14 Days Uganda, Rwanda and Congo Safari

14 Days of Exploring Uganda’s Primate Wonders Rwanda and Congo Safari: This 14-day journey through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will immerse you in Africa’s most renowned gorilla trekking destinations. The Bwindi forest gorilla trekking experience is an exhilarating destination and activity for any traveler in Africa.

Bwindi forest is nestled in the southwestern region of Uganda, near the Rwanda-Uganda border, right at the edge of the Rift Valley. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, boasting a diverse rainforest that has thrived for over 25,000 years and is home to approximately 400 plant species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas and is divided into four distinct sectors: the Buhoma sector, known as the oldest trekking area; the Rushaga sector, which boasts the largest number of gorilla families; the Ruhija sector; and the Nkuringo sector. Bwindi forest is home to a variety of mammals, including forest elephants and several species of antelopes. The park is alive with a variety of bird species, featuring unique endemics from the Albertine Rift. Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in the western region of Uganda, providing an incredible opportunity to encounter various species of antelope. Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts the remarkable tree-climbing lions in Uganda. The park boasts two magnificent lakes – Lake Edward and Lake George, which converge at a channel famously referred to as the Kazinga channel. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an abundance of animals and experiences to enjoy during your stay in Uganda, including wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, boat cruises, nature walks for bird watching, and chimpanzee trekking.

In Rwanda, this journey includes a visit to Volcanoes National Park, where the endangered mountain gorillas reside, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is home to wild chimpanzees and other primates of the lush forest. While in Congo, the journey includes a visit to Mount Nyirangongo, an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains, known for its bubbling lava.

It’s essential to understand that the Democratic Republic of Congo is not classified as an East African country. Consequently, your Rwanda Visa will expire as soon as you enter Congo, meaning you will need to reapply for a new one at the border and ensure it is ready after your tour. The wild Lowland Gorillas inhabit Kahuzi Biega National Park, one of just two parks globally, alongside Maiko National Park. Kahuzi Biega National Park boasts two dormant volcanoes: Mount Kahuzi, standing at 3,308 meters, and Mount Biega, reaching 2,790 meters. The park is divided into two sectors: the Highland, which welcomes visitors, and the Lowland, currently off-limits to exploration. Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to three habituated gorilla groups that welcome visitors, but the park offers much more than just lowland gorillas. It is also inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including the Forest Hog, forest Elephants, Antelopes, and bush duikers. This 14-day journey will commence and conclude in Kigali, Rwanda, as it is the most accessible location for exploring all the national parks. It also necessitates arriving in Rwanda ahead of your journey to the enchanting Bwindi forest in Uganda.

Day 1: Begin your journey with a pick-up and transfer to Kibale National Park

On the first day of your 14 Days Primates Uganda Rwanda and Congo Safari, our company representative or driver will pick you up based on your location and take you on an exciting journey to Kibale National Park, renowned as one of the finest safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. Arrive in the park in the afternoon for lunch in Fort Portal town, explore the crater lakes and Amabere caves, then head to your lodge in Kibale. Enjoy a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay at Chimpanzee Guest House for a mid-range experience, Isunga Lodge for a budget-friendly option, or Kyaninga Lodge for a touch of luxury, all on a full board basis.

Day 2: Embark on an exhilarating journey through the lush landscapes, encountering chimpanzees in their natural habitat and exploring the vibrant Bigodi wetland.

After breakfast, you will embark on an exciting journey to trek with chimpanzees, equipped with your packed food and water. Gather at the head office with your guide before embarking on an exhilarating journey into the rainforest, where you will spend 2-5 hours in pursuit of the elusive chimpanzees. Upon encountering them, you will immerse yourself for an hour with the chimpanzees, capturing unforgettable moments through your lens.

After tracking, you will unwind at the lodge before embarking on a 2-3 hour nature walk, followed by a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This journey takes about 3 hours from Fort Portal, with a stop at the Equator along the way. Enjoy a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at Pumba Safari Cottages for budget-friendly options, Parkview Safari Lodge for a comfortable mid-range experience, or Kyambura Gorge Lodge for a touch of luxury.

Day 3: Journey to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart from the lodge and embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive will take approximately 5-7 hours, with a lunch stop along the way, depending on your gorilla trekking sector. Arrive in the park in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge for some well-deserved relaxation. Dinner and an overnight stay at Buhoma Haven lodge, Agandi Uganda lodge for mid-range, Bakiga lodge for budget, or Buhoma Lodge for luxury.

Day 4: An exhilarating encounter with gorillas

On the 4th day of your 14 Days Primates Uganda Rwanda and Congo Safari, enjoy breakfast before heading to the park offices for an exciting briefing about Mountain Gorilla trekking led by a local guide. The duration typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours, influenced by the gorillas’ movements. Encountering the gorillas in such an unforeseen way is truly one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime. You will have an opportunity to witness and capture images up close. You will witness adults sharing food and exchanging sounds of camaraderie. After an hour spent with the long-awaited gorillas, your guide and rangers will escort you back to the starting point, where your driver will be eagerly waiting to take you back to the lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Journey to Ruhengeri (Rwanda) and an immersive cultural exploration

After an early morning breakfast, set off from Bwindi to Rwanda. You journey to the Cyanika border, setting off towards Volcanoes National Park, with a delightful lunch along the way. In the later evening, you will embark on a cultural walk to Iby’iwachu Cultural Village, a Non-Profit umbrella organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of reformed poachers and surrounding communities near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This initiative focuses on providing conservation incentives, fostering community enterprise development, and supporting livelihood-based projects. It’s an exhilarating destination where you will be led through the vibrant culture, immersing yourself in Kinyarwanda traditions such as the Intore dance, traditional ceremonies, and an engaging community walk. After a day of exploration, head back to your lodge for some well-deserved relaxation, enjoy a delightful dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay at the luxurious 5 Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge, the comfortable Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, or the budget-friendly Hotel Muhabura.

