Classic Rwanda & Uganda

Upon arrival at the Entebbe Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, and set off on your great African adventure. On the way, you will have the opportunity to see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, as well as bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables. Continue on to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley, an unforgettable sight. Time permitting, visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping and honey making, to the community nursery for children. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)

Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife. Take a rest during the heat of the day, before going on your evening game drive. The game drives in the park depend on the season. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game, especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area. Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)

Visit the nearby Kyambura Gorge to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable, however the walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Alternatively, go for a nature walk in the Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbors some unusual species -red-tailed and L’Hoest’s Monkey, potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope, and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of game especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. Overnight at the Mweya/Jacana Lodge. (B,L,D)

Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)

Today you will have the option to go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)

Another day for gorilla tracking (on payment of supplement at the time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the Lodge. Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops along the way, including the Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. You can either continue directly to Mgahinga, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda. Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island before continuing to Mount Gahinga. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)

Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano, or go for a nature walk. Mount Gahinga Lodge is at 2,300m, nestled in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)

In the morning you are free to either relax, walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities listed previously, After lunch, transfer to Rwanda. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Visit some of the local communities around the Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

Go gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

You have the option of either gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, trek to the remains of Old Karisoke, or visit some local communities. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow’s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport for your flight onward. (B,L)