13 Days Rwanda Uganda & Kenya Via Kigali

Day 1:Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali

Kigali Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres 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 definitely worth a visit.

Day Itinerary

Meet and greet at Kinobe Airport by your Guide who will warmly welcome you and transfer you to a hotel in Kigali. Depending on the time of arrival e.g if your flight arrives in the morning, you are advised to have money changed this day. To get to know Kigali, you can visit some of the landmarks in town with the help of our driver/guide. Places may include; the genocide Memorial site, the markets, Franco-Rwanda Cultural centre at asupplement of $35 per person.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital's natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference centre, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom.

The hotel features 148 rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24 hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport transfer

Day 2:Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast take a two hours drive North of Kigali to Kinigi through the beautifully terraced hillside and the spectacular Virunga volcanoes.  You may do a city tour here at a supplement of $35 per person before you go to the Volcanoes.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze (Ruhengeri) located on the road going to Kinigi is a convenient starting point to go for different activities that the Volcanoes National Park is offering. Each of the rooms features hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and mini-bars. A the hotel guests will find a restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden. 24-hour front desk service is also available as well as massage service.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to  Volcanoes

Day 3:Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 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-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary

This morning, after a quick breakfast, you will participate in an adventure tracking the “Little Primates” of the Virunga, the Golden Monkey (CercopithecusKandti).The Golden Monkeys are now listed by the IUCN as endangered because of their small numbers. You will be part of a select group 1 and plus.and later you will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the night.

You may opt to do the Rwanda Gorillas, the supplement is $1500 per person

Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Gorilla Safari Lodge is an up market facility tucked away at the boundary line of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - home of the endangered mountain gorilla. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in eight, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Golden Monkeys Trekking per person

Transfer to Bwindi

Day 4:Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these gentle apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may have a guided nature walk around the lodge and the surrounding communities in the evening at a supplement of $35 per person. Return to the lodge where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers before getting a good night’s rest for tomorrow's safari adventure.

You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $800 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas.  

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

Gorilla Trekking 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 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.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla Permit per person

Day 5: Mweya Safari Lodge, Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.

Day Itinerary

After an early  breakfast,  transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.   Be sure to have your camera ready for these amazing sightings!

Upon arrival to your lodge, you will enjoy a hot lunch and later in the afternoon take a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and this launch/cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the 'Mountains of the Moon' and overlooks the Kazinga Channel which links two of the Nile's great lakes Lake George and Lake Edward. Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors a spectacular experience of luxury in the wilderness. All of the rooms have wonderful views of the channel. The Lodge offers a range of activities and attractions: game drives, boat trips, wild life viewing and more.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Park entrance fees, Boat Cruise on Kazinga channel

Day 6: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.

Day Itinerary

After an early  breakfast,Time allowing, you may do a short game drive in the morning then you will be transferred to the world known home of primates- Kibale  Forest National Park. On the way, you will stop at crater lakes. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch.

After lunch, you may relax at the lodge or you may opt for optional activities.

Optional Activities

Top of the world hike-$15 per person

Birding-$85per person

Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge has been designed in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on its pristine surrounds. Thatched chalets with expansive wooden balconies provide the perfect luxurious jungle escape. Hammocks and garden swings on the grounds of the lodge add an extra element of tranquility to your remote safari experience. In total, there are 11 thatched stand-alone wooden cabins and 10 standard pool facing cabanas, each catering for a different style of guest. Crater Safari Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself for a true jungle and wilderness experience in Uganda.

The lodge is an award winning eco-lodge, and offers an unsurpassed remote wilderness experience. standard pool facing cabanas

Romantic bush dinner options on the shores of the lake Lodge is ideal for both honeymoons and weddings From swamp walks, to fishing, canoeing and hiking; 

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After breakfast at your lodge, transfer to the starting point of your Chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the Chimpanzee, man’s closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 Chimpanzee represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. Kibale is also a home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black and white Colobus, Blue monkey, Grey cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkey, Olive baboon to mention but a few.

So you will enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many others.  Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they gloom and bond with one another.

Alternatively, you may opt for chimpanzee habituation where you are able to stay with the chimps for 4 hours maximum  at a supplement of $50 per person.

After lunch, head to Bigodi . Bigodi was established by a local development organization to protect the 4sq-km Magombe Swamp that's home to around 200 species of birds (highlights include papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler and great blue turaco). The highlight of this tour is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco. The swamp is also good for spotting butterflies and primates, with 8 different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. The 2-3 hour guided walk is led by experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting

Activities

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail.  Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Chimpanzee permit per person, Bigodi swamp wamp

Day 8: Lake Victoria Serena Resort, Entebbe

Entebbe Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred  to Kampala, you will arrive in the late afternoon, time allowing, you may  opt to visit coffee/craft shops. You may opt to go for Kampala city tour at a supplement of $35 per person or you may opt for a wine and cheese sun downer on Lake Victoria at a supplement of $85 per person.

Overnight: Lake Victoria Serena Resort

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa is a vision of charming Mediterranean architecture, pastel color palettes and lush, green fairways overlooking the sparkling waters of Africa’s largest lake. With its terraced rose gardens, rustic bridges, arched pool terrace and shaded colonnades, this privileged enclave feels more like a Tuscan hillside village than a five-star golf resort and spa on the outskirts of Kampala.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included: Transfer

Day 9: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Nakuru

Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport to catch your international flight to Nairobi.

