Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours

5.0/5 – 6 Reviews

$5,445 pp (USD)

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*This tour does not accept children under 16.
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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

Arrive at Kigali Airport, pick up and transfer to the accommodation

Arrive at Kigali Airport, pick up and transfer to the accommodation

Upon your arrival, you will be swiftly escorted by a Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours representative who will transfer you to the accommodation. As this is your first day, you will have time to leisurely explore Rwanda’s lively city.

If you have an early landing, then you’ll have an opportunity to visit the bustling local markets and the Caplaki Craft Co-operative where you’ll find local craftsmen in wooden huts. They'll be selling handicrafts, including jewellery, paintings, batik, fabrics, wood carvings, traditional masks, baskets, bags, scarves and beading.

Accommodation: (Hotel Des Mille Collines-luxury Level) | Meals: Dinner and breakfast| Transfer Time: Approx. 22 minutes.

Main Destination:
Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation:
Hotel Des Mille Collines
  • Luxury hotel located in Kigali (Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Visit the Genocide Memorial and then Transfer to Akagera National Park

Visit the Genocide Memorial and then Transfer to Akagera National Park

You will be picked up from your hotel/lodge by a Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours guide who will drive you to the Genocide Memorial before continuing to Akagera National Park which is about two hours away from Kigali.

You will have lunch at the lodge and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: Lunch and dinner | Drive time: 2 hr 41 min.

Main Destination:
Akagera National Park (Rwanda)
Best Time To Visit June to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)
High Season June to September (The park is busiest at weekends)
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Akagera NP

GiraffeCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
HippoAbundant
White RhinoOccasional
LionOccasional
Show more
ElephantOccasional
HyenaRare
Accommodation:
Akagera Rhino Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP (Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Game Drive at Akagera National Park

Game Drive at Akagera National Park

You will start the day with an early morning game drive through the park in search of lions, elephants, buffalos, Masai giraffes and many others. You will return to the lodge for lunch. You will have another game drive in the afternoon in search of more animals including gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebras, topis, bush babies, leopards, bushbucks, and elands.

Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: n/a.

Main Destination:
Akagera National Park (Rwanda)
Accommodation:
Akagera Rhino Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP (Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

You will have breakfast and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) with 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water. This makes it most magical — you could admire them all day. You shall have an exciting boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. In the afternoon, you may have optional activities; a canoe boat ride, a swim in the Bilharzia free lake, you may also explore a nearby village. Residents are happy about your visit and are open to explaining their daily lives.

Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: 4 hr 16 min.

Main Destination:
Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi
  • Mid-range lodge located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Boat Rides at Lake Bunyonyi then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Boat Rides at Lake Bunyonyi then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will be up and have your breakfast served then have a morning canoe boat on Lake Bunyonyi. Thereafter, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is a big habitat for mountain gorillas in Uganda (harbouring an estimated 400 mountain gorillas—roughly half of the world’s population), including several habituated groups, that can be tracked. With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check in your accommodation and relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: 2 hours.

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

Wildlife in Bwindi NP

Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgejust outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have breakfast and have a briefing before entering the forest for gorilla tracking. Encountering the rare and endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi NP is an experience of a lifetime. In the company of an experienced park ranger, you will be tracking the whereabouts of one of the nine habituated family groups who live in the park. Depending on the location of the gorillas on any given day, the walk can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours. Once the family of gorillas has been located, you'll settle into your surroundings and enjoy the hour you have to quietly observe these fascinating primates whose habits and mannerisms remind us so much of our own. Return to the accommodation, and rest after a strenuous trek. *(extra cost): you can request your guide to arrange; a community visit, or some short nature walk.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: n/a.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgejust outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Transfer to Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions

Transfer to Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions

You'll have breakfast then set off to Ishasha Sector—famously known for its resident tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are really hard to spot (most especially when they’re down in the grassland looking for prey). Hoping you get the chance to spot them, the sight will be spectacular! You will also be able to see other wildlife such as the Uganda kob, Cape buffalos, elephants and warthogs in addition to the tree-climbing lions. Thereafter, you'll head to the accommodation for relaxation, dinner and later an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Topi Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: 4 hr 58 min.

