Seeing some of the last 700 mountain gorillas in their different habitats is a fantastic experience, with each park offering its unique attractions. In Bwindi the four habituated families live in the thicker tropical forests and tracking is more challenging.PNV has four habituated gorilla families living in the afro-montane forests on the southern slopes of the Virungavolcanoes. Mgahinga, on the northern slopes, is often thought to be the prettiest part of the mountain and has one habituated family which now spends virtually all year in the park, contrary to its previous behavior.

In addition to gorilla tracking, each park offers a number of other activities. In the steep, densely forested hills of Bwindi, go for nature walks in search of the many birds, monkeys and orchids. Alternatively go for short strolls around the Lodge and explore the village. In Mgahinga, in Uganda, the activities include climbing the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, going for a nature walk, visiting the Garama cave that the Batwa lived in during the late Iron Age, or going birding. Outside the Park a leisurely walk through the shambas (fields) or visiting the localpygmy groups or medicine man or visiting the emerald green Lake Mutanda can also be intriguing. In PNV in Rwanda full day activities include: climbing the Visoke volcano; visiting the remains of the Dian Fossey Karisoke Centre, her grave, and the graves of the gorillas which she studied. The more leisurely activities include: taking a short walk to the edge of the forest to see the playful families of endangered golden monkeys or going for walks around the picturesque villages near Volcanoes Virunga Lodge. At the end of the safari optional you can fly out from Kigali airport in Rwanda.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by Uganda Wildlife Scene guides. Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the southbound road at 10am. On the way see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables. Continue to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley. An unforgettable sight. Time permitting, visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping, honey making to the community nursery for children. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. O/N: Mweya/Jacana Lodge (FB).

Day 2: Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The game drives in QE depend on the season. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area. O/N: Mweya/Jacana Lodge (FB).

Day 3: An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbors some unusual species - red-tailed and L’Hoest’s Monkey, potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope, and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of game, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. O/N: Mweya/Jacana Lodge (FB).

Day 4: Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk.

Day 5: Gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest.

Day 6: Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at the time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the Lodge. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7: Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. You can either continue directly to Mgahinga, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda. Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, before continuing to Mount Gahinga.

Day 8: MONDAYEither go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano, or go for a nature walk. Mount Gahinga Lodge at 2,300m nestles in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes.

Day 9: Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities in day 8 in the morning and transfer to Rwanda after lunch. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Visit local communities around Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes.

Day 10: Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. The walk to the Gorillas is magnificent and easy get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy.

Day 11: Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or climb the Visoke volcano.

Day 12: Leave for Kigali airport as to your arrangement of you can drive back to Uganda depending on the days that you have set aside, fly out from Entebbe airport

For further booking or more information please feel free to contact us on the below address:

Uganda Wildlife Scene
Plot 3/5 Bombo Road,
P.O. Box 21797 Kampala, Uganda (E.A.)
Email: info@ugandawildlifescene.com
Telephone : +256-77-2434386

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to talk to us for prices of the tailor made safaris - thank you