9-Days Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Gorillas, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo Safaris

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start your adventure with a scenic 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park after an early breakfast. Along the way, enjoy stunning landscapes and make several stopovers to capture the beauty of the region. Arrive at your lodge in the evening and unwind with a delicious dinner at Virunga Inn or Tiloreza Lodge, nestled close to the park.

Day 2: Golden Monkey Trek and Cultural Experience

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off to track the playful golden monkeys. Along the trek, observe other fascinating primates, wildlife, and lush flora. Witness the golden monkeys’ lively antics as they swing through the trees—an enchanting experience perfect for photography enthusiasts. Post-lunch, visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre, where former poachers turned gorilla guardians share insights into Rwandan culture. Overnight at your lodge to reflect on the day’s wonders.

Day 3: Cross into Uganda for Coffee Tour and Canoe Trekking

Cross the border into Uganda and immerse yourself in local life with a morning hike through community homesteads full of banana and coffee plantations. Meet local farmers and learn the art of growing, harvesting, roasting, and brewing coffee—then savor a fresh cup you make yourself. In the afternoon, enjoy paddling wooden boats across Lake Mutanda, exploring its peaceful islands. Take home a special package of coffee as a souvenir. Overnight at Lake Mutanda Resort or Ichumbi Lodge.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Prepare for an extraordinary encounter with mountain gorillas after an early breakfast. Bwindi is unique in hosting both gorillas and chimpanzees along with diverse wildlife and vibrant birdlife. Gorilla tracking can be challenging, ranging from 2 to 9 hours, with steep, muddy terrain and unpredictable weather—but the reward is priceless. A ranger briefing ensures you understand how to respectfully interact with these gentle giants. Spend the night at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, still buzzing from the day’s adventure.

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation and Canoe Trekking

After breakfast, drive to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, known as the ‘Place of Little Birds’. This beautiful lake near the Rwanda border is one of Africa’s deepest and safe for swimming. Spend your day exploring the lake’s islands, enjoying water sports, or simply soaking in the serene natural surroundings. The area’s hills and papyrus swamps are ideal for bird watching or relaxing under eucalyptus trees with a good book. Overnight at Arcadia Lodge.

Day 6: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive approximately 4 hours to Uganda’s second-largest park, framed by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and lakes Edward and George. The park teems with wildlife, including gazelles, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hippos, elephants, and often lions near the entrance. An evening game drive offers exciting wildlife sightings as the day ends. Stay overnight at Elephant Hab, Buffalo Lodge, Arcadia Wilderness, or Bushlodge.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Rise early for a game drive to spot elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and other wildlife returning to their resting places. In the afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel where hippos wallow, elephants bathe, and a variety of birds soar. This boat trip offers close-up views of animals gathering at the water’s edge, a memorable highlight. Return to your lodge for a restful night.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Begin the day with a chimpanzee trek in Kyambura or Kalinzu forest, encountering chimps, colobus monkeys, baboons, and colorful birds and butterflies. Afterward, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through Mbarara town’s lush plantations. In the afternoon, embark on a safari through acacia-dotted landscapes to spot giraffes, zebras, impalas, and more. As night falls, enjoy a nocturnal game drive to witness elusive creatures like leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and owls in their natural habitat.

Day 9: Ankole Cultural Experience and Transfer to Entebbe

Wake early to join local herdmen in milking the iconic Ankole long-horned cows and learn about the Banyankore culture, including customs surrounding marriage and bride price. Visit traditional homes to see how yoghurt is made from fresh milk. After this authentic cultural immersion, begin your approximately 5-hour drive to Entebbe, concluding this rich and varied adventure.

Pricing and Inclusions

The midrange package prices are USD 4,870 per person for two travelers and USD 4,100 per person for groups of four. Included in the price are all key permits (gorilla, golden monkey, chimpanzee), national park entrance fees, night game drive at Lake Mburo, full board accommodations in twin or double rooms, 4WD safari vehicle with fuel, guided game drives and boat trips, airport pickups and transfers, all meals, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide.