This 4-Day Akagera Wildlife and Bwindi Gorilla Trek and cross-border excursion bundles Rwanda’s Akagera National Park (Big Five safaris) with that of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (mountain gorilla trekking). Enjoy exhilarating game drives, boat rides on Lake Ihema, and a once-in-a-lifetime hour with wild gorillas, and take in beautiful scenery on this exciting trip between Rwanda and Uganda. Great for those who want to see wildlife and primates in one trip.
First, head out after breakfast to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours drive.) From here head out into the park for a nature walk and lunch at Akagera Game Lodge. In the afternoon, go out on a canoe on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles and rare birds like the shoebill stork. Overnight at the lodge.
Start your morning with a game drive in Akagera National Park; the savannah is as beautiful in the morning as it is in the evening, and the park is waking up as the game begins to stir. Watch for lions hunting the grasslands, elephants in large groups browsing for food, giraffes wandering between acacia trees, and numerous antelope and bird species. Following the drive, stop for lunch before commencing your scenic cross border drive into Uganda. The journey to Bwindi winds through pretty countryside, cushioned hills and vibrant villages and you are likely to get a view of rural life on the way. In the late afternoon or evening reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest a UNESCO world heritage site known for its gorillas and large range of wildlife in the rain forest. Overnight: Lodge near the park, getting ready for the next day’s memorable gorilla trek adventure!
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for and the highlight of your safari and after breakfast it’s time to start out on your mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Under the guidance of experienced rangers, trace through dense jungle and listen to the calls and cries of birds and see other jungle creatures until you come across a family of mountain gorillas. Spend a mesmerizing hour watching them in the wild and you will be truly humbled and touched by the magic. This afternoon, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest of Africa’s lakes, in the most picturesque setting of rolling hills and small islands. Unwind at your lakeside lodge and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Start your day with a serene boat trip in Lake Bunyonyi, also known as the “lake of a thousand islands.” Kayak or drift along its still waters and visit some of the 29 picturesque islands, which hold individual tales, terraced slopes and colorful birdlife. Enjoy the stunning views across the highlands as you float about the water. Following a boat tour, have breakfast before you commence your return trip to Kigali. The journey travels through scenic rural scenery and border towns giving a last glance at rural life in Uganda. Arrive in Kigali by evening
