Welcome to Rwanda!
I will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
Notes:
- Accommodation
- We have 6 Queen Rooms reserved for couple & single supplement room travellers.
- We have 1 King Room reserved for twin travellers.
Settle in and we will all meet for dinner at Hotel.
Included: Airport Transfer | Accommodation (Twin Share): Heaven Boutique Hotel
Summary of the day:
09:00 - 12:00: Rwandan Genocide Memorial.
Lunch at Meze Fresh Mexican (BYO Lunch)
12:00 - 17:00: Optional visit to a genocide church in the afternoon
18:30: Dinner at Fusion Restuarant (BYO Dinner)
Today you’ll visit the Rwandan Genocide Memorial. In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit Ntarama Church Memorial (more below).
Notes:
- Entry Fees
- Allow US$30 - $40pp to hire the audio guide at the genocide memorial and any entry fees at the Ntarama Church.
- Both are payable in cash (Rwandan Franc).
- Optional Activities
- If you’d prefer not to visit the memorials, feel free to relax by the pool, or try one of our recommended day activities:
- Take a walk around downtown Kigali
- Visit Hotel des Mille Collines (made famous by the 2004 blockbuster, "Hotel Rwanda")
- Explore the Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko Market and/or Caplaki Craft Village
- Visit the Niyo Art Gallery.
- If you’d prefer not to visit the memorials, feel free to relax by the pool, or try one of our recommended day activities:
- About visiting the memorials
- These experiences are very confronting and for this reason, they are optional.
- We do recommend them from an educational point of view, but if you are feeling overwhelmed, please feel free to leave and ask one of your guides to drive you to your hotel.
More about the Rwandan Genocide:
Between 7 April and 15 July 1994, one million Tutsi’s lost their lives in one of the worst genocides in history. Visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial is your chance to learn from this tragedy and to pay your respects to those who lost their lives. The visit is an extremely confronting experience and as such it is a free optional activity.
This is a very educational experience that tells the story of an international disaster that could, and should, have been prevented. Rwanda is also an incredible story of survival and hope. The country has come a long way since 1994. It is now a thriving economic hub with a stable government and is often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. In fact, The World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the 9th safest country in the world in 2017.
Ntarama Church Memorial
During the genocide, many Tutsis hid in churches because they believed they would be safe and the church and god would protect them. The sad reality is that congregating in these churches made it easier for them to be slaughtered in mass. Ntarama church was one of the most gruesome massacres. The Ntarama Church Memorial is about 1 hour from Kigali.
Included: Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast | Accommodation (Twin Share): Heaven Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, we check out and meet our guides today as we drive towards the border to Uganda and onto the Bwindi.
Summary of the day:
- 09:00 - 15:00: Meet your guides at reception and drive to Lake Mutanda
- 18:00: Golden Monkey Trek briefing
- Dinner at Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda, a small freshwater lake naturally dammed by volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. The lakes forms an ever-changing waterscape punctuated by small, forested islands and stunning mountain views. One of the most unique things about Lake Mutanda is that crocodiles and hippos do not live here, meaning you’re free to swim and explore the lake.
The drive will take approx. 5 – 7 hours, and you will be able to stop for breaks whenever you want, including a longer lunch break at Migano Cafe close to the Rwanda/Uganda border. Simply let your driver know if you want to stop.
Notes:
- Lunch
- Buy your own lunch with cash or card.
- Accommodation
- 5 Standard Cottages are reserved for couple and single supplement travellers.
- We are on the waiting list for 1 - 2 luxury cottages for twin travellers.
Included: Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast and Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Lake Mutanda Resort
Summary of the day:
- 06:00 - 07:00: Transfer to Golden Monkey trek
- 07:00 - 08:00: Briefing and registration
- 08:00 - 14:00: Golden Monkey trek
- 14:00 - 15:00: Transfer to Lake Mutanda & free time
- 18:00: Gorilla trek briefing
- Dinner at Lake Mutanda
Golden monkeys are easily recognisable primates with a golden-orange patch on their upper flanks and back. They are found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, including four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Notes:
- Porters
- Porters are available if required and can be hired for US$20/day.
