Discover the essence of Rwanda and Uganda on this unforgettable journey that begins in Kigali and leads you to the heart of the African jungle. Your adventure starts in Kigali, where you’ll be welcomed and settled into the comfortable Chez Lando Hotel, conveniently located just minutes from the airport. Enjoy the tranquillity of your private terrace overlooking the hotel’s lush garden before embarking on your exploration.
Travel to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the thrill of gorilla tracking in one of the world’s premier destinations for observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With expert rangers guiding you through dense forest and providing insights into gorilla behaviour, you’ll witness the majesty of mountain gorillas up close. Your journey also includes a visit to the local village of Buhoma, where you can engage with the Batwa tribe and explore vibrant handicraft markets. Wrap up your adventure when you return to Kigali, where an exciting city tour awaits! Dive into the lively atmosphere of the craft market, explore the poignant Gisozi Genocide Memorial, and soak up the rich history at the Kigali Museum. This tour perfectly combines thrilling wildlife encounters with a splash of cultural exploration, promising an unforgettable and engaging experience.
Our 5-day itinerary for this Rwanda tour is an example and fully customisable.
Depending on the time of your arrival in Kigali, you will either be met by your guide or greeted by an employee of your first accommodation and taken to the hotel. Boutique Heaven Lodge is approximately 15 minutes from Kigali Airport and close to the city centre. Each room has a private terrace from where you have a wonderful view of the spacious garden. The rooms themselves are simple but comfortable and decorated in brown tones. There are two restaurants connected to your hotel. The route covers about 10 kilometres. The journey takes about 15 – 30 minutes. Overnight Boutique Heaven Lodge.
Today we are heading to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world. The forest covers a total area of 331 square kilometres at the southwestern end of the western Rift Valley. Bwindi’s most well-known species are the approximately 400 wild mountain gorillas that make up half of the world’s population of these gentle apes. Also highly recommended is the bird watching in Bwindi, organised by the African Bird Club. After a few hours in the car, we can take an afternoon walk in the village of Buhoma and enjoy the chance to visit one of the many handicraft markets. Alternatively, you can visit the Batwa, a native tribe in the middle of the forest. Overnight at Ichumbi Lodge in Rushaga (Half board).
Get up early for your gorilla tracking and have a well-balanced breakfast in preparation for the day. After registration at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger Station and a short briefing, your gorilla tracking will start. The rangers will lead you through village gardens to a jungle-like forest. They will lead you through dense bush where the guides cut off the undergrowth with their machete and try to locate the gorillas. The mountain gorillas are under 24-hour observation for their own safety, which makes finding them much easier. Rangers use radio communication to track each gorilla family, while your guide interprets their behaviour. You’ll have the chance to observe females with their young, playful juveniles, and even the dominant silverback. Watching these magnificent creatures feed and play is an unforgettable experience. After your thrilling gorilla encounter, return to the village for the afternoon, where you can enjoy a traditional dance performance by the Batwa, the indigenous people of the forest. Overnight at Ichumbi Lodge (Full board).
After breakfast, prepare for your return journey to Kigali where you’ll spend another night before flying back home. Overnight at Boutique Heaven Lodge (Half board). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
After breakfast, start your day with a complimentary city tour. Explore fascinating spots such as the craft market, the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, and the Kigali Museum. Afterwards, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight home. Remember to arrive 2 hours before your flight for check-in. (BB- breakfast).