Located in the south eastern corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe forest national park has  the largest afro-montane forest in east and central Africa .  The park covers about 1000sqkms across some series of mountain ranges which  begin from Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda and Congo which extend southwards into the Lendu Plateau in eastern part of Congo and it is one of the most ancient. Nyungwe Forest is a high-altitude, mountainous rainforest in southern Rwanda established as a forest reserve in 1933.This park is an extremely  center of floral diversity with more than 200 different types of trees and a myriad of flowering plants like the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids. 980 km2 of nyugwe is typically tropical montane forest, combined with the Kibira National Park in Burundi to form the largest block of forest in east Africa. Important for its population of endemic species.

Flora and the fauna.

Nyungwe’s biodiversity is so much astonishing according to the African standards and is one of the most endemic species-rich areas in all of Africa. It is therefore an important water catchment for Rwanda containing so many natural resources integral to Rwanda’s human populations. Since it is in one of the most highly populated places in Africa with over 8 million people in a country the size of the state of Vermont in the United States. Nyungwe is under constant threat from anthropogenic and environmental stresses.

This forest supports over250 different species of trees, shrubs and a large number of flowering plants which include over 100 species of orchid and other huge Lobelia standing out on their own. Nyungwe forest  has got those different shades of green making it a very safe home to so many wild life species, there are about 13 species of primates that it harbors like the chimpanzees, the L’Hoest’s monkey, there is also the strong Angola colobus, mangaby and the blue monkey. This is the only place where we have seen troops of more than 300 colobus monkeys travelling in the trees. The park has 25 % of the primates of Africa with its 13 recorded primate species thus making it a primate paradise!

There are so many mammals that live in this forest like the leopard, golden cats, bush pigs and also the black fronted duiker thus making this park the most important ornithological site in Rwanda keeping 300 species of birds and half a dozen are in the Albertine rift valley. This park also has got numerous streams and waterfalls.

To get to and into the forest, there are well maintained walking trails through the forest leading to various points within the forest and a good winding roads passing through the forest following the mountain summits. This forest is one of the few forests in the world where one can see the rainforest canopy.

The primates species in this forest include the;

ü  Silver monkey.

ü  Golden monkey.

ü  Olive baboon.

ü  Red-tailed monkey.

ü  Dent’s Mona monkey.

ü  Vervet monkey.

ü  The common chimpanzee.

Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Peace Guest House
The ORTPN Rest House

A  driver guide from AA safaris and tours  will pick you up from your residence or Hotel in Kampala  and transfer you to Kabale .

Kabale is situated about 410 kilometres south-west of Kampala. After you cross the equator you drive through Masaka and later Mbarara on a good tarmac road. You will have lunch en route and then later you will go for an evening boat ride along Lake Bunyonyi . Lake Bunyonyi  gets its name from a Local word Bunyonyi  which is a bantu language word that means small birds  because it harbours so many small birds. It lies in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. It is about 25 km long and 7 km wide.  It is said to be the deepest lake in Uganda  for its depths  varies from 44m to 900 metre.  Enjoy your stay around the scenic Lake Bunyonyi as you wait for dinner and over night at ;

Budget -Bushara Island Camp

Moderate-  Arcadia Cottages/ Bunyonyi Overland Camp

Day 2 – To Rwanda – Volcanoes Np-  Time changes to GMT+02:00 Uganda  is GMT+03:00

Wake up early for breakfast and then later have a Kabale city tour before you proceed to the south western corner of Uganda where Ruhengeri lies. You will clear visas at the border . Note that you must check with your Rwanda embassy or  consulate in your country to ensure that you get a confirmation letter of  your  Rwanda visa before you  travel to any border because without the letter , you may not be allowed entry or visa to  Rwanda . Later enter Kinigi . Lunch en route.

Dinner and over night at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in GORILLA NEST LODGE /Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le Bambou Lodge / Hotel Gorillas Ruhengeri

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 3 gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Take breakfast and assemble at the Headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary official procedure for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest gorilla and apes experience ever! We will drive you to the inclines of one of the Virunga volcanoes for trekking . After the trekking, if time allows lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next day. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight .

Day 4  TREK BWINDI  FOREST  WHILE GORILLA TRACKING

You will drive back to Uganda – then to Bwindi Impenetrable forest Np. The Bwindi Impenetrable ancient equatorial forest is a habitat to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Looking profound into the animated brown eyes of the gentle giants is certainly the most exhilarating wildlife encounter in Africa. This national park has 90 mammal species including 11 primates, and the prominent black and white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail. You will have lunch along the way and then have dinner and overnight at

Budget Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas/ Virunga Hotel / Kisoro torist hotel/ Nkuringo safari Centre

Moderate – Lake Kitandara Lodge / Wag tail Eco Camp / Nkuringo camp site

Up market : Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla resort camp / Engagi lodge/ NKURINGO  Safari Lodge / Gorilla safari LOdge

Luxury : Clouds Lodge /Gorilla Forest Camp /  Mt Gahinga Lodge / Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

Day 5 GORILLA TRACKING day

Take breakfast and assemble at the starting point of gorilla trekking .

You will trek up then thickly forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas cloaked in the vegetation. An inspirational moment! (This walk takes from half an hour to 10 hours – a sensible amount of fitness is necessary as well as a sturdy pair of hiking shoes). Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male; the silverback. The ranger guides will provide the necessary information about the flora and fauna that you will encounter to make the trek more informative .

It is an extraordinary experience 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 gorgeous creatures left!

If you have the energy this afternoon, take a guided walk on the Munyaga River trail at an extra US$10. This trail leads to three delightful crystal clear waterfalls, and there is a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colorful array of butterflies. Here you may also see birds and primates from the forest edge.

OR If you have the afternoon free, how about a guided village walk at US$ 10 per person to see how the Ugandans live! Dinner and over night at your lodge

Day 6 To Queen Elizabeth Np

We will depart early with our packed lunch for Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will drive through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth known as Ishasha, famed for its tree-climbing lions. Ishasha is a remote and beautiful extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will see buffalo, topi and hippo among other species. It is a fabulous sight to see the lions draped from the trees and nowhere in Africa do you stand a better chance of seeing this than in the large low-limbed fig tree of Ishasha.

After checking in and having some time to relax, we will head for a late afternoon game drive. We often spot Elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos and others. Dinner and overnight at

Budget Instiitute of Ecology/ Simba safari Camp / Bush lodge

Moderate – Hippo Hill Lodge / Ihamba Lodge

Luxury  Mweya safari lodge / Jacana safari lodge/ Kyambura Game lodge

Day 7 The game drive and Launch cruise

Wake up early in the mornings and take cup of tea or coffee. Go for a game drive along Kasenyi track to search  for  Buffalos, Elephants, Warthogs, the elusive leopard, hyenas  and Lion. The search may take 3-4 hours . Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast. After lunch, a two-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga channel proffers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter at close quarters hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colorful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8 To Kibale Np – Chimp Tracking

Take your breakfast and proceed to to Kibale national park. A high light of visit to Kibale National Park will be the Chimpanzee tracking excursion that starts from Kanyankyu at 1400hrs . You will have lunch before proceeding to Kanyankyu for the trek. Start the trek to search for Man’s closest cousin .

Whilst in the forest, you can expect to see encounter other types of primates most probably the grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. You will listen to birds as they sing but it is very difficult to see any bird in the heart of forest-you are better off looking for them.  Suddenly you will see the chimps and then  transfer to  your lodge for  Dinner and overnight at

Budget – Chimps nest / Rujuni Guest house

Moderate – Rwenzori Vies guest house or its similar

Luxury – Ndali lodge/ Mountains of the moons lodge or you may stay at the Primates lodge

Day 9 To Murchison Falls Np

You will transfer to Murchison falls Np via Hoima . Lunch en route. On arrival , you will vVisit the top of the falls and then retire for dinner and overnight at

Budget – Red Chillis Camp / Budongo Eco lodge

Moderate -  Sambiya River Lodge

Luxury :  Paraa Lodge or Nile  safari Camp

Day 10 The game drive and Launch cruise

Wake up early morning for a cup of coffee or tea then set off for a 3-4 hours game drive on the northern Bank of the Nile River. . Expect encounters of Game in this park that include Rothschild Giraffe, Elephant, Jackson Hartebeest, Lions, Waterbucks and a variety of Savannah woodland birds. Return to your lodge. Have a mid morning breakfast and relax as you wait for lunch. IN the afternoon, you will go for your reserved private boat ride along the Nile to view aqua game and avian species at close proximity. This is a unique encounter with a family of hippos , crocodiles, among other animals. For those interested in birds, watch out for the legendary shoe Bill stork if you are lucky and many other bird species. Then take dinner and overnight at Your lodge.

Day 11 Return to Kampala

You will return to Kampala – Lunch en route .  if you have time , there is an optional visit to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary at an extra cost . We will let you know of the extra cost once you  inquire.

OR book a private gorilla safari .

Day 1: – PICK UP IN KIGALI-  Genocide memorial visit and transfer to Ruhengeri

Our gorilla trekking representative will meet with you and brief you  about your  booked gorilla tracking tour with AA SAFARIS AND TOURS  .   If you arrive early enough, you will indulge in a Kigali City tour. Kigali is the Capital City of Rwanda.   It is a beautiful small city and some refer to it as   the city of thousand hills. Kigali  is 70% urban with a significant part that is rural with a population of relatively youth making up about 60% and women making slightly more  of the percentage.  Kigali city is inhabited by approximately 1 million inhabitants and it harbors one of the most famous and informative Genocide memorials . The genocide memorial centre consists of  three permanent exhibition centers which include ;Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre, the largest of which gives a  documentary of  1994 genocide.   The centre also has a children’s memorial centre, and  it is  an exhibition on the history of several genocide hostility  around the world. The place is a true exhibition and a meaningful tribute to those who lost their loved ones as well as a form of a powerful educational tool for the new generations. After the city tour , you will be transferred to Kinigi  now known as Musanze for diner and over nights at

Either;
Budget – KINIGI GUEST HOUSE
Mid RANGE – GORILLA VIEW LODGE / LEBAMBOU LODGE/ HOTEL GORILLAS/ GORILLA  NEST CAMP
LUXURY- SABINYO SILVER BACK LODGE / VIRUNGA LODGE.

Day 2: PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS   and GORILLA   TREK

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and other formalities. Then drive on the brim of Parc National des Volcans depending on the group  or family of gorilla that you will be allocated to trek.  Thereafter go through the park for Gorilla trekking. The time taken to look out for the gorillas will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because gorilla tracking takes place in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before  tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a backbreaking walk is a worthwhile!  If time allows, you will visit the little known but eloquently gorgeous twin lakes of BULERA & RUHONDO at an extra cost .

Dinner & Overnight at the lodge of your budget.

Day 3: SHOPPING AND DEPARTURE – gorilla tour aftermath.
On this day you can relax before your flight connections or go for last minute shopping before being driven to the airport for your outbound flight.

Day 2-  To Murchison falls Np  – Visit the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary and then the top of the falls- Stay at either

Budget Red Chillis Camp

Moderate Sambiya River Lodge / Budongo Ecolodge /

Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile safari Camp

Day 3-  Game drive and launch cruise – stay at the lodge of your budget

Day 4- Chimpazee tracking in  Budongo forest and transfer to Hoima- Afternoon nature walk

Stay at either -

Budget Hoima Kolping Hotel

Stadard- Hoima Kontik Hotel / African Village Hotel

Day 5 – Transfer to Fortportal -  Fortportal City tour – Visit the Amebere Ganyinamwiru

Stay at either -

Budget -Primates Lodge cottages/ Rwenzori View Guest house

Moderate -  Nyinabilitwa Country resort

Luxury – Kyaninga Lodge / Primates Lodge Tents / Ndali lodge/ Mountains of the moon Lodge

Day 6-  Chimpanzee tracking  -  Nature walk in Bigodi- stay at the lodge of your budget

Day 7-  Early morning nature walk in Ndali crater lakes region. Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Np – Visit the Crater lake region in Queen Elizabeth Np;

Budget   – Simba safari  lodge / Bush Lodge

Moderate -  Ihamba Lodge / Hippo Hill camp

Luxury -Mweya safari Lodge / Katara Lodge

Day 8-  Game drive and launch cruise – dinner and over night at your lodge

Day 9 – Transfer to Bwindi Np -

Budget accommodation package- Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas or Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre

Moderate- accommodation package- Lake Kitandara camp or Nkuringo camp site or Wagtail Eco lodge or similar

Upmarket  accommodation package- Engagi lodge or Buhoma lodge or Gorilla Resort camp or Traveler’s rest camp or Silver back lodg

Luxury accommodation package- Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge  or Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge , or Volcanoes Bwindi  safari Lodge

Day 10 Gorilla Tracking -   dinner and over night at your lodge

Day 11-  Transfer to  Kigali- Kigali city tour and then later transfer to Ruhengeri

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house.

Moderate accommodation in  GORILLA NEST LODGE or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge or sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 12- Gorilla Tracking and afternoon visit to the twin Lakes of Ruhundo and Bulera

Day 13-  Transfer to  Kabale -  Visit the local museum , afternoon boat ride

Stay at either -

Bushara Island Camp – Budget

Moderate – Bunyonyi Ovverland camp / Arcadia Cottages

Luxury – Heritage lodge

Day 14- Transfer to Lake Mburo Np – nature walk in the salt lick area

Stay at either ;

-Budget- Rwonyo bandas

Moderate – Arcadia cottage Lake Mburo

Luxury – Mihingo Lodge / Mantana Luxury camp

Day 15- game drive and then transfer to Kampala

On arrival , you will be welcomed by a tour guide from AA Safaris and tours ltd  who will brief you and transfer you  to Kigali . Indulge  in a Kigali city tour  -  Visit the genocide memorial and some other cultural centres.  Retire for dinner and over nights .

Budget : Chezlando Hotel

Moderate accommodation package: Hotel Des Mille Collines/  Hotel Umubano / Hotel Gorillas

Luxury: KIGALI SERENA HOTEL

Day 2 Kigali – AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Take breakfast and   then you will be transferred to  Akagera National .  Check in and then later have lunch . In the afternoon , you will indulge  in a game drive .   Akagera NP is a home to various savannah  wildlife  which include; Zebras, Girrafees, antelopes which include the diminutive Oribi, the ungainly Tsessebe and the shy Bushbucks,  Herds of buffalos and elephants come out of the savannah in the evening to drink some water from the edge of the  Akagera river. The park is also home to  over  525 species of birds, 4 endemics and big numbers of birds migrating from elsewhere and during a walk in this savannah one can get an opportunity to see the spotted hyenas, warthog and occasionally have a stray lion moving around.  The park also hosts acquatic mammals that include hippos, crocodiles while the  shoebill stock which is the treasure of the Akagera together with the papyrus Gonolek are always   seen occasionally .  You will return for dinner and over night at either;

Budget : Centre St Joseph

Moderate : Akagera Lodge (FB)

Day 3  GAME DRIVE IN AKAGERA AND A  BOAT RIDE  ALONG AKAGERA RIVER

Indulge in an early morning game drive to search for those animals that you may have not seen in the previous game drive .  the guide will help you search and spot the animals and then latter transfer to the lodge.   Have lunch and then go for a boat-trip along Akagera River  to search for those famous  and legendary aquatic mammals – the Hippos and Crocodiles.  Dinner and over night  at your lodge.

Day 4 AKAGERA – KIGALI

Indulge in another Game drive in the morning then head to Mt Mutumba(1825M above sea level) for Picnic lunch  . The mountain has  magnificent  scenic view  of the park. . You will later transfer to Kigali for  dinner and over night at your lodge in Kigali .

Day 5 TRANSFER TO  KIGALI – BUTARE – NYUNGWE

Drive to Butare to Visit the National museum and then the Nyanza hill . later transfer to Nyungwe forest National park for dinner and over night at  either

Budget : Gisakura Guesthouse

Luxury : Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 6 CHIMPANZEES AND PRIMATES WALK IN NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

You will indulge in Chimpanzee tracking.   Search for  man’s closest cousin the Chimpanzees  with the aid of the rangers who will also  give you the names and knowledge about the other flora and fauna that you will encounter along the Chimpanzee trekking tour in Nyungwe forest.

Later return to the lodge  for lunch . In the afternoon  , there is an optional visit to Uwinka and then later retire for dinner and over night at your lodge

Day 7 NYUNGWE FOREST

Make a nature walk  this time to search  for Colobus monkeys . The guides will this time explain  to you the names of the birds along this trail together with the flora and Fauna .  return to the lodge for lunch . Later relax  as you wait for dinner and over night at your lodge.

Day 8  TRANSFER  FROM NYUNGWE  TO  KIBUYE (LAKE KIVU)

Take your breakfast and drive to the Bugarama hot water springs (the largest and biggest natural spring in Rwanda) via Cyamudongo natural forest. It is possible to take a warm bath in the hot springs if time allows but this must be pre arranged so that we plan   for it before .  We will later drive  to River Rusizi for a day trip with lunch and fresh drinks and then later transfer to Kibuye town.

Budget: Bethanie hotel

Upmarket  Moriah Hills  Hotel

Day 9 TRANSFER FROM KIBUYE TO GISENYI (LAKE KIVU)

Wake up   and take your breakfast . This time not so early and then later relax . In the mid morning , you will  transfer to Gisenyi .

BUDGET : Ubumwe Hotel / MALAHIDE  PARADISE

UPMARKET :  KIVU SERENA HOTEL

Day 10   FROM Gisenyi  TO  Volcanoes National Park

Take breakfast and later go  for nature walk along the shore of Lake Kivu  or take a boat ride along Lake Kivu and later have lunch . In the afternoon , you will transfer to Parc Des Volcans.

Budget : Kinigi Guest House /     Muhabura  Hotel
Standard :Mountain Gorilla Nest camp / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le-Bamboo Gorilla Lodge Upmarket : Virunga Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge

Day 11 GORILLA SAFARI RWANDA- GORILLA TREKKING

Take breakfast and then later take your packed lunch with you for briefing at the ORTPN offices for briefing for gorilla tracking escorts and rangers.  You will then start tracking gorillas in Rwanda.

The bamboo forest logs  will dribble as you first perceive sound the breaking of bamboo  indicating that the  gorillas are nearer   then bingo  you  face to face with one of the most charming and mesmerizing beings in the world.  After gorilla tracking and encounter, stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then and   trek back to your  lodge .   There is an optional visit to the twin lakes of Ruhundo and Bulera  but this can only be done if   gorilla tracking ends early .

Relax as you wait for dinner and over night at your lodge

Day 12  GOLDEN  MONKEY TREKKING

Wake up early in the morning and then assemble at  the  ORTPN  Offices once again to get another briefing from the rangers to prepare you for Golden monkey trekking .  Golden monkeys are

Medium budget: Muhabura Hotel (BB)

High budget: Le-Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (FB)

Day 13 DIAN FOSSEY WALK

Take a trek to the grave of the late famous gorilla s research – Dian Fossey . The trek is shorter and may take 3 hours .  The rangers will explain all the history of how  the lady was assassinated and what impact her research has done to  help in the conservation of the gorillas. Later , return  and transfer to  Kigali .Dinner and over night  at your lodge in Kigali

Day 14Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight

Flight

A  tour Guide will  AA SAFARIS AND TOURS will pick you up from your hotel in  Entebbe and transfer you to the pier . You will take a Boat to Ngamba Island . Cross the Equator and then you will arrive at the site . On arrival , you will be briefed about the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary  chimpanzee viewing and then  later escorted to the  Chimpanzee viewing plat form .  You will   view  mans’ Closest Cousins the Chimpanzee feeding ; it is amazing to see that these  apes behave just like man – when they scribble  and scrumble for food just to feed them selves , their children and keep or even hide some food for  later .   You will later go for lunch in thee dining area .   Dinner and over night at  G&C  Luxury Tented Camps

Day 2- FOREST WALK AT NGAMBA ISLAND ( SUBJECT TO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF IMMUNISATION INNOCULATIONS AS A PREREQUISITE).

