8 Day Luxury Uganda Gorilla, Game and Chimpanzee Safari from Kigali

Pickup from Kigali Airport/Lodge to start your 8-Day Gorilla, Game, and Chimpanzee Safari

Your journey begins as you're picked up from Kigali International Airport or any hotel in Kigali. If time permits, you'll enjoy a Kigali city tour and visit the Genocide Museum. The scenic drive will take you through Rwanda's "land of a thousand hills" to Uganda, crossing at the Katuna or Chanika border. You'll have a stop in Kabale town (Katuna) or Kisoro (Chanika) before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs
• Meals: All meals included

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day early with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you'll learn about the dos and don'ts of mountain gorilla trekking. Guided by researchers and park guides, you'll trek into the forest. During your trek, you may encounter various birds, animals, and other primates. Upon finding the gorillas, you'll spend four hours with them before returning to your lodge. You'll also have the chance to observe and even participate in the gorilla habituation process, including collecting samples, naming group members, and more.

• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs
• Meals: All meals included

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at Elephant Hab Lodge, where you can relax briefly before embarking on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This area is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and, with a bit of luck, big cats like lions and leopards. After your game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for an overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Katara Lodge and Mazike Valley Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Start your day with another game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you’ll have a second chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed the previous evening. After a satisfying lunch at your lodge, you’ll head to the jetty along the Kazinga Channel for a private afternoon boat cruise. This cruise offers excellent opportunities to view hippos, water birds, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and various other wildlife that frequent the channel to drink.

• Accommodation: Katara Lodge and Mazike Valley Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Following an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a game drive on the northern bank of Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically the Kasenyi area. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, wild cats, savanna birds, and a variety of antelopes, including waterbucks and Uganda kobs. After lunch, you’ll journey to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving at your lodge in the evening.

• Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Chimp Trekking in Kibale National Park

After breakfast, you will head to the Kibale National Park headquarters at Kanyanchu to join other trekkers for a briefing before embarking on your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Led by an experienced ranger/guide, you’ll take a guided walk through Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the habituated chimpanzee communities and spend an hour observing and photographing them. Kibale National Park is also home to 11 other primate species, as well as a variety of forest birds. After your trek, you’ll visit Bigodi Village for a wetland walk designed to benefit the local community. You’ll then return to your lodge for the night.

• Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Depart Kibale Forest National Park for Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you’ll depart Kibale Forest National Park and drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a perfect place to relax after your safari and break up the long journey back to Kigali. Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's three lava-dammed lakes, was formed when lava from a volcano blocked a river channel, creating this beautiful body of water. The lake’s name, "Bunyonyi," means "small birds" in the local language, reflecting the abundance of birdlife in the area. It is also considered the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in East Africa. Lake Bunyonyi is a haven of beauty and tranquility, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

• Accommodation: BirdNest Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Optional Canoeing or Hiking Activities Around the Lake and Transfer Back to Rwanda

After breakfast, take in the stunning views of Lake Bunyonyi and its surrounding hills. You can choose to explore the lake by canoe, visiting its many islands, each with its own unique history. One of the most notable is Punishment Island, where girls who bore children out of wedlock were once abandoned. This is a full-day activity that offers both adventure and cultural insight. Alternatively, you can opt for a hike on one of the hills around the lake. For those interested in giving back, Encounter Africa Safaris supports local projects where you can volunteer. After your chosen activity, you’ll drive to the Katuna Border and continue to Kigali, where you can catch a late flight or arrange for post-tour accommodation on your own.