Experience Rwanda & Bwindi

6 Days

Experience Rwanda & Bwindi

  • Guided
  • Okapi Hotel, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Trekker's Tavern Cottages, Rwakobo Rock
  • Kigali
  • Kigali

Experience Rwanda & Bwindi

This tour starts from Kigali Genocide Memorial and then heads to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk. You’ll also pay a visit to the famous Volcanoes National Park for Bisoke hike and lake. Head for the boarder crossing road trip to south western Uganda to find mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After gorilla trekking, your guide will lead you to the zebra magnet of Lake Mburo National Park.

You’ll be collected from the airport.

Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Experience Rwanda & Bwindi Trip Highlights

  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: One of the main highlights of this trip is the opportunity to trek into the dense forests of Bwindi to encounter and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Golden Monkey Trekking: In addition to gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is also home to golden monkeys. You can embark on a trek to spot these unique primates.
  • Kigali, Rwanda: Begin your journey in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Visit the Genocide Memorial and explore the city's vibrant culture and history.
  • Lake Kivu: Enjoy some relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. It's an ideal spot for water activities, taking in stunning sunsets, and experiencing local culture.
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park: Explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, where you can track chimpanzees, go bird watching, and take in the breathtaking canopy walkway.
  • Akagera National Park: Experience a safari in Akagera National Park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
  • Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture of Rwanda, including traditional dances, interactions with local communities, and learning about the history and customs of the Rwandan people.
  • Scenic Drives: Enjoy breathtaking scenic drives between destinations, taking in the stunning landscapes of both Rwanda and Uganda.
  • Local Cuisine: Savor delicious African cuisine, including Ugandan and Rwandan dishes, while learning about the culinary traditions of the region.
  • Beautiful Landscapes: Marvel at the diverse landscapes of Rwanda and Bwindi, from the rolling hills and tea plantations of Rwanda to the misty forests of Bwindi and the wildlife-rich savannas of Akagera.
  • Conservation and Education: Gain insights into conservation efforts to protect the gorillas and other wildlife in the region. Learn about the challenges and successes of these programs.
  • Friendly Locals: Interact with the warm and welcoming locals of Rwanda and Uganda, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.

Itinerary

Arrive at the Kigali Airport and later be transferred to Kigali, to carry out a city tour. You will pay a visit at the genocide museum, Genocide Memorial Center at Gisozi which has collectives of the consequences of the genocide of 1994. From there, head back to your hotel for a relaxed overnight.

Main Destination: Kigali Genocide Memorial (Kigali, Rwanda)
Accommodation: Okapi Hotel
Budget hotel located in or near Kigali

Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After having breakfast at 6:00 am, you will be transferred to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Have a visit the old palace in Nyanza on your way to the park. In the afternoon you'll go for a canopy walk. The canopy walkway in the Nyungwe Forest National Park in south western Rwanda is 50m above the ground level, and 90m long. The dizzying platform is above a steep and deep valley trotting across massive forest. The 200m walkway with three towers is the biggest in East Africa! Spread over hundreds of square meters, Nyungwe is said to be largest and most ancient afro-montane forest remaining in the East & Central Africa, dating back to the last ice age.

Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Have an early morning breakfast, and later proceed to Nyungwe Forest at 6:00 am to search of chimpanzee. You will also track the Colobus monkeys in the forest and have a chance to view the other habitants of the forest like birds, reptiles and butterflies. Chimpanzee tracking will enable you to meet man’s closet cousins in the wild. You will be amazed to see these primates as they play, swing on tree branches, fight for food, etc.

Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Volcanoes NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

On this day, you will have breakfast and later transfer to Kinigi, the briefing point at 7:00 am with the hiking gears and assigned rangers. Mount Bisoke stands at 3700m, with the typical conic shape of a “perfect” volcano and in its crater lies a deep crater lake. For those interested in climbing Mount Bisoke, the volcano does not present an exceptionally demanding climb but it is nevertheless still a tough hike. The high elevation demands extra strength of climbers and the whole excursion can take between 5 hours and a whole day depending on the speed of the walk and the frequency of stops. The ascent typically takes around 3 hours. During the climb, you will cross a series of different vegetation habitats starting with bamboo forests, then moving into Hagenia-Hypericum forest and finally moving through Seneci -Lobelia bush near the summit. You will then descend and transfer to western Uganda.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation: Trekker's Tavern Cottages
Mid-range lodge located just outside Bwindi NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast and briefing by park ranger guides, depart with picnic lunch boxes to start the trekking. The activity can last up to 4 hours or more to find the mountain gorillas as you hike up and down slippery slopes with dense mist covered vegetation. Hence you will have packed lunch for this activity. This active quest will eventually bring you to the face of one of the most sought after creatures, the mountain gorillas. Upon reaching them, you will have a full hour with them while observing and learning their behavior as you take photos.
Later on, you'll transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for your overnight just outside the park.

Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda)
Best Time To Visit: June to August and December to February

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP

Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After having an early breakfast, go for a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This park is famous for zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, Cape buffalos and many tropical bird species. Checkout of the hotel and transfer to Entebbe International Airport to readily catch your air transfer back home in the evening. We recommend that you book an evening flight as you say farewell to the pearl of Africa! But along the way, you will make a stopover at the Equator line to have an authentic feel of standing at Latitude 00.

Main Destination: Equator Point Uganda (Highlight, Uganda)

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Day 1 - 5 : Accommodation
  • Day 1 : Meals & Drinks: Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Day 2 -5 : Meals & Drinks: All meals included
  • Drinking water
  • Day 6 : Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch
  • Drinking water

Cost Excludes

  • Day 1-6 : Other Drinks not Included
  • Day 6 : No Accommodation

FAQs

What is the best time to take the Experience Rwanda & Bwindi trip?

The best time for this trip is during the dry seasons, which are generally from June to September and December to February. These months provide better trekking conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities.

What clothing and gear should I bring for the trip?

Packing essentials include comfortable hiking boots, lightweight and breathable clothing, rain gear, a daypack, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a good quality camera for wildlife photography.

What is the currency in Rwanda and Uganda?

The currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), and in Uganda, it is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small expenses, but major hotels and businesses may accept credit cards.

Are there opportunities for cultural interactions with local communities?

Yes, this trip often includes cultural experiences where you can interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and even participate in cultural activities.

What is the language spoken in Rwanda and Uganda?

In Rwanda, Kinyarwanda, French, and English are widely spoken. In Uganda, English is the official language, and various local languages are also spoken.

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Experience Rwanda & Bwindi

Experience Rwanda & Bwindi

  • Guided
  • Okapi Hotel, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Trekker's Tavern Cottages, Rwakobo Rock
  • Kigali
  • Kigali