- If you hire a porter, you should also tip your porter US$5 - $10.
- Porters are not essential for golden monkeys as the trek is much easier than the gorilla trek.
- Porters are available if required and can be hired for US$20/day.
- What to wear
- Water-proof hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Shirt
- Small hiking pack (20 - 35L)
- What to bring
- Tips & porter hire money (USD in small notes)
- 2L of water
- Lunch box (provided by your hotel at breakfast)
- Snacks
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Waterproof bag cover or waterproof bags (if available)
- Camera or phone
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Medications (if required)
- Sanitary items (if required)
Included: Professional Guides & Trackers | Transport | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Lake Mutanda Resort
Summary of the day:
- 06:00 - 07:00: Transfer to gorilla trek
- 07:00 - 08:00: Registration and briefing
- 08:00 - 14:00: Gorilla trek (Rushaga area)
- 14:00 - 15:00: Transfer to Lake Mutanda & free time
- Dinner at Lake Mutanda
Today is your chance to get up close and personal with giant mountain gorillas. This is a once in a life time experience that you'll remember forever.
The trek length depends on how far away the gorillas are and can vary from 1 - 6 hours. Trek groups are capped at 8 people/gorilla family, and for less mobile people, we will do our best to send you to one of the closer and easier-to-reach families. The trek is often through thick forest, and wearing hiking boots, a long sleeve shirt, and hiking pants is advisable. You will also need rain gear; a full packing list is provided when you register.
Notes:
- Discuss departure time with your guide the night before.
- Fitness
- Gorilla tracking is a physically strenuous activity. You should train to be trekking for a minimum of 4 hours.
- The terrain is very challenging, with many steep ascents.
- You may need to cross creeks and walk through thick forests.
- It can be muddy, wet and extremely challenging, but when you come face to face with a giant gorilla, it is well worth the effort.
- Tipping
- See our tipping guide under highlights.
- Porters
- Even if you are young and fit, we recommend you hire a porter for US$20/day.
- You should also tip your porter US$5 - $10/day.
- What to wear
- Water-proof hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Shirt
- 20 - 35L hiking pack
- What to bring
- Tips & porter hire money (USD in small notes)
- 2L of water
- Lunch box (provided by your hotel at breakfast)
- Snacks
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Waterproof bag cover or waterproof bags (if available)
- Camera or phone
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Medications (if required)
- Sanitary items (if required)
- Hiking poles
- Do not bring hiking poles!
- Your porter will provide free wooden poles.
- Standard hiking poles are not strong enough and are very likely to break.
Included: Gorilla Permit (US$700pp) | Professional Guides & Trackers | Transport | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Standard Cottages): Lake Mutanda Resort
Today is your chance to make your own adventure. Mutanda Lake Resort offers some amazing options, which you can see on their website. Alternatively, spend the day enjoying this incredible lake and a few cocktails by the pool. We recommend hiring a kayak from reception at Mutanda Lake Resort and spending the day swimming, reading and relaxing.
Notes:
- It's a good idea to plan a less strenuous activity for today
- We do not recommend you do the Mt Sabyinyo trek unless you are very fit. This is an incredibly strenuous trek that takes 10 – 12 hours.
Location : Lake Mutanda, Uganda
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Lake Mutanda Resort
Summary of the day:
- 08:00 - 15:00: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 15:00 - 18:00: Afternoon game drive (if time permits)
Today we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park to start our safari. Queen Elizabeth holds the largest wildlife population in Uganda and is famous as one of the few parks where you can spot the Ugandan kob, a type of antelope only found in Uganda.
Along the way, we will stop for lunch at a Rolex cafe. A Rolex, is a traditional Ugandan wrap that combines an egg omelette with vegetables or salad and is wrapped in a freshly cooked chapati. You can stop for breaks whenever you want, simply ask your guide to stop.