Guest  to Ngamba can partake in the incorporation program of the chimpanzees by taking part in the exterior area integration or the forest walk program.  As  part of the team going out in the field with the infants,  you will give them prop by holding them, as  they may require when they are  instituted  to the elder folks.  They are also often  showed different parts of the forest to orient  and make them feel safe and secure after having passed through a lot of insecurity. You will be among several chimpanzees aged between  5 – 9 years and  will  have direct contact as we orient them to a new life in the forest . Or a  possible future release program back to the wild.  The forest walk is indeed  enjoyable and an exhilarating experience that one may not miss when doing a  primates safari in Africa .  You will later return and take your boat ride to the main land from where an agent from AA safaris and tours Ltd will meet with you and transfer you to your lodge or hotel for dinner and overnight

Day 3- TO LAKE MBURO NP

Wake up early enough and take your breakfast.  A tour guide from AA safaris and tours ltd will pick you up from Kampala and drive you south westwards. Take a stopover at the equator and then later transfer to  Mbarara .  You will then proceed to Lake Mburo NP.      Have lunch ,   Indulge in an afternoon Canoe Ride and then in the evening,   go for a nature walk to the salt lick area. The salt lick is where most animals in this park come to lick salt. Viewing is aided  by a timber watching platform.

You will retire for  dinner and over night at either ;

Budget – Rwonyo UWA bandas

Moderate- Arcadia Cottages

Luxury – Mihingo Lodge / Mantana  Luxury tented camp

Day 4-  Game drive and then transfer to   Kibale Np

You will indulge in a game drive in Lake Mburo Np and then later transfer to  Kibale Np .  Located 26km   at  the south-east of Fort Portal town Kibale National park  is home to  over 14 species of primates that include the Colobus monkeys , Chimpanzee , the blue mangabeys , red tailed monkeys , baboons tomention but a few .     You may stay at either Fort portal town or  in Kibale National park .

Dinner and over night at

Budget – Chimps Nest camp / Rujuni Guest house/ Primates Cottages

Standard – Nyinabulitwa Country resort or Rwenzori view Guest house/ Kibale Forest Lodge

Luxury – Primates Lodge cottages/ Kyaninga lodge / Ndali lodge / Mountains of the moon Lodge

Day 5 -     CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN KIBALE FOREST – THEN TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP-

Wake up early in the morning and assemble at  Kanyankyu tourist centre  for briefing .  You will later go for Chimpanzee trekking. Along the trek, you may encounter birds, animals like an elephant which is hairy and smaller than its savannah counterparts.   The rangers will explain all the details about flora and fauna found in Kibale Forest.   Later, you will encounter chimpanzee in the forest . Return and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP .  On arrival at Queen Elizabeth NP , you will take a tour around the crater lakes region after which you will transfer to your lodge for dinner and over night at ;

Budget- Simba safari lodge / Bush Camp

Moderate – Ihamba Lodge / Hippo Hill camp

Luxury- Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana safari lodge / Katara Lodge / Kyambura Game lodge

Day 6- game drive and launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP

Wake up early in the mornings and take cup of tea or coffee. Go for a game drive along Kasenyi track to search  for  Buffalos, Elephants, Warthogs, the elusive leopard, hyenas  and Lion. The search may take 3-4 hours . Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast. After lunch, a two-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga channel proffers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter at close quarters hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colorful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 7 – Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge – Transfer to Bwindi Np –

Wake up for breakfast and then later convene at the  Kyambura Gorge to start the chimpanzee trek.   The Kyambura gorge is situated  south of Lake George and east of Queen Elizabeth National Park  where the Kazinga Channel  separates from  the lake, flowing to the  Lake Edward side. Even though it has an  alike ecology with QENP, the ordinary blockades shaped by the Kyambura Gorge and Kazinga Channel make it likely to handle the area as a secede entity. Kyambura gorge is  shock absorber for the north-eastern part of  Queen Elizabeth Np . There is no land link between the reserve and the park, animals simply cross the Kyambura river where it is shallowest during the dry seasons to move between the protected areas. The river gorge manacles a high-canopy humid forest which scores to a swamp-forest and papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) marsh near  the moth of the Kyambura river. The eastern border go after  the Buhindagi river from Lake George, south-east to Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve (a damp semi-deciduous forest not presently included within the IBA) where the boundaries of the Forest and Wildlife Reserves adjoin.  The  Kyambura reserve  is a home to  both fresh and salty  volcanic lakes . The most important   salty lakes  include;   Lake Bagusa, Lakes Nshenyi and Maseche while Lakes Kararo, Chibwera , Kinera, and Kyamwiga have fresh water and more to see.

You will leave for Bwindi Forest National Park. If weather allows , you will drive  through the  seasonal southern sector of Queen Elizabeth – the Famous Ishasha Sector- renown for  tree climbing lions .  The Ishasha sector gets its name from the Ishasha River from which was named locally . The word Ishasha means  intensively cultivated steep sided hills. The river flows intensively and  as a result carries a high runoff load from the fields.  Have a game drive in the Ishasha sector and later drive to   Bwindi, home to the legendary mountain gorillas! Avian and primate life in Bwindi is excellent and there is an implausible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers paradise! It  is a home to 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey’s plodding ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, delimited by nurturing cultivation on the rich volcanic soils. Dinner and overnight at

Budget accommodation package- Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas or Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre

Moderate- accommodation package- Lake Kitandara camp or Nkuringo camp site or Wagtail Eco lodge or similar

Upmarket  accommodation package- Engagi lodge or Buhoma lodge or Gorilla Resort camp or Traveler’s rest camp or Silver back lodge

Luxury accommodation package- Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge  or Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge , or Volcanoes Bwindi  safari Lodge

DAY 8 GORILLA TRACKING AFRICA

Take breakfast  and later go for briefing  from rangers . Start your trekking gorilla in Africa. You will then be led  through the forest pushing your way through the bushes, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas. (This trek can take from 1 hour  to 10 hours  and a rational  amount of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of  hiking boots).   On encounter , you will  stay in the forest among the gorillas for 1 hour , eavesdropping  to them grouse to each other and wonder at the sheer size of the dominant male-  the silverback! It is an amazing feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the World. It’s astonishing to think there are only about 650 of these gorgeous beings left. Overnight at  your lodge.

Day  9 -  TO RWANDA – Volcanoes Np-  Time changes to GMT+02:00 Uganda  is GMT+03:00

Wake up early for breakfast and then later have a Kabale city tour before you proceed to the south western corner of Uganda where Ruhengeri lies. You will clear visas at the border . Note that you must check with your Rwanda embassy or  consulate in your country to ensure that you get a confirmation letter of  your  Rwanda visa before you  travel to any border because without the letter , you may not be allowed entry or visa to  Rwanda . Later enter Kinigi . Lunch en route.

Dinner and over night at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in GORILLA NEST LODGE /Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le Bambou Lodge / Hotel Gorillas Ruhengeri

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 10 gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and formalities. (your driver-guide will take care of all the formalities ).  He will then  drive  you along the brim of Parc National des Volcans.  Thereafter , you will start gorilla tracking through the park .The time taken to look out for these gentle apes will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because the search is in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before   tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a strenuous walk is a worthwhile!   If  gorilla tracking ends early , visit of the Iby’Iwacu traditional village (a community based tourism scheme  set by the  local people to display their  traditional ways of living).

Take lunch and then transfer  to Gisenyi one  of  the  districts on shores of Lake Kivu.  The drive takes about one hour and a half . Have fun at the magnificent Lake Kivu surrounding! (B-L-D)

Dinner & Overnight at  either;

Standard  – Malahide Paradise

Luxury – Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 11-     Boat ride on Lake Kivu  to Kibuye

You  may choose to indulge in  a one hours boat ride in Lake Kivu back to Gisenyi  or a Boat ride to the Napoleon Hut in Kibuye . Note that the boat ride to the Napoloen hut take 4-5 hours and this will mean that  your tour guide will have to drive to the other side( Kibuye)  of Lake Kivu before you board the board so that he reaches on time to pick you up .  This can be arrange according to your own choice and  the prices for both boat rides are different .

Note that there is also a genocide memorial church in Kibuye where over 4000 people  where killed .

You will later be transferred to Kigali for dinner and over night  at

Budget – Hotel Chez land o

Moderate – Umubano Hotel / Hotel Gorillas

Luxury – Hotel des Mille Collines or Kigali Serena Hotel

Day  12-  Transfer to The airport .

Transfer to Kigali or Entebbe for your next flight back home .

Wake up early enough and take your breakfast.  A tour guide from AA safaris and tours ltd will pick you up from Kampala and drive you south westwards. Take a stopover at the equator and then later transfer to  Mbarara .  You will then proceed to Lake Mburo NP.      Have lunch ,   Indulge in an afternoon Canoe Ride and then in the evening,   go for a nature walk to the salt lick area. The salt lick is where most animals in this park come to lick salt. Viewing is aided  by a timber watching platform.

You will retire for  dinner and over night at either ;

Budget – Rwonyo UWA bandas

Moderate- Arcadia Cottages

Luxury – Mihingo Lodge / Mantana  Luxury tented camp

Day 2-  Game drive and then transfer to   Kibale Np

You will indulge in a game drive in Lake Mburo Np and then later transfer to  Kibale Np .  Located 26km   at  the south-east of Fort Portal town Kibale National park  is home to  over 14 species of primates that include the Colobus monkeys , Chimpanzee , the blue mangabeys , red tailed monkeys , baboons tomention but a few .     You may stay at either Fort portal town or  in Kibale National park .

Dinner and over night at

Budget – Chimps Nest camp / Rujuni Guest house/ Primates Cottages

Standard – Nyinabulitwa Country resort or Rwenzori view Guest house/ Kibale Forest Lodge

Luxury – Primates Lodge cottages/ Kyaninga lodge / Ndali lodge / Mountains of the moon Lodge

Day 3 -     CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN KIBALE FOREST – THEN TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP-

Wake up early in the morning and assemble at  Kanyankyu tourist centre  for briefing .  You will later go for Chimpanzee trekking. Along the trek, you may encounter birds, animals like an elephant which is hairy and smaller than its savannah counterparts.   The rangers will explain all the details about flora and fauna found in Kibale Forest.   Later, you will encounter chimpanzee in the forest . Return and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP .  On arrival at Queen Elizabeth NP , you will take a tour around the crater lakes region after which you will transfer to your lodge for dinner and over night at ;

Budget- Simba safari lodge / Bush Camp

Moderate – Ihamba Lodge / Hippo Hill camp

Luxury- Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana safari lodge / Katara Lodge / Kyambura Game lodge

Day 4- game drive and launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP

Wake up early in the mornings and take cup of tea or coffee. Go for a game drive along Kasenyi track to search  for  Buffalos, Elephants, Warthogs, the elusive leopard, hyenas  and Lion. The search may take 3-4 hours . Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast. After lunch, a two-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga channel proffers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter at close quarters hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colorful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge – Transfer to Bwindi Np –

Wake up for breakfast and then later convene at the  Kyambura Gorge to start the chimpanzee trek.   The Kyambura gorge is situated  south of Lake George and east of Queen Elizabeth National Park  where the Kazinga Channel  separates from  the lake, flowing to the  Lake Edward side. Even though it has an  alike ecology with QENP, the ordinary blockades shaped by the Kyambura Gorge and Kazinga Channel make it likely to handle the area as a secede entity. Kyambura gorge is  shock absorber for the north-eastern part of  Queen Elizabeth Np . There is no land link between the reserve and the park, animals simply cross the Kyambura river where it is shallowest during the dry seasons to move between the protected areas. The river gorge manacles a high-canopy humid forest which scores to a swamp-forest and papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) marsh near  the moth of the Kyambura river. The eastern border go after  the Buhindagi river from Lake George, south-east to Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve (a damp semi-deciduous forest not presently included within the IBA) where the boundaries of the Forest and Wildlife Reserves adjoin.  The  Kyambura reserve  is a home to  both fresh and salty  volcanic lakes . The most important   salty lakes  include;   Lake Bagusa, Lakes Nshenyi and Maseche while Lakes Kararo, Chibwera , Kinera, and Kyamwiga have fresh water and more to see.

You will leave for Bwindi Forest National Park. If weather allows , you will drive  through the  seasonal southern sector of Queen Elizabeth – the Famous Ishasha Sector- renown for  tree climbing lions .  The Ishasha sector gets its name from the Ishasha River from which was named locally . The word Ishasha means  intensively cultivated steep sided hills. The river flows intensively and  as a result carries a high runoff load from the fields.  Have a game drive in the Ishasha sector and later drive to   Bwindi, home to the legendary mountain gorillas! Avian and primate life in Bwindi is excellent and there is an implausible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers paradise! It  is a home to 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey’s plodding ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, delimited by nurturing cultivation on the rich volcanic soils. Dinner and overnight at

Budget accommodation package- Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas or Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre

Moderate- accommodation package- Lake Kitandara camp or Nkuringo camp site or Wagtail Eco lodge or similar

Upmarket  accommodation package- Engagi lodge or Buhoma lodge or Gorilla Resort camp or Traveler’s rest camp or Silver back lodge

Luxury accommodation package- Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge  or Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge , or Volcanoes Bwindi  safari Lodge

DAY6 GORILLA TRACKING AFRICA

Take breakfast  and later go for briefing  from rangers . Start your trekking gorilla in Africa. You will then be led  through the forest pushing your way through the bushes, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas. (This trek can take from 1 hour  to 10 hours  and a rational  amount of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of  hiking boots).   On encounter , you will  stay in the forest among the gorillas for 1 hour , eavesdropping  to them grouse to each other and wonder at the sheer size of the dominant male-  the silverback! It is an amazing feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the World. It’s astonishing to think there are only about 650 of these gorgeous beings left. Overnight at  your lodge.

Day  7-  TO RWANDA – Volcanoes Np-  Time changes to GMT+02:00 Uganda  is GMT+03:00

Wake up early for breakfast and then later have a Kabale city tour before you proceed to the south western corner of Uganda where Ruhengeri lies. You will clear visas at the border . Note that you must check with your Rwanda embassy or  consulate in your country to ensure that you get a confirmation letter of  your  Rwanda visa before you  travel to any border because without the letter , you may not be allowed entry or visa to  Rwanda . Later enter Kinigi . Lunch en route.

Dinner and over night at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in GORILLA NEST LODGE /Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le Bambou Lodge / Hotel Gorillas Ruhengeri

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 8 gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and formalities. (your driver-guide will take care of all the formalities ).  He will then  drive  you along the brim of Parc National des Volcans.  Thereafter , you will start gorilla tracking through the park .The time taken to look out for these gentle apes will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because the search is in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before   tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a strenuous walk is a worthwhile!   If  gorilla tracking ends early , visit of the Iby’Iwacu traditional village (a community based tourism scheme  set by the  local people to display their  traditional ways of living).

Take lunch and then transfer  to Gisenyi one  of  the  districts on shores of Lake Kivu.  The drive takes about one hour and a half . Have fun at the magnificent Lake Kivu surrounding! (B-L-D)

Dinner & Overnight at  either;

Standard  – Malahide Paradise

Luxury – Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 9-     Boat ride on Lake Kivu  to Kibuye

Indulge in  a boat ride to the Napoleon Hut 4-5 hours  . Your tour guide will be waiting for  you in Kibuye . He will take you for lunch and an afternoon visit to the Genocide memorial church around where over 4000 people were killed. Dinner and over night at ;

Budget – Home St John

Standard- Kibuye Guest House/  Hotel Centre Bethanie

Luxury – Moriah Hotel

Day  10-  Transfer to Nyungwe Np – 133 Km 4 hours drive

You will wake up early enough for breakfast and start your journey to Butare then Nyungwe p .

Butare – the second largest city of Rwanda  is reffered to an an  intellectual city of Rwanda. It  is a home to the  National Museum, many  universities as well as research institutions.  Along your way to  Butare , you will stop at Gitarama for a tour to the Cathedral of Kabagayi which was built by the White Fathers. Who were thr first  Catholic missionaries in Rwanda . The church was  built in 1900  and it is  located at Saves Hills, only a few  miles  from Butare.

Also Tour Nyanza  which is now known as  Nyabisindu the former King’s( who  in Kinyarwanda is referred to at Umwami’s )  palace  and the seat of the federal realm.  It is at Nyanza where the  first Europeans  who were Germans  came to visit the Umwami. The palace was refurbished to  its 19th century state and shows a customary dome that can match up  with the Kabaka’s palace of Buganda Kingdom in Uganda.
Have lunch in Butare and then head to  the National Museum of Rwanda  one of the premium ethnographic museum in East Africa.  The  Museum is a better  source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda and the region.   Later drive to Nyungwe Forest National park for dinner and vernight at either ;

Budget – Gisakura guest House

Luxury – Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 11-   Morning or Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking

You may choose to do a morning or An Afternoon Chimpanzee tracking  or Colobus Monkey Trekking .

Take Breakfast and then assemble at Uwinka tourist information centre for briefing before you start your hike in Nyungwe forest .

Nyungwe Forest NP  hosts  25% of the African Primates!  The forest has   craggy and sheer landscape which a high altitude..  Good  hiking boots are highly recommended  .  On your special interests,  you will have a selection of diverse chances to discover the largest high elevation rainforest of East Africa!  The commonest species  are the large communal troops of Angolan Colobus (Colobus angolensis), which may be over 300 in number .    The park is a home to the biggest troops of  Angola Colobuses  than any other place in the world.  One of these groups is semi-habituated and we recommend to start your exploration with a guided primate walk in search of the Angolan Colobus monkeys (black and white Colobus)! Rangers   may know where these primates may be found but  the hiking times may vary with their unpredictable movements as they search for food in their habitat. It may be a strenuous walk but rangers always make it more enjoyable and informative by  giving you information about the flora and fauna that you encounter while on the walk .

Have Lunch . The exploration continues in the afternoon along  different beautiful trails available  then encounter  the superb waterfall trail of Gisakura is probably the most thrilling along .The afternoon trek may take  2 up to 3 hours and is a very enjoyable hike that can be managed  by any body! If you missed the Angola Colobus in the morning primates trek then  can  try  to trek towards  the tea factory where another troop is hosted.  An encounter is a thrilling moment!

You will be welcomed back by  your driver guide from AA safaris and Tours who will brief you about your trek for the next day . Dinner and Overnight at the   lodge of your budget .

Day 12-  Transfer to Kigali

You will be transferred to Kigali .   Visit the genocide memorial and then later  have lunch. Transfer to the airport for your next flight back home. Thank you for choosing AA SAFARIS AND TOURS LTD.

DAY 1-   TRANSFER TO MURCHISON FALLS NP.

A representative from AA safaris and tours will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala and drive   towards the Northern part of Uganda. You will pass via Luwero and then Masindi . Visit the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary a home to some of the rescued Rhinos . You will indulge in Rhino tracking and then have lunch . After transfer to Murchison falls NP. Murchison Falls National Park  is a magnificent Savanna Wildlife National Park found in North western Uganda.  The park covers 3,840km2 and has the most intense concentration of animals along the river.  The park has the spectacular Murchison Falls where the River Nile  plunges  itself  into  a narrow gorge  48  from a 7 metres wide crevice – an amazing outlook!. The  park  has a  variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamp lands to broad savannah and it  provides the opportunity of seeing many of the animals found in Uganda almost all Uganda’s National Parks . In the southern section of the park is the beautiful  Budongo  Forest which harbors  a variety of primates that include Chimpanzee.    Dinner and over night at
Budget -  Red Chillis Camp /  Sambiya Bandas /  any other budget accommodation around  in case there is no availability in any of the above mentioned.
Standard- Sambiya  River Lodge Cottages / Budongo Eco Lodge
Luxury – Nile Safari camp / Paraa safari Lodge .

Day 2- GAME DRIVE IN MURCHISON FALLS & LAUNCH CRUISE ALONG THE VICTORIA NILE.

Take a cup of coffee or tea to warm up for your early morning game drive.  You will then transfer to the northern sector or Murchison Falls Np .  Indulge in  a game drive. Your driver guide will help you search and spot the savannah wildlife in this park that include; giraffe, Elephants, Hyenas ,  the Uganda Kob , bush backs , water bucks , leopards , orbi and many other animals ,   birds like the crested crane,  black and white eagle will be seen along the search and if you are lucky , you will encounter the legendary shoe bill and many other animals .    Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast and then relax as you wait for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will assemble at the starting point of the launch for a cruise along the Victoria Nile.  The River Nile is a home to one of Africa’s densest hippo and crocodile populations and a stunning diversity of water birds which include the world’s most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork. The rangers will give you a clearer explanation whilst on the boat after which you will reach the bottom of the falls.    A sight of the crocodiles sun bathing as well as hippos yawning  is an exhilarating experience .

You will return to your accommodation for dinner and over night.

Day 3- TRANSFER TO HOIMA.

You will transfer to Hoima. Have lunch at Hoima Kontik hotel and then later relax at the hotel . There are several activities  that you can indulge in at Hoima Kontik .Horse riding is a well-liked activity for knowledgeable and apprentice riders,Watch the weekends big sports events on our wide screen tv .

