Culture and Wildlife of Uganda & Rwanda
Experience the magic of Africa
Discover the wonders of Uganda and Rwanda on this once in a lifetime guided journey through vibrant cities and lush national parks. On this 7-night tour, you will stay in unique accommodations, engage in the local culture, and spot chimpanzees and gorillas on thrilling wildlife treks!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Kampala (EBB), out of Kigali (KGL)
- Accommodation as listed below, or similar:
- 1 night in Kampala at the Forest Cottages
- 2 nights in Fort Portal at the Kluges Guest Farm*
- 2 nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park at the Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge*
- 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at the Rushaga Gorilla Camp*
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Chimpanzee Trek
- Bigodi Community lunch
- 2-day Wildlife Safari Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Gorilla Trek**
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
- Lunch at Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
- Services of a professional group leader
- Transportation by private van
Please note: Your flight must depart KGL after 8pm on Day 8
**Please note: Travelers should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems and prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, steep terrain and high altitude trekking for chimpanzee and gorillas, as well as other primates. Please be advised that it will be required to show a yellow fever certificate upon entering Uganda and Rwanda.
Please note: As per the land operator’s policy, travel insurance is required in order to participate in this escorted trip. With this being said, you will not be permitted to join the group until proof of travel insurance has been verified by your tour leader. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage, and you must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD in case of repatriation and/or emergency rescue. While the policy offered to you by Great Value Vacations does meet the coverage requirement, please note that you are not required to have travel insurance from any particular provider.
We think this small group escorted tour is an amazing experience and we hope you will too! Please remember that this is a developing area and as such, accommodations/service may not be of a similar standard to which you are used to in your home country. In addition, interruptions in electricity and water can be common. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your sense of adventure.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years old. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Have your camera ready! It's likely that you'll spot warthogs, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and even lions.
-
With scenic drives in-between destinations, you'll see many different areas of Uganda.
-
Spot chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, then go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
-
Enjoy local experiences, like lunch in the Bigodi Community, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and a meal prepared by women from Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Rwanda.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Unleash your wild side! Check "safari" off your bucket list on this thrilling adventure from Uganda to Rwanda. Not only will you embark on traditional wildlife safari drives, but you will also go chimpanzee and gorilla trekking! Immerse yourself in local culture and tradition as you partake in community meals, visit the Kigali Genocide Museum, and have lunch at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre.
Start off in Uganda's capital city of Kampala and meet your guide and fellow travelers. From Kampala, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Fort Portal, located on the edge of Kibale National Park. During your stay, you will dive into action on a thrilling chimpanzee trek! After (hopefully) spotting a few of these amazing primates, you will sit down to a traditional Bigodi community lunch, where you'll learn all about Bigodi culture and way of life.
From Kibale, you'll be driven to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its vast savannas, large swamp areas, and extensive forests. During your stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy two wildlife safari drives, on which you'll have the opportunity to spot lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and more. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, you'll keep the wildlife adventure going as you drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known for its abundant gorilla population! Head out on an early morning gorilla trek and come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas.
From Bwindi, you'll cross the border into Rwanda, to the capital city of Kigali. Learn all about Rwanda's dark history during a devastating, yet informative visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum. Your last stop will be in one of Rwanda's largest and most vibrant townships: Nyamirambo. Enjoy a special lunch prepared by women at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a local organization that provides educational opportunity and support to women and girls of Rwanda.
Packed with cultural experiences and wildlife thrills, this itinerary is a recipe for adventure!
Helpful links for travel to Uganda:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Helpful links for travel to Rwanda:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Kampala (EBB), out of Kigali (KGL)
- Accommodation as listed below, or similar:
- 1 night in Kampala at the Forest Cottages
- 2 nights in Fort Portal at the Kluges Guest Farm*
- 2 nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park at the Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge*
- 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at the Rushaga Gorilla Camp*
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Chimpanzee Trek
- Bigodi Community lunch
- 2-day Wildlife Safari Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Gorilla Trek**
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
- Lunch at Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
- Services of a professional group leader
- Transportation by private van
Please note: Your flight must depart KGL after 8pm on Day 8
**Please note: Travelers should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems and prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, steep terrain and high altitude trekking for chimpanzee and gorillas, as well as other primates. Please be advised that it will be required to show a yellow fever certificate upon entering Uganda and Rwanda.