Notes:
- Accommodation
- We have reserved 7 Kazinga Channel facing Bands.
- Due to the camps proximity to the water, it is very common to have elephant, hippo, buffalo and other large animals roaming around or through the camp.
- For your safety, please never walk at night by yourself, always ask for a guard to walk you back to your banda
Included: Afternoon safari (including all permits) | Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation (Banda - Twin Share): The Bush Camp
Summary of the day:
- 06:00 - 11:00: Morning game drive
- Lunch and free time at your lodge
- 15:00 - 18:00: Afternoon game drive and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
Today you will enjoy a morning game around Queen Elizabeth National Park with your experienced safari guides. The park is teeming and we recommend requesting an early morning breakfast, or taking a picnic breakfast box with you to optimise the early morning game viewing.
After lunch, enjoy a short game drive on the way to your exciting boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a 32km natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.
Included: Game drive | Boat safari (including all permits) | Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Accommodation (Banda - Twin Share): The Bush Camp
Summary of the day:
- 06:00 - 10:00: Morning game drive (optional)
- 10:00 - 11:00: Brunch and check-out
- 11:00 - 13:00: Drive to Kibale
Today you will enjoy your final game drive in Queen Elizabeth before making your way to Kibale to start your chimpanzee adventure. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and you will be able to stop for breaks along the way. Simply let your driver know if you want to stop.
Notes:
- Brunch
- If you prefer a longer safari, feel free to order breakfast boxes and have breakfast under a tree inside the park.
- Check-out timing
- Check out time should be discussed with reception the night before.
Included: Morning Game Drive | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Isunga Lodge
Summary of the day:
- 07:00 - 08:00: Trek briefing and registration
- 08:00 - 11:00: Trek with chimpanzees
- Free afternoon to relax
- Lunch and dinner at your lodge
Notes:
- What to wear
- Water-proof hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Shirt
- 20 - 35L hiking pack
- What to bring
- Tips & porter hire money (USD in small notes)
- 2L of water
- Lunch box (provided by your hotel at breakfast)
- Snacks
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Waterproof bag cover or waterproof bags (if available)
- Camera or phone
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Medications (if required)
- Sanitary items (if required)
Included: Guided Chimp Trek & Permits | Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Isunga Lodge
Today you have the opportunity to make your own adventure. Spend the day relaxing at your lodge with a good book, or if you are feeling adventurous, talk to your guides about activities you can do for the day. A few we recommend include:
- Guided Bigodi swamp walk (approx. US$30pp)
- This project was set up as an eco-friendly community initiative.
- The Bigodi swamp is home to more than 200 species of birds.
- It is also home to many different primates, insects and frogs and is one of the few places you can spot the red colobus monkey.
- Guided community tour (approx. US$30pp)
- Including a visit to a local school, coffee farm, women’s weaving project & medicine man.
- This is a fantastic tour that takes approximately 2 - 3 hours.
Included: Afternoon Game Drive | National Park Permits | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation (Deluxe Rooms - Twin Share): Pakuba Safari Lodge
Summary of the day:
- 08:00 - 15:00: Drive to Murchison Falls N.P. with lunch on the way (BYO lunch)
- 15:00 - 18:00: Afternoon game drive on the way to your lodge
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the few parks in the world where you can spot the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Our drive to Murchison today is quite far, and along the way you will stop for lunch (BYO lunch). Once you enter Murchison Falls National Park, you will have a short game drive on the way to your lodge.
Notes:
- Lunch (BYO)
- If you enjoyed your Rolex the other day, we recommend doing the same today. This is a delicious and quick way to stop for lunch.
- Alternatively, you can stop at Hoima KonTiki Hotel. The food is good here, but the service is very slow so it is a good idea to pre-order with you guide if possible.