Bird Watching in your gardens is  a famous  activity  for apprentice birders. Over 50 species can be observed within a stones throw especially in the early morning hours.Kontiki boosts of a well maintained fruit orchard where our guests get to harvest fresh fruits for their breakfast.

Note that the above activities are optional and anyone interested in them must inform us and ask for quotes at the time of booking .  You are advised to book just one of them because the next morning needs an early morning start.

Dinner and over night at Kontik Hotel .

Day 4- TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK.

You will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth Np. The 1978Km2 Queen Elizabeth Np  is strategically located on the rift  valley Floor in between Lake Edward and George where a medley of habitat supports 95 mammal species  and  an extraordinary   assortment  of avian species  above 612 .  40 years ago , Douglas  Willock 2nd  lieutenant in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry  described Queen Elizabeth Np   as a home of diverse features .   The park forms part of  an extensive  system of contiguous protected areas which include  the Kyambura  Wildlife reserve, Kalinzu Forest reserve as well as Kyambura game reserve and it is neighbored by  Kibale Np  and the 2000 Km 2DRC’s Virunga National Park . Rwenzori  Np a is also Nearer to the park as well as Bwindi Np .   You will arrive in the late afternoon and have lunch after which you will indulge in an evening game drive .  The game drive in Queen Elizabeth  Np  will expose you to several unique Animals that Queen Elizabeth harbours amongst which is the Elephants, Leopards, Hartebeests , Lions, Hyenas, bufallos, the Legendary Eland  and Topis  and many more .The bird species that you may spot include the Martial eagle,  Chapin’s Flycather, pink-backed buttonquail, African Skimmer , pin-backed pelican , white winged webler  among others .  You will later retire for dinner and over night   at
Budget – Bush lodge / Simba safari Camp
Standard – Ihamba Lodge or Hippo Hill Camp
Luxury – Mweya safari Lodge / Jacana safari /  Kyambura Game lodge / Katara Lodge.

Day 4 Game drives in Queen Elizabeth Np and launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel

Having taken a cup of tea or coffee to warm up, you will then head to Kasenyi for an early morning game drive.  You will search for those animals that you may have missed out in the evening game drive with the aid of your driver guide. Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast and then relax as you wait for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go for a launch cruise along the Kazinga channel.  The 40Kilo metres long canal connects Lake George to Lake Edward  and gives the park  a major wildlife display.  Its banks attract a  big  number of birds, mammals and reptiles all year around.   It is here that most animals come to take water   while a bird watcher will be on a treat of so many migrant and non migrant birds just standing on the bank – an amazing eye catch!  The guide on the boat will provide you will details  of all encounters. Dinner and over night at your lodge.

DAY 5-  CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN KALINZU OR KYAMBURA GORGE – TO BWINDI

Wake up early enough to take breakfast and drive to the starting points of Chimpanzee trekking .  You will indulge in chimpanzee tracking in either the Kyambura gorge or Kalinzu depending on where the chimp permits will be available. Subject to booking chimpanzee permits in advance.

The Kyambura Wildlife reserve  protected the sothern bank of the Kazinga channel and it has 4 crater lake in which 1000s of Flamingos  occasionally assemble.  It is where the Kyambura Gorge is found.  The 100m deep gorge carved by the Kyambura rivers is a home of the few left and threatened Chimpanzees.  Later , you will  drive via Ishasha sector for a picnic lunch and if weather allows , you will have a short game drive to search for tree climbing Lions.

Ishasha is located 100km south of the Mweya Peninsular and it is a diverse habitat where Ishasha river flows. The savannah woodlands here harbor  a lot of birds  while the swampy lake Edward  floor supports the popular tree  climbing lions and the rare legendary shoe bill stork .

After  you will head to Bwindi National park .

Home to the worlds only few left Mountain Gorillas,  Bwindi Np supports tremendous biodiversity.  It is one of the few refugia forests that persisted after the ice age when most of the African Forest perished. Its slopes extend over a huge altitudinal array of 1447m to generate  habitats that range from lowland forests at 1160m to  unique afromontane vegetations higher than 2600m. Bwindi’s busiest tourism site is buhoma which is the trail head for 5 gorilla tracking  families which include Rushegura, Mubare, Habinyanja, Butukura and  the newly habituated Oruzugo .  There are  more  gorilla tracking families and these can be found in southern Bwindi. They include; Nkuringo , Nshogi which has the biggest number of gorillas and Kahungye. Though Gorilla trekking is the  main tourists activity, Bwindi also has other activities like bird watching , village walks, nature walks , pygmy visits that many  other tourists can indulge in .Your will retire for dinner and over night at

Budget – Buhoma Community Bandas/ Bwindi View Bandas / Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre  (Full Board)
Mid range L. Kitandara Luxury Camp/ Nkuringo Campsite/ Nkuringo safari  Lodge
Standard Engagi lodge / Buhoma lodge / Wagtail Eco lodge / Nkuringo  safari Lodge / Travelers’ rest Hotel/ Gorilla safari Lodge
Luxury- Gorilla Resort Camp / Gorilla Forest camp/ Clouds lodge/ Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge.

Day 6  GORILLA TRACKING AFRICA- BWINDI – UGANDA

Take your early morning breakfast and don’t forget to carry your packed lunch ,  summon for update and briefing from the  ranger guides.     Your guides will take  care of all the formalities needed about gorilla permits .  The rangers will then lead you to the  forest for Gorilla tracking. The time taken to search for and find the gorillas is unpredictable . This is because you will be tracking gorillas in their own habitat and sometimes finding them depends on how they move to look for food in their habitat.  The encounter is an amazing experience . One of our clients once said;

“And with the Gorillas???

Well … it was “one of those moments” and it leaves you speechless.”
You will be privileged to spend some time with the only few left endangered gorillas and after return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NP  FOR GORILLA TRACKING IN RWANDA

This park was gazetted in order to protect gorillas from being poached, it is a small area surrounded by Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno and the very first absolute national park to be created in Africa.
Dian Fossey an American naturalist also used this park s abase for her research into gorilla in 1967, she also set up the Karisoke Research Centre between Karisimbi and Bisoke. She spent most of her time in the park, she would spend an hour in the park watching them do their daily routines like feeding, playing and resting. She managed to save so many gorillas from extinction for which she credited. Unfortunately she was assassinated by unknown assailants at her home in 1985, a crime that was attributed to poachers since she had spent so much time of her life fighting against.  She is buried in the park in a research center amongst the gorillas which had become her life and her life was presented on the big screen in the film Gorillas in the Mist. Her grave site is a 2 hours trek and very memorable.

The Volcanoes National Park later 1992 became a battlefield in the course of the Rwandan Civil War, and the research centre was vacated and all tourist activities were stopped like gorilla visiting until 1999 when the place was declared safe for all people. Today this national park is has the best ecosystem in the area of blending evergreen and bamboo forest with open grassland, swamps and heath.

The golden monkey is one of  Africa’s most endangered primate and a very precious treasure of the Virungas and the only one left. It is that special species of Guenon cercopithecus kadthi living in the Albertine rift valley living near the lower parts of the park and within a walking distances.Mountain climbing and hiking in the virunga gives one an opportunity to go through the ecosystem comprising of all the four vegetation zones of the bamboo, hagenia and hypericum forest, the sub-alpine and the Afro-alpine.The volcanoes national park has got a variety of tourism activities which include;Gorilla  Tracking,  Golden monkey visits, Climbing of Karisimbi volcano,Climbing of Bisoke volcano, Tour of the lakes and the vulcanize caves plus all the hot springs in the area,Visiting Diana Fossey’s tomb which is also a very popular tourists attraction.On the outskirts of the town at the natural bridge, there is a solidified lava flow that is so fascinating. The volcanic activities do shape this scenic area. And within an easy day, tripping distance of Musanze are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. Musanze town offers a good selection of upper-range and mid-range hotel as well as reasonably-priced small hotels and guest house.

Dinner and over night at ;

Budget accommodation: Kinigi Guest Hotel, EER Guest house at Ruhengeri Musanze
Mid-range / Moderate / Standard accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge, Gorilla Mountain View Lodge/ Gorillas Hotel / Le Bambou Hotel
Luxury accommodation: Virunga lodge or  Sabyinyo silverback lodge

Day 8 GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA.

Assemble at ORTPN for briefing from game rangers  as your driver carries on the formalities for gorilla permits .  You will start the trek from your allocated families .   Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes a shorter time than that of Bwindi and it is easier because the terrain is on a plateau.  On encounter , stay with the gorillas for  some time- It is a worthwhile experience ! A clients of AA safaris and tours once said;
“I have been very lucky to see 3 weeks old baby TWINS !!!

At one point, we had a hard time to obey the “stay 7m away” rule because … we were surrounded and had no were to go back ”.

After you may have to transfer to Kabale  to Shorten to distance from Rwanda to Kampala or if you are flying out of Kigali then you will be transferred to Kigali  for your dinner and over nights at  either,

Budget Bushara Island camp – Kabale
Standard – Arcadia cottage / Bunyonyi Overland camp
Luxury – Heritage Lodge formerly known as Habuharo Island camp
In Kabale

Or

Budget – Hotel Chez Lando
Moderate – Hotel Gorillas or Umubano Hotel / Hotel Des Mille Collines
Luxury – Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 9  TRANSFER TO KAMPALA
If you stayed in Kabale , you will be transferred to Kampala . Lunch en route, Stop over at the Equator.
Say Fare well to both the pearl of Africa and the Land of Thousand Hills.

Day 1 :  PICK UP  FROM KIGALI AND TRANSFER

On arrival , you will be welcomed  in Rwanda  by a Tours representative from AA safaris and Tours Ltd who will brief you  about your primates safari and then  you will take on  a City tour in Kigali . Visit the genocide memorial in Gosozi or Maramba and then later you will be transferred to the hotel of your budget for dinner and overnight at
Budget  Hotel Chez. Lando
Standard :  Hotel des  Mille Collines / Hotel Gorillas/ Umubano Hotel
Luxury  Kigali Serena hotel

Day 2 : Kigali – Butare – Nyungwe Forest NP.

Take your early morning  breakfast  and leave  for Butare;

Butare is  an intellectual city of Rwanda and  the second largest of Rwanda cities while Kigali holds  most political powers .  Also known as HUYE , Butare  hosts the National Museum  which  is one of the best source of information on the cultural history of the country and the region. It is sometimes referred to  as  the supreme museum in East Africa. It is also a home to  the National  University of Rwanda  , the Ruhande Arboretum, research institutions like the Rwandan National Institute of Scientific Research, and a cathedral.  The Butare national Museum was bestowed in 1989 by the Belgium government. It returned  part of the ethnographic collection obtained during the colonial period. The design and notion of the museum was appreciated in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium.  The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of neutral pictures, traditional artifacts, objects, tools and different craft products. Ethnographic objects are assembled mutually according to theme giving superb information on the daily life. Customary earthenware and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region. Surprisingly, the National Museum stayed untouched during the civil war in 1994.

Along the road to Butare you will pay a visit  to Nyanza (presently Nyabisindu) the former Mwami’s palace (King’s palace) and the base of the feudal kingdom. The palace has been renovated to its 19th century condition and  is an exhibition to a traditional dome that can be evaluated with the Kabaka’s palace of Buganda in Uganda  . You will visit the National Museum then later have a thrilling concert of the national ballet with the Intore-dancers.  The performance is considered  by many as one of the highlights of your safari. Lunch is foreseen in Butare.  You will later be transferred to  Nyungwe Forest National  park . Your driver-guide  might have to l stop at the Uwinka offices to keep posted on the existence of the semi-habituated groups of chimps and colobus monkeys to help you prepare for  chimpanzee tracking for  the next day.

Dinner and overnight at  the
Budget: Guest House of Gisakura.
Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 3 : Nyungwe Forest NP Primates walk-

Take Breakfast and then assemble at Uwinka tourist information centre for briefing before you start your hike in Nyungwe forest .
Nyungwe Forest NP  hosts  25% of the African Primates!  The forest has   craggy and sheer landscape which a high altitude..  Good  hiking boots are highly recommended  .  On your special interests,  you will have a selection of diverse chances to discover the largest high elevation rainforest of East Africa!  The commonest species  are the large communal troops of Angolan Colobus (Colobus angolensis), which may be over 300 in number .    The park is a home to the biggest troops of  Angola Colobuses  than any other place in the world.  One of these groups is semi-habituated and we recommend to start your exploration with a guided primate walk in search of the Angolan Colobus monkeys (black and white Colobus)! Rangers   may know where these primates may be found but  the hiking times may vary with their unpredictable movements as they search for food in their habitat. It may be a strenuous walk but rangers always make it more enjoyable and informative by  giving you information about the flora and fauna that you encounter while on the walk .

Have Lunch . The exploration continues in the afternoon along  different beautiful trails available  then encounter  the superb waterfall trail of Gisakura is probably the most thrilling along .The afternoon trek may take  2 up to 3 hours and is a very enjoyable hike that can be managed  by any body! If you missed the Angola Colobus in the morning primates trek then  can  try  to trek towards  the tea factory where another troop is hosted.  An encounter is a thrilling moment!

You will be welcomed back by  your driver guide from AA safaris and Tours who will brief you about your trek for the next day . Dinner and Overnight at the   lodge of your budget .

Day 4 : Nyungwe Forest NP Chimpanzee trekking

Take breakfast and go for  chimp tracking experience in Nyungwe! Or  you may opt to indulge in another guided primate trek or trek through one of  the well-maintained trails.

You will observe L’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys around  Uwinka after a less strenuous hike. An orchid garden with over 100 species of Orchids at Uwinka is another feature you shouldn’t miss. For  those interested in a more strenuous hike ,  we highly  recommend the  the Bigugu Mountain trail which takes you to  the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest at   3000m above sea level .

On either treks along most of the trails, bird lovers are certainly in for a treat as Nyungwe hosts so many Albertine rift endemics   that you will encounter along any of the trek! Don’t forget to carry  your binoculars with you! (B-L-D).

Day 5 : Nyungwe Forest NP – Kibuye

Take breakfast and you will transfer to Kibuye. You will pass  through the green fields of tea plantations before exploring  the shorelines of Lake Kivu. Kibuye  is  the most beautiful resort of the three towns   on Lake Kivu  . Lake Kivu ‘s deep water has  an enormous amount of dissolved gas.  Research has it that   it has 50 million tonnes of  gasoline  about 250 m underneath of water and if  it is  exploited, this energy can  provide Rwanda with an almost infinite source of energy, exonerating  it from fret about energy needs linked to its development projects. There is a pilot station for the extraction of methane for energy.  To refresh from trekking in Nyungwe , you may spend this Rest of the day at leisure .  Dinner and over night at  either;

Budget – Home St Jean.
Standard- Eden Golfe Rock Hotel/ Hotel Centre Bethanie/ The Kibuye Guest House.
UP Market – The Moriah Hill Resort.

Day 6 : Kibuye – Gisenyi by speed boat (Goma) – Kinigi

Take breakfast and  only if weather allows, you will take a speed-boat trip to Gisenyi .  You will encounter fishing villages of Lake Kivu and also have an opportunity to interact with people Idjwi Island (Congo) who are rowing long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the Rwanda markets.   Idjwi is Island  belongs to both Rwanda   and Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It covers about 40 km in length and with a total surface  area of 285 km², it is thought to be the largest inland island in Africa- the eighth largest in the world. Idjwi is roughly halfway between the DRC and Rwanda, with 10 to 15 kilometres  that divides its western shore from the DRC mainland and a similar distance between its eastern shore and the coastline of Rwanda. Idjwi ‘s  southern tip lies only 1 kilometre from a peninsula of the Rwandan coast.

You can also cross  the border to Goma (Optional). Goma was devastated by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano.  The Nyiragongo Volcano which is 3470 metres above sea level erupted on the 17th of January 2002 and shattered part of Goma town.  About 400 000 inhabitants ran away from the increasing lava flows crossing the border into the bordering Rwanda. The eruption ruined the homes of  over 120 000 people and caused over 100 victims.

Your visit to this site will exhibit fantastic capabilities of the local population to surmount this natural upheaval!

Later  transfer  to Ruhengeri and Kinigi for an overnight at either
Budget- Kinigi Guest House
Moderate- Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Nest Camp/ Hotel Gorillas/ Le Bambou Hotel.
Luxury- Sabinyo Silver Back lodge / Virunga Lodge

Day 7 : Gorilla Trekking

Take  breakfast  and  with the guidance of an AA safaris and Tours Guide , you will  report at the ORTPN headquarters from where you will be allocated a tour guide from . You will meet your ranger guidefor a briefing about the greatest primates  experience ever to see the only left Mountain gorillas in the world – the ones that might have led to the murder of an American Zoologist Dianne Fossey as she tried to research about them and also save them from poachers.  The  gorilla trek in Rwanda starts from the foothills of  Virunga volcanoes  and you will be led by an experienced English speaking  ranger guide who  will give you information not only about the gorillas but also about the other flora and fauna that you will encounter along the trek. The time taken to track gorillas is unpredictable and depends on the movements of the gorillas  . The Ssusa families located on the slopes of the Karisimbi volcano has the furthest group and it may take 10 hours before an encounter . If tracking ends early enough , you will take  a short  excursion to discover the beautiful lakes  of  Lake Bulera & Ruhondo AT AN EXTRA COST . Here  you will have a  magnificent view of the Virunga chain of  Volcanoes.  Return for dinner and overnight at your lodge .

Day 8  Another day of Gorilla Tracking  optional -subject to availability of gorilla permits and booking for this Must be done at the time of your booking to give enough time for reservation of gorilla permits   or  Transfer to Kigali.

This second chance of gorilla tracking  is given to those interested in  knowing the gorillas more .  each adventure with the  only few left mountain gorillas  is always  different and awesome .  This time you may know their names if you track the same family . Those that prefer having a different experience may choose to track another family of gorillas. The choice is yours and subject to availability of gorilla permits . The Ssussa group have about 35  mountain gorillas and  will give you a great sense of achievement for those interested in challenging hikes. Later you will be transferred to  Kigali .

End of Rwanda  gorilla   tour

On arrival at Kanombe Kigali international airstrip,   you will be welcomed by a representative from AA safaris and tours ltd who will take you around Kigali for a City tour . You will visit the Kigali Genocide memorial and then later transfer to your Lodge for dinner and over night.  Take note that the genocide memorial is always closed on bank holidays . Stay at

budget:  Hotel Chez  Lando
Standard- Hotel Des Mille Collines / Hotel Umubano
UP Market: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2  KIGALI – BUTARE- NYANZA- NYUNGWE

Wake up relatively early for breakfast and then transfer to Butare  which is now known as Huye. Visit  the national museum  and later transfer  to Nyanza Hill.  After your visit , you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest national park.

Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Up Market : Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 3  NYUNGWE FOREST

Nyungwe  has one of the  hugest forests. The forest  is a home to  13 primates species which include chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys.  You will track Chimpanzee very early in the morning . return to the lodge for Lunch then later in the afternoon , you will take a Colobus monkey  walk. Dinner and over night at

Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Up Market : Nyungwe Forest Lodge

 Day 4  TRANSFER TO KIBUYE   THEN   LAKE KIVU GISENYI

Wake up early morning and drive to Kibuye at the shores of Lake Kivu. Later , transfer to Gisenyi  for dinner and over night at
Budget: Ubumwe Hotel / Malahide Paradis
Upmarket : Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (FB)

Day 5  Gisenyi – Volcanoes National Park

Take breakfast and later go  for nature walk along the shore of Lake Kivu  or take a boat ride along Lake Kivu and later have lunch . IN the afternoon , you will transfer to Parc Des Volcans.
Budget : Kinigi Guest House /     Muhabura  Hotel
Standard :Mountain Gorilla Nest camp / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Le-Bamboo Gorilla Lodge Upmarket : Virunga Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge

Day 6  GORILLA SAFARI RWANDA

Take breakfast and then later take your packed lunch with you for briefing at the ORTPN offices for briefing for gorilla tracking escorts and rangers.  You will then start tracking gorillas in Rwanda.

The bamboo forest logs  will dribble as you first perceive sound the breaking of bamboo  indicating that the  gorillas are nearer   then bingo  you  face to face with one of the most charming and mesmerizing beings in the world.  After gorilla tracking and encounter, stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then and trek back to your  lodge .   There is an optional visit to the twin lakes of Ruhundo and Bulera  but this can only be done if   gorilla tracking ends early
Relax as you wait for dinner and over night at your lodge.

