Santaviva

5.0/5 – 37 Reviews

$4,477 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Transfer to Bwindi with Tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial and Ellen Degeneres Diana Fossey Campus

Transfer to Bwindi with Tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial and Ellen Degeneres Diana Fossey Campus

After an early breakfast, depart for Kigali, where you’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects and gain insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Continue to the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Campus, exploring interactive exhibits that celebrate gorilla conservation and Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking research. After this enriching cultural and conservation experience, begin a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages along the way. Arrive at your lodge on the forest’s edge, unwind, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure in one of Africa’s most iconic rainforest.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)
High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Accommodation:
Bweza Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Trek Gorillas and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Trek Gorillas and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Guided by experienced trackers, hike through dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family, spending an unforgettable hour observing their behavior, interactions, and playful dynamics. After the trek, receive your gorilla trekking certificate and enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, begin a scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, famed for its serene waters and terraced hills. Arrive at your lakeside lodge, relax by the water, and soak in the peaceful surroundings, reflecting on a day spent with Uganda’s gentle giants.

Main Destination:
Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
  • Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi for a scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Travel through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages, enjoying photo stops along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and unwind before the evening’s activities. The journey offers a chance to reflect on the lush landscapes and vibrant communities of southwestern Uganda while preparing for the thrilling wildlife adventures that await in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LeopardOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Chimp Trek and Evening Boat ride on Kazinga Channel

Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Chimp Trek and Evening Boat ride on Kazinga Channel

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife is most active. Spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and diverse birdlife as your expert guide shares fascinating insights into their behavior and the park’s ecosystems.

After lunch, head to Kyambura Gorge for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek, hiking through lush forest in search of playful chimps and other primates.

Conclude the day with a relaxing sunset boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and vibrant birdlife along the water’s edge. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on a day rich with wildlife encounters.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Transfer to Rwenzori Base and Hike Sine Camp

Transfer to Rwenzori Base and Hike Sine Camp

After breakfast, depart for the Rwenzori Mountains Base, enjoying scenic views of rolling hills, rivers, and local villages along the way. Upon arrival, meet your mountain guides for a briefing and prepare for the adventure ahead. Begin your hike to Sine Camp, trekking through lush montane forest filled with giant lobelias, groundsels, and unique flora. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic vistas of valleys and peaks. Arrive at Sine Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and take in the stunning surroundings as you prepare for the next day’s alpine adventure.

Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Sine Hut
  • Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Hike to Mutinda camp

Hike to Mutinda camp

After a good breakfast, trekking starts at 8.30am and you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow. However the atmosphere and the forest is beautiful as you climb 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone where you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp. The trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again, and in doing so cross several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches.

Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Mutinda Camp
  • Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Hike to Bugata camp

Hike to Bugata camp

The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs and crossing several bogs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters. Bugata Camp is situated way up Bamwanjara Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp.

Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Bugata Camp
  • Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Summit Weismann's Peak and Descend to Kiharo Camp

Summit Weismann's Peak and Descend to Kiharo Camp

After an early breakfast, embark on a challenging yet exhilarating summit of Weismann’s Peak in the Rwenzori Mountains. Trek through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and glacier-fed streams, guided by experienced mountaineers. From the summit, be rewarded with panoramic views of the Rwenzori range, valleys, and distant peaks, a once-in-a-lifetime perspective. After capturing unforgettable photos, begin your descent to Kiharo Camp, traversing scenic trails and lush landscapes. Arrive in the afternoon to relax, enjoy a well-earned meal, and reflect on the accomplishment of reaching one of Africa’s most iconic mountain summits.

Main Destination:
Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Kiharo Camp
  • Budget mountain hut located in Rwenzori Mountains (Mountain Range)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Descend the Mountain and Transfer to the Hotel

Descend the Mountain and Transfer to the Hotel

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This part of the trail took us six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough for tourists to use.

A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp the path turns off to the right to pass along the river. In the clear areas you may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding in small clearings as you pass along the river. After the waterfalls we climb up and over a high ridge then down though the dense forests with stunning views of the valley below. We stop at Forest View Camp for lunch before proceeding back to Base Camp. A great experience and ending to a fantastic trek. You will then be transferred to the hotel.

Main Destination:
Kasese (Town, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Sandton Hotel Kasese
  • Mid-range hotel located in Kasese (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Transfer to Entebbe

Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your scenic transfer to Entebbe, winding through Uganda’s picturesque countryside filled with rolling hills, farmland, and vibrant villages. Along the way, enjoy photo stops and take in the lush landscapes that define this beautiful region. Upon arrival in Entebbe, check in at your hotel or proceed to the airport for your onward journey. This transfer provides a leisurely conclusion to your adventure, offering time to reflect on Uganda’s wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural scener.

Main Destination:
Entebbe (City, Uganda)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Santaviva , not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Santaviva .