Uganda and Rwanda
Day 1: Kampala –Bwindi
Depart from Kampala by road and head south-West to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will have a short stop at the Equator an informative talk as well as a photographic opportunity. We will continue to Mbarara where were we will stop for lunch. Your drive will take you through Uganda rolling green hills through the highlands, also known as the ‘Switzerland of Uganda’. Your road will then head even higher to where you can see the triangular peaks of the Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda and the Congo. Tonight you will sleep to the sounds of the mountain rainforest.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort (Classic) or Buhoma Community Bandas (Budget).
Day 2: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
Walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! (This trek can take from half an hour to 5 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes) Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male; the silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left!
If you have the energy this afternoon, take a guided walk on the Munyaga River trail, which is an ideal short walk. This trail leads to three delightful crystal clear waterfalls, and there is a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colorful array of butterflies. Here you may also see birds and primates from the forest edge.
OR If you have the afternoon free, how about a guided village walk – see how the Ugandans live!
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort (Classic) or Buhoma Community Bandas (Budget).
Day 3: Bwindi – Rwanda
After breakfast, leave for Rwanda. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Stroll around the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge (Classic) or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Day 4: Parc National des Volcans.
Early morning, you will enter the Gorilla sanctuary of Parc National des Volcans, the rain tropical forest covering the hills surrounding Virunga Volcanoes. The trekking is a demanding but rewarding experience. Ensure you bring with you enough water and the packed lunch. The time spent in the forest depends on the movements of the Gorillas in their natural environments. After the activity, you will return back to the Camp. If you have the energy this afternoon, you will visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge (Classic) or Kinigi Guest House (Budget).
Day 5: Rwanda – Kampala
After breakfast, we will depart for Kampala arriving in the late evening.