Day 7  GOLDEN  MONKEY TREKKING

Wake up early in the morning and then assemble at  the  ORTPN  Offices once again to get another briefing from the rangers to prepare you for Golden monkey trekking .  Golden monkeys are
Medium budget: Muhabura Hotel (BB)
High budget: Le-Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (FB)

Day 8  DIAN FOSSEY WALK

Take a trek to the grave of the late famous gorilla s research – Dian Fossey . The trek is shorter and may take 3 hours .  The rangers will explain all the history of how  the lady was assassinated and what impact her research has done to  help in the conservation of the gorillas. Later , return  and transfer to  Kigali for your next flight back home .

A  driver guide from AA safaris and tours Ltd will pick you up from   your hotel in Kampala .    He will drive you southwestwards towards Queen Elizabeth NP.    Along the way , you will take a stopover at the Mpambire drum makers and then later proceed to Queen Elizabeth NP.   You will take a tour around the Crater lakes region not leaving out the Katwe Salt lakes where salt is traditionally mined . In the 16th  century , salt was  among the most important goods  that  lured the attention of very many people in and to  Africa .It  was rendered  as one of the most expensive minerals and was bartered for other goods  like clothes , bullets or even gun which were given the ruler of that time of areas where salt was mined that included Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. The salt mine  and industry in Katwe crater lake area is one of Africa ’s oldest industries. Explorer H.M Stanley was the first white to write a report about the memoirs of salt Exploitation Lake Katwe t whilst in his voyage to  explore Africa in 1875. He also took with him a sample of salt which was analysed in London and Alexandria in Egypt . This was the first chemical analysis of Lake Katwe salt .  Scenically , Queen Elizabeth Np is everything that a nature lover will cherish !  30 mile to the north, the Blue Rwenzori Mountains detonated from the plain an amalgamated  jagged mass of Mountains , 60 miles long and 40 wide and appearing in sure lights as if you could access out  and feel  them.  Transversely, Lake Edward  to the west , the Mitumbe hills prevailed sentry on the Congo border , blue too in the long sight but in closer green , wooded , sheer, aloof and typifying darkest Africa.   The beautiful scenery here is said to be as a result of the mountains beyond the park boundaries which include the Rwenzori mtns  while the park lies on a rift valley floor  .   After  the crater lakes sites tour , you   will later transfer to your lodge.  Dinner and over night at

Budget – Bush lodge / Simba safari camp

Moderate – Hippo Hill camp / Ihamba lodge

Upmarket – Mweya safari lodge / Jacana safari lodge / Kyambura game lodge / Katara lodge

Day2 Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon launch cruise

Wake up relatively early for breakfast and then later  you will be driven to either Kalinzu  protected area or Kyambura Gorge for your chimpanzee tracking . Briefing starts at 0745  . The 100M Kyambura Gorge is a home to mans closest cousins the Chimpanzee  and many other primates . The Kalinzu protected area is another home that one can give a thought if the Chimpanzee permits for Kyambura gorge are fully sold out.    The rangers will provide you with detailed information about the flora and fauna that you will encounter as well as primate.   Return to the lodge for  lunch and then later assemble at Mweya’s Kazinga channel  for an afternoon launch cruise .

The shoreline of the Kazinga channel attracts quite a vast number of birds and many mammal in the park come along the banks to take water .   The guides will give you details along the boat ride and then later you will return to the main land . Dinner and over night at the lodge of your budget .

 _Day 3- TO BWINDI   NATIONAL PARK

Your  AA Safaris and tours Guide will pick you up from your lodge and transfer you to Bwindi Gorilla National Park .   You will have a game drive in the Ishasha sector after which you will transfer to Bwindi .  Ishasha is famous for tree climbing lions . The area is made up of diverse habitats which include  the Ishasha river,  the marshy lake Edward as well as savannah wood lands.  Later transfer to Bwindi . Note that the Ishasha sector is only possible if you are tracking gorillas in main Bwindi however, it may not be possible if you are  are going to gorilla track in Nkuringo because you must use another route which is  far away from Ishasha. Dinner and over nights at  either ;

Budget – Buhoma Community Bandas/ Bwindi View Bandas / Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre/ Ruhija camp   (Full Board)

Mid range L. Kitandara Luxury Camp/ Nkuringo Campsite/ Nkuringo safari  Lodge/ Trekers Tavern

Standard Engagi lodge / Buhoma lodge / Wagtail Eco lodge / Nkuringo  safari Lodge / Travelers’ rest Hotel/ Gorilla safari Lodge/ Gorilla Mist Lodge

Luxury- Gorilla Resort Camp / Gorilla Forest camp/ Clouds lodge/ Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge.

Day 4-  GORILLA TRACKING IN UGANDA

Have your breakfast early enough and then your guide will pick you up from your lodge and transfer you to the  UWA offices for briefing and then later . Start trekking the gorilla forest as you search for the gorillas. Note that gorilla tracking can take 2 to 7 hours. The time taken to see the gorillas is unpredictable however an encounter is a worthwhile. Stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then later transfer back to your  lodge for dinner and over night .

DAY 5- TRANSFER TO VOLCANOS NATIONAL PARK (PARC DES VOLCAN) RWANDA IS GMT+2  1HOUR BEHIND UGANDA .

You will be transferred to Park Des Volcans .  Along the way , you will cross the border , clear  and pay your visa fees. ( Note that you need a confirmation letter to get a Rwanda visa and therefore you are advised to contact  the Rwanda consulate in your country to check for procedures of how to apply for Rwanda visas online to acquire a confirmation letter which will enable you get a visa from any Rwannda boarded).  On arrival , relax as you wait for the second gorilla tracking tour .  Dinner and over night at ;

Budget accommodation: Kinigi Guest Hotel, EER Guest house at Ruhengeri Musanze

Mid-range / Moderate / Standard accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge, Gorilla Mountain View Lodge/ Gorillas Hotel / Le Bambou Hotel

Luxury accommodation: Virunga lodge or  Sabyinyo silverback lodge

Day 6  GORILLA TREKKING RWANDA

Wake up and take your breakfast early enough. Later assemble at  the ORTPN Offices for briefing . The guide will transfer you to the ORTPN Offices  and later to the starting point of your gorilla tracking tour with AA safaris and tours ltd.  Track gorillas with the guidance of the rangers who will lead you through the trails and help you search  for gorillas with an idea off where your  allocated gorilla family always stays or where it was the previous day.  An encounter of the gorillas is a awesome experience ! One may say that it is a worthwhile after the long and many hours  gorilla trek.   After some time with the gorillas, you will return to your lodge for dinner and over night .  We sometimes suggest a transfer to Kabale if gorilla tracking ends early to shorten the distance between Rwanda and Kampala  or  a transfer to Kigali for a flight out of Kigali .

Day 7.  Transfer to Kampala

Take your breakfast and then transfer to Kampala .Lunch en route  .

End of your gorilla tour with AA safaris and tours Ltd.

On arrival , our tours representative will pick you up   and brief you . If time allows , you will be taken to Kigali for a  city tour . In the city tour , you will visit the genocide memorial and then later transfer to Kinigi . Dinner & Overnight  at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in  GORILLA NEST LODGE or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Lebambou

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge or sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 2-  Gorilla Tracking in PARC DES VOLCANS

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and formalities. (your driver-guide will take care of all the formalities ).  He will then  drive  you along the brim of Parc National des Volcans.  Thereafter , you will start gorilla tracking through the park .The time taken to look out for these gentle apes will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because the search is in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before   tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a strenuous walk is a worthwhile!  If time allows, you will visit the little known but eloquently gorgeous twin lakes of BULERA & RUHONDO.

Dinner & Overnight at the lodge of your budget.

Day 3-  Golden monkey trek and transfer to  Kabale- 2 hours drive

After an early breakfast, report at the ORTPN Office for registration and briefing, thereafter drive to the Volcanoes National Park for the Golden Monkeys trekking or Dianne Fossey grave trekking. The Golden monkey is one of the most rare primates in Africa .  It is now believed that the only feasible population of these monkeys is left in the Virunga Volcanoes National park.  A lesser populace may exist in the Nyungwe Forest  National Park in Southern Rwanda but this has yet to be confirmed. The golden monkey is a dissimilar species of guenon – Cercopithecus Kandti and is prevalent to the Albertine Rift.

After, you will transfer to Kabale . Dinner and over night at

Budget :- Bushara Island camp /Bunyonyi Overland camp

Moderate :Arcadia Cottages

Up Market : Heritage Lodge or Arcadia Cottages

Day 4 – To Queen Elizabeth Np – evening game drive- 5-9 hours depends on how long the  game drive will take

We will depart early with our packed lunch for Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will drive through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth known as Ishasha, famed for its tree-climbing lions. Ishasha is a remote and beautiful extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will see buffalo, topi and hippo among other species. It is a fabulous sight to see the lions draped from the trees and nowhere in Africa do you stand a better chance of seeing this than in the large low-limbed fig tree of Ishasha. A picnic lunch in Ishasha if weather allows will make your day . You will later depart to Mweya  Peninsula.

After checking in and having some time to relax, we will head for a late afternoon game drive. We often spot Elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos and others. Dinner and overnight at

Budget –  Simba safari camp / Bush Lodge

Moderate – Hippo Hill Lodge/ Ihamba Lodge

Up Market Mweya safari lodge or Jacana safari lodge/ Kyambura game lodge

Day 5- Game drive and launch cruise

Wake up early in the mornings and take cup of tea or coffee. Go for a game drive along Kasenyi track to see the herds of Buffalo, Elephant, Warthog and Lion. Return to the lodge for mid morning break fast. After lunch, a two-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga channel proffers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter at close quarters hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colorful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 6-  Transfer  Kibale -  afternoon  Chimpanzee Tracking- 2 hours drive

Take your breakfast and proceed to to Kibale national park. A high light of visit to Kibale National Park will be the Chimpanzee tracking excursion that starts from Kanyankyu at 1400hrs . You will have lunch before proceeding to Kanyankyu for the trek. Start the trek to search for Man’s closest cousin .

Whilst in the forest, you can expect to see encounter other types of primates most probably the grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. You will listen to birds as they sing but it is very difficult to see any bird in the heart of forest-you are better off looking for them . suddenly you will see the chimps and then return to Fortportal. Dinner and overnight at

Budget – Chimps nest / Rujuni Guest house

Moderate – Rwenzori Vies guest house or its similar

Luxury – Ndali lodge/ Primate lodge / Mountains of the moons lodge

Day 7-  Transfer to Kampala then Entebbe for your night flight back home- 4-5 hours drive

You will transfer to kampala . take a Stop over at the Mpambire Drum makers site if you use the route and then later transfer to the airport for your next flight back Home

  _{Note that bookings for a gorilla tracking tour   much in advance to enable us reserve your gorilla tour. Also note that you can choose a family of gorillas to track in Bwindi in advance provided there is availability however , families for gorilla tracking in Rwanda are allocated at  the site on the actual day of tracking .  Also note that accommodations for Bwindi are allocated according to the gorilla permits available and booked for you .}

 _Day 1-  TO  BWINDI   NATIONAL PARK

A representative from AA safaris and tours will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala and transfer you to Bwindi Gorilla National Park .  Along the way , you will take a stopover at the Equator . Later you will transfer to Mbarara or Kabale for lunch . Then later proceed to  Bwindi National park .

Budget – Buhoma Community Bandas/ Bwindi View Bandas / Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre/ Ruhija camp   (Full Board)

Mid range L. Kitandara Luxury Camp/ Nkuringo Campsite/ Nkuringo safari  Lodge/ Trekers Tavern

Standard Engagi lodge / Buhoma lodge / Wagtail Eco lodge / Nkuringo  safari Lodge / Travelers’ rest Hotel/ Gorilla safari Lodge/ Gorilla Mist Lodge

Luxury- Gorilla Resort Camp / Gorilla Forest camp/ Clouds lodge/ Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge.

Day 2-  GORILLA TRACKING IN UGANDA

Have your breakfast early enough and then your guide will pick you up from your lodge and transfer you to the  UWA offices for briefing and then later . Start trekking the gorilla forest as you search for the gorillas. Note that gorilla tracking can take 2 to 7 hours. The time taken to see the gorillas is unpredictable however an encounter is a worthwhile. Stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then later transfer back to your  lodge for dinner and over night .

DAY 3- TRANSFER TO VOLCANOS NATIONAL PARK (PARC DES VOLCAN) RWANDA IS GMT+2  1HOUR BEHIND UGANDA .

You will be transferred to Park Des Volcans .  Along the way , you will cross the border , clear  and pay your visa fees. ( Note that you need a confirmation letter to get a Rwanda visa and therefore you are advised to contact  the Rwanda consulate in your country to check for procedures of how to apply for Rwanda visas online to acquire a confirmation letter which will enable you get a visa from any Rwannda boarded).  On arrival , relax as you wait for the second gorilla tracking tour .  Dinner and over night at ;

Budget accommodation: Kinigi Guest Hotel, EER Guest house at Ruhengeri Musanze

Mid-range / Moderate / Standard accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge, Gorilla Mountain View Lodge/ Gorillas Hotel / Le Bambou Hotel

Luxury accommodation: Virunga lodge or  Sabyinyo silverback lodge

Day 4  GORILLA TREKKING RWANDA

Wake up and take your breakfast early enough. Later assemble at  the ORTPN Offices for briefing . The guide will transfer you to the ORTPN Offices  and later to the starting point of your gorilla tracking tour with AA safaris and tours ltd.  Track gorillas with the guidance of the rangers who will lead you through the trails and help you search  for gorillas with an idea off where your  allocated gorilla family always stays or where it was the previous day.  An encounter of the gorillas is a awesome experience ! One may say that it is a worthwhile after the long and many hours  gorilla trek.   After some time with the gorillas, you will return to your lodge for dinner and over night .  We sometimes suggest a transfer to Kabale if gorilla tracking ends early to shorten the distance between Rwanda and Kampala  or  a transfer to Kigali for a flight out of Kigali .

Day 5.  Transfer to Kampala

Take your breakfast and then transfer to Kampala .Lunch en route  .

End of your gorilla tour with AA safaris and tours Ltd.

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Kinigi (Volcanoes NP)

A safari guide from AA SAFARIS AND TOURS LTD will meet you and welcome you to Rwanda . Though near  the equator , Rwanda  has a breezy temperate climate because  its on a high altitude. Kigali- its  capital, has a mean temperature of 19 degrees Celsius. Rwanda is also famous for its scenic landscape with typically verdant highlands and picturesque, tenderly undulating knolls. Its copious flora and fauna, including the rare mountain gorillas are well-liked with eco-lovers makes it one of the fastest growing tourism destination in East Africa . Depending on your arrival time, your driver-guide may propose a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi and may be a market place  to check the way of life of the people in Rwanda. You will  be  later transferred to  Ruhengeri  for dinner and over night at  a hotel on the foot hills of Volcanoes Np of your budget –

Budget accommodation – Kinigi Guest house or Muhabura Lodge

Standard accommodation – Mountain Gorilla Nest lodge / Mouantain Gorilla View Lodge or Lapalme Hotel

Luxury accommodation – Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge

Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking

After breakfast, our safari guide will escort you to ORTPN office and hand you over to ranger guides.  Rangers will brief you and then later e a briefing trek down the Volcanoes Np  to search for gorillas -the greatest primates experience ever!    The time taken to trek the gorillas is unpredictable but on encounter one can say it is a worthwhile! After the trekking ends early  and there is still time; you can  you may opt to take an excursion to discover the stunning lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo)  at an extra cost -  Overnight at  the lodge of your budget.

Day 3 : Visit of the Golden Monkeys – transfer to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)

Take breakfast  then again  report to the  ORTPN offices for another briefing this time about the Golden monkey trekking in Volacnoes NP . The golden monkeys (cercopithecus mitis kandti) trek will offer you an exceptional  experience  – You will encounter the monkeys retort and interrelate differently as  they will keep on playing hide-and-seek much to the glee of the visitors. The golden monkeys stay  only in the Virunga Conseravtion Area. They have been well habituated and there are 2 troups. The Kabatwa troop is  lives near the  Park headquarters and the Musanga troop is close to  the Karisimbi and has a much longer walking distance.  This is a another experience that you must not miss while in Rwanda as  excellent photo opportunities await!

Return for lunch and travel to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. Take pleasure in the magnificent Lake Kivu! Lake Kivu lies in the Albertine rift and is  among  the African Great Lakes. It  is placed on the border of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda , a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu drains  into the Ruzizi River, which pours southwards into Lake Tanganyika.  The lake occupies  an aggregate surface vicinity  of  approximately  2,700 km2 (1,040 sq mi) and lies at a an altitude of  1,460 metres (4,790 ft) above sea level. The lake bed sits ahead a rift valley that is gradually being towed apart, bringing about volcanic activity in the area, and making it predominantly deep: its maximum depth of 480 m (1,575 ft) is ranked fifteenth in the world. The lake is bordered by regal mountains.  In Lake Kivu lies the world’s tenth-largest inland island, Idjwi, as  well as the infinitesimal island of Tshegera, which also lies within the margins of Virunga National Park.  While settlements on its shore include Kabare, Sake, Kalehe, Bukavu, and Goma in Congo and Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu in Rwanda.

You will relax as you wait for dinner and over night at

Budget –Kivu Sun Hotel / Kibuye Guest House

Standard – Malahide Paradise Hotel / Palm Beach Hotel

Luxury – Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 4 : Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) – transfer to Kigali

Take breakfast and indulge in a boat ride to some of the Islands in Lake Kivu. Visit Napoleon Island , Amahoro and Nkombo islands , you can also take a tour around the  fishing villages, rural coffee washing stations and Nyamyumba Hot springs. We shall take time to visit some splendid sites  along the ride and then return to the main land for dinner and over night at  the hotel of your budget.

Day 5 : Kigali Visit and Departure

After your breakfast ,  depending on you departure time and if you missed a Kigali city tour on  the first day, you will indulge in it . Take a  visit of the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi and also do some shopping around .

Rwanda  has so many genocide memorials and you will find so many of them at each corner of the country .The most important one however is the Genocide Memorials of Kigali known as Gisozi  and Murambi (Gikongoro) where the history of the genocide is explained. A tour to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.  You will later be transferred to the airport for your next flight.

On arrival , our tours representative will pick you up   and brief you . If time allows , you will be taken to Kigali for a  city tour . In the city tour , you will visit the genocide memorial and then later transfer to Kinigi . Dinner & Overnight  at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in  GORILLA NEST LODGE or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Lebambou

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge or Sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 2-  Gorilla Tracking in PARC DES VOLCANS

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and formalities. (your driver-guide will take care of all the formalities ).  He will then  drive  you along the brim of Parc National des Volcans.  Thereafter , you will start gorilla tracking through the park .The time taken to look out for these gentle apes will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because the search is in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before   tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a strenuous walk is a worthwhile!  If time allows, you will visit the little known but eloquently gorgeous twin lakes of BULERA & RUHONDO.

Dinner & Overnight at the lodge of your budget.

Day 3 – CLIMB THE KARISMBI

You will assemble at   the ORTPN Offices with your hiking gear to prepare for a hike  along the Karismbi . Make sure you are fit enough. Mt Karisimbi is one of the volcanoes that Virunga mountains has . The word Karisimbi  in a local language means white shell  and the locals named it  because of thw white capped summit . Mt Karisimbi is the 5^th highest Mountain  in Africa.  The hike that starts early in the morning takes 6 hours and passes via Bisoke side, before reaching the first stopping place at of  3700 metres above sea level.  You will camp . Lunch dinner and over night at the camp .

Note that the best months to  hike the Karisimbi are: January, February, March ,July, August and  September because there is less rain .

Day 4    CONTINUE HIKING THE KARISIMBI TO THE TOP AND THEN DESCEND

Take  breakfast  and  continue  hiking to the peak. It will take about 4 hours to reach the  peak of the volcano.  The magnificent scenery is amazing with fascinating panoramas and vegetation.  You will later slop downwards  for about  6 hours.  A guide from AA safaris and tours Ltd will be waiting for you at the bottom  of the Karisimbi VOlcanoe who will transfer  you to Kigali  for  overnight at the hotel of your choice.

Along the way to Kigali , you will take  several stop overs to take photos in  picturesque areas which  one with no doubt will be left with memories  of  the fact that Rwanda is a beautiful country of the Thousand hills.

Dinner and over night at your  hotel. (B-L-D).

Day 5 – Transfer to the airport.

If you did not do a Kigali City tour the previous day, you will then indulge in it as you pass time.    Later you will be transferred to the airport for your next flight .

Day 1 Rwanda Tour and Safari – GENOCIDE MEMORIAL VISIT

ON arrival at the airport , you will be met and welcomed by a tour guide from AA safaris and tours Ltd .  He will brief you about your  itinerary and then later transfer  you to Kigali  for a city tour if time allows. TheKigali city tour offers a fantastic view of the Kigali the capital city  of Rwanda . Kigali  is the geographical and cultural heart of Rwanda with a high altitude and blessed with a year round moderate climate.   It is also the country’s vibrant commercial center and it was founded in 1907 as a small colonial outpost by Dr Richard Kandt, the first Germany colonial resident of Rwanda.  Visit the Kigali Genocide memorial – The display at the Kigali Memorial Centre instigates several genocides and genocidal-type situations.  It does not give instances of all genocidal massacres because of limited space but once you listen to the documentary , you will  just feel like you have seen what exactly happened in the era of ignorance  and cruelty in  Rwanda .   The Kigali Genocide memorial site only illustrate a few instances of a heartbreaking cross-section of a century of genocide. You will later transfer to Kinigi for dinner and overnight at

Budget -Kinigi Guest House/ Muhabura lodge

Standard -Gorilla Nest Lodge / Gorilla View Lodge  /La Palme Hotel/ Le Bambou Hotel

Luxury -Volcanoes  Lodge  / Sabinyo Silver Lodge

Day 2 Mountain Gorilla Tracking  Trek, – VIRUNGA VOLCANOES

Take breakfast and  guide from AA SAFARIS AND TOURS will escort you to report at the ORTPN Offices for registration and formalities that are usually done before proceeding for your gorilla tracking trek.  Thereafter head to the starting point  of  Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable experience of tracking the mountain gorillas.  Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes national Park which is among the Virunga Conservation Area.   This area is found  around the higher slopes of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes  which is made up of adjoining national parks which include   Mgahinga National Park and  Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda  and Parc des Virungas  of Virunga National Park commonly called Djomba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 650 mountain gorillas make their home in these afro-montane forests. In Parc National des Volcans which is also known as Volcanoes National park on the Rwandan side, where Dian Fossey worked, there are five habituated gorilla families.  You will be allocated to track one of the families . The time  taken while  tracking gorillas is unpredictable because these apes are conversed from their natural habitats and their movements  vary with  the proximity of food in the forest . The further the food, the longer the trek because where the food is- is where the gorillas will be found. So you must be well prepared to move longer distances to search for the gorillas. A reasonable pair of  ankle level hiking boots and a rain coat is a requisite.

Return to the lodge or if gorilla tracking ends early , why not pay for an  excursion to the scenic, seemingly super imposed twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.  Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel on Full board basis.

Day 3 Mt Karisimbi HIKING RWANDA- BOOKING AND PAYMENTS FOR THIS MUST BE DONE IN ADVANCE

You will assemble at the ORTPN Offices for registration, briefing and allocation of  Ranger Guides who will escort you to trek the Mt. Karisimbi .  Mountain Karisimbi  gets its name from a Rwandese  word that means  “white shell”, because it often  has white-capped summit. The Karisimbi is the fifth highest snowcapped mountain of Africa. The climb that must start early in the morning  takes 6 hours. You will ascend further more via the Bisoke side, before realization  of the first stopping place which is  at an altitude of 3.700 m for Dinner and overnight half way up of Mt. Karisimbi (Camping gear is required so you must come well equipped ). Sometimes you may  require a tent. Packed dinner for our stay on the mountain.

Day 4  Karisimbi Hiking tour

Wake up early and ascend to the very top of Mt. Karisimbi.  The trek  takes about 4 hours to reach the apex of this snow capped volcano. Wait for the astonishing panorama and charming foliage.  Descend  down the volcano  in  6 hours. Your AA SAFARIS AND TOURS  guides will be at the foothill  just ready to transfer  you to Kigali

Dinner and over night at ;

Budget – Hotel Chez Lando

Moderate Hotel Des Mille Collines/ Hotel Gorillas/ Hotel Umubano

Luxury – Kigali Serena Hotel .

Day 5 Kigali Safari Rwanda

After breakfast,  take an excursion  to tour  to some more few places and markets that you may have missed out on day one before you transfer to the Airport for your home-bound flight.

On arrival , our tours representative will pick you up   and brief you . If time allows , you will be taken to Kigali for a  city tour . In the city tour , you will visit the genocide memorial and then later transfer to Kinigi . Dinner & Overnight  at

Budget accommodation in Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi guest house

Moderate accommodation in  GORILLA NEST LODGE or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Lebambou

Up market accommodation in Volcanoes Lodge or Sabinyo Silver back lodge .

Day 2-  Gorilla Tracking in PARC DES VOLCANS

Take breakfast and report at 0730hrs to the Parc National des Volcans Headquarters in Kinigi office for registration, briefing and formalities. (your driver-guide will take care of all the formalities ).  He will then  drive  you along the brim of Parc National des Volcans.  Thereafter , you will start gorilla tracking through the park .The time taken to look out for these gentle apes will vary with how close they will be and it is unpredictable because the search is in their natural habitats.   The gorilla safari here commences at about 2000 meters above sea level in the upmost slopes of the Volcanoes. After tracking and encountering your assigned group you will spend one hour in their company before   tracking your steps down the volcanoes.   An en counter after a strenuous walk is a worthwhile!   If  gorilla tracking ends early , visit of the Iby’Iwacu traditional village (a community based tourism scheme  set by the  local people to display their  traditional ways of living).

Take lunch and then transfer  to Gisenyi one  of  the  districts on shores of Lake Kivu.  The drive takes about one hour and a half . Have fun at the magnificent Lake Kivu surrounding! (B-L-D)

Dinner & Overnight at  either;

Standard  – Malahide Paradise

Luxury – Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 4-     Boat ride on Lake Kivu  to Kibuye

You  may choose to indulge in  a one hours boat ride in Lake Kivu back to Gisenyi  or a Boat ride to the Napoleon Hut in Kibuye . Note that the boat ride to the Napoloen hut take 4-5 hours and this will mean that  your tour guide will have to drive to the other side( Kibuye)  of Lake Kivu before you board the board so that he reaches on time to pick you up .  This can be arrange according to your own choice and  the prices for both boat rides are different .

Note that there is also a genocide memorial church in Kibuye where over 4000 people  where killed .

You will later be transferred to Kigali for dinner and over night  at

Budget – Hotel Chez land o

Moderate – Umubano Hotel / Hotel Gorillas

Luxury – Hotel des Mille Collines or Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 5 –  Transfer to Kigali Airport .

You will be transferred to the airport for your next flight back home .

Day 1 Arrival at Kigali – genocide memorial visits – Transfer to Kinigi / Musanze

You will be met and welcomed by a tour guide from AA safaris and tours who will brief y about your tour .  Later , he will transfer you to Kigali for a city tour .   Kigali  is  a physical and edifying heart of Rwanda with a high altitude  . It is sanctified with an all year round modest climate.  You will Visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. The genocide in Rwanda left most Rwandese citizens traumatized .  If you have time , you will visit some Genocide Memorial centres in Kigali  which may  include  Nyamata, Kigali Memorial Center   and later transfer to Kinigi .

Other  Genocide Memorial centres in Rwanda include; Nyanza genocide memorial site , Ntarama Momorial Site, Bisesero Genocide Memorial and Nyarubuye genocide memorial site.  So you will tour just one that is in the nearest vicinity of Kigali . If you still have time , the city tour will also  take you to the old town  of Nyamirambo and Muslim quarter, the new handicraft village and other shops, the Batwa pottery and dance centre and the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. The Genocide memorial tour  is very poignant – the tour takes a couple of hours – and will be of interest to anyone who has spent some time in this enchanting country.    Take note that you may need a full day to make this tour so we will just choose afew of these places  for your city tour and should you need to  visit most of them , we advise that you take the earliest flight to Kigali  .   Also note that if you want to visit more than one site, then you will be required to  pay an extra for entrance fees or even fuel to these genocide memorial sites.  Later , you will transfer to Kinigi .

Dinner and overnight at

Budget -Kinigi guest house / Muhabura Lodge

Standard  Gorilla NEST Camp /   Mountain Gorilla View lodge / Le bamboo Hotel / Hotel Gorillas

Luxury -Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver back lodge

Day 2 Gorilla trekking in Rwanda- AFRICA GORILLA TREKKING ADVENTURE

Take a relatively early breakfast and then later  assemble at ORTPN office for  registration and briefing.  You will then head to the starting point of gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park for your life time experience of tracking the mountain gorillas! Of course you must be well prepared with your packed lunch , trekking boots and any other equipment that you may need for the  Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda. Ranger guides will lead you into the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park to guide you  as you track gorillas in Africa.  The time taken to search and encounter the gorillas is unpredictable however the experience after the strenuous gorilla trekking is awe-inspiring .   If   gorilla tracking ends early , there is an optional afternoon  tour of the  panoramic twin volcanic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay at your hotel .

Day 3 Rwanda Vacation Holiday – Bisoke HIKING TOUR

Take breakfast and report at the ORTPN Offices for registration and then drive to the base contours of Mt. Bisoke. Bisoke is one of the Virunga Volcanoes, that includes Mounts Karisimbi, Gahinga ,Sabinyo, and Muhabura. It is rather a sheer climb, preeminent to cope during the short or long dry season. On top,  the biggest crater lake of the Virunga chain can be seen unless there is too much fog……..   The track leads through bamboo forest, the habitat of mountain gorillas, giant lobelia or hagenia and alpine meadows. Picnic lunch at the summit, while viewing the beautiful Bisoke Crater Lake  .  Fantastic views ….Then later you will descend  and return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at your hotel .

Day 4,  TRANSFER TO KIGALI

After breakfast drive to Kigali. If you did not do a city tour on Day 1, you will be compensated with a city tour.  Later you transfer to the Airport for your home-bound flight.

Day 1-  PICK – KIGALI CITY TOUR  – TRANSFER TO MUSANSE( FORMALLY KNOWN AS RUHENGERI).

Our tour guide will pick  you up from Kigali. If you arrive early enough, you will go for a Kigali City tour .  Visit the Genocide memorial . Note that the memorial centre is never open on Rwanda’s bank holidays so this is only possible if  it is a working day . The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was launched in April 2004 on the 10th Centenary of the Rwandan Genocide. The Centre is set on a spot where more than 250,000 people  were  buried. These graves are a lucid aide memoire of the cost of ignorance.

The Centre will always be an everlasting monument to those who fell victim to the genocide and works as a place for people to mourn  the loved ones that they lost.    Stories of what happened will be narrated to you .

You will later transfer to  Musanze for dinner and over night at

Budget- Kinigi Guest House

Moderate- Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Nest Camp/ Hotel Gorillas/ Le Bambou Hotel.

Luxury- Sabinyo Silver Back lodge / Virunga Lodge

Day 2-  GORILLA TRACKING IN  RWANDA  AFRICA.

You will take an early morning breakfast and then your guide from AA safaris and tours will pick you up and take you to the starting points of gorilla tour after clearing with ORTPN .  Leave the formalities at Ortpn to the guide because he has the experience. You will then go gorilla tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Np.

Trek the  gorillas through the light mountain rain forest on the slopes of the Virungas  a memorabl experience.  The time taken to do the trek  and encounter the gorillas is unpredictable but the chances of finding gorillas are 90% . On encounter with the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend an hour with them .   Return to the lodge  for a late lunch!  You are advised to take  packed lunch/ enough snacks because some gorilla  families  are more indefinable  and  gorilla tracking  may take a full day, especially when it is rainy  or Muddy. Return to your lodge for dinner and over night at   the lodge or your budget.

Day 3-  GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING  RWANDA

Wake up relatively early for breakfast and then again assemble at Parc des Volcans ‘ ORTPN offices for briefing and  formalities for this time  Golden monkey trekking. You will then start the search for golden monkeys in the forest . The Golden Monkey is the is a sub-species of the Blue Monkey  which is only found  in the bamboo forests of the Virunga  volcanic chain that bestrides the three countries of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. The search will give you an array of encounters of other primates in this forest before encountering Golden monkeys. The golden monkey scientifically known as Cercopithecus mitis kandti   is an erratic and inimitable primate .  Just like its great ape relatives-the mountain gorillas,  the golden monkeys can only be found in three countries Rwanda, Congo’s Virunga National Park as well as Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park which are all found on the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.   The Golden monkeys weigh 10 – 25 pounds, have a golden  coloured body, cheeks and tails with black limbs. It also has a crown on its  head  and tail end.  The number of Golden Monkeys harboured in this region has  never been well established , yet researchers believe that they are among the threatened primates species since they face the same problems just like the Virunga Mountain Gorillas   . They are threatened by poachers , snares set for small antelopes, people entering their habitat for firewood among others. Golden Monkeys are somehow not easy  to take  catch  on camera however , you are advised to use a fast shutter speed and low light since you are in a dense forest .Golden Monkey tracking is a vivacious experience, not to be missed by those interested in Chimpanzee and Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda. On encounter , just like after  gorilla tracking , you spend an hour with them and you may get  a close look at the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.  You can see them play in the bamboo forest. It is an exhilarating experience to see mothers carrying their children just like human- Other golden monkeys are found feeding on bamboo leaves and totally at ease while you enjoy watching Africa’s only left few golden monkeys.

If your  Golden Monkey trekking ends early , you may go for an optional visit to the beautiful twin lakes of Ruhundo and Bulera at an extra cost as advised by your tours consultant in AA safaris and tours ltd.

Retire for dinner and over night at the lodge of your budget .

Day 4 – Transfer to Kigali .

Having experienced an awesome adventure in Rwanda  the country  of the Thousand hills, you will leave Musanze  for Kigali .  If you missed your city tour on day 1, you will be taken for a city tour in Kigali before you proceed to the airport for your next flight back home .

End of the 4 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour Africa.

You will be pick up from  your hotel in Kampala , briefed and driven southwestwards.

Proceed to Mbarara  or Kabale for lunch .  This  Uganda gorilla safari voyage  will take you through Uganda rolling green hills to  the moorland  you will not be surprised if it is just like the Switzerland of Uganda before you reach  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest- the home of the only few worlds’ left mountain gorillas! Have an overnight around   the mountain rainforest. Popularly  known as the home of the Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  gets its names  Bwindi from a local language  because of its thickness even after the ice age. Locally , Bwindi means ‘impenetrable ’. The  Montane Forests in the park creates interest for  a breathtaking   number of birds and it harbors  23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics together with  the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species.   Take  a stopover at the equator  for picturesque opportunities .     Before , Bwindi Forest  was gazetted in 1942  . It later  became a national park  1992 and  was accepted as a world heritage site in 1994. In the local  Rukiga language , the word ‘bwindi’ means impassable so the double warning ‘Bwindi Impenetrable is suitable because  Bwindi is all  but impenetrable .   But if the landscape is far from easy to bargain, it is well worth the effort . A trek through Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the endangered mountain gorilla , ranks among the world foremost wildlife encounters.

Dinner and overnight at either of the lodges below ;

Budget accommodation package- Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas or Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre

Moderate- accommodation package- Lake Kitandara camp or Nkuringo camp site or Wagtail Eco lodge or similar

Upmarket  accommodation package- Engagi lodge or Buhoma lodge or Gorilla Resort camp or Traveler’s rest camp or Silver back lodge

Luxury accommodation package- Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge  or Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge , or Volcanoes Bwindi  safari Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Wake up very early in the morning for  breakfast and transfer to your starting point for  briefing to  warm you up for the most inspiring activity -Gorilla tracking!  Bwindi  now has 7 habituated Gorilla tracking families. With  your lunch boxes  and  all the required gear , the ranger guide  will lead you to track the extraordinary Mountain Gorilla, possibly one of the most elating wildlife encounter on earth.  The ranger guides will give you the knowledge about all the flora and fauna that you will encounter along the gorilla trekking. There are currently only almost 700 still existing in the world!  Gorilla tracking is likely to take between 2 and 8 hours  but an encounter of the gorillas after along gorilla trek is worth it!  If gorilla tracking ends early ,  you may participate in a guided village walk to interact with the indigenous Batwa Community at an extra cost (US$15-20).  OR go back to the Camp in the evening and relax  as you wait for dinner and Overnight at the lodge or your budget.

End of the Gorilla Trek

Day 3: End of your gorilla safari – Transfer to Kampala

After a morning breakfast , leave  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and drive back to Kampala , Lunch en route .

End of your gorilla safari with AA safaris and tours Ltd.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the east of Rwanda, Akagera national park covers over 2500 sq.km of Savannah west of the Kagera River. In it is the Akagera River that is the natural border  of Rwanda and  Tanzania.
The park is a habitat to  a variety of savannah  wildlife and over 525  avian species . Akagera  has a natural diversity of Savannah, lakes, swamps, woodland, and open grassland. The lakes   harbor herds of elephant and buffalo whereas  the savannah usually attracts giraffe and zebra. The park  is home to  lions, leopard, hyena and  several species  of antelopes that include the bushbucks and water bucks.   Close to the lake are large pods of hippopotami as well as gloomy crocodiles sun bathing.  The avian species comprise of the rare shoebill stork, the majestic eagles, the papyrus gonolek and a large meditation of water birds,

3 Days Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park

Day1: KIGALI – AKAGERA NP – 120Km – 2 and 30 minutes drive
On arrival at  Kigali airport  in Rwanda,  you will be welcomed by a tours representative from AA safaris and tours .  Later transfer to Kigali which is the capital city of Rwanda for city tour.  Take a tour to the Kigali Memorial Centre beautifully built  where over 250,000 people are buried.  The Centre is an enduring monument to those who fell victims to the genocide and  those who lost their  beloved relatives. Have lunch and then proceed to  Akagera National Park. Dinner and Overnight at:

Budget accommodation: Dereva Hotel.

Luxury accommodation: Akagera safari Lodge

Day2: Game drive and boat ride along Akagera
Take a cup of tea and then go for an early morning game drive before the sunrise. The game drive in the park  is taken early in order to find the early risers before they go back  inside the bushes. You will search for  zebras, elephants, giraffes, antelopes like the diminutive oribi, the handsome Chestnut Coated impala, the shy bushbuck, buffalo, a leopard, a warthog, a spotted hyena and if you are lucky, the astray lion.  Return to the lodge for  mid morning  breakfast and lunch . Later , go for a boat ride  laing Lake Ihema . The  boat ride will expose you to animals like the Hippos, crocodiles, the water birds and some animals on the shores that come  along to take water. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge of your budget

Day3: Back to Kigali
Take breakfast and then later transfer to Kigali .  Visit the communities along the way and later transfer to the airport . If you missed the city tour in Kigali , you may  use the time you have to take a city tour before you proceed to  The airport for your next flight back home.

Location

It’s located in the far west, 50km from Fort Portal an it only takes 2 hours on the fort portal road. It is accessible by public transport from fort portal and the headquarters are closer to Bundibugyo at Ntandi.it is from fort portal, a long the northern tip of the Ruwenzori. You can travel to Semuliki National Park by road, the Kampala-Fort portal via Mubende is much shorter, the Kampala-Fort portal via Masaka then Mbarara and Kasese gives you opportunity to see or Visit Lake Mburo National Park, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ruwenzori Mountains National Park. Getting there , there are two major roads to be used,

Kampala-Fort Portal via Mubende is about 180 Km

Kampala -Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese is about465 Km (7-8 hrs).

Accommodation

1. The park has got limited accommodation facilities however, but there are some of them in Fort Portal and Bundibugyo. There is a camp site for those self sufficient at Bumaga inside the park close the park HQ at Ntandi. Currently until the construction of the new camp is complete, it is possible to camp at Sempaya gate and visitors not camping may have to consider accommodation either in Bundibugyo or Fort portal. Banda accommodation is also proposed.
2. 2.    Semliki Safari Lodge:

What to do there

• Fantastic scenery,
• hot springs,
• forest jungle
• birding
• primate viewing
• Hiking.
• When to visit
• Any time, during the year.

The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate the Ruwenzori’s to be the most challenging of all African mountains.

A variety of large mammals inhabits the lower slopes, but the Ruwenzori’ are notable more for their majestic scenery and varied vegetation. The trails lead through rainforest rattling with monkeys and birds, and then tall bamboo forest, before emerging on the high-altitude moorland zone, a landscape of bizarre giant lobelias, towered over by black rock and white snow, looking for the entire world like the set of a science fiction film.

HOW TO GET THERE

Its lies a few kilometers away north of the equator above the Albertine riftvalley.it trailhead at Nyakalengija and can be reached from Kampala from the north via fort portal or the south passing via Mbarara and Queen Elizabeth[450]km.

ACCOMODATION

• Hotel Margherita: Basic Hotel in Kasese town with 45 rooms. Well located for visits to the Rwenzori Mountains.
• Saad hotel
• Rwenzori mountains safari lodge

What to do there

A lot of activities are done in the place like;

• Mountain climbing
• Skiing

Ruwenzori can be visited almost at any time when its dry since during the rainy season  roads can be abit impassable and the place becomes very cold which can make one uncomfortable so its important to carry warm clothing with you on your.

Accommodation on the mountain details.

 The Rwenzori Mountains services Bunkhouse which is located at RMS’s offices next to the national park headquarters at the entrance of the park. Meals are available through the local women’s group.

The Rwenzori Base camp guest house which is located in Ibanda village only 4km from the national park, with safe secure parking for the vehicle, comfortable surroundings as well as very comfortable beds and beddings.

The Ruboni camp with their offices in Kasese town, where a special hire taxi can be done and opposite it is Rwenzori mountains safari lodges.

In Kasese

There is Margarita Hotel which is the most preferred base camp for many trekking the Rwenzori. Located 3km west of town on the road to Kilembe.

Rwenzori International Hotel in the 3km from town in a quite residential area with all sizes of rooms.

There is the white house hotel which is centrally located close to the office of RMS, with all types of dishes.

In Mitandi;

Mitandi is found far from the main tourist trail into the Rwenzoro Mountains and a wonderful place to learn about culture.

There is Camp Norway, Mitandi which is 1800m in Rwenzori and 35m from Fort portal.its the most ideal venue for trekking Mt.Karangura.

LOCATION

Queen Elizabeth Park lies in about 5-6 hours from Kampala on the surface road via Mbarara and can be reached on the dirt road from Bwindi accessible by public transport and it’s in the southwestern region near Kasese. And it’s about 1,978sq km large.

Activities there

There are a number of activities in then park which include;

1. Chimp tracking in the Kyambura gorge.
2. Launch trip on the Kazinga channel which offers great game viewing.
3. Game drives in mweya.
4. There are also guided tour walks within Maramagambo forest.
5. Birding watching.
6. Salt works visit

Where to stay;

The mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth national park receive the majority of visitors to the park because there are a number of newly refurnished lodge and the  park HQ situated on the Mweya peninsular.

1. There is the students’ hostel at mweya
2. 2.     The mweya safari lodge
3. Queen Elizabeth bush lodge.
4. 4.     Jacana safari lodge. Katara lodge
5. 5.     Kingfisher resort
6. 6.     Kyambura gorge.
7. 7.     Ishasha wilderness camp

When to go.

Road conditions can be difficult and very muddy in the rainy season between March-April and November-December therefore tours are best done outside these seasons.

Accommodation details

Mweya safari Lodge is strategically located with a beautiful view, a great lodge with amazing rooms, excellent meals.

The Katara lodge along Mbarara- Kasese highway

It’s also bisected by the Victoria Nile racing down 80km of white water rapids before joining the remnant rift valley at murchisionfalls.

GETTING THERE;

The area is with the adjoining Karuma and Bugungu wild life reserves. It can be accessed by road through different routes to reach Paraa Park headquarters.  You can use Air with the daily flight from Entebbe airport or the chattered aircrafts from Kajansi airfield to Pakuba only 19km north west of Para and south of Bugungu.

The most commonly used route is that Kampala via Masindi town about 300km taking 4-5 hours and the route is considered to be the shortest and most convenient for its 175 km tarmac and 125km murram.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

The unique Murchison falls and the river Nile with is hippos, crocodiles on the sandbanks and a couple of other species, coming down to drink and bathe.

There are activities like;

• Game drives
• Bird watching chimpanzee tracking
• Top of the falls
• Launch trip to bottom of falls

ACCOMMODATION

This park has got a lot of accommodation facilities from camping and traditional bandaas at Paraa rest camp to the luxury of Paraa safari lodge.

There is the most recently furnished, the Cobe safari lodge a five star hotel.

The Nile safari camp

In Masindi, the Masindi hotel.

Court view hotel

Sambiya river lodge.

 The Nile river camp.

The Karuma Falls campsite

Busingiro Ecotourism site

Then the Kaniyo-Pabidi ecotourism site

Elgon is an important watershed, and its slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal vegetation zones ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other worldly giant lobelia and plants. Elgon receives far fewer visitors than other higher and more famous mountains however as routes to Mt. Kilimanjaro become more crowded and degraded, hikers are starting to appreciate Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorland.

How to get there                                     

Mbale lies 3-4 hours from Kampala along a good tar road.
The trailhead at Budadiri, 20km from Mbale, is accessible by public transport. It lies 235km east of Kampala and the tarmac road runs through JINJA to Mbale on the western slopes of the mountain.

What to do there

 The main activity in this park is Mountain climbing, but there are others like

• Nature walks
• Scenery viewing (Water falls) i.e. Sipi falls to view.
• Trout fishing.
• Coffee tours.

Accommodation.

Inside the park, there are simple camping sites. There are a number of accommodation facilities with in the range and they include of the following .inside the park, there are simple camping sites

• Masha hotel in Kapchorwa centre.
• Mount Elgon Hotel.
• Noah’s ark hotel.
• Roses’last chance.
• Crown nest
• Twalight sipi campsite;
• Sipi river Lodge;

Best time to visit.

 The best time to visit is between the months of June-August and December to March when its dry season though seasons are unpredictable so it can rain any time.

LOCATION

The park is in the far southwest on the boarder of Rwanda and Congo, 15 kilometers south of the town of Kisoro in the Virunga Mountains and is contiguous with the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How to get there.

To get there by road via Kisoro, it’s about 540 km from Kampala taking about 8 hours via Kabale.There are daily buses which leave Kampala when in Kisoro town, one can hire a tax to the park gate. Mgahinga is located just 13 km from Kisoro town and can be accessed by Public transport and can also be accessed by air.

What to do there.

• Gorilla tracking
• Birding
• Cave exploration.
• Hiking

ACCOMMODATION
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Mgahinga Safari Lodge
Mount Mgahinga Rest Camp
Travelers’ Rest Camp
 The best time to visit.

As a rainforest, the park is always wet and more so during the rainy periods of April-May, also in October-November.

The location

Lake Mburo National Park is situated in Kiruhura District in western Uganda. It is located about 30 kilometers, by road, east of Mbarara which is the largest city in the sub-region. This location is approximately 240 kilometers by road, west of Kampala. The coordinates of the park are: 00 36S, 30 57E.

Major activities

• Game viewing. Which is the major activity done in the park.
• Boat rides. This is done because a diversity of animals and plant species can only be viewed when one takes a boat ride along the lake. Birds like the pelicans, Black crake, Heron, etc.

Accommodation facilities

• In the region, there is Sky Blue Motel in Lyantonde
• Mihingo lodge.
• Mantana safaris

How to get there

It can be reached by road and by air; there are four routes, one via Mbale to the east of Lake Kyoga to reach Northern Uganda, another via Karuma. Though, visitors should note that the mainly used route is that from kotido to kaabong via kanawat.

Road Transport:
Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo-705 km
Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo-792 km
Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kideop-740 km
Kampala-Soroti -Kotido via Amuria 656 km

Activities there

• Game viewing
• Hiking and scenery viewing
• Nature walks
• Animal viewing.

Accommodation facilities.

The national park itself operates a self catering hostel that comprises of 14 bandas and each banda has 2 beds and beddings

There is;

• Nga Moru wilderness camp,
• Apoka Hostel.
• Apoka Lodge.

When to go there.

Wildlife at kidepo is more enjoyable especially during the dry season. Guided walks at kidepo start from Apoka and Visitors may view a variety of wild life from the verandah of Apoka Rest Camp.

Location

The routes and distances, to Kibale covering about 26km south-east of Fort Port in Kabarole in western Uganda. With a size of 766sq km. kibale is a unique moist habitat,

Activities in the Park

• Primate viewing
• Birding/bird watching
• Nature walks
• Chimpanzee trekking.

Accommodation:

There are two private and tree general campsites near the kanyanchu visitor centre and basic lodging in nearby trading centre of Bigodi and Nkingo, and the accommodation in Fort Portal, 35 km to the north, then the Luxury lodges include.

• Ndali lodge.
• Mantana luxury tented camp.
• Kibale forest camp
• Primate Lodge Kibale
• Chimps nest
• Kanyanchu River camp
• Nyinambulwa country resort.

When to go there

 Though the seasons are sort of unpredictable, Kibale national park is much more interesting during the dry seasons as movement can be a lot easier than in the rainy seasons when routes may become impassable.

INTRODUCTION.

Bwindi national park with its beautiful impenetrable forest that was reserved to ensure environmental conservation and protect animal nature, formerly, it was gazette in 1942 and later became a national park in 1992, then recognized as a worlds heritage site in 1994. There is a vast landscape covered with vegetation with steep slippery valley and high ridge. This is one of the most ancient rainforests in the country.  A number of animals about 90 mammal species including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. Which have a home in this park and attract a lot of tourists like mountain gorillas which are pretty many in this park.

Bwindi has got very conducive environment, it can be a bit cold in the morning and also in the night and the coldest months usually are June and July therefore warm clothing s may be required, short rains in the months of March and May and then heavy rains   come in the months of September and November.

LOCATION

Bwindi is found in the south western part of Uganda, just about 530km from Kampala close to Kabale town and the people around a Bafunbira and the Bakiga, there is a small community of the pygmies and also supporting the highest rural population densities, the park can be reached by road through various routes.

1. There is Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma
2. Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu—Buhoma
3. Kampala-Kabale-Nkuringo
4. Kampala-Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation for Nkuringo & Shongi Gorilla Tracking Families

Clouds Gorilla Lodge
Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Nkuringo Campsite
Traveler's Rest Camp
Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Wagtail Eco Lodge

Accommodation in Buhoma

Buhoma Community Bandas
Buhoma Lodge
Bwindi View Bandas
Engagi Lodge
Lake Kitandara Camp
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Silver Back Lodge

WHAT TO DO

The are a number of activities in the game park however the main activity is Gorilla tracking there fore permits must be pre-booked from UWA offices in Kampala. Others include guided nature walks and one popular trail will lead to a beautiful waterfall, there is monkey viewing and also birding.

This hotel has got rooms for the leisure and the business clients and each of the rooms has got a TV set fro entertainment, hair dryer, high speed internet access, iron plus an ironing board, in-room movies and all these are put just to help you feel at home.

v  The double rooms.

v  And the single rooms. They are self contained, with internet services, laundry services for those who may need the service and DSTV.

These rates are per night, bed and breakfast but not applicable during special, exclude all taxes and any meal plans. Extra beds are available on request.

They also have got a very comfortable restaurant with beautiful views as you enjoy the meals. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the shortest time possible with the help of trained and friendly waitresses and waiters to help you enjoy your meals.

Ubumwe hotel is an ideal place for holding any kind of meetings, conferences and other social gatherings with out being distracted by noise since it is located outside the city centre and has got high quality conference halls with all the facilities to ensure that your meetings area success.

The hotel is situated in the western province of Rwanda on the shores of Lake Kivu in the middle of a gorgeous place and it has been built to the latest standards with 50 en-suite executive rooms which include 26 single rooms and 24 doubles. All rooms have got hardwood floors, some have a clear view of the city but are all none smoking rooms therefore those who need to smoke have got to do that outside the rooms especially for safety reasons and comfort to the non-smokers. They have wireless internet services and laundry services if needed to make the place more comforting to the visitors thus making this place the ideal place for those one business and leisure travelers.

RATES;

Single rooms @ $160.

Double rooms @ $180.

Suite @ $210.

The meals are provided from the restaurant which offers both the French and the Italian cuisines and also the Rwandese’ staple food (banana) so they provide the fried and boiled bananas with spinach or peas. These meals are had from the dinning area but there are also room services 24-hours.the bar is a pool bar alongside the swimming pool and people enjoy the wines, beers and spirits as they cool down especially on the hot days.

Other services provided include;

ü  A fully equipped gym, sauna, steam bath and massage room.

ü  A well equipped conference centre.

There are attractions around the stipp hotel that guest can enjoy visiting;

ü  The Kigali genocide memorial centre.

ü  The museum of national history kandt house.

ü  Dian Fossey’s tomb.

ü  The Kibuye museum.

ü  The Parliament of Rwanda, among so many others.

They have an outdoor French restaurant with a clear view of the Lake which offers delicious barbecues; the bar is fully stocked with all the wines, spirits and beers that customers may wish to have while staying at the peace land hotel. Among other services offered are;

ü  Wireless internet services for those who might have carried their laptops on their safaris.

ü   A business computer centre for those who may not have laptops but need e-mail services, printers or photocopying.

ü  They conference halls with all the requirements.

ü  Offer airport transfers services on request.

ü  Guided tours, travels as well as car hire but on request.

ü  They also have ample parking space for a few vehicles while staying with them.

There are also a number of leisure activities that you can enjoy watching while staying at the hotel as a way of relaxing one’s mind.

ü  The seven colors of Lake Kivu which is usually very clear in the afternoon hours.

ü  A craft shop with so many local items according to Rwanda’s culture like the musical instruments.

ü   Can go for nature walks around the hotel.

ü  Sight viewing particularly in Lake Kivu and volcanoes.

Other tourism attractions include.

ü  Watching birding.

Each room has got one well equipped kitchen because they offer self catering services to prepare their own meals or ask a cook to do that for them and a balcony from where you get the opportunity to view Lake Kivu. Each of these apartments can accommodate up to six guest adults and they do vary;

ü  The luxury standard rooms.

ü  The luxury twins bedroom.

ü  Luxury single bedroom

ü  And the Deluxe bed room. All these rooms are non smoking with 24 hour room service.

All rates include bed and breakfast and the use of internet services. 18% local tax will be  and the Rwanda citizen will be charged the national value added tax.

They have got so many other facilities that add to the comfort of the clients while they are staying with them.

ü  Large modern conference hall that is well equipped and comfortable and thus making it an ideal place for meetings, seminars, cocktails or dinner parties.

ü  A secure car parking area for their clients’ vehicles.

ü  They also have shuttle for hire.

The accommodation facilities include luxurious rooms both executive and family rooms all designed in an A African style using the traditional materials with 24 –hours room service and other luxuries like coffee/tea maker, TVs, telephones, porters and others. They have 6 suites with king size beds, bathtubs and showers in the bathrooms, spacious enough with a private sitting room and verandah where you can clear see the lake. The 66 standard rooms have got the queen size beds and luxurious bathrooms and therefore all rooms are very comfortable rooms that are kept clean by the staff worker in order to enjoy your stay.

They have got an elegant restaurant (KIYAGA) serving both the local dishes and the western dishes as buffet so that they can meet the demands of all customers. The snacks are server from the Ziwani cafe below the pool and more to that they an indoor bar and that along the beach offering all sorts of beers, wines and spirits depending on the customers’ request. A luxurious swimming pool is also available especially during the hot days, it can be very useful to cool off or for relaxing after the days’ work and can definitely be attended to by the hotel’s bar attendants while in the pool.

While staying at Kivu Serena, you can always enjoy boating on Lake Kivu, swimming, playing volley ball and tennis, fishing on Lake Kivu, hiking and trekking gorillas from the forest and for those who may have conferences, the hotel has got a vast conference room for such functions.

You can also enjoy some other activities like the visiting the gift shops which has got a lot of commodities made by the local people in the community, the dance troupes and these activities can also help you to relax and enjoy you safari.

There are eight bandas having a private verander, a bathroom with a shower and a low flushing toilet, and built using stones and tiles.

The main building has a dinning room and a lounge with fire places where guests can rest after during the trek and the lodge uses solar.

Activities

Gorilla trekking. The lodge is located 30-40 minutes from Volcanoes National Park and has 6 gorilla families

Visit the Diane Fossey’s grave

Climb a mountain

Community walk

Golden monkey trekking.

Visiting the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Room rates

Double room $600 per person

Single room $750

The lodge has 5 cottages, one family cottage and 2 suites. The buildings are made from local stones ,runs on a generator and have beautiful gardens where one can sit and view the different bird species since the park has 650 bird species.                                                                                                                                                                                 The lodge also has a bar and a dinning area where guests rest after trekking.                                                                                There is a library where the information about Rwanda and gorillas can be found and a games room

Each cottage has a bathroom, a dressing room, a sitting room, with a fire place and a private verandah. The family cottage has an extra bedroom and a bathroom.

Activities

Mountain gorilla trekking because the park has more than half of the gorillas in the world with five habituated families each having seven to thirty five individuals

Bird watching can also be done because the park is reported to 650 bird species some which can be found only in Rwanda and those that can be found in other countries.

Golden monkey trekking can be done because the park has a variety of them.

Room rates

The rates of the room vary according to the season.

During the high season that is from 16^th July to 31^st October and from 15^th December

Double room $879 per person

Single room $949

A child under 16 years $441

During the mid season which is from 1^st January-31^st March, from 1^st June -15^th July and from 1^st November -14^th December

Double room $590 per person

Single room $738

A child under 16 years $384

During the low season starting from 1st April-31^st May

Double room $384

Single room $ 384

A child under 16 years $ 249

It  belongs to a chain of 3B Hotels which aim at becoming  the leading hotel group in the country and competing with major hotels in East Africa.

The lodge has contemporary African furniture and original artworks framed in recycled timber which create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.

It  has 25 simple local styled large rooms each with a private room. It also has  a bar,  lounge, restaurant, a dinning room and a forex bureau for those visitors that usually intend to use local currencies
The rooms have a fire place, tea maker set, bar, hair drier and a shower in the bathroom.

The lodge uses a generator which runs from 6pm- 11 pm  and electricity.

Activities at the lodge

Gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking

The lodge is 15km from the park headquarters and sometimes the gorillas and the golden monkeys come at the lodge.

A cultural dance troop provides evening entertainment with incredible traditional Rwandan dancing.

 Room rates

Double room $350

Single room $ 250

Since there is no electricity in Kinigi, the lodge runs on a generator and on a clear day you can view the Volcano Mountains.

The lodge has 43 simple rooms all having en-suite flush toilet and hot shower. There is also a bar, arestuarant and a reception area.

The lodge is also set  near a golf course surrounded by volcanoes and a beautiful garden in which one can have a cool drink or a snack after tracking.

Activities

Gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking and visiting the Diane Fossils camp

Village walks

Room rates

Single $300

Double room: $380

There is Hanna Jack cottage which is occupied by a maximum of four persons and its $2400 with a chef and a house keeper.

The hotel has 9 rooms all having a bathroom, mini refrigerator, hair dryer   T.V set, a fire place and a private verandah

There is a restaurant where both local and continental dishes like French, American and Italian are served plus a bar.

The lodge also has a camping site which is surrounded by bamboo having a dinning area where meals are served.

Activities

Gorilla and golden monkey trekking

Visiting the cultural visit

Visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Visit the local market

Room rates

Single room $150

Double room $250

The hotel has 9 rooms all having a bathroom, mini refrigerator, hair dryer   T.V set, a fire place and a private verandah

There is a restaurant where both local and continental dishes like French, American and Italian are served plus a bar.

The lodge also has a camping site which is surrounded by bamboo having a dinning area where meals are served.

Activities

Gorilla and golden monkey trekking

Visiting the cultural visit

Visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Visit the local market

Room rates

Single room $150

Double room $250

There is a restaurant where dinner and lunch is served and a bar where both local and foreign drinks are sold. The conference rooms can accommodate 50 to 150 people and have high speed internet access, photocopying services, a scanner and a fax.

Activities

Gorilla tracking since the hotel is located in Musanze district which at the base of the entrance of Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting the twin lake Burera and Ruhondo which are found at the base of Mt. Muhabura

Visiting the caves of Musanze which are famous for bats.

Room rates

Single suite $100

Double suite $105 per person (Single)

Standard king size single room $80

Standard king size double room $90

Standard queen size single room $60

Its buildings are attractive and well maintained with flowers around them. During a clear day, you can view the Virunga Mountains.

The lodge has electricity, bar, a restaurant, a conference hall which can accommodate 400 people and the rooms have a mosquito net, a private bathroom with hot water.

The hotel has 20 rooms an can accommodate over 40 visitors.  it has four  dormitories each having 4 beds, single rooms,VIP room and a double room.

Room rates

Single room    $60

Double room $70

Dormitory      $20

VIP room       $90

The restaurant serves African, international foods, an alcarte menu and a small bar. There is also a swimming pool, baby sitting services and gardens where people relax after coming from tracking.

The conference rooms can accommodate 280 and 160 people.

The hotel has two kinds of rooms that is to say those in the Peace house and Grace house. The rooms in the Peace house are 41 in number having a beautiful view of the Virunga Volcanoes and balconies. There are four suites and two of them have a large master bedroom with a bathroom having a shower and a Jacuzzi bathtub. The suites also have a lounge place, a full bedroom and a small bathroom.

The rooms in the Grace house have a garden and the two deluxe rooms have a private meeting area with in.

Activities

Gorilla tracking

Mountain climbing

Golden monkey tracking

The hotel has a bar and has drinks from all over the world, a small conference rooms that accommodates 15 people, 60 people and a lecture room that accommodates 1200 people.

The hotel has one apartment and 31 rooms all with hot water. There is free internet access in the rooms and laundry services

Activities

Gorilla tracking since the lodge is located in Musanze district which is located at the base of the Volcanoes National Park.

Mountain hiking

A single room is $40

A double is $50

Apartment is $60

The rooms are 15 and 2 pavilion with inside bathroom. There is a bar ,a handcraft shop, and a garden,.

While there, you can also get accommodated in the Africa’s resting sceneries  that are located within a walking distance and from there, you will enjoy watching a lot of vegetation and wild life like the different tree species, montane forest’s brightly coloured birds, 13 primate species like the monkeys, hundreds of butterflies and over 75 mammal species.

Some of the activities that one can do while at this place, can go for chimpanzee tracking in the forest except for kids below the age of 18 years, can have forest walks and they are not so tiresome since they last from one-six hours following paths that have ready been marked by people going through the forest, bird viewing since these birds are so beautiful like the blue turacos,the red breasted sparrow hawks and 24 of these are very much common in this section of the rift valley.

The guest house can only accommodate 52 people in its 22 simple rooms whereas some of them are en-suite, other are simple so have got to share the bath rooms. There are two twin rooms with a bathroom and a sitting room suitable for those who travel as a family in 5 particulars.

Visitors are provided with all meals as they want them whether hot or cold at all time accompanied by soft drinks from their restaurant strategically positioned offering both a beautiful view of the lake at the same time accessibility to the Nyungwe forest park. However, alcohol consumption is not allowed at the guest house in an effort to ensure control by the management. This is one f the parks that area not visited often there can be a great place for those who want to have time alone

There are also other facilities provided by the guest house which include the access to internet services, telephone services, and televisions for entertainment during the day plus one conference hall accommodating about 700 people as well as organizing for visitors a boat ride to go watch local fishermen.

Activities that one can easily enjoy while staying at the guest house include the forest walks where you can see the different primates like the silver monkeys, chimpanzees though by chance, can also watch the many bird species like the sunbirds, mouse birds, ibis, fly catchers, weavers .

They provide daily laundry services, have a classic restaurant that provides delicious food stuffs for both the  international visitors and the local meals for the Ugandan people that can be had from a number of  serving points as well as a well stocked bar with all sorts of wines and spirits. The dinning room is built with only wood providing a cool environment even under hot weather conditions.

Accommodation rates;

The rooms have got twin beds, 15 of them are en-suites with king size beds that are very comfortable and decorated with wood-burning fire places. The bathrooms are also private, designed in a modern way (large bathtubs) and hot water bath. All these building are built to compliment the natural environment.

Luxurious room@ $ 400.

Rates include accommodation. Breakfast, dinner with selected beverages and 18% VAT only.

50% single supplement applies.

Long stay discount is 10%.

Other facilities that are available include the internet accessibility, tea and coffee making facilities, private reading tables, and flat screens with all digital channels, heated swimming pool and two treatment rooms for both the facial and body treatment.

While at Nyungwe forest lodge, you can always go for walks around the forest to see the different bird and tree species as well as other primates living in the Nyungwe forest, go trekking the chimpanzees in the national park or can stay around and watch the scenery around the lodge. Nyungwe forest lodge is one of the best in Rwanda because it is very well organized with friendly staff members to you feel all the comfort you may need while on your safari.

They have got lounge where the fireplace is and surrounded by beautiful African craft works and a lot of the Congolese masks. They also have other services they provide like the massage rooms to relax your muscles, laundry services for those who may need to have their clothes washed before leaving the camp, gift shops with lots of beautiful commodities bikes for rent and internet access to be used by those who may have carried their laptops on the safari.

They have got very clean private rooms in single, the twin, the triple and a suite. Each room has got bathroom facilities with hot water flowing and extends out into the beautiful enclosed gardens surrounding the place.

The camps’ contribution the community is in form their effort to contribute to kids’ school fees and other materials, the local orphans have got a group that performs in the evening at the lodge and are able to collect some money from the visitors for their up keep.

Activities at the lodge.

• Climbing the volcanoes.
• Gorilla tracking.
• Nature walks to Lake Mutanda.
•  Visit some of the deaf schools around.

This rest camp is composed of nine grass thatched bandas and 3 tents with private facilities, half of these cottages have their en-suite and private balconies which are facing towards Lake Mutanda. This cottage was built using the locally a available material collected by the local people so are the staff members who are trained on jobs and through this they earn some income to cater for their families thus an excellent employment opportunity to so many people.

The electricity is supplied from the solar panels instead of the hydro electricity because it is not reliable.

Activities provided by the camp.

• Gorilla trekking.
• Tracking golden monkeys.
• Birding.
• Mountain and volcano hiking.
• Nature walks.

They have got 6 tented hut accommodation facilities built on platforms with grass thatched roofs and canvas walls and all rooms have got twin beds inside them but can also have a room as a single with good toilet facilities and all the other requirements are available. There is the main building which so peaceful and comfortable because it is positioned in a beautiful environment with a clear view of the Lake Mutanda and the Virunga mountains. While on the verandah of the main building, you get the best view of the sun as it sets over the Virunga Mountains in the evening, view the snow capped peaks and the mist which covers the valley and these offer a memorable experience. There is a newly constructed sunroom that is facing the Volcanoes so that one can have a clear view of them, the newly created gardens and terraces have been set up to add to the beauty of the place.

On the main building is the dinning room, the bar, the lounge and the warm and friendly staff will be there to serve you as you may wish.

The activities to enjoy while staying at the lodge.

• Launch cruise on Lake Mutanda.
• There are hikes and walks to the caves and the craters.
• You can also get o visit the alpine swamps.
• Check out the rare golden monkeys and the local fisher men’s nets.

The attractions available include the.

• The golden monkeys.
• The Virunga volcanoes though are within long distance from the cottage.

The camp consists of very comfortable and fairly priced accommodation facilities located just a few meters from the entrance of the Gorilla national park. The accommodations are in form of cottages, hostels, campsites with one en-suite banda, the others are self contained bandas and camping facilities are also available for those who want to camp.

They got a classic restaurant serving very warm and delicious meals built in a strategic place giving a spectacular view of the surrounding place.

Activities done while at the camp include;

ü  Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking since this an excellent base for that.

ü  Virunga volcano hiking.

ü  Community walks.

ü  Birding.

ü  Swimming can also be enjoyed from Lake Mutanda plus canoing

Hotel Chez Lando wants to be a mosaic of culture and colors, where simplicity and warm hospitality are offered in rare moments of enjoyment.

Accommodation;

They have 82 quaint rooms and each of them is fully equipped with every thing that a visitor may need during his or her stay at the hotel, very clean sheets on very comfortable mini-bar or large beds, daily maid services, color TVs with all the international channels via satellite, telephone. They provide hot shower in private bathrooms plus a refrigerator to have cold drinks plus a swimming pool. Each guest room has got a private patio where one gets a clear view of those vast beautiful gardens surrounding the hotel during the relaxation moments.

The bungalows and pavilion rooms.

$100 for single occupancy.

$130 for double occupancy.

$130 for twin bedded room.

$190 for suite.

There are also other services that the hotel provides include free shuttle to and from the airport for the guests, stationery services, internet services, kids play ground with colorful swings, local dance clubs for entertainment among so many others.

The accommodation facilities consist of cottages along the Lake shores with comfortable double beds, are en-suite with a TV set each, private balconies, private showers and toilets. The rooms are well maintained by the staff member.

All rates include breakfast and BB for Bed and Breakfast.

Their menu consist of fresh both the Rwandan and European cuisine that is prepared and served by well trained and friendly people in order to make your stay a lot more comfortable and enjoy breakfast watching the reflection of the sunrise  or the beautiful colors of the sun setting from the main dinning room. The bar serves all wines like the white and red rose wines, beers, spirits and other beverages which you can sip from the gardens filling the breeze.

The guest house has got boats for hire in order to have boat rides on the lake.

The hotel has got the capacity to accommodate 720 guests in their 261 rooms that are well furnished with all the facilities needed like the private bathrooms with shower, a private balcony and terrace. They have rooms specially equipped for disabled guests  standard rooms@10.000frw per night, the VIP rooms’ @20.000frw per night and the prices include breakfast to their guests.

There are also 115 bungalows. Some of the rooms have got single beds and the three bedded rooms, then the double bedded bungalows to those with four beds. All rooms are air conditioned, with telephone services, satellite TV, fridge and hair drier and are all accessible to the disabled people. They provide a very spacious dinning room in the main building where people enjoy their meals, a classic bar with all spirits and wines and a souvenir shop.

Other facilities provided include the children’s swimming pools, meeting rooms which can accommodate about40,000 delegates, board rooms,  a bar and restaurant that prepares a wide range of dishes  with  spectacular views of the surrounding thus making the ideal place for functions, dinners and other occasions.  They have a foot and tennis court, a mini golf course, volley ball, basket ball court and the children play ground and water skiing. All these are entertainment centers for those interested in those different games for exercise and getting rid of boredom. They also provide their guests with internet services for those who carry their laptops on their safaris, offer discounts on their prices as well.

They have got 42 rooms built along side the lake there are single rooms @ $40 and $70 for the double rooms and all rooms include bed and breakfast. The rooms are well furnished and some of them have got V set in them for entertainment, telephone services. The meals are also available are excellently prepared and served by well trained personnel in a very clean restaurant that over looks the lake.

Other services offered include;

ü  An internet café for those who wish use internet while on their safari.

ü  Very safe and secure parking places for clients vehicles while are staying at the hotel.

It has got 7 rooms on one block next to one another and it was designed using the local materials from the community so that it can blend with the natural environment around. Rooms are fairly priced, they have got hot and cold water flowing in their en-suite bathrooms, private verandahs with very comfortable chairs where you can sit and relax as you take a cup of coffee or tea as you view the forest at the same time.

They have got a well furnished restaurant serving both the local and international dishes, they are freshly prepared by the most trained chefs and then served by very warm and friendly waiter delivering very order just on time hence help you to feel at home. More the restaurant, they have got a fully stocked bar with all the wines, spirits and beers, very comfortable chairs as you sip the drink and watch the beautiful surrounding filled with beautiful flower gardens..

The staff has got great customer care which makes this place an ideal place for those on their honeymoon and those on holidays.

Activities that your may get involved in while there.

ü  Birding.

ü  Primate trekking.

ü  Gorilla trekking

ü  Forest walks with a trained guide.

This camp has got only 8permanent tented camps that are well furnished and built on wooden plat forms. The tents consist of comfortable beds, all of them are self contained bathtubs facing outside into the forest and are well maintained. Each tent has got a privately owned verandah where you can sit and having tea or coffee as you admire the beauty of the forest surrounding the place. From your rooms, you can hear the sound of the birds, screeching of the chimpanzees and all the other animals in the forest close to you tents and usually traditional campfire is lit where gorilla briefing is done from.

The meals are served form the dinning area which also has got an open area to give a chance to breath fresh air as you have your meal. The chefs are well trained therefore prepare delicious food both the local dishes and the international dishes, the waiters are equally trained to handle customers with a lot of care so that they can feel at home. All the soft drinks are included on the prices of the room.

Attractions at the camp.

ü  The so may bird species that exceed 360.

ü  Over 113 different types of mammals in the forest.

ü  Can also go visit the Virunga Volcanoes.

ü  The different tree species in the forest.

Activities include.

ü  Birding.

ü  Forest walks.

ü  Safari lodge wildlife walk.

And these rates are for full board service. That is includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited juice, tea/coffee and house wines on the last day of your stay with the camp.

Lighting in the tents and bathrooms is done by the solar system since hydro electricity is non-reliable. Camping facilities are also available for the passing travelers.

They have got a well furnished restaurant which serves both local dishes and the international dishes so as satisfy every guest’s desire, meals are served from the main dinning room by friendly waitresses and waiters and also picnic lunches can be provided for those heading for gorilla tracking. Food stuffs are got from the local markets from the local produces and this is their way of giving back to the community thus a way of helping them develops.  More to the restaurant, they also have a fully stocked bar with all sorts of wines, beers and spirits that guests may need while staying with them and it is strategically positioned giving a perfect view of the forest.

There are also a number of attractions in the area which you can enjoy while staying there.

ü  Gorilla tracking since this park is a home of so many primates.

ü  There is bird watching.

ü  Forest walks and some a nocturnal walks.

And other services include;

ü  Luggage porters.

ü  Boutique /shops.

ü  Room service if you need it.

ü  Laundry services for those who need such services.

The lodge is open ended at the front, allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park forest from every corner inside the building.

The Main Lodge structure is alienated into 3 parts: the restaurant, a rock bar, and a large wooden verandah with a detached al fresco viewing podium.  The lodge structure is substantial enough to outfit for large groups needing banqueting tables, but still permits smaller individual groups to extend out in the a choice of different areas for solitude.

The main lodge is built completely from rocks originating from around the site and eucalyptus trees, while the covering has been thatched using banana  fiber  which were produced  by local farmers.

The kitchen which is set a  distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients prepares a variety of 3 course meals and all requirements  . The lodge caters for both vegetarians and vegans.

Engagi  lodge  has  8 en-suite cottages, equally separated  out and hidden in the undergrowth.  Each cottage has either a double or twin beds complete with hot water bottles, a bathroom with flushing toilets, hot and cold running water in bathrooms .  All have private verandas where guests can enjoy their morning tea or coffee as they watch out over the forest canopy.

Electricity is abounding by solar power, with a backup generator. Hot water is supplied by wood burning boilers, however we  the lodge  has future plans for  powered heaters in the future with the wood burners as backup.

The main Reception was built  along  Buhoma Road and the lodge has  a large and secure roadside car-park, both of these are a good distance away from the main lodge buildings.  Drivers can be accommodated in our permanent staff buildings. At Engagi lodge, visitors are  on a treat with  a  number of private walking trails surrounding the lodge and down to the river.   Those interested in  tea farms inside the site  may visit them  and see the role of the community in adapting to conservation measures around Bwindi Np.

They have got 3 big bandas, the eagle, Robin and Sparrow. Each of these contains 4 beds at $100 per night. Renting an extra banda costs shs35,000.

The 2 small bandas, Kiwi and Warbler contains 2 beds in each but can as well rent the entire banda to enjoy you privacy. They also have got camping facilities at $7per night. All these bandas have got heated water supply for bathing, use pit latrine and weekly laundary services for those who may need to have their clothes washed.

The meals are served from their well furnished restaurant which offers snacks, traditional and international dishes; these meals are prepared by trained chiefs and served by friendly waiters. Takeaway is also prepared for those who may be heading for picnics, gorilla trekking or on nature walks.   Other services offered include;

v Grocery facilities from where you can buy some simple commodities needed.

v Information board with all the reading materials about the place and wild life.

v They offer rental facilities like the gum boots, rain coats for those who don’t have and tents for the campers.

v A safe car parking area.

v Game rooms and areas for picnics.

Activities to engage in while there.

v There are community walks with trained guides.

v Bird watching since there over 50 species.

v There are also traditional dances that are performed by the local kids especially in the evening.

The lodge has 8 comfy cabins with en-suite flush toilets, warm showers and some rooms with bathtubs. Rooms are mosquito proof. The lodge has a cozy dinning and bar area with eminent outlooks of the forest.  Tourism activities here include gorilla tracking, forest walks, birding and cultural interaction.   The lodge also has recharging facilities, UK square 3-pin plugs 240 and each  room has a safety deposit box .

The Lodge  has magnificent and continuous views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park  habitat to the uncommon and elusive Mountain Gorilla. Formerly Buhoma Homestead, the lodge has now been refurbished   to match with the 21^st Century generation  .  It now provides a top quality, warm lodge for guests’ pleasure.

The lodge is strategically located  within the  Bwindi National Park and it is  less than a five minutes’ walk  from the start of Rushegura and Mubare  gorilla tracking families starting points .

Its Chalets  have been cautiously built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park.

The cabins are spacious with comfortable beds, a well appointed en suite bathroom with flushing toilet and a hot shower and also some rooms with bath tubs.

The lodge has a lofty lounge area with bar and dining facilities.  It offers a warm, contented environment, to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

The lodge   used sustainable local materials where possible as part of their commitment to promote  conservation of tourism. Supplies are obtained from the locale .

Meals are prepared with many local ingredients, providing a balance of international and locally flavored cuisine with meals being of several courses.

The  bar has an assortment of local and imported beverages .

The lodge provides hot beverages throughout the day on a self service basis, but are conveyed to your cottage with early morning wake up calls as required, permitting you to awake gently and savor the early morning sounds of the forest.

Below are some of the services offered.

v  An extensive and well designed camping ground close to Bwindi Forests.

v  Bar and restaurant with a wonderful staff that prepares both  international and local dishes.

v  Fully stocked Art and Craft shop with wood sculptures, woven bags, baskets and other local fabrics.

v  Full night entertainment with dance and drama.

v  The bandas have a touch of an African Architectural design and the six bandas are fully furnished with about 4 beds that will favor all groups of tourists.

Activities in the place include the famous chimpanzee and gorilla tracking, birding, handcraft sites among others.

They have accommodations in bandas that are decorated with local materials and wooden beds to blend with nature. These bandas and tents have got electricity and private bathrooms and flush toilets. However single rooms have got shared rooms.

• Two double beds in a self contained bandas.
• Two twin rooms in the self contained bandas.
• Four single rooms with shared bathroom for those on a very tight budget.
• Campsite where tents can be provided if needed.

This lodge is located in a very conducive atmosphere with a clear view of Bwindi national park which is a home mountain gorilla and Nshongi is the only family of gorilla trek in Uganda.

Their restaurant serves both the local and the international foods for lunch, dinner and breakfast as well. The food is locally produced food and that is the main support that they can give to the community apart from purchasing their It has locally made furniture.

This lodge is locally owned which is a plus in business since most lodging facilities are owned by foreigners.

While staying at Wagtail, you can always enjoy activities like the;

ü  Community walks around the homestead, schools and may be meet the Batwa people.

ü  Gorilla tracking and bird watching.

ü  Join the evening cultural sessions which involve cultural dances, drumming, craft work sessions.

ü  There are also volunteer programs which are organized from one week to another.

They have got 5 spacious cottages with very comfortable beds clean sheets, well organized by those friendly staff member who are always there to serve you with whatever you may need 24 hours a day. They have got both hot and cold water flowing in the en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets. On a clear sunny day, you can clearly see he Virunga and the beauty of the sun as it rises in the morning, bwindi forest reserve in the southern part and Lake Edward

The meals are prepared by expert chefs that explains why the meals are always of the best quality this explains why both dishes whether local or international are always delicious at all times. The meals are served by friendly staff member who are got from the local community members who are trained by the lodge to behave accordingly towards the guests.

Some of the tour activities while at Tavern cottages.

ü  The main activity there is gorilla tracking.

ü  Birding is the activity after tracking. Bird watchers can always enjoy their stay since there are so many bird species in the Bwindi forest reserve.

In the 1960s ,  the famous American  gorilla researcher  ‘gorilla-woman’ Dian Fossey who had visited Travelers Rest many times to do  here reports and paperwork,  to relax or to meet people said about the  Traveler rest  camp ; “It was my second home”.

Travelers Rest,  is placed  outside Kisoro and it offers a comfortable stay for tourists, who come to see the endangered mountain gorilla in the southern Part of Bwindi  who track gorillas in Nkuringo , Nshongi,the new Kahungye Family  and Mgahinga National park’s Nyakigezi.  It was  built in a rather colonial style  and completely refurbished in 1999 . Travelers’ rest  Camp   has a calm ambiance with reasonably priced twelve rooms. On entering the lodge, the ibis greets you with its archetypal sound. The gorgeous proximate garden is a home  to many avian species. While sitting on the porch, you can smell the fairly sweet perfume of the honeysuckle. In the evenings, when it gets cooler, visitors can warm themselves at the fireplace, outside or in the lounge. This camp lies under the towering volcanoes which mountains offer a spectacular view on the rift valley and the emerald green on Lake Mutanda in the distance.

