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8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali

Overview

This 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali is designed for travelers interested in exploring Uganda’s wildlife, while starting and ending their journey in Kigali, Rwanda. With shorter drives and the opportunity to visit both countries, this trip is perfect for those who prefer minimal travel time and are staying in Rwanda. Uganda is increasingly favored for gorilla tracking due to more affordable permits compared to Rwanda. This safari offers a rich experience of Uganda’s top national parks, including gorilla trekking in Bwindi, game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and relaxation by Lake Bunyonyi.

Summary of the 8 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali

Day 01: Pickup from Kigali City/Airport and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 02: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 03: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening game drive
Day 04: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Day 05: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 06: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Day 07: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and canoeing
Day 08: Optional canoeing around Lake Bunyonyi and transfer back to Kigali for departure

Highlights

Explore both Rwanda and Uganda
The tour starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi
Activities include gorilla tracking, game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, and canoeing
Travel in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof
Transfers from Kigali airport to the hotel and back are included
Additional accommodation before the tour and on the last day can be arranged for an extra cost

Things to Note

Accommodation is included in the package
The safari adheres to new normal post-COVID-19 SOPs
Small group safari with a maximum of 6 people per group
Tours can depart any day and are customizable
Solo travelers are welcome
Age limit: 15 years and above

TRIP ITINERARY

Tour Plan

Day 1

Pick Up from Kigali Airport/Hotel and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Pick up from Kigali International Airport or your Kigali hotel to start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En route, visit the Genocide Memorial and take a brief city tour if time permits. Cross into Uganda via the Katuna or Chanika border, with a stop in Kabale or Kisoro before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, report to the Park Headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. Your trek may last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Enjoy an extraordinary experience observing and photographing these magnificent creatures. Return to the lodge for overnight.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Day 3

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at Elephant Hab Lodge, followed by a short relaxation and an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Spot buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and possibly lions and leopards. Return to the lodge for the night.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 4

Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Enjoy a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains to search for any wildlife missed previously. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, offering views of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and various water birds.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 5

Transfer to Kibale National Park

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot any remaining wildlife. Following lunch, drive to Kibale National Park and arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Kibale Forest Camp

Day 6

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Transfer to Kibale National Park Headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trek. Spend an hour with these great apes, observing their behavior and taking photographs. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland for a walk and spot additional wildlife and bird species. You can choose to support local conservation efforts through voluntary donations.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Kibale Forest Camp

Day 7

Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Drive from Kibale National Park to Lake Bunyonyi, breaking the journey to Kigali and offering a chance to relax. Enjoy the stunning scenery of one of Uganda's deepest lakes and its lush surroundings. The lake is known for its birdlife and beautiful landscapes.

Meals: All Meals Included
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort or Birdnest Resort

Day 8

Canoeing at Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast, take a canoe ride around Lake Bunyonyi to explore its islands and learn about their histories. Optionally, hike one of the nearby hills or engage in local volunteer work. Later, drive to Katuna Border and return to Kigali for your departure flight or a post-tour hotel stay.

Meal Plan: All Meals Included

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

Airport transfers on the first and last day
Gorilla Permits
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Fuel for the entire trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All Park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Excludes

Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
International airfares
Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport

TOUR MAP

GENERAL FAQs

General FAQs

Can I reschedule or cancel this trip?

Rescheduling: You can reschedule this trip as a private tour to any date within 12 months at no additional cost.
Booking Deposit: A 30% deposit of the total tour price is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour departure date. Bookings not secured with the appropriate deposit will be released.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel between 90 and 45 days before departure: 20% penalty of the tour price.
- Cancel within 45 days of departure or no show: 100% penalty of the tour price.

Availability and Accommodations

Reservations: Accommodation and activity availability is not guaranteed until reservations are confirmed with the final itinerary and deposit payment. If any quoted accommodations are unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute them with suitable alternatives, which may affect the final quoted price.

Insurance

Requirement: All clients must have medical and travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Rates

Subject to Change: Tour rates are subject to change without notice. We will make every effort to maintain rates, but changes in government taxes or operating conditions may be passed on to clients.

Permit Cancellation Policy

Uganda Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy

Guarantee: A Gorilla Permit is guaranteed only upon receipt of the deposit ($800 per person per trek) as it must be paid immediately to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Cancellation Fees

More than 90 days before tracking: 25% cancellation fee.
89 to 46 days before tracking: 50% cancellation fee.
45 to 9 days before tracking: 75% cancellation fee.
8 to 0 days before tracking: 100% cancellation fee.

Important Information

Age Requirement: The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years.
Health: Visitors with flu or other airborne diseases will not be allowed into the rainforest jungle to see the gorillas.
Safety Protocols: Masks must be worn at all times, and a distance of 10 meters must be maintained between you and the gorillas.

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