Day 6: Embark on an exhilarating journey to track golden monkeys, followed by a transfer to the stunning shores of Lake Kivu.

Following a delightful early morning breakfast, head over to the park headquarters for an exciting briefing from the park warden regarding the endangered golden monkeys. After connecting to the tracking starting point, venture into the forest to seek out the elusive golden monkey. This activity can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, offering an up-close experience with various primates in the park, including the red-tailed monkeys and Vervet monkeys, among others. After spending an exhilarating hour observing the rare golden monkeys, capturing their playful antics through your lens and delving into their fascinating behaviors, head back to the base to meet your driver.

After lunch, you will embark on a drive northwest to Gisenyi. Arrive at your lodge and unwind for the journey ahead. Dinner and an overnight stay at Palm Garden Resort for budget-friendly options, Paradise Malahide for a comfortable mid-range experience, or Kivu Serena Hotel for a luxurious retreat.

Day 7: Journey to Goma – Congo

On the 7th day of your 14 Days Primates Uganda Rwanda and Congo Safari, after breakfast, at the time arranged with the Congo guide, you will embark on a transfer to the Gisenyi border to cross into Goma in Congo. After that, you will visit the tourism board at the Grand Barrier to obtain a volcano permit, and then you will head to your hotel to unwind for the evening. Dinner and an overnight stay at Linda Hotel for budget or mid-range options, or at Lac Kivu for a luxurious experience.

Day 8: Ascending Nyiragongo

In the early morning, you will leave your hotel in Goma and head to Bukima to embark on your Nyiragongo hike, culminating in an overnight stay at the summit, where breathtaking views of the lava lake await you.

Day 9: Descend Nyiragongo

By 11am, you will make your way down Nyiragongo and head to your hotel in Goma. Dinner and an overnight stay at Linda Hotel for those seeking budget or mid-range options, or at Lac Kivu for a touch of luxury.

Day 10: Embarking on a boat transfer to Bukavu

In the morning, you will embark on a boat journey from Goma to Bukavu, a thrilling ride that lasts 3-4 hours. The boat sets sail at 7 am and arrives by 11 am. As you arrive, your guide will be there to whisk you away to your hotel. Dining and accommodations at Hotel Elizabeth for budget-friendly options, Panorama Hotel for a comfortable mid-range experience, or Orchid Safari Lodge for a luxurious retreat.

Day 11: Embarking on a thrilling journey to track the majestic Lowland Gorillas in the breathtaking Kahuzi Biega National Park – DR Congo

In the morning, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to track the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Tracking lowland gorillas is truly exhilarating. These magnificent creatures differ from their mountain counterparts, as they are larger in size. Typically, it takes about 1-4 hours to locate and observe the lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. The lowland gorillas live in larger family groups than their mountain counterparts; the effort you put into the safari will be rewarded when you encounter these incredible creatures! As the afternoon unfolds, embark on your journey back to the hotel. Enjoy a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay at Hotel Elizabeth, Panorama Hotel, or Orchid Hotel.

Day 12: Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Canopy Walk

Rise with the sun, savor your morning meal, and set off on your exciting journey back to Rwanda through the Cyangugu border. The journey from Bukavu to Nyungwe Forest National Park takes about 3 to 4 hours by car. Upon arrival, embark on your journey to your reserved lodge for a delightful lunch.

In the late afternoon, embark on a canopy walk – a thrilling trail that invites you to traverse a 50-meter swing bridge, gracefully suspended from towering trees. Experience the breathtaking rainforest from above, where you can observe the vibrant wildlife bustling beneath you. Head back to your lodge for some well-deserved relaxation, enjoy a delightful dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range) or Gisakura Visitors Centers for a budget-friendly option.

Day 13: Tracking the Colobus monkeys

Savor your breakfast and then gather for an exciting briefing about the primates before venturing into the forest to seek out the lively and spirited inhabitants of Nyungwe forest. The colobus monkeys are incredibly playful, making them quite elusive as they leap from tree to tree, chattering and laughing along the way. These primates offer a chance to encounter other fascinating species and typically take around 3 hours. Upon discovering them, dedicate an hour to capturing photos and videos.

In the later afternoon, we will check out of the hotel and embark on our journey to Kigali. The journey back to Kigali city takes 7 hours, with exciting stops along the way at the Nyanza king’s palace, the Rwanda national museum in Huye, and the Murambi genocide museum. Arrive in Kigali late evening and head to your hotel to unwind and recharge for the exciting experiences ahead. Dinner and an overnight stay at Des Mille Collins Hotel for a mid-range experience, Step Town Motel for a budget-friendly option, or Marriot Hotel for a luxurious retreat.

Day 14: Explore the vibrant streets of Kigali – Farewell

Rise gently, enjoy a delightful breakfast, and set off from the hotel to explore the craft shops and the Kigali genocide memorial. Enjoy a meal and make your way to the airport for your journey to the next exciting location.

End of tour 

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