-
Entebbe Airport, Uganda
-
Safari Car
-
Bujumbura airport
-
Mid Range
-
2,416 metres
-
Eco-Tour, Trekking
-
On your Choice
-
English, Spanish, French
-
15
-
80
Overview
This Tour starts in Kampala and ends in Bujumbura. During this tour you will get the opportunity to visit 3 countries of East Africa and experience thrilling adventures from trekking chimpanzees, gorillas to wildlife viewing and cultural encounters. With much-improved infrastructure you can easily do an overland from Kampala to Bujumbura without any hustles, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi are closely related in many aspects of culture and tradition,
Highlights
- Kampala, Equator Line, Ankore Cows
- Game Safri in Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda
- Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas Trekking
- Meet Batwa Pygmies
- Boat Cruise on Kazinga Chanel, Lake Bunyonyi and Kivu
- Hot Springs, Ibyawacu Culture Center & Genocide Memorial in Rwanda
- Napoleon Island in Kibuye, And Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Markets, The stone of the famous explorer Stanley & Livingstone
- Bujumbura Gitenga, Lake Tanganyika, Burundi Drumers
Itinerary
After Breakfast at 8:00 am our driver will pick you at your Hotel in kampala and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Make a stop for photos at the Equator Line. Continue on through villages with cultivated areas until the lush green tea estates in a rich green belt before you reach the escarpment with magnificent endless views over Queen Elizabeth national park. You will have lunch either along the way or at the lodge, depending on the time. Check in to the lodge take shore and Relax.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Queen Elizabeth Park View Lodge
Have an early morning breakfast then go at 7.00AM for a morning game Safari within the park. Anticipate to see the famous big five including Buffalos, elephants, Lions and other mammals like Giant forest hog, Bush bucks, Kobs, Hyenas and water bucks. In the afternoon hours you will get ready for a launch cruise along Kazinga channel. You will appreciate the high scores of Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos and crocodiles. A number of bird species will also be seen along including the rare shoe bill. After Boat tour you will go for a short Evening game Drive, then transfer you back to the Lodge, take your Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Queen Elizabeth Park View Lodge
After a very early morning breakfast, head to Kalinzu Forest around 6-00 am for Chimpanzee tracking to meet man’s closet cousins in the wild. You will be amazed to see these primates as they play, swing on tree branches, fight for food etc. Later embark on an exciting road trip to Kabale in Uganda’s highest town (2000 m), with beautiful, lush scenery along the way. We will stay at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s deepest crater lake (900 m). Bunyonyi means “place of little birds, Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Bird Nest Resort
After Breakfast- Go for a cultural walk on Lake Bunyonyi southwestern shores to view a number of villages in their setting. Here pygmies walk over the mountains from Rwanda to sell their produce at the market at hakekuba. Enjoy a canoes ride in the afternoon and Later embark on an exciting road trip To Kisoro.
Accommodation
- Basic : Kosoro Travellers Rest Hotel
Our safari guide will pick you at 7.00am in the morning after taking your breakfast and drive to Mgahinga National Park station for registration and briefing about Gorilla trekking adventure. Later you will drive to the trekking start point at base of the Virunga Mountains accompanied by armed game rangers. You will move into the jungle in search of the amazing mountain gorillas. The trek might take between 2 and 6 hours depending on your trekking ability and the gorilla family you will visit. Our safari guide will wait for you at the base of the virunga volcanic mountain ranges until you finish trekking. back And Drive to Gisenyi in Rwanda
Accommodation
- Mid range: Lake Kivu Gorillas Hotel
After Breakfast at 8:00Am Visit the Hote springs and Lake Kivu, at 11.00AM Drive to Kigali. On our way To Kigali we will stop In Musanze where you will take Lunch and go Learn Rwanda Traditional dance by Intore Dancers at Ibyiwacu culture center in Kinigi. The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore. The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fiber, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship mutual aid and protection, after Drive to Kigali the Capital City of Rwanda
Accommodation
- Mid range: 2000 Hotel Kigali
After Break fast at 9.00AM You will Visit the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi. a places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost and reflection. Here you will get to know what happened in Rwanda during the Genocide of 1994 a year in Which 1 million Tutsi was killed within 100 days. After your guide will take you on a short tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history. Take Lunch and Drive to Kibuye.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Moriah Hill Resort
