10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari with Golden Monkey Trekking

• Our adventure begins at 8 am as we transfer from Entebbe Old Town or downtown Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the early 1980s, and the Ziwa site is now used as a breeding ground for black and white rhinos.
• During our 2 hours at the sanctuary, we will see these remarkable creatures roaming across 7,000 hectares of land and observe their daily interactions.
• After leaving the rhinos behind, we will continue to Murchison Falls National Park, on the shores of Lake Albert, where the River Nile roars through a narrow gap to create the dramatic Murchison Falls. We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Twiga Safari Lodge

• Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as we embark on a game drive in the park to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.
• This Murchison Falls safari does not stop on land because, in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if we're lucky, we'll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds.
• We will also see for ourselves the point where the River Nile joins Lake Albert, one of the major highlights of this trip.
• Feel the immense power and force of the falls as the spray hits your face and you listen to the deafening roar of the water.
• At the end of the boat trip, we will hike to the famous 'Top of the Falls,' where we will enjoy spectacular views of Murchison Falls along the Nile River - a perfect photo opportunity for budding photographers. We will then return to our lodge for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Twiga Safari Lodge

• Day 3 is a day of driving, but fear not - you will still be entertained!
• On our journey, we will pass through scenic views of the Ugandan countryside as we leave Murchison Falls National Park behind and drive southwards to Kibale Forest National Park.
• The drive to Kibale passes through the major western towns of Hoima and Fort Portal, and we will arrive in Kibale in the early evening.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Turaco Treetops

• Day 4 starts with us heading to Kibale Forest immediately after breakfast to track chimpanzees in their forest home. If we are lucky on the trek, we may also encounter other species of monkeys in Kibale Forest, including colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
• After the chimp trek, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Fort Portal Crater Lakes, perhaps Uganda's most iconic sight. These volcanic craters formed some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and provide an idyllic backdrop to the extensive hiking trail network in the area.
• Here, you will be able to enjoy amazing views of western Uganda's tea farmlands and plantations. If the weather is good, we'll also have a chance to spot the Rwenzori Mountain Escarpment in the distance.
• After a day full of spectacular views, we'll check in to the lodge and relax in preparation for the following day's game drives.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Buffalo Safari Lodge

• Once again, we will start our morning with a game drive where we can expect to spot wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, side-striped jackals, hyenas, leopards, lions, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and giant forest hogs. What a way to start the day!
• After lunch, we'll take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, where we will continue our wildlife spotting. This time, we may see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be another highlight of your tour.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Buffalo Safari Lodge

• On the way to Bwindi National Park, we will drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, popularly known for its tree-climbing lions.
• Unlike their counterparts on the Kasenyi Plains, the lions at Ishasha have found a way to climb fig trees to enjoy the warm temperatures.
• While sightings of the tree-climbing lions are not 100% guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is well worth the visit. We will spend the night at Bwindi National Park.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Mutanda Lake Resort

• Today is the day many of you will have been waiting for.
• We will embark on a full-day adventure to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The trek will begin with a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules to ensure the safety of both guests and gorillas.
• We will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. Following expert guides, we will look for signs of the gorillas and change direction accordingly until we find them.
• After this rare and memorable experience, we will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Mutanda Lake Resort

• Today offers a unique opportunity to learn about the tragic history of these local communities through a variety of activities.
• You may choose the Batwa cultural experience, where you visit a local community and learn about their way of life.
• Other activities include canoe trekking at Lake Mutanda and a coffee-making experience, where you can try your hand at the local industry. After the local activity, we will drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda via the Kyanika border.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Amarembo Gorilla Lodge

• Today, you will trek the golden monkeys, an endemic species of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
• You will enter the forest and walk through bamboo vegetation and various indigenous plants such as giant lobelia.
• Your national park guide will share the history of the park, along with insights into the fauna and flora found there. The golden monkey trek should take about 5 hours.
• After the golden monkey trek, we will drive to Kigali city. The journey from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Accommodation and overnight stay at Hotel Chez Lando

• Visit the Kigali Genocide Museum, enjoy a Kigali city tour, and depart for your next destination in the afternoon or evening via Kigali International Airport.
• With cameras full of memories and hearts full of adventure, we will transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Until next time, let the spirit of the Uganda and Rwanda wilderness stay with you.