingstone” the commemorating stone of the place where the famous explorers Stanley and Livingstone rested during their attempt to find the source of the Nile. After we drive toward the south to visit “Chutes de la Kagera” or the spectacular “Kagera Falls”. In the afternoon we travel to Gitega to visit the Burundi National Museum before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Bujumbura at L’Etoile du centre.
Day 3: Early morning transfer to Nyungwe Forest- Night at Gisakura Lodge. (6Hours Drive). After Break drive to Nyungwe forest national park in Rwanda. We will pass through magnificent views of the beautiful hilly countryside which gives Rwanda its name as “a country of a thousand hills”. Arrive at Lunch time. After lunch we start the trekking in the forest to find the Blue monkeys, Angolan Colobus monkeys among others- Overnight at Gisakura Lodge.
Nyungwe Forest national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’hoest monkeys and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angolan Colobus which may be over 300 individuals. These are the largest troops of this species known in the world! Nyungwe forest counts 25% of the African Primates! There are L’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys present and often observed around Uwinka, requiring less strenuous hiking.
Day 4: Chimpanzees Tracking in Nyungwe Forest- Transfer to Butare - Night at Ibis Hotel (5hours Drive). Early Morning we will track Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest. The Nyungwe forest is spectacular and offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense with numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Your guided walk in search of the chimps and other primates May last 2 Hours, back from the Forest at Lunch time. After luch Transfer to Butare. Visit the Historical Museum of Rwanda. Overnight at Ibis Hotel in Butare.
The National Museum in Butare was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government and gave back a part of the ethnographic collection acquired during the colonial period. The design and concept of the museum was realized in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artifacts and objects, tools and different craft products. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to theme giving excellent information on the daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994.
Day 5: Transfer to Gisenyi via Kigali (5Hour Drive). After Breakfast Drive to Gisenyi at the shore of the Lake Kivu, we will have a stopover in Kigali the Capital city of Rwanda for a short tour of the city, we will also visit the Kigali Genocide memorial museum, to understand what happened in Rwanda in 1994 a year in which 1 million people died within 100 days. Then proceed to Gisenyi in the Afternoon. Night at Paradise Malahide Lodge.
Day 6: Lake Kivu. Transfer to Volcanoes national park. After Break fast we will enjoy a short ride in wooden Boat on the Lake Kivu, we will also visit the hot spring in Rubona. Transfer at the Edge of the chain of Virunga Mountains the Home of Mountain Gorillas. Overnight at Kinigi Guest House or at Travelers Hotel in Kisoro. At your arrival at the edge of the Park you will have a spectacular performance of the Intore Traditional dancers. The performance is regarded by many as one of the highlights of their tour in Rwanda. Stay a night at Kinigi guest House.
The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore. The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fibre, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship mutual aid and protection
Day 7: Golden Monkeys Trekking. After Break fast we will go to track the Golden monkeys in the volcan National park. After Lunch we will visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain chain. Then Transfer to Kisoro in Uganda or Kining Rwanda depending on where the Permits will be Booked.
Day 8: Gorilla trekking. Early in the morning, before proceeding to the park head quarters where visitors assemble at 07.00 for a briefing on how to” behave” while in the company of a gorilla group. You will meet your guide here and proceed to the starting point of the trek to our allocated group of gorillas. The length of the trek varies depending on where the gorillas are as well as what the weather conditions are. Meeting these gentle giants Gorillas in their natural habitat is a world unique experience everyone should have the privilege to experience. It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers and gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets as well as sufficient amount of water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. You spend one hour with the gorillas which is a truly amazing experience “before trekking back to the base and return to your lodge / hotel.
Day 9: Drive to the lake Bunyonyi. After Breakfast we will visit pygmy villages in Kisoro. Proceed to lake Bunyonyi for a cultural walk on Lake Bunyonyi southwestern shores to view a number of villages in their setting. Here pygmies walk over the mountains from Rwanda to sell their produce at the market at hakekuba. Enjoy a canoes ride in the afternoon before returning for dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort.
Day 10: Morning after break fast (4 hours Drive). After Break fast we will have a Short walk in nearby Village in Bunyonyi before Transferring to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park- The road winds up into the forested hills and the views are breathtaking- and you have plenty time to admire them because the stretch is unsurfaced that you can only drive very slowly. It passes through deep-farmed valleys. The drive is reminiscent to what one would experience driving through central Europe- indeed this region of Uganda is often referred to as "Little Switzerland.". Overnight at Jacana Lodge or Ishasha Camp. The southern sector of Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The concentration of game, with large herds of Uganda cobs, Topis and buffalos, is found in the savannah highlands and at the Lake Edward flats, where the number of elephants is on the rise.
Day 11: Queen Elizabeth. After an early breakfast set off with packed lunch for Ishasha sector part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot some tree-climbing lions, and some other wild animals like Topis, Elephants large herds of Uganda Kobs and buffaloes. Late in the Afternoon enjoy the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of Hippos, buffalos, elephants and many animals may be seen drinking at the water's edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species- Overnight at Margarita Hotel in Kasese.
Day 12: Transfer to Jinja city sightseeing in the afternoon. After Break Fast leave Kasese to Jinja driving through the scenic country side of Ankole. Take a stop over at the Equator for Photography and presentation from the guide, we will also have a short stop in Kampala for Lunch before Proceeding to Jinja. Transfer at your Hotel for Overnight.
Day 13: Nile River. Transfer to Entebbe (2 hour Drive). This day can be dedicated for white water rafting in Jinja. Alternative you will be visiting the source of the Nile River and Bujagali Falls- Shopping in Kampala. Transfer for Entebbe.
Day 14: Transfer at Entebbe Airport for Departure. Take breakfast and then visit local markets or a Craft shop for souvenir shopping. Personal good bye be transferred to the airport for your flight back
Notes:
- Contact us for Available departure dates.
- If you have a minimum of 2 persons, we can organize it on Another date according to your need.
Terms and Conditions:
- Reservations: We require a 50% deposit of the total tour cost upon confirmation of the tour. The balance ca be payed upon 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 Rwanda or Congo.
- Cancellations. All cancellation penalties depend on the number of days before tour departure:
* Before 50 days: Full refund
* Between 50 days and 25 days: Refund of 70% of the deposit
* Less than 25 days: No refund
* There is no refund of any unused portion of your tour once commenced.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Gorillas permits
- All park and museum entry fees
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation
- Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist Land Cruiser or minibus
- English speaking Driver and Guide.
Price Excludes:
- Air ticket
- Tourist insurance/local health insurance
- Entrance visas
- Meals, drinks and tips.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Rwanda
Uganda
Burundi
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
National Parks
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