8 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe Tour
This 8 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe Tour is chosen among the many as the best trip for those who want to see primates in both Uganda and Rwanda. This amazing expedition starts in Uganda and ends in Rwanda’s Capital Kigali. Expect to hike through the mountains for the gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, cross over to Rwanda, take another gorilla tracking expedition in Volcanoes National Park and also visit Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking. This African safari is a must go with so much time to explore the hidden amenities of Uganda and Rwanda.
Day 1: Transfer From Kampala (Hotel/Pickup) to Bwindi
Our tour agent/guide will meet you at your hotel and your journey will begin setting off from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoying this long hours drive, you will have a stop at the Equator where you will perform a simple experiment to experience a tropical balance, have a look at the traditional drums and crafts being made, and thereafter proceed to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park
After enjoying the early morning breakfast, you will depart with your packed lunch and proceed to the park headquarters for briefing and take to the forest for gorilla trekking! Gorilla Trekking can take between 1-6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas and the location of the assigned gorilla family. The time remaining after visiting the gorillas can either be spent relaxing and remembering the trek or hiking in the foothills and visiting local communities. Dinner and overnight at a preferred hotel/lodge of your budget type.
Day 3: Transfer From Bwindi to Rwanda
After breakfast, drive to the Uganda-Rwanda border and be transferred to Ruhengeri for a relaxation. The meal plan for this day is breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your preferred accommodation.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This morning with an early breakfast, you will drive to Volcanoes National Pak headquarters where you will meet your fellow enthusiastic trackers for a briefing from the park wardens about the gorilla trekking adventure. Visit one of the ten habituated groups assigned to you. Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is an absolutely exquisite experience. You need to have a good level of fitness for the gorilla trek. You can trek from 1-6 hours through dense forest vegetation, slippery slopes and changing the weather. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch. After lunch, you may decide to visit the local communities neighboring the park or relax at the lodge.
The meal plan for this day is breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your preferred accommodation.
Day 5: Transfer from Volcanoes National park to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Kivu which is the country’s biggest lake in western parts of Rwanda. Upon arriving, you will have refreshments and lunch after which you will undertake a 2-4 hours launch cruise along the Lake. The cruise will provide you with a spectacular view of the Kibuye and Gisenyi towns. Return for dinner and overnight.
The meal plan for this day is breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your preferred accommodation.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, today we drive to Nyungwe Forest, passing through splendid hills and cultivated countryside. Have a stopover in Nyanza to visit the famous King’s Palace and later proceed to Nyungwe Forest for relaxation and overnight.
The meal plan for this day is breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your preferred accommodation.
Day 7: Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Tracking
With an early morning breakfast served for you, transfer to Nyungwe Forest headquarters at 6:00 am to trek search for the chimpanzees. Tracking the chimpanzees can take any time from a few hours to a full day depending on where they are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the exceptional rich bird life.
You will retire at your preferred hotel for dinner and Overnight.
Day 8: Depart for Kigali
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali to end your safari with a city tour and dropped off at your preferred hotel or Kigali International Airport to find your departure flight back home to end your 8 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe Tour.
This Tour includes
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 tourist vehicle with popup roof
- Services of a professional English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
This Tour Excludes
- Uganda Gorilla Permits at USD600,
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit (USD1500)
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits (USD150) (We can book them for you) - International flights.
- Drinks/laundry
- personal travel insurance,
- Tourist visa fees,
- Cigarettes, tips, souvenirs and
- Any other items of a personal nature.
What to Expect on this Tour
- The thrill of trekking Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and the humbling experience of coming face to face with them as they feed, play, rest and bond with their young
- Viewing the awesome scenic features of the volcanic mountains
- Listening to heartrending accounts of the astonishing genocide that occurred in Rwanda in the late 1990s.
What You Carry For this Tour
- Water: Gorilla trekking can be very tiresome and you need to refill your tank as the trek goes on. It is advisable to park a few water filtration tablets before you come for the trek.
- Boots: You will need good waterproof comfortable shoes.
- Rain Jacket: You are advised to carry a rain jacket because if rains very often in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
- Snack: You can carry a light snack to give you some energy during the walk in the forest
- Trouser and Shirts Bwindi forest is covered with thick undergrowth, therefore light trousers and long-sleeved shirts are advised.
- Socks: You will have to tuck in the trousers into the socks to avoid insects crawling inside.
- Gloves: You will need Gardening gloves because you will be grabbing tree branches, and some can be thorny.
- Camera: Carry a good camera (no flash) to capture this lifetime experience