Included: Afternoon Game Drive | National Park Permits | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation (Deluxe Rooms - Twin Share): Pakuba Safari Lodge
Included: Game Drives | National Park Permits | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Deluxe Rooms - Twin Share): Pakuba Safari Lodge
Summary of the day:
- 06:00 - 10:00: Morning game drive
- Lunch & free time at your lodge (or a picnic lunch on safari)
- 15:00 - 18:00: Afternoon boat ride up the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls.
Enjoy a morning game drive before an afternoon boat safari to the mighty Murchison Falls. After the boat safari you will have the option to hike to the top of the falls. From here you have a wonderful view and fantastic photo opportunities!
Included: Game Drives | National Park Permits | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Deluxe Rooms - Twin Share): Pakuba Safari Lodge
Summary of the day:
- 08:00 - 13:00: Enjoy a game drive on the way to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Lunch and free time at your lodge
- 15:00 - 17:00: Afternoon walk with the 33 southern white rhinos.
Today we will be driving to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and a wide array of birds and wildlife. The drive takes (approx. 3 – 4 hours) & on the way, you will be able to take a final game drive around Murchison Falls National Park.
In the afternoon, you’ll get the chance to walk with the 33 southern rhinos that live in Ziwa.
Notes:
- Morning game drive
- If you want a longer game drive, talk to your guides about checking out earlier and enjoying a longer drive on your way to Ziwa.
- Rhino walking tour
- The walking experience takes about 2 – 3 hours and requires a reasonable amount of fitness.
- You will be walking in a wilderness region and should wear closed shoes (hiking boots are best) & long pants.
- You should also take 1 – 2L of water, a camera, sunscreen and a sun hat.
- Tipping
- See our tipping guide under highlights.
Included: Game Drives | Rhino Walk | National Park Permits | Transportation in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Amuka Lodge
Summary of the day:
- 6:00 - 09:00: Morning shoebill trek & canoe
- Brunch & check-out
- 11:00 - 15:00: Drive to Entebbe
This morning you’re going searching for one of Uganda’s most exotic birds, the Ugandan shoebill. This adventure will involve trekking & canoeing and will take approx. 3 hours. The Shoebill is a large bird that can grow up to 4.5 feet and weigh up to 7kg. These birds are endangered, with only about 1,000 living in Uganda. Ziwa is one of the few places you can easily spot them. A shoebill gets its name from its foot-long bill that resembles a Dutch clog.
Notes:
- Tipping
- See our tipping guide under highlights.
- Lunch (BYO)
- Brunch will be served before you depart.
- If you are hungry during the drive to Entebbe, ask your driver to stop for snacks, or lunch.
Included: Guided Shoebill Tour | National Park Permits & Fees | Transport in Luxury Safari Jeeps | Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Karibu Guest House
Summary of the day:
- 09:00 - 10:30: Transfer
- 10:30 - 12:30: Tour the life changing School for Life
- Lunch with the students
- TBC: Afternoon home visits
- 16:30 - 18:00: Transfer to Entebbe
- Celebration dinner at Karibu Guesthouse
Today we drive to the Mbazzi region to visit the School For Life. This is an Australian-supported project that Adventure Out Loud has partnered with to help keep disadvantaged Ugandan children in school.
In the afternoon, you will have a unique opportunity to immerse in Ugandan culture, learn a little Lugandan and get to know some of the most resilient and remarkable people on the planet as we visit the home of some of our sponsor students. This gives us the chance to meet their families and learn more about their lives.
Notes:
- Sponsorship
- If you sponsor, you will get to meet your sponsor student & if timing permits, visit their family.
- Sponsorship is optional and Adventure Out Loud donate 50% of our profits to keep disadvantaged children in school, so simply by travelling with us, you are making a huge impact on the fight against poverty.
- Lunch
- Lunch will be a basic Uganda local style dish prepared by the school cooks.
- You will share your lunch with the students.
Included: Transportation (School Van) | Translators | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation (Twin Share): Karibu Guesthouse
Today your adventure in Africa has come to an end.
Included: Airport Transfers | Breakfast