Main Destination:
Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP, 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:
Topi Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgejust outside Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will have breakfast then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will arrive at your accommodation, check in, have lunch, relax at the hotel and then head for an evening game drive. The park is home to 618 bird species which is the 6th highest diversity in the world and the highest in Africa making it a perfect destination for Uganda birding safaris, in addition to 10 primate species like chimpanzees and 95 mammals including big game.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: 5-minute.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
The Bush Lodge (Banda)
  • Mid-range banda located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel

Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel

You'll wake up early and have your breakfast. You will then proceed for a morning game drive in the park, along the Kasenyi Plains and be on the look for lions, elephants, leopards (though hard to spot), bushbucks, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs among others. You'll return to your accommodation for some rest time and lunch.
In the afternoon, you will go for your boat cruise at Kazinga Channel and then transfer to Kibale National Park.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Midrange) | Meals: All meals | Drive time: n/a.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
The Bush Lodge (Banda)
  • Mid-range banda located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Morning game drive and transfer to Kibale NP

Morning game drive and transfer to Kibale NP

Be up early and have your breakfast then proceed for another morning game drive/safari. Thereafter, we shall embark (right away) for a transfer that will see us check in at an accommodation at the edge of the Kibale Forest NP. We hope to have lunch at this property and also rest a bit. There are *Optional activities (extra cost 20$ pp.): If interested, you can consider Bigodi wetland excursion (home to 200 Bird species and is a perfect site for the bird watching travellers OR crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views all over

Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Camp) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2 hr 36 min hours.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Best Time To Visit December to February and June to July
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ElephantOccasional
BuffaloOccasional
LeopardVery Rare
HippoRare
LionRare to None
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
  • Mid-range tented campjust outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Chimp Tracking and the Bigodi Swamp Walk

Chimp Tracking and the Bigodi Swamp Walk

You will have breakfast and head to the trekking point where you will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during chimp trekking. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek the chimps in the Kibale Forest. An experienced ranger guide will take you chimp tracking and you will marvel at the sights of primates here. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with them. You will return to your accommodation for some rest time and lunch. Later, you will go out for the Bigodi swamp walk. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a fascinating area, located in the Magombe swamp. This area is recognized for its extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primate species like the baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and the L’Hoest monkey. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the grand blue turaco.

Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Camp) | Meals: All meals | Transfer Time: Approxn/a.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
  • Mid-range tented campjust outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you will set off for the drive to Murchison Falls National Park. You will be there at around lunchtime. When you have finished your lunch, it is time to experience the top of the falls. It is an amazing feeling to stand there enjoying the view and hearing the water roar. You will have a relaxed evening at the lodge.

Accommodation: (Pakuba Safari Lodge Midrange level) | Meals: All meals | Transfer Time Approx.: 6 hours.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LionOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Morning Game Drives and Boat Cruise and Murchison Falls National Park

Morning Game Drives and Boat Cruise and Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, it is time to explore the park. On the game drive, you will spot as many animals as possible. While driving through the park, you can come eye-to-eye with the African animal kingdom. Hopefully, you see them all; elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge of the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car. The park is especially known for its massive elephant population, the huge array of bird species and big herds of buffalo.

The afternoon boat safari towards Murchison Falls is a very special activity. It takes approximately 3 hours and goes along the Victoria Nile to the base of the Falls. You can imagine; this boat safari will show you breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation: (Pakuba Safari Lodge Midrange level) | Meals: All meals | Transfer Time Approx.: n/a.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Transfer to Ziwa for Rhino Tracking then Entebbe Airport

Transfer to Ziwa for Rhino Tracking then Entebbe Airport

After breakfast, you will transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. After rhino tracking, you will have your lunch and then start your journey to Entebbe Airport.

Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Transfer Time: Approx. 6 hours.

Main Destination:
Entebbe (City, Uganda)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other 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.

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours, 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 Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours.