Track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimps in the wild and enjoy game viewing and bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Trackmountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimps in the wild and enjoy game viewing and bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This itinerary is perfectly crafted for animal lovers with hikes into the natural habitats of the Uganda tours Mountain Gorilla, Golden Monkey and chimpanzees of Rwanda and Uganda. After some exploration of Rwanda's capital Kigali we drive north to the Volcanoes National Park to discover the rare Golden Monkeys, a delightful entree to the following days' hike through the Virunga Mountains in search of gorillas. Tracking the mountain gorillas is an unequalled jungle trek experience culminating in the thrill of standing within metres of a family, often including the imposing male silverback. Rwanda and Uganda tours are also known for the colourful cultures and pretty lakes around where many of these communities live and Gisenyi is a fine example of this. Continuing north to the Queen Elizabeth National Park we will enjoy game viewing along the Kazinga Channel with its vast numbers of hippos. Close to Kibale we undertake a trek into the forests once again to spot chimps before including some time at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Finally a Nile River cruise showcases the impressive Murchison Falls where after Uganda tours trip concludes in Entebbe.

Highlights

• Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
• Tracking rare Golden Monkeys in their natural habitat
• Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel
• Searching for the elusive chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Murchison Falls

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by your driver-guide who will be with you for the full duration of your safari in Rwanda & tours to Uganda. Transfer from the airport to the group hotel. There will be a briefing on your forthcoming safari in the late afternoon or evening depending on arrival time.

Day 2 Kigali city tour, drive to northernRwanda

After breakfast we will undertake a short morning tour of Kigali, including a visit to the genocide memorial. Afterwards we will make our way to Ruhengeri (re-named Musanze) at the foot of the beautiful and pristine Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2.5 - 3 hours drive. This was the region where Dian Fossey amazed the world with her research of the magnificent mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Following Dian Fossey’s work and David Attenborough’s famous documentaries, the mountain Uganda tours gorillas have inspired travelers from all over the world to experience one of nature’s greatest interactions. Anyone who has witnessed the mountain gorilla’s of East Africa will strongly agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Tonight we sleep in a comfortable lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

Day 3 Golden Monkey trek

As a warm-up for our gorilla trek, Uganda tours guide will have an early start to search for the equally rare and endangered Golden Monkey. These primates are unique to this region of East Africa and the Volcanoes National Park, where there is a troupe numbering about forty. Little is known about these beautiful monkeys and experts are only recently able to put together the basic details about their routines and lifestyles. They can be quite difficult to spot. With our expert local guides and trackers we search for them in the thickets of bamboo where they like to spend most of their time. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. It will be necessary to take your own water and snacks – eg. Chocolates, biscuits or sweets – with you in case you have to trek for a while before finding the monkeys. Approx trek time: 3-5 hours. After your visit to the Golden Monkeys, return to the road head where your Uganda tours driver-guide will be waiting for you. Transfer back to the lodge for a late lunch. Rest of the day is at leisure.(PLEASE NOTE: Days 3 & 4 may be swapped around depending on gorilla permit availability.)

Day 4 Gorilla trekking

Another early start as we trek deep into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. While gorilla tracking you will be accompanied by a Ugandatours guide and usually two trackers, and allowed no more than one hour with your allotted gorilla family. To find your family group the guide will lead you to where the gorillas were sighted on the previous day and then literally track them through the forest. The terrain is very rough, often over steep slopes covered with matted vegetation. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. It will be necessary to take your own water and snacks – eg. chocolates, biscuits or sweets – with you in case you have to trek for a while before finding the gorillas. Approx trek time: 3-8 hours . After our trek and humbled by this incredible experience, return to the road head where your driver-guide will be waiting for you. Transfer back to the lodge for a late lunch. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 5 To Lake Kivu, Gisenyi

After breakfast, Uganda tours driver will drive to Lake Kivu (approx 75km; 2 hours) which is one of Africa's mighty fresh water inland lakes. The lake covers a total surface area of some 2,700 square kms and stands at a height of 1,460m (4,790 ft) above sea level. The lake bed sits upon a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity in the area, and making it particularly deep: its maximum depth of 480 m (1,575 ft) is ranked eighteenth in the world. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, and the hotel is located on a white sandy beach. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6 Cross to Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today we will head to the Ugandan border, where you will cross near the Ugandan town of Kisoro. Drive on scenic and winding roads to Uganda tours most famous national park - QueenElizabeth National Park - arriving at our lodge for dinner and overnight. Approx drive time: 7-8 hours.

Day 7 Game drive, Kazinga Channel

Uganda tours guide will take you on a morning game drive in the park with your driver-guide, and return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you will do a cruise (1 hour) on the Kazinga channel with sightings of hippos and abundant birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight

 Uganda Tours sector players are calling for the return of the late former Ugandan dictator president Idi Amin Dada remains such that they set up a monument that can be turned into tourism attraction, hence diversifying Uganda tours potentials.