Best of Uganda & Rwanda

African Wildlife Foundation is pleased to offer and exclusive safari to explore the best of Uganda and Rwanda. During this 12-day adventure, you will have three exceptional encounters with the critically endangered mountain gorillas—a wildlife experience like no other. Additionally, you will traverse the Ishasha Plans in search of tree-climbing lions and trek through pristine rain forests to find humanity’s closest living relative, the common chimpanzee. From the game-rich savanna to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park to the lush mountain mosaic of Rwanda’s famed Volcanoes National park, travelers will have the opportunity to see truly unique wildlife. During your trip, you will stay at two award-winning luxury lodges, which were created by AWF to benefit the local community, and visit local AWF projects that are benefiting both people and wildlife. Accompanied by an AWF safari leader, Stephen Ham, this ultimate Central African expedition is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Please reserve soon, as the safari is limited to 12 guests.

Schedule & Map

• Day 1

  Kampala, Uganda

  Arrive at the airport in Entebbe, Uganda, and join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel in the capital city of Kampala.

  Emin Pasha D

   

• Days 2–3

  Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

  Travel overland to the heart of Uganda’s volcanic crater lake region and enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains. As you trek into the lush rain forest of Kibale in search of chimpanzees, take in the abundant bird life and expect to encounter at least five or six additional primate species. You will track chimps on two occasions. (Note: the walking is on reasonably flat terrain and trails are well-maintained.)

  Ndali Lodge B, L, D
   

• Days 4 – 6

  Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

  Continuing on your journey, today you will explore one of the most biologically diverse savannah parks in the world. Relax as you cruise along the waters of the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos, and watch for elephants, buffalo, and possibly lions along the riverbanks. Explore this central African savannah, spotting wildlife like the rare, giant forest hog and Ugandan kob. From your lodge, enjoy spectacular views across the park. Complete your stay at QENP at Ishasha Plains in search of the resident tree-climbing lions.

  Mweya Lodge & Ishasha Wilderness Camp B,L, D
   

• Days 7 – 8

  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

  Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi will mark the first of three mountain gorilla experiences. Tracking gorillas is a life-changing experience. Hike the steep slopes of this mountainous forest and have an eye-toeye encounter with these magnificent animals. (Note: the hiking requires moderate physical fitness.)

  Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge B,L,D
   

• Days 9 – 10

  Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

  You will track gorillas twice while in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, an area made famous by the work of Dian
  Fossey. Here, gorillas live on the slopes of ancient volcanoes and the terrain is quite different from Bwindi. Trek one or more hours through dense bamboo thickets, emerald meadows, and among mossladen hagenia trees to find Rwanda’s gorillas. Snap photos and revel in the moment as inquisitive youngsters play nearby and the silverback keeps a calm yet authoritative watch over the group.

  Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge B,L,D
   

• Day 11

  Volcanoes NP to Kigali, Rwanda

  After your final gorilla trek, drive to Rwanda’s bustling capital, where you will overnight. Reflect on your safari in Africa over dinner.

  Serena Hotel B,L,D
   

• Day 12

  Kigali, Rwanda

  On the last day, tour Kigali and the Rwandan Genocide museum before connecting to your international flight home. B, L