7 days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Overview

Discover the beauty of Uganda and Rwanda on this 7-day adventure through some of Africa’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. This tour offers the perfect blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and scenic exploration. From the poignant history of Rwanda’s Genocide Memorial to the thrilling experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll embark on a journey that showcases the very best of East Africa’s wilderness and heritage.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy game drives that reveal the region’s rich biodiversity, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, and countless species of antelope. A boat ride on the Kazinga Channel brings you face-to-face with the incredible aquatic life of the region, including hippos and Nile crocodiles. Then, head to Kibale Forest, where you’ll track chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, and explore the fascinating community life around the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

This safari is designed for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience in East Africa. With expert guides leading you every step of the way, you’ll gain deep insights into the wildlife, culture, and natural beauty of Uganda and Rwanda. Comfortable lodges, scenic drives, and thrilling wildlife encounters ensure that your journey is both exciting and relaxing.

Join us for an unforgettable 7-day adventure, where the beauty of the “Pearl of Africa” comes to life in front of your eyes.

Travel Plan

• 01

  Day 1: Arrival, Kigali Genocide Memorial, and Transfer to Bwindi

  Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport or at your hotel in Kigali. Our experienced guide will be there to warmly welcome you, ensuring all your needs are met as we start this remarkable journey.

  Our first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll spend approximately two hours reflecting on Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people. The memorial honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, providing insight into Rwanda’s past while highlighting the country’s remarkable recovery.

  After the memorial visit, we proceed on a scenic drive toward the Uganda-Rwanda border, crossing into Uganda and heading for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, located on the edge of this breathtaking forest. You’ll have the evening to relax, prepare for the exciting gorilla tracking experience, and enjoy a peaceful night amidst nature.

• 02

  Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking Experience

   

  This is the day you have been waiting for—an up-close encounter with the magnificent mountain gorillas. After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla tracking. You will learn about the behavior of these gentle giants and the guidelines to follow during the trek.

  The gorilla tracking experience can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. As you navigate through the dense forest, your expert guide will lead you to the gorillas’ habitat, where you will have the chance to spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment. Witnessing the gorillas’ playful interactions and family dynamics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  After this awe-inspiring encounter, we return to the lodge for a relaxed evening. You can unwind, reminisce about the extraordinary day, and enjoy a leisurely dinner while surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

• 03

  Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

  After breakfast, we bid farewell to Bwindi and embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. Our route takes us through the famous Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. These majestic cats can often be spotted lounging in fig trees, a unique behavior seen in only a few places around the world.

  Keep your camera ready as we traverse the Ishasha plains, hoping to catch a glimpse of these incredible lions before continuing toward the Kasenyi plains area of the park. Upon arrival at our lodge, you’ll check in and enjoy a relaxed evening, gearing up for more wildlife adventures the next day.

• 04

  Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

  We begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, an area known for its abundant wildlife. As the sun rises over the savannah, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous species of antelope.

  The Kasenyi plains offer excellent game viewing, with a variety of habitats supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. Your guide will expertly navigate the park, helping you spot the animals in their natural environment.

  In the afternoon, we embark on a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat ride is one of the highlights of the park, providing a unique perspective on the wildlife. As we glide along the water, you will see countless hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Elephants often come to the water’s edge to quench their thirst, creating a perfect wildlife spectacle for your camera.

  After the boat safari, we return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

• 05

  Day 5: Additional Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

  If there’s any wildlife we missed during our earlier game drive, we have the chance to try again with a final drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park in the morning. Afterward, we begin our journey toward Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its population of chimpanzees and other primates.

  On the way, we will pass through the scenic crater lakes region, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and sparkling water bodies. We’ll arrive in the afternoon and check in at a lodge situated at the edge of Kibale Forest. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax, surrounded by lush greenery, in preparation for tomorrow’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

• 06

  Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

  Today, we switch our focus from gorillas to chimpanzees, another of Uganda’s remarkable primates. After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a guided chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest.

  Chimpanzee tracking can take between 2 to 5 hours, as these intelligent and social animals move quickly through the forest. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into chimpanzee behavior as you follow the trail of their vocalizations and movements. Watching chimpanzees interact with each other in the wild is a captivating experience.

  After enjoying a hot lunch, we venture into the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community and swamp walk. This is a chance to interact with local people and learn about their way of life. The Bigodi area is also home to a variety of bird species and primates, offering more opportunities for wildlife viewing. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and ecological diversity of the region.

  In the evening, we return to our lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

  • • 7

      Day 7:Departure via Kasese Airstrip

      After breakfast, we drive to Kasese Airstrip for your domestic flight back to Entebbe. As you soar above the scenic landscapes of Uganda, you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible wildlife and cultural experiences of the past week. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will either connect with your international flight or extend your stay in Uganda.

      Thank you for choosing Wagatil Safaris to show you the beauty of the “Pearl of Africa.” We hope your experience has been unforgettable and that you’ll carry the memories of Uganda’s wildlife and warm people with you always.

      End of the Tour