On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Route Wild representative and transferred to your Hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you can decide to explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and bars where you can sample the local beer and food.

Or if tired take a swim, nap, make yourself at home – unwind as you prepare for the start of the journey tomorrow. 

Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Overnight: Hotel No. 5/Karibu Guesthouse/Explorers Hub

Set off to Queen Elizabeth National park, this park is one of the most interesting destinations to visit while in Uganda, it is well known for its wildlife, beautiful scenery and landscape. You will drive directly to the park through the districts Masaka and Mbarara. Get to the park in time for lunch.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species.

Drift past local fishing villages, and soak up the peaceful tranquility of this beautiful African day. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change) 

Meal plan: Full Board (Alcohol not included)

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Mazike Lodge/ Parkview safari lodge

Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this park set in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds.

With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the park includes the southern Ishasha area with its tree climbing lions and Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda.  

Meal plan: Full Board (Alcohol not included)

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Mazike Lodge/ Parkview safari lodge

A 2-3 hour drive through scenic country brings you to Bwindi Forest National Park, a World Heritage site. Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees.

The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.   

Just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, cozy accommodations that offer a warm welcome, attentive service and uninterrupted views of the pristine rain. Relax and make yourself at home as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

Meal plan: Full Board (Alcohol not included)

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge/ Ichumbi gorilla Lodge/ Rushaga Gorilla Camp

One of the most humbling and enthralling wildlife experiences imaginable awaits your discovery. Coming face to face with an endangered mountain gorilla is something words cannot aptly describe.

Please note that gorilla trekking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is well worth the hike to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and it should be noted that sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are well over 95%.               

Head back to the Lodge to refresh, and later explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Optional activities that may be enjoyed in and around the park include forest walks, visits to a local school or orphanage or Batwa pygmy village, and curio shopping.   

Meal plan: Full Board (Alcohol not included)

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge/ Ichumbi gorilla Lodge/ Rushaga Gorilla Camp

From Bwindi, we drive through the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ along winding mountain roads, and through rural villages, to the border of Rwanda, Kisoro.

Here, on a clear day, the Virunga ranges can be seen ‘standing sentry’ along the border – a row of massive, dormant volcanoes watching over the region. Crossing into Rwanda, we continue to our Gorilla Trekking base, check into the lodge, relax and enjoy the view and sounds. 

Trekking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park is a very similar experience to that in Bwindi – just as challenging, equally memorable. If you’ve opted not to trek today, take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or enjoy forest walk with Golden Monkeys. You will only be able to enjoy one of these activities (as they all take place in the morning) and pre-booking is essential. 

Meal plan: Full Board (Alcohol not included)

Overnight: Bishop’s House/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Muhabura Lodge

After breakfast, check out of hotel and drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a bustling, clean and safe city. Lunch upon arrival in Kigali city. Optional visit to the haunting Genocide Museum. Drop off at airport for international flight back home. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

END OF TOUR