Day 1: Kigali to Lake Bunyonyi – Africa’s Switzerland

Early Morning Departure Begin your Rwanda Uganda safari with early morning pickup at Kigali International Airport (6:00 AM arrival) where our professional team provides warm welcomes and comprehensive safari briefings. Experience seamless border crossing assistance and cultural orientation.

Cross-Border Journey Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive from Kigali to Lake Bunyonyi via the Cyanika border crossing. This spectacular journey showcases the diverse landscapes of both countries, from Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” to Uganda’s lush highlands.

Scenic Route Highlights

• Rolling Hills: Experience Rwanda’s famous terraced hillsides and agricultural landscapes
• Border Culture: Observe daily life and cross-border trade activities
• Highland Scenery: Witness the transition from Rwandan hills to Ugandan lake country
• Local Communities: See traditional farming methods and rural lifestyle

Lake Bunyonyi Arrival Arrive at one of Africa’s deepest lakes, situated at 1,962 meters above sea level in southwestern Uganda. This pristine freshwater lake stretches 25 kilometers long and reaches depths of 900 meters, earning its reputation as “Africa’s Switzerland.”

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort Welcome Check into your comfortable accommodation overlooking this spectacular lake dotted with 29 islands. The resort’s elevated position provides panoramic views while maintaining harmony with the natural environment.