Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Deluxe Vacations safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your international flight or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Entebbe, a leafy lakeside town situated on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about your safari before you settle in for the evening.
The Boma Hotel Entebbe | Meal Plan: B
Begin your adventure with an early morning excursion to Mabamba Wetland, one of the best places in Africa to observe the extraordinary shoebill stork in its natural habitat. Travelling by traditional canoe through peaceful papyrus channels, you’ll search for this prehistoric-looking bird alongside kingfishers, herons, jacanas and numerous other wetland species.Following your birding experience, continue southwest through Uganda’s beautiful countryside towards Lake Mburo National Park. The drive offers scenic views of rolling hills, cattle ranches and traditional villages before arriving at Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, renowned for its zebras, giraffes, impalas and rich birdlife.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
After breakfast, set out on a guided walking safari accompanied by an experienced ranger. Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few places in Uganda where visitors can safely explore the wilderness on foot, offering close encounters with zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands and numerous bird species.Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo where hippos, crocodiles and colourful waterbirds thrive along the shoreline. The afternoon concludes with an authentic Ankole cattle experience, where you’ll meet local pastoral communities and learn about the cultural significance of the famous long-horned Ankole cattle, whose traditions have shaped life in this region for generations.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Following breakfast, continue south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkable biodiversity and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.Today’s drive passes through spectacular mountain scenery, terraced hillsides and vibrant rural communities before reaching the edge of the ancient rainforest. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge overlooking the Virunga landscape and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while preparing for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Today is undoubtedly the highlight of your Uganda and Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing before entering Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of one of its habituated mountain gorilla families.Led by experienced ranger guides, your trek may last anywhere from two to six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they feed, groom and interact within their natural forest habitat. Watching mountain gorillas in the wild is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences and a privilege shared by only a limited number of visitors each day.Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on this extraordinary encounter.
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
After breakfast, bid farewell to Uganda as you cross into neighbouring Rwanda through the scenic Cyanika border. The drive winds through the breathtaking Virunga Highlands before descending to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and among the continent’s most beautiful freshwater destinations.Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, lakeside views and fresh mountain air. Whether relaxing by the pool or enjoying a quiet stroll along the shoreline, Lake Kivu provides the perfect setting to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventure.
Paradise Kivu Resort | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Enjoy a leisurely morning overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kivu before setting out on a relaxing boat cruise across the lake. Cruise past picturesque fishing villages, lush islands and rolling green hills while learning about the communities that call this beautiful region home.The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim in the lake, relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment (optional) or simply take in the spectacular scenery surrounding one of Rwanda’s most peaceful destinations.
Paradise Kivu Resort | Meal Plan: B,L,D
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills as you return to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for lunch, shopping for locally crafted souvenirs or a brief city stop before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.As your 8-day Uganda and Rwanda safari comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of remarkable wildlife encounters, mountain gorillas, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and the warm hospitality that make Uganda and Rwanda two of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