They have got en-suite accommodation facilities which are affordable. They are in self contained tents on the lake shores built in the possible African way on platforms giving a very clear view of the lake with stone bathrooms and porches here guest can rest after a tiresome day as they enjoy a cold drink. They also have got room service, laundry service for those who may need it.

Camping is only possible for those people who own their private camping facilities

The meals are cooked from a very clean and fully furnished kitchen; the meals are usually delicious, prepared by the local people and offer both breakfast and lunch buffets

Activities there;

ü  Boat rides on Lake Mutanda.

The camp site has got two up-market cottages that are self contained, with water in the tanks to use to flush toilets but with out electricity and generators, only paraffin lanterns are used in the night and two bush showers and eco-toilets.

The campsite has got different accommodation facilities which include;

• Two en-suite hand crafted cottages with a view of the Virunga and the rift valley.
• 1 twin bed traditional banda.
• 5 twin bedded budget rooms

They provide hot water for bathing though it is scarce and porters have to carry the water all the way form the river to the camps for the guests especially during the dry season but during the wet seasons, water is always harvested.

Nkuringo has got a fully furnished small restaurant offering fresh meals to their visitors and the food stuffs are purchased from the local market near by.

While staying at Nkuringo campsite, you can also get involved in the following activities.

• Have guided village walks and visit the Batwa group of people.
• Visit the amazing volcanoes of Virunga.
• Go for bird spotting along the forest trail with a trained guide.
•  Can also have a forest walk through the Bwindi forest.
• Go for gorilla tracking.

It is quietly placed  nearer to the starting point of  Nshongi group of Gorillas.

Gorilla safari lodge has eight en suite spacious luxurious cottages and each of them is beautifully deliberate with a verandah which  allows  exceptional outlooks of the immaculate tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

The lodge is dissected in a way that the main lodge also includes a Restaurant, Bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest.

While at Gorilla safari lodge ,  you will feel  as though you are atop the world from your first gawk transversely the scenery that  is simply awe inspiring .

Getting There

By Air:  You can take a Charter Flight from Entebbe  airport or Kajjansi  airstrip to Kisoro from where you  can be picked for a road transfer to the lodge.

By Road: Travel from Kampala, crossing the Equator, through Mbarara to Kabale  to Southern Bwindi past Muko to Nshongi.

Kampala – Kabale = 427km

Facilities

Gorilla Safari Lodge  is  made up  of 8 units whereby two  are  double-roomed family units for people traveling together or in families .

The subtly repaired and magnificently selected cottages have a breathtaking venue to calm down and relax. Each room  is en suite  with  a bathroom with hot and cold water, and lightened by  solar power  with a comfortable fireplace.

The lodge is managed  by its very owners who  are locals and mainly focus on  quality service, good food and excellence .

Activities around the Lodge

- Gorilla Trekking

- Guided Community Walks

- Guided Forest Walks

- Guided Bird watching

- Volunteer Tourism

NOTE ABOUT Gorilla Tracking

All clients coming to this lodge are advised to book their gorilla  permits atleast 9 months in advance before they stay here. To track gorillas  in Bwindi , each one  must have the day’s gorilla permit which needs to be pre- arranged and paid for atleast 9-12 months in advance. Permits are non-refundable except for medical reasons and a medical certificate has to be provided to the responsible authorities before any refunds are processed. To protect gorillas from  catching disease and to avoid problems of arduous conditions in the forests young trackers below the age of 15 and those with illnesses are not allowed tracking. A gorilla permit costs USD500. Though the lodge  is at the starting point of Nshongi  gorilla tracking family , no one is allowed to enter or do a gorilla trek  unless they have the necessary  gorilla permits for the day  and  gorilla tracking must be done with  only UWA rangers in its designated time. It only starts at 08 am and any one starting it later than 8am does it at their own risk.

It is a modern facility with 8 rooms in thatched Bandas with en-suite bush showers with hot water, composting toilets and rooms are surrounded by fresh flower gardens to make the place more attractive on the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes.

All the bandas are provided with their own seating area during the moment of relaxing.

All rooms are sold on  full board services with lots of privacy thus making the clients a lot more comfortable. Lighting is generated with solar power is an efficient sources of energy if lights are not left on during day time and some times candles and paraffin lanterns too  are used.

Activities to enjoy while staying at the lodge;

• Climbing the Muhavura volcano.
• Climbing the Gahinga Volcano.
• Nature walks along the Congo-Uganda boarder.
• Visit the rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga national park.
• And can also take part in the Batwa experience. other services provided by the lodge which include the

ü  Guaranteed security for both the clients and their properties.

ü   Safe parking space for their clients’ vehicles.

ü  Wireless Internet services for those who might have carried their laptops.

ü  Full reception attendants who are friendly to attend to all your needs.

This is the most luxurious and one of the best and quite lodges in Bwindi national park along the rift valley with all the luxurious facilities of the highest standards and it’s located in the southern part of Bwindi national park which is a habitant for a large population of gorillas. The lodge is decorated with the Ugandan artwork especially the carvings and it is also noted to be the most expensive  accommodation facility in Bwindi because a reasonable amount goes to the community development service, this the commitment to the development of the area and so this is how the community benefits from the gorillas in their area.

The lodge consists of 8 well spaced bed roomed stone cottages that have got a twin en-suite bathroom, a fire place to keep their rooms warm especially on the cold evenings and each of the room accesses the beautiful view of the Virunga Volcanoes and the forest. Two of these rooms are double rooms perfect for those who travel as a family or as friends together. The lodge has got 6 fire places at the lounge on the main block where they can all meet during the moment of relaxing and to ensure that they stay warm enough especially during in the cold days and on the same block is the reception, the dinning room shop and bar.

The rooms have got sheltered verandahs providing room for relaxation and may be enjoy a cup of tea/coffee or wines as you enjoy the scenery and are surrounded by very beautiful gardens to add to the beauty of the landscape. They also have got both the hot and cold water flowing, electricity supply is available in all the tents.

Rates

Pay $475  or  Euros 395 per person sharing the room per night.

Food is prepared from a well equipped restaurant by clean and experienced chiefs who make the best receips; it is served when it’s hot by warm and friendly waiters who make you feel at home and you enjoy your meals. They have both the local dishes and the international dishes so as to serves people from allover the world.

Activities to engage in while staying at the camp.

• Can go for gorilla tracking and the largest group is the Nkurigo group of gorillas.
• Get involved in the Nkuringo community development fund programs and in this case, local people are able to benefit from all the visitors who come to this place.

While staying at the clods lodge, all that you may need will be provided before you can even ask for it by the efficient workers at the lodge however it is also good if you ca ask for any thing you may need but seems to be left un attended to.

They have got 58 en-suite rooms and 2 executive suite each having its own patio overlooking the lake providing the visitors with an opportunity to view the beauty of the sunset in the true African style. These rooms have been decorated along the African themes using many African craft materials, 2 beds with a reading desk, chair and a satellite TV for entertainment. They provide housekeeping services with the help of well trained local staff who are so efficient. Each of these rooms has got a private bathroom which are kept clean and the whole room including the beds.

Accommodation rates.

Single room @ 37650 RWF (rack rate)

Double room@ 42900 RWF (couple/family rate) &47650 RWF (rack rate)

Suite single room@ 62700 RWF (rack rate)

Suite double room@ 69250 RWF (couple/family rate) & 72750 RWF (rack rate)

Presidential suite@ 500 USD (couple/ family rate) & 500USD (rack rate)

All above rates include bed and breakfast and VAT inclusive.

Akagera game lodge has got a lot of facilities like the shoebill restaurant  with charming atmosphere serving cuisine in form of a la carte or buffer meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the elephant bar and lounge, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a conference room in a state-of-the-art conference accommodating about 10-100 delegates and business facilities. The cottages provide luxurious self-catering facilities ideal for families or a group of friends travelling together and need to enjoy their holiday

The park was split into two after independence of Congo and Rwanda in 1960 and 1962 respectively and the 2 ruling powers agreed on maintaining the area as a tourist area in spite of the fact that the fact that the new republic was already affected by overpopulation problems.
Dian Fossey an American naturalist also used this park s abase for her research into gorilla in 1967, she also set up the Karisoke Research Centre between Karisimbi and Bisoke. She spent most of her time in the park, she would spend an hour in the park watching them do their daily routines like feeding, playing and resting. She managed to save so many gorillas from extinction for which she credited. Unfortunately she was assassinated by unknown assailants at her home in 1985, a crime that was attributed to poachers since she had spent so much time of her life fighting against.  She is buried in the park in a research center amongst the gorillas which had become her life and her life was presented on the big screen in the film Gorillas in the Mist. Her grave site is a 2 hours trek and very memorable.

The Volcanoes National Park later 1992 became a battlefield in the course of the Rwandan Civil War, and the research centre was vacated and all tourist activities were stopped like gorilla visiting until 1999 when the place was declared safe for all people. Today this national park is has the best ecosystem in the area of blending evergreen and bamboo forest with open grassland, swamps and heath.

The golden monkey is  one of Africa’s most endangered primate and a very precious treasure of the Virungas and the only one left. It is that special species of Guenon cercopithecus kadthi living in the Albertine rift valley living near the lower parts of the park and within a walking distances.

Mountain climbing and hiking in the virunga gives one an opportunity to go through the ecosystem comprising of all the four vegetation zones of the bamboo, hagenia and hypericum forest, the sub-alpine and the Afro-alpine.

The volcanoes national park has got a variety of tourism activities which include;
- Gorilla visits and these attract so many tourists who enjoy tracking them earning a lot of revenue to the tourism industry.
- Golden monkey visits.
- Climbing of Karisimbi volcano.
- Climbing of Bisoke volcano.
- Tour of the lakes and the vulcanize caves plus all the hot springs in the area.
- Visiting Diana Fossey’s tomb which is also a very popular tourists attraction.

On the outskirts of the town at the natural bridge, there is a solidified lava flow that is so fascinating. The volcanic activities do shape this scenic area. And within an easy day, tripping distance of Musanze are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. Musanze town offers a good selection of upper-range and mid-range hotel as well as reasonably-priced small hotels and guest house.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Hotel Muhabura
Hotel Urumuli
Ishema Hotel
Kinigi Guest House
La Palme Hotel
Le Bambou Hotel
Mountain Gorilla Nest Camp
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

This park is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda near the Kibungu city and it’s where the savannah opens up with clusters of the acacia together with open grassland in the west of river Kagera having 2500 sq km as the national park. This park is dominated by variety of wildlife and a habitant for a number of bird species; there are long, winding swamps and lakes that follow the meandering river Kagera which is believed to be the source of the river Nile.

ATTRACTIONS

There are so many wild animals that have a home in this savannah and swamp like the zebras, giraffes, moving around freely within the savannah and the dozen of species of antelope which include the diminutive Oribi, the ungainly Tsessebe and the shy Bushbucks. Herds of buffalos and elephants come out of the savannah in the evening to drink some water from the edge of the river. Akagera accommodates about 525 species of birds, 4 endemics and big numbers of birds migrating from elsewhere and during a walk in this savannah one can get an opportunity to see the spotted hyenas, warthog and occasionally have a stray lion moving around. The water animals like the hippos, crocodiles are there as well as the shoebill stock which is the treasure of the Akagera together with the papyrus Gonolek.

When is it convenient to visit the park?

This park has got a very unique sort of climate which is spring like climate that makes the tour in this park extremely pleasant to all visitors however, it is always good to visit these parks in the hot seasons since in the rainy seasons of (December, March and April) the roads become so impassable which will make touring un easy for the tourists.

Activities at the park.

There are game drives with a well trained guide who help you find you way around and will be much convenient for those staying in a lodge around the park. The game viewing however is limited to only one main road that runs northwards from the park headquarters at Lake Ihema.  Navigating along water edges is done on boats and so be able to watch all the animals that with in the park and the river.

In the evening one gets a truly Africa spectacular view of when the sun slowly sets in with a blazing orange and reds mixed with deep purple and the sound of wild animals and birds usually at the edge of the river that meanders back into the savannah for the night.

Accommodations in Akagera national park.

Akagera Game Lodge

This situation in the North East of Rwanda in the eastern province sitting majestically on a ridge that is overlooking Lake Ihema amidst a mosaic of grass, bush and varied terrain of hills, deep valleys, lakes and marches. Akagera Game Lodge offers a superbly relaxed atmosphere and has been recognized as a superior venue, ideal for a successful conference, a tranquil gateway or an undisturbed encounter with nature. Therefore, there is no other region matching the resources of the Akagera National Park thus making is a very special place on earth, with its sheer diversity.

Akagera game lodge has got a lot of facilities like the shoebill restaurant  with charming atmosphere serving cuisine in form of a la carte or buffer meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the elephant bar and lounge, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a conference room in a state-of-the-art conference accommodating about 10-100 delegates and business facilities.

The genesis of Kigali as the Capital city of Rwanda can be drawn  from 1906 when Richard Kandt was allotted the Resident Governor of Rwanda.  He picked on  Gakingiro as his head office and today his residence  head office then which was then  known as  Kandt’s House has been changed  into a Natural History Museum.  Efforts to collect more exhibits  are  still going on and whatever  is collected is displayed.  In addition to the Richard Kandt’s Museum, the Kigali city tour will also take you to ;

Kigali  city centre   is another interesting place to visit  in the Kigali City  tour.  Here you will visit the old president’s office & the flagpole of abhorrence Radio Mille Collines.  The most ancient part of Kigali is that segment around carte Marteus.  This  street is one of the most busiest in Kigali.

Another interesting place that you must not leave out while in the Kigali city tour is the Muslim quarter of Nyamirambo.  The is mostly inhabited by the Muslims and   it is where most of the youth centres are found.  The place becomes more lively and busy in the evenings.

In addition, the genocide memorials of Gisozi are another place that you must visit whilst in in Kigali city tour .  This is a permanent memorial for victims of the genocide of 1994. The site is built on an area where over 250,000 people are buried.  This is where those people who lost loved ones  to the genocide  assemble to remember and grieve.

The Genocide memorial of Belgian soldiers at Kamp  in Kigali is another site to visit . The is the   place  where 10 UN Blue Berets soldiers were  massacred . This happened on  day  one of the genocide . The Soldiers had been deloployed under the orders of Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, to keep the house of modest Prime Minister Agatha Uwilingimana.  After the violence, Presidential Guard soldiers attacked the home, disarmed the Belgians and transported them to Kamp Kigali where they killed them. Presently, the Camp is a Belgian memorial site that hordes a small museum and  offers a first introduction to the horrible events of 1994.

The Geological Museum.  The Kigali geological museum is an interesting place to visit during your free time.  However its advisable to book your visit in advance.

The city Market at Kimironko for foodstuffs-grains, fruits etc.

The Parliament building

Curio shops including Kaplaki the largest curio market

The Hero’s Cemetery at Amahoro National Stadium.

The pottery project of the BaTwa (Dancing pots) is located in the city centre at Kiyovu, below Banque Nationale. Ask for dancing pots and you will be directed there by anybody.

The new modern residential quarter of Nyarutarama with its golf course.

The genocide memorials of Nyamata and Ntarama churches-

These are somewhat outside the city centre  but they are easily reachable.

Our Kigali city tour will visit the Genocide memorial of Gisozi, Kamp Kigali, the Curio markets, the city centre and the city market.  We usually drive our guests through the Muslim quarter of Nyamirambo on the way to Ruhengeri. Nyarutarama and the Parliament building can be seen on your way to/from the airport.

Kigali Restaurants

Kigali has  a variety of restaurants that prepare meals for different continents of the world .

Kigali House Rental /Houses to let Apartments  to rent

Our real estate department deals with rental houses.  The houses available are villas (country houses) and apartments.  Villas are usually individual houses in half an acre plot, one story  with a lounge, kitchen, several bedrooms and bathrooms, car park and a servant’s quarter. In most cases the garden has a lawn with flowers.   The compounds are usually fully fenced with concrete walls.

You will need to tell us where you need a house so that we can look up for you.  We have houses in Nyarutarama, Kimironko, Remera, Kacyiru, Kiyovu.  Once we agree on the house, then our office in Kigali will arrange for your to go and view the available properties.  Once satisfied with the property, you will go ahead to sign a lease agreement and pay for an agreed duration.

Kiyovu is in within the city hill has apartments and villas for hire.    The Apartments cost between the range of  USD 1500.00 per month to 2500.00.   The same applies to the villas.

Embassies and NGO’s headquarters are located at  Kacyiru.  Ambassador Residences and high class residential houses are  also placed  at Nyarutarama.

Accommodation in Kigali

Hotel Chez Lando

 Rwanda National Parks and Attractions

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Akagera National Park Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Kigali Tours

There are expeditions to places like volcanoes, waterfalls and rainforests which are home to many different African animals. Rwanda is home to a huge diverse population of animals including gorillas and the largest natural parks for Hippos 20,000 of them are believed to be there. This goes to show how difficult it is to ascribe any human definition for the splendors of this great land of uniquely beautiful landscape. Rwanda a home to renowned warriors of the past, colorful dancers, beautiful people of infinite hospitality! Though Rwanda is still a developing country it‘s tourism is giving it a comeback. There is something fascinating about Rwanda, which I cannot tell you.   Discover it for yourself.

A valid passport is mandatory is very important so as to make your trip. At the time of printing, Visa cost USD 30.00 except for a stay of three months, for nations like:, Burundi, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, DR of Congo, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, and USA. Application for Rwanda Visa can be got at any Rwandan Embassies abroad

Rwanda is full of hard adventure. The peak of Virunga Mountains beckons to mountain climbers.  The ascents of the Karisimbi volcano, Bisoke climb. The hilly nature of the country with numerous observation points is ideal for hiking and trekking while protruding rocky outcrops for rock climbing, camping in Akagera and Nyungwe forest. In the same way, unique is the Nyungwe forest National Park is a home with 275 species of birds, 260 species of trees, over 100 species of orchids and 125 species of butterflies. More to that, a primate’s nirvana with 13 species of primates including chimpanzees; it hosts the source of the river Nile and hence gives an opportunity to map out the footsteps of the early explorers in search of the elusive source of the river Nile. Akagera National park can still give you a great wildlife experience with Elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions roam the plains while huge crocodiles and hippos rule the river sides, lakes and ponds.  Birding in Akagera is equally great with over 425 species recorded.

A thrilling trek all the way through the sophisticated foothills of the Virunga offers magnificent views in all directions. Abruptly, the trail enters the national park by trekkers in the mysterious rainforest, with colorful birds and the rare golden monkey, however littered with the mountains’ indefinable buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks can be seen, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa.

Uganda is a land locked country situated East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya in the East , Southern Sudan in the North, Dem.Rep of Congo in the West , Tanzania in the South and Rwanda in the South Eastern boarder. Because of its beauty and the nature of its environment, it was named the pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill. Kampala is its capital with a population of about 1.2million people.

UGANDA NATIONAL PARKS

• Bwindi National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Rwenzori National Park
• Semliki National Park

Population:

In general, Uganda has a population of approximately 3.4 million people. These belong to different tribes and speak different languages. For this reason, Uganda has a very rich culture.

Languages:

The official language spoken in Uganda is English, but locally Swahilli and Luganda are the most commonly used Languages especially in the town centers. Other languages like Luo, Lugishu, Lunyakitara, Lusoga to mention but a few are also spoken by the natives.

Economy:

Uganda’s economy depends on agriculture but due to the prevailing global weather changes, the trend is changing to others like tourism, and  industrialization.

Climate:

The biggest part of Uganda has fairly constant altitude with highlands and mountains in the east and western part of the country. Temperatures range between 25C and 30C during the day. At night, the temperatures fall to about 16C. In case you visit Highland areas like Mountain Rwenzori, Mountain Elgon, the temperature are cooler than any other area.

Religion:

Uganda is has freedom of worship and this gives people liberty to pray in there own way. The cardinal religions however are:-Roman Catholic, Anglican, Muslim and others. These each has a cathedral place of worship. The Catholics have Rubaga cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral for Anglicans and Kibuli Mosque for the Muslims. All these are situated on hills and may be viewed from different points of the city.

Money tips:

The Ugandan shilling is the prevailing currency in the country however US dollars, Euros, Pound Sterling are also acceptable at different forex bureaus in most large towns. You may obtain local currency from ATMs and credit cards may be used at selected ATMs.