Please note: As per the land operator’s policy, travel insurance is required in order to participate in this escorted trip. With this being said, you will not be permitted to join the group until proof of travel insurance has been verified by your tour leader. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage, and you must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD in case of repatriation and/or emergency rescue. While the policy offered to you by Great Value Vacations does meet the coverage requirement, please note that you are not required to have travel insurance from any particular provider.
We think this small group escorted tour is an amazing experience and we hope you will too! Please remember that this is a developing area and as such, accommodations/service may not be of a similar standard to which you are used to in your home country. In addition, interruptions in electricity and water can be common. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your sense of adventure.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years old. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
-
Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Have your camera ready! It's likely that you'll spot warthogs, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and even lions.
-
With scenic drives in-between destinations, you'll see many different areas of Uganda.
-
Spot chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, then go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
-
Enjoy local experiences, like lunch in the Bigodi Community, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and a meal prepared by women from Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Rwanda.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Unleash your wild side! Check "safari" off your bucket list on this thrilling adventure from Uganda to Rwanda. Not only will you embark on traditional wildlife safari drives, but you will also go chimpanzee and gorilla trekking! Immerse yourself in local culture and tradition as you partake in community meals, visit the Kigali Genocide Museum, and have lunch at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre.
Start off in Uganda's capital city of Kampala and meet your guide and fellow travelers. From Kampala, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Fort Portal, located on the edge of Kibale National Park. During your stay, you will dive into action on a thrilling chimpanzee trek! After (hopefully) spotting a few of these amazing primates, you will sit down to a traditional Bigodi community lunch, where you'll learn all about Bigodi culture and way of life.
From Kibale, you'll be driven to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its vast savannas, large swamp areas, and extensive forests. During your stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy two wildlife safari drives, on which you'll have the opportunity to spot lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and more. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, you'll keep the wildlife adventure going as you drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known for its abundant gorilla population! Head out on an early morning gorilla trek and come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas.
From Bwindi, you'll cross the border into Rwanda, to the capital city of Kigali. Learn all about Rwanda's dark history during a devastating, yet informative visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum. Your last stop will be in one of Rwanda's largest and most vibrant townships: Nyamirambo. Enjoy a special lunch prepared by women at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a local organization that provides educational opportunity and support to women and girls of Rwanda.
Packed with cultural experiences and wildlife thrills, this itinerary is a recipe for adventure!
Helpful links for travel to Uganda:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Helpful links for travel to Rwanda:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Kampala, Uganda!
Touch down in the bustling capital city of Kampala! From the airport, head to your first accommodation and settle in. Around 6:00 PM, you'll meet your CEO and fellow travelers during an exciting welcome meeting.Â
Spend the rest of the evening exploring on your own. You may want to treat yourself to a delicious first-night dinner at a nearby restaurant!Â
Check-in - Forest Cottages Kampala
Immerse yourself in peaceful serenity and authentic Ugandan culture at this beautiful forest hotel! While the property's seclusion will make you feel like you're in the middle of the jungle, you'll be comforted with modern comforts like TV and WiFi access. Upon entering, you can expect to find traditional Ugandan decor, rich with bright colors, vibrant patterns, and wooden furnishings.Â
After checking in with the 24-hour reception team, head to your spacious room - equipped with plush bedding, tea-making facilities, a safe, and more. Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and take a dip in the pool, work all your stresses away in the fitness center, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. When you work up an appetite, indulge in a delicious meal at the Avocado Restaurant!Â
Day 2. Kampala - Fort Portal
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you'll join your group as you embark on the next leg of your adventure. Climb aboard a private vehicle and drive through beautiful scenery to Fort Portal, located at the edge of Kibale National Park.Â
Settle into your next accommodation, located on a unique guest farm. Enjoy traditional meals and listen to the sounds of monkeys and birds in the distance!
Check-in - Kluges Guest Farm
Find comfort and relaxation at Kluge's Guest Farm! As soon as you arrive, you'll notice traditional African architecture and colorful decor. Open the door to your very own bungalow, in which you'll find plush bedding, bath amenities, and a mosquito net for your safety and comfort.
Once you get settled, explore the green garden grounds. Make a splash in the swimming pool, inquire about outdoor activities, and treat yourself to a traditional meal at the onsite restaurant.Â
Day 3. Fort Portal
Grab your camera and get ready for a wild adventure! Explore the evergreen forest of Kibale National Park and embark on a chimpanzee trek with a park ranger! You'll see way more than just chimpanzees - keep your eyes peeled for other animals and amazing plant life.Â
After a thrilling "chimp trek," you'll sit down to a traditional buffet-style lunch in a grass-thatched hut. Learn all about local Bigodi dining etiquette, and hear how the ingredients used in the dishes were grown, harvested, and prepared. Your appetite for food and culture will be satisfied during this unforgettable community lunch.Â
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure! Relax at your accommodation or take a nature walk.
Day 4. Fort Portal - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wave goodbye to Fort Portal and continue on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you'll make a pit-stop at the equator!Â
Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you'll settle into your bush lodge accommodation. Take in the stunning scenery of the open savanna that surrounds you.
In the afternoon, you'll venture out on a wildlife safari drive! Be on the lookout for warthogs, elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, and five different species of primates!
Enjoy dinner with your travel companions at your accommodation.Â
Check-in - Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Located just 2 miles from the Katunguru Gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Bush Lodge offers cozy accommodations with onsite dining. Wake up to serene wilderness and enjoy the comforts of this traditional home away from home. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team, then settle into your grass-thatched roof hut. With electrical outlets, flushing toilets, and refreshing showers, this unique accommodation offers an authentic safari experience with the comforts of home.
When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal in the dining tent! If the weather allows, dine outside under the stars.
Day 5. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up with an early morning wildlife safari drive and enjoy lunch inside the park. Who knows - today, you might spot a hyena or a leopard!
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Explore on your own, or inquire about an optional evening cruise along the Kazinga Channel.Â
Day 6. Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
It's time to move on to your next destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive south and take in views of enchanting forests, impressive volcanoes, and glistening lakes.
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and explore the area!
Check-in - Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 7. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise and shine! It's the moment you've been waiting for - gorilla trekking!
Head into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you'll meet your park ranger/guide for orientation. When your group is ready, you'll embark on a thrilling trek to spot Africa's largest primate. Observe these majestic and endangered animals up-close and personal in their natural habitat - a once in a lifetime experience and a major highlight when visiting Africa.
In the afternoon, you'll trek back to town. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Take advantage of your accommodation's facilities, or explore more of the area on your own!
A Tip For Your Trip: Be prepared for an intense day of trekking! Bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes' notice). Be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and phones. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging insects found in forests. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travelers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.
Day 8. Depart Rwanda
Get ready for another stamp on your passport! This morning, you'll cross the border into Rwanda. Head to the capital city, Kigali, and visit the infamous Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum - built on the actual site where over 250,000 people are buried. Learn all about the dark history of this courageous country.
After your museum visit, you'll enjoy a local lunch at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre. Nyamirambo is the largest and most vibrant township in Rwanda, and this organization provides opportunities and support to local women and girls through education and training programs. Your lunch will be prepared by women employed at this center. What a great way to learn about local culture, while enjoying traditional dishes.
After lunch, you'll have some free time to browse around the Women's Centre shop, which sells handmade crafts and clothing, made by women in Rwanda. Proceeds from the meal and the shop help support this amazing cause. If you haven't bought enough souvenirs already, this is a great opportunity too!
After a reflective day about the local Rwandan culture, you'll say goodbye to your travel companions and head for the airport. Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!Â
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.
Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.
Call 1-800-896-4600 or go to /travel/terms-and-conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy.