4 Day Uganda Queen Elizabeth Park & Chimpanzee Safari from Rwanda
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About This Experience in Kigali
Why Visit Kigali?
Kigali, Rwanda offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Kigali provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Kigali
You can reach Kigali, Rwanda by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gorilla permit
- Certified Guide (English and French)
- Accommodation, 3 star lodge on Lake Kivu
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner
- Rain jackets, gloves and hiking shoes
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 30 minutes before departure
Itinerary
Transfer from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your day begins with a 6:00 AM pickup... 8 hours
Your day begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport after breakfast, followed by a 5-6 hour drive (approx 300 km) to Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s scenic “land of a thousand hills” and Uganda’s lush landscapes, with a brief stop at the Gatuna or Cyanika border for immigration formalities. A lunch stop is planned en route, likely in Kabale or at a lodge near the park, depending on timing, ensuring you’re refreshed before continuing. In the early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into your lodge. If time allows, a short evening game drive from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Kasenyi Plains or Mweya Peninsula offers a chance to spot elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and possibly lions or leopards. The day concludes with dinner at your lodge, where you can relax and prepare for an early start the next morning.
Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM with... 4 hours
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM with an early breakfast or a packed meal, followed by a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, a hotspot for wildlife viewing. This early adventure maximizes your chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards on the hunt, alongside elephants, buffalo, and antelopes such as Uganda kobs. You’ll return to the lodge around 10:00 AM for a hearty breakfast or late brunch, depending on how long the game drive lasts, giving you time to recharge after the morning’s excitement.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Kazinga Channel... 4 hours
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: After lunch at the lodge, proceed to Mweya Peninsula for a 2-hour boat cruise (typically starting at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM) along the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. This is a highlight, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and numerous birds like fish eagles and kingfishers.Optional Activity: If time allows, visit the Katwe Tourism Information Centre after the cruise to observe traditional salt mining at Lake Katwe and learn about local culture (1-hour activity). Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Share stories of the day’s sightings and enjoy the serene park atmosphere.
Chimpanzee Trekking or Ishasha Sector Game Drive
After an early breakfast, drive to Kalinzu Forest... 5 minutes
After an early breakfast, drive to Kalinzu Forest (near Queen Elizabeth National Park) for a chimpanzee trekking experience (starts around 7:00 AM). After a briefing by the park ranger, trek through the forest to find habituated chimpanzees, which may take 2-4 hours. You may also spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and olive baboons. After lunch en route, drive to Lake Mutanda (2-3 hours) for overnight.
Starting after an early breakfast around 6:00 AM,... 6 hours
Starting after an early breakfast around 6:00 AM, this 3-4 hour game drive focuses on spotting the region’s famous tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior unique to this area. These lions are often seen lounging in the branches of large fig or acacia trees, offering a striking sight. The drive also provides opportunities to encounter other wildlife, such as topis, elephants, buffalo, and various antelopes, set against the Ishasha Sector’s scenic savanna landscapes. After lunch en route, drive to Lake Mutanda (2-3 hours) for overnight.
Lake Mutanda Exploration with Optional Gorilla Trekking and return to Kigali
Start your morning with a scenic breakfast overlooking... 6 hours
Start your morning with a scenic breakfast overlooking the lake and Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy a 2 hour canoeing or kayaking trip to explore islands like Mutanda, spotting otters and birds, or opt for a guided nature walk (1-2 hours) or Batwa village visit for cultural insights. After lunch, Afternoon (12:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Return to Kigali: After lunch at the lodge or en route (e.g., in Mbarara or Masaka), begin the 4 hour drive back to Kigali. .Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon or early evening (around 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) and be dropped off at your hotel.
Alternatively, drive 1-2 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National... 4 hours
Alternatively, drive 1-2 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla trekking experience in Nkuringo or Rushaga sectors of Bwindi National Park. Note: Gorilla trekking is mandatory and not included in the tour price. Please book your permit in advance through us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