After Break fast, at 9.00AM Take a Boat and proceed to Napoleon Island, The Island is one of the tallest in the Lake Kivu. The elevation from the water’s edge to the summit is just over 100 meters giving you a spectacular view of the surrounding lake, islands and shoreline. The real name is Nyamunini island, but as you approach Napoleon Island from the distance you immediately see from where it gets its name. The profile of the island closely resembles the historical hats which were popular in European army uniforms at the end of the 18th century and Napoleon is commonly seen depicted in this kind of hat. Hence the name Napoleon Island. Some interesting bird species are often found on Napoleon Island and the taller trees give refuge to palm nut vultures and fish eagles which can often be seen. Other bird species such as hammerkop and kingfishers are common. The most well-known mammals on Napoleon Island are fruit bats. There is a colony of as many as 40,000 straw colored fruit bats living on Napoleon Island. Back at your Hotel, Take Lunch and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation
- Mid Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Take Your Break fast and at 8Am Leave your Hotel and Go for canopy Walk. The Canopy walk involves some slight hiking because you access the suspended bridge from the 2.1 Km long Igishigishi trail, a hiking trail in Nyungwe National Park; it’s after that trail that you join the 160 meters suspended bridge that’s over the forest. This hiking should not stop you from taking the walk, it’s very easy to hike even for first-time hikers; it just has a few steep points because of the mountainous terrains but it’s totally doable. For your walk, you need to wear hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, a snack if you must especially for children, a bottle of water and of course your camera to capture the memorable moments. back at 12.00 PM. take Lunch and Drive to Bujumbura.
Accommodation
- Mid range:
After Breakfast at 9.00AM drive to Gitega, Arrive and go visit the National Museum to learn more about Burundian culture and Check in at your Hotel. After lunch, you will get to experience Burundian culture at the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. You will be astonished by the drummers’ performance! You’ll also have the chance to learn how to dance and play the drums. Drive back at your Hotel, Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Tropitel Hotel Gitega
After Break fast at 8.00AM Drive to Bujumbura, arrive and climb to the “Belvedere” on the top of the hill, a dominating point of Bujumbura, offering a unique view over Lake Tanganyika, After Lunch Drive ten kilometers south to visit “la pierre de Stanley et Livingstone” the commemorating stone of the place where the famous explorers Stanley and Livingstone rested during their attempt to find the source of the Nile; Back to your Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
- Mid range: Hotel Club Du Lac Tanganyika
After breakfast, personal good bye, Go for shopping, drive to Bujumbura International Airport for your flight home. end of the tour.
Accommodation
- At the end of the tour accomodation is not Included
Cost Inclusions
The Cost Includes
- Park fees,
- Gorilla permits,
- All activities,
- All accommodation,
- A professional driver/guide,
- Ground transportation,
- All Taxes/VAT,
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section),
- Drinking Water
The Cost Excludes
- International flights,
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour,
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.),
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day),
- Drinks
FAQs
Going on an exotic tour in Africa? Three East African countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya – in 2014 introduced the joint visa system – The East African Tourist Visa (“EATV”), which gives the right to visit any of these countries (or all three at once).
You can apply for an EATV online shortly before your trip. We tell you how to do it and what rules you need to follow.
East Africa Tourist visa requirements
The East Africa Tourist visa can only be issued for tourist purposes. It does not allow you to study or to be employed.
To obtain the EATV, you need to fill out a simple electronic form and pay the visa fee. The approved East Africa Tourist Visa will be mailed to you within several business days.
The EATV must be issued by the first country of entry. In all three cases, the application process is slightly different:
Rwanda. If your journey begins in Rwanda, you can apply for a visa through the Rwanda Online Visa Application System. In addition, Rwanda is the only country on the list that issues East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival. The cost of fees in all cases remains the same.
Kenya. If your trip starts in Kenya, you can get the East African Tourist Visa online at this link.
Uganda. If the first country of entry is Uganda, use this link to apply.
Documents required for East Africa Tourist visa application
The document package differs slightly depending on the country issuing the visa. Here is a complete list for all cases:
Documents required for Uganda visa:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry;
Yellow fever vaccination card certificate;
Travel itinerary (e.g., hotel booking or invitation letter);
Return ticket or ticket to the third country;
Digital Uganda visa photo.
Documents required for Rwanda visa:
Passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry;
Digital Rwanda visa photo (the list of requirements is below);
Return ticket or ticket to the third country;
Some applicants may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds for travel.
Documents required for Kenya visa:
Passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry;
Return ticket or ticket to the third country;
Hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host;
Digital visa photo.
Note that if any of your passport data changes after the visa is issued, it will become invalid. If you lose or change your passport, you will need to obtain a new visa.
East Africa Tourist visa photo requirements
The specified requirements are applicable for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda online visa photos:
Photo must be in color;
Photo must be in good quality; scans are not suitable;
East Africa Tourist visa photo size must be 500×500 pixels;
The photo must be taken on a solid white off-white background;
The applicant must look directly into the camera with a neutral facial expression;
Tinted glasses are not allowed unless worn for medical reasons (in this case, you may need to provide a medical certificate).
The best time to do this Tour is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Although The Region features several seasons which should be considered when planning a safari here, the weather is fairly temperate and favors travel all year round due to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude.
The packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences:
– 1-2 long sleeved shirts
– 3 short sleeved t-shirts
– 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
– 1 pair of shorts
– 1 sweater or sweatshirt
– A waterproof and windproof jacket
– 1 skirt ( for women)
– Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
– Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
– Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
– Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
– Sleepwear
– Underwear
– Lightweight wool socks
– Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
Sunscreen, Sunglasses with neck strap, Insect repellent with DEET
,Small day pack, Flashlight, Binoculars, Extra batteries, Camera and extra lenses, Film particularly fast film for the gorillas, Personal toiletries, Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself, Kleenex tissues, Small notebook
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
A light rain jacket
Headband or hair ties (in case you have long hair)
Like any other medium-hard trek around the world, keep it light and simple. Wear only what is essential for the trip and carry anything you might need for an emergency.
Waterproof hiking boots are a must, and being fully covered is key to surviving in these tropical conditions. Yes, it seems obvious to wear a t-shirt and shorts with the hot temperature. Unfortunately, everything in the forest will scratch you, and the less your skin is exposed, the more comfortable you will feel.
Additionally, wearing two pairs of long thick socks can save you from time to time. Fire ants roam everywhere in the jungle, and once you step in the wrong place, they will crawl into your foot and enter your shoes.
Any one suffering from communicable diseases such as influenza, diarrhea, or cough is not allowed to enter any national park. In case you happen to be suffering from such diseases you need to report it to the park authorities as this may help you to obtain a refund.
- A 7 meters distance should be kept away from mountain gorillas at all times.
- If you are ill, you won’t be allowed to track mountain gorillas
- Gorilla trekking is strictly for persons above 15 years.
- A maximum of 8 visitors are always allowed to trek 1 habituated gorilla family.
- Upon finding a gorilla family, you will have 1 hour of magical encounters.
- Don’t smoke, drink or eat in the presence of gorillas.
- No flashlight camera should be used when taking pictures of gorillas.
- Leave the gorilla habitat as clean as you found it.
U.S. And EURO currency is the easiest to exchange and you will receive the best rates on $100 & $50 bills compared to smaller notes. US notes should not be older than 2006. Travelers check-ques or another type of check not accepted at all. Bills should not be written on it with a pen, torn or damaged. Make sure you Travel with New notes
There are numerous FOREX facilities in towns. You will receive a much better rate than compared to a bank. Most Airport also has a FOREX on the premises.
Yes, in large towns and popular tourist areas such as Kigali, Nairobi, Stone Town, Kampala, Bujumbura etc. There are sufficient ATM`s. Before travel you need to contact your bank to authorize your credit card to work in East Africa. Most banks put fraud warning for transaction especially in East African. Also, be caution when using ATM`s and not exceed withdraw limit per day, it make be difficult for time you need cash next time.
A wide range of local food is offered in different destinations ranging from local, western and Oriental cuisines. Vegetarian diets are also available. Drinking water for guests is strictly bottled clean and safe water; tap water is not safe for drinking.