Upon your arrival at The Jomo Kenyatta international Airport, you will be met by our representative for a warm welcome and a short briefing. You will then be driven by our professional driver guide to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. This drive will take you through the Eastern walls of the Rift valley where you will stop for photography.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru for check-in at your lodgewhere you will have a rest before lunch. Afternoon game viewing drive in Lake Nakuru National park.

Lake Nakuru is a shallow, alkaline lake, where flamingos flock to. This lake offers one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sights - that of brilliant pink flamingos as far as the eye can see. When conditions are right, between one and two million lesser and greater flamingos feed around the shores of the shallow soda lake, together with tens of thousands of other birds. What is certain is that any visitor to Lake Nakuru is likely to encounter flocks large enough to induce absolute awe. Over four hundred species of birds have been sighted at the park and it goes without saying that this is a bird watchers paradise.

Dinner and overnight at  Lodge.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge is located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa's great Rift valley, the Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park.

The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos and other water birds being the major attraction of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white and black rhino, buffaloes and others.

The Lodge is 20km from the park main gate and 15 minutes drive from Naishi airstrip. Lodge accommodation consist of 60 rooms  which include 2 inter-connecting rooms, 2 rooms accessible on wheel chair. Rooms are grouped into single, twin or triple rooms. All rooms have a clear view of the lake and you are able to view the sun rise from the balcony. All rooms have safe box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar is stocked on request and telephone extension are also provided in all rooms.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Airport Transfers, Excluded: International flights

Day 10: Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa, Nakuru

Nakuru As previously described

Day Itinerary After breakfast, drive to Lake Bogoria with picnic lunches for a full day game drive.

The lake is alkaline, feeding blue-green algae which in turn feed flamingoes. At times the number of flamingoes feeding in the lake may be as high as two million. Raptors such as tawny eagles prey on the flamingoes. In total, 135 species of bird have been recorded. They include little grebe, pratincole, swift, little bee-eater, cape wigeon, yellow-billed stork, African spoonbill, augur buzzard, gabar goshawk, water dikkop, great tit, starling, hornbill and crombec.

The reserve has a herd of the relatively uncommon Greater Kudu. Other large mammals include buffalo, zebra, cheetah, baboon, warthog, caracal, spotted hyena, impala and dik dik.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Overnight: Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa is located in Nakuru in the upscale Milimani area, adjacent to the State House. The hotel is just a short drive from Nakuru’s city center and Kenya’s biggest lakeside park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Hell’s Gate National Park – offering excellent leisure activities at the lakeside (fishing and boating, biking, hiking) or wildlife viewing (bird watching) as well as nature walks on nearby Mount Longonot and exploring the unique natural wonders of Hell's Gate.

The hotel with its 147 luxurious and spacious air-conditioned rooms, is the premier Nakuru hotel with rich room decor, a leather bar and a beautiful poolside and courtyard restaurant. Sarova Woodlands is the perfect place to stay for business trips or for romantic and family getaways. We offer free Wi-Fi access, a swimming pool and a soon to open health club and spa. The hotel offers two restaurants, a bar and an al fresco cafe where our guests can enjoy a unique culinary experience.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drives, Park entrance fees

Day 11: Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

Masai Mara The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.

Day Itinerary

After early breakfast at the Camp, you will be driven to Masai Mara, the most famous game Reserve in Kenya.

Arrive at your  Lodge to a warm welcome, a cold towel and enjoy a welcome drink as you check in.

The lodge porters will show you to your tents and assist you with your luggage.        

Buffet lunch will be served at the  Restaurant. After lunch you will have time to relax.

Proceed for your first game drive in this world famous game reserve, known for its many species of wildlife.

Dinner and Overnight at your lodge.

Overnight: Keekorok Lodge

Keekorok is located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, in an area of permanent springs and lush grassland.  Keekorok means abundance in the local Maasai language, and the area is often teeming with wildlife.

Accommodation comprises stone built, en-suite bungalows with private balconies. Most rooms overlook the Reserve and others look into the large garden. With spacious grounds, countless activities, a sparkling pool, fantastic food and a rich history as the oldest game lodge in the Maasai Mara, Keekorok is an unforgettable experience in the Maasai Mara.  

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive, Park entrance fees

Day 12: Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

Day Itinerary

Full day game drive in Maasai Mara Game Reserve with picnic lunches.

Widely considered to be Africa's greatest wildlife reserve and the jewel in Africa’s crown, Maasai Mara is

Home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers create an eco-

system that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the

spectacular Siria Escarpment, dotted with acacia trees, creating scenery of stunning beauty. Lions are found

in abundance throughout the park, as well as Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, and a variety of Gazelle species.

Cheetahs are regularly seen and, with luck, you may also find Rhino and the elusive Leopard.

Dinner and overnight at your Lodge.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Full Day Game Drives

Day 13: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the lodge.

After breakfast you will be driven back to Nairobi – you will have stopovers enroute for last minute shopping. Arrival into Nairobi early afternoon, lunch on own arrangements.

After lunch you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfer

Included

• All ground transportation in a 4x4 Safari land cruiser with open roof,with all fuel
• Full time driver/ English guide with all his associated expenses
• Full board accommodation as per above itinerary a part from Kigali  and Kampala/Entebbe   where it is Bed and breakfast only.
• 1 Gorilla permit per person 
• 1 Chimpanzee permit per person
• 1 Golden Monkeys permit per person
• Park entrance fees
• Boat Cruise
• Game Drives
• Bigodi swamp walk
• Drinking water in the vehicle
• Any other items included in the above itinerary

Excluded

• International Air tickets 
• Visas
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc