7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari
Embark on an enriching 7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari odyssey through the captivating landscapes and rich biodiversity of East Africa, commencing with an exploration of Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Spend your first days immersed in the sprawling savannah, where the harmonious coexistence of diverse ecosystems offers a haven for an array of wildlife. Traverse the park’s rugged terrain on exhilarating game drives, encountering iconic African species such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
As the sun sets over the horizon, retire to luxurious lodgings nestled amidst the wilderness, where the sounds of the bush lull you into a peaceful slumber. Transitioning from the untamed wilderness to the cultural vibrancy of Kigali, Rwanda’s dynamic capital, offers a multifaceted perspective of the region. Delve into the city’s poignant history at memorial sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a somber yet essential tribute to Rwanda’s resilience and reconciliation. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Rwandan cuisine at local eateries and peruse bustling markets brimming with artisan crafts and colorful textiles.
Crossing Border to Volcanoes National Park
Your 7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari continues across the border into Uganda, where the mist-shrouded forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park await. Here, embark on an exhilarating gorilla trekking expedition, tracing the elusive footsteps of these majestic creatures through dense vegetation. Delight in the awe-inspiring encounter as you observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an experience that fosters a profound connection with these gentle giants and their endangered ecosystem. Conclude your 7-day Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari adventure with the rare opportunity to track the golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park, a fitting finale to a transformative safari journey through the heart of East Africa.
Brief About Akagera National Park
Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country. Stretching across a vast expanse of low-lying mountains and savannah plains, the park takes in the rolling highland woodlands, swamp-fringed lakes, and wetlands of the Kagera River along the way. Crocodiles and hippos wallow in the park’s watery basins, predators prowl through its acacia groves, and elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and other animals roam across its grassy plains. Bursting with a rich biodiversity, the park features a variety of rare species, as well as a plethora of mammals and hundreds of bird species.
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is extremely moving, challenging, educational, and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy, and successful rebuilding post-genocide.
The memorial hosts a tour that is transparent and educational, but very sombre and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.
Important to Know
- Destination: Akagera National Park
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-Range), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Up Market)
- Activities: Scenic Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- What to See? Kigali City, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
Game Drives Adventure in Akagera National Park
Led by the 7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari guide, the Akagera National Park Game Drive occurs early in the mornings and late in the afternoons. While driving along the park tracks in a 4WD Safari vehicle, passengers will have the chance to spot animals such as hyenas, elephants, various buffalo, and lions.
Important to Know
- Destination: Akagera National Park
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-Range), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Up Market)
- Activities: Scenic Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- What to See? Lions, Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, Rhinos, Antelopes, Leopards
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
A Road Transfer to the Capital of Rwanda
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush, undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 meters above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial, and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market, and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is worth a visit.
Akagera National Park Behind the Scenes
Taking place at the Akagera National Park headquarters, Akagera National Park Behind the Scene provides visitors with an insight into Akagera, including conservation developments within the park and the people who manage it. This activity is open to anyone but is designed for educational groups or special interest travelers.
Important to Know
- Destination: Kigali City
- Accommodation: Onomo Hotel Kigali (Mid-Range), Serena Hotel Kigali (Up Market)
- Activities: Scenic Drive from to Kigali city from Akagera National Park
- What to See? Lions, Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, Rhinos, Antelopes, Leopards
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
A Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.
The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-colored butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Important to Note
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Mid-Range), Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
- Activities: Scenic Drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- What to See? Rolling Hills of Kabale, Misty Bwindi Forest, Virunga Volcanoes
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago, and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists are given to the Batwa project, and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks, and cook.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The 7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 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 ‘talk’ to one another, 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.
Important to Know
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Mid-Range), Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
- Activities: Enjoy Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Visit to Batwa People
- What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Batwa People, Misty Bwindi Forest, Virunga Volcanoes
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
Gorilla Habituation Experience Bwindi
Found inside the Ugandan borders, at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this is a learning experience that has become a stable activity presented by the Uganda Wildlife Authority on a small scale. The experience accommodates a maximum of 4 each day. Bookings for this kind of activity are done approximately 6 months before the habituation day specifically from December through to March and July to October. Gorilla Habituation allows a person 4 hours in the company of the gorillas.
Important to Know
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Up Market)
- Activities: Enjoy Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Transfer to Volcanoes
- What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Misty Bwindi Forest, Virunga Volcanoes
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Diner, & Drinking Water
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers Golden Monkey trekking. This unique experience allows guests in groups of up to eight to look for and discover golden monkeys within their natural habitat.
The monkeys are incredibly active and enjoy showing off to tourists and researchers whom they encounter daily. The monkeys can be found closer to the base of the volcano and enjoy eating the bamboo vegetation in the area.
Important to Know
- Destination: Kigali City
- Accommodation: No Accommodation
- Activities: Enjoy Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes and Departure
- What to See? Golden Monkey Tracking and Kigali Airport
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
7 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
7 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari Inclusions
- Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day.
- All activities are highlighted in the itinerary.
- Kigali, including a Genocide visit.
- 2 Nights at Akagera National Park.
- 1 Night Kigali
- 3 Nights at Bwindi Forest National Park
- One Gorilla permit per person -$800
- Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 with WI-FI in receptive areas
- Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
- Village/ Cultural Visit in Volcanoes.
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
- Our assistance
7 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic airline ticket,s unless where indicated,
- All extra activities, visits, entrances, and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry visa fees,
- Drinks throughout the trip,
- Tips and gratuities,
- Personal expenses include telephone calls, mini bar, portage, travel insurance, etc.
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