From Entebbe: Uganda and Rwanda 9-Day Gorilla trekking
ID: GYG1244606-1907820
Category:
Country: Uganda
Duration:
9 days
Description
Explore Uganda and Rwanda on a 9-day guided tour from Entebbe. Go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and cruise down the Kazinga Channel.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Latitude 0°
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your hospitable driver-guide. Receive a briefing about your upcoming activities before transferring to your hotel.
Overnight: Latitude 0° Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale & Bigodi Nature Walk (6 hours)
After breakfast, begin the scenic transfer toward Kibale National Park. Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a wildlife corridor of Kibale Forest. This nature walk takes approximately 2 hours depending on fitness levels. After the nature walk, proceed to Bigodi cultural village and learn about coffee processing and local beverage brewing.
Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
After breakfast, with packed lunch, head to the forest offices for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Rangers will guide you through the forest; tracking usually takes between 2 to 5 hours depending on how they are moving. Learn that chimps are highly vocal and prefer staying in treetops compared to gorillas.
In the afternoon, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 2–3 hours).
Overnight: Enganzi Game Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through the park's diverse habitats. Watch for an array of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and lions and leopards.
In the afternoon, launch a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a highlight for many visitors.
Overnight: Enganzi Game Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (6 hours)
Enjoy breakfast before transferring toward Bwindi National Park. The drive offers stunning views of the "Switzerland of Africa" with its terraced hills and winding roads.
Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, with packed lunch, head to the park headquarters by 7:30 am with your trekking gear for a safety and protocol briefing, which starts at 8:00 am. You will be then allocated a specific gorilla family to track. Once found, spend exactly one hour with the gorillas, taking pictures and observing their behavior in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge
Day 7: Crossing to Rwanda & Dian Fossey Museum
After breakfast, transfer across the border into Rwanda. Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 8: Kigali City Tour & Cultural Exploration
Transfer to Kigali (approx. 2.5 hours). Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, an unforgettable experience that teaches about events before, during, and after the tragedy.
In the afternoon, visit the Inema Art Center to witness modern Rwandan creativity. Explore the Kimironko Local Market, the best place to interact with locals and buy authentic Rwandan souvenirs.
Overnight: Urban by CityBlue
Day 9: Transfer to Airport to fly back home
Highlights
- Embark on a 9-day guided tour of Uganda and Rwanda, starting in Entebbe
- Go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and spot local wildlife
- Enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and see hippos and crocodiles
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Learn about the history of the 1994 genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Chimpanzee tracking can take between 2 to 5 hours
Gorilla trekking requires a specific permit
The tour involves crossing the border into Rwanda
Weather can vary, so pack accordingly
INCLUDED
- Arrival and transfer from Entebbe International Airport
- Accommodation at various lodges and hotels
- All Meals
- Transport
- Guided nature walks and treks
- Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking permits
- Game drives and boat cruises
- Visit to Dian Fossey Museum
- Kigali City Tour
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.