Why Rwanda & Uganda should be your next safari destination

Uganda and Rwanda are two landlocked countries nested i n the eastern part of Africa surrounded by DR Congo, Tanzania and Kenya. Gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris are some of the most popular safari activities these two countries have to offer. Certainly, gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing will live an ever-lasting memories and is one good reason if you haven’t visited Uganda or Rwanda, then you should put it on your next African vacation safari. Uganda and Rwanda are two of the only three countries where gorilla can be trekked. Other country being DR Congo. Unfortunately, Virunga national park of DR Congo that offer gorilla viewing experience is currently closed since 2020 due to political unrest and covid 19.

That leaves Uganda and Rwanda as the only 2 destinations in the world where you can meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. This alone is a good enough reason why these two countries should be your next destination to walk with these gentle giants. However, these beautiful African countries has more to offer beyond gorillas as we are going to see.

Gorilla trekking at Bwindi, Mgahinga and volcanoes national parks

Of course, top on our list is going to be mountain gorilla trekking. The activity is done at Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorillas national park on the side of Uganda. Volcanoes national park is where you will be able to go for gorilla trekking on the side of Rwanda. The permit for gorilla trekking costs 1500$ from Rwanda side and the same permit costs 800$ from the Uganda side. The permits are issued by the responsible bodies in both countries, and you can book your permit through your tour agent.

The gorilla trekking permit allow you one hour to spend with the gorillas in their natural habitats and the activity is done in the morning. The maximum number of people to trek a gorilla family per day is 8 which makes the permits issued per day a limited and this will necessitate you to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Chimpanzee trekking at Kibaale and Nyungwe

Another endangered species that is found in Uganda and Rwanda is the endangered chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is done at Kibaale national park from the side of Uganda and their permits cost 250$ and they can be secured from Uganda wildlife authority through your travel agent. Uganda also has other places where you will see chimps like at kyambula gorge in queen Elizabeth national park and Budongo forest at Murchison falls national park

Rwanda chimpanzee trekking is done at Nyungwe national park the permit of chimpanzee trekking costs 250$ from Rwanda development board, the body responsible for all tourism activities in Rwanda. Another place where you can do chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is gishwati-mukura national park, the newly established park in Rwanda with two chimps’ family.

Golden monkey trekking at Mgahinga national park and Volcanoes national park

Another endangered primate that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Even though not as popular as the mountain gorillas, encountering these joyful primates in their natural habitats will leave you with the long-lasting impression.

In Uganda, golden monkey trekking is done at Mgahinga national park in the Virunga massif range. You can secure your golden monkey permit from Uganda wildlife authority at 60$. The permit will allow you to walk with golden monkey while enjoying their company.

Rwanda golden monkey trekking is mainly done at volcanoes national park and the permit for the golden monkey trekking can be bought from Rwanda development board at 100$ through your vacation safari travel agents.

Gorilla habituation at Bwindi national park

Bwindi national park of Uganda will offer you a special chance to join the expert during the gorilla habituation process. The gorilla habituation last for 4 hours unlike the gorilla trekking that is for the maximum of one hour with gorillas. Gorilla habituations give you more time with gorillas and is done with the team of expert who will answer all your questions about gorillas during your time with these great apes.

Wildlife viewing at queen Elizabeth and Akagera

Uganda and Rwanda are the home to a variety of wildlife including the big five of lion, leopard, elephant, rhinos and cape buffalos which can be viewed during at queen Elizabeth national park on your Uganda safari. At queen Elizabeth national park, you will be able to go for the game drive through the savannah grassland to encounter the various bird species, animals like tree climbing lions and primates that define the park’s biodiversity. Special game drive like experiential game drive that allow you to go off the normal trails while searching for animals can be arranged.

For those interested in meeting lions and wouldn’t wish to miss out on your African safari to encounter them, lion tracking experiential game drive give the guarantee to meet the tree climbing lions in their natural habitats. Furthermore, the park also offers a chance to go for endangered mongoose trekking or you can choose to join the team of expert to go for the hippo’s census which is done within the park.

Rwanda’s Akagera national park is another haven for the wildlife viewing. The park is the home to the big five that can be seen during the game drive. Other than the big five, the park is also a home to other various wildlife on to of the beautiful landscape that define that define the land of thousand hills as Rwanda known

Hiking/ mountain climbing at Rwenzori mountains and Virunga massif

The highlight of climbing will be at Mount Stanley that has the 3rd highest peak in Africa in form margherita peak. Hiking this peak is a six-to-eight-day activity depending on your speed and the trail you choose to take. Other than Mount Stanley, Rwenzori contains other mountains. The mountains contain 3 out of the five highest peaks in Africa. Therefore, whether you are a beginner, or a seasonal climber Rwenzori is a perfect place for you. The mountain is found in Uganda.

Other than Rwenzori, for hikers another must go to place on your Uganda/ Rwanda vacation safari is Virunga massif. The Virunga mountains are shared by the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. They are made up of 8 volcano mountains including mount Karisimbi which is the 11th highest peak on the African continent. The mountains of Virunga can be hiked from hours to the senior hikers who can hike mount Karisimbi for the 2 days

Other things you can do on your Uganda Rwanda Vacation safaris

Uganda and Rwanda have got more to offer than what we have been mentioned. On your vacation safari, you can do community visits to Batwa community, boat cruise at lake Kivu, white water rafting at the source of the Nile or even sport fishing  at kazinga channels

Top Uganda & Rwanda vacation safaris packages

This 5 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari will bring you to the awe-inspiring primate destinations in this land of a thousand hills. It will take you to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga ranges where you will encounter both the magnificent, huge, gentle, and endangered mountain gorillas and the beautiful golden monkeys that are endemic to the Virunga ranges. You will then be transferred Nyungwe Forest National Park where you will see the chimpanzees.

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The 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Tour starts and ends in Kampala. It will take you to Uganda’s un-spoilt wildlife destinations to experience Nature at its best. Explore all the best Uganda has to offer to tourists in the tropic Africa. Major tour activities in this tour include game drives in hunt for some of the “Big 5” (African Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant), birding, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, chimpanzee tracking, hike to Diana Fossey

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This safari starts and ends in Kampala. On this pristine wildlife explorer safari in Uganda, a 4WD comfortable safari vehicle will be used to allow for a first-hand view of Uganda’s spectacular and varied landscapes with awesome wildlife thrown in to the mix. Major tour activities include Gorilla Trekking, primates tracking, game viewing drives, excellent birding, cultural excursions, launch cruise and nature walks among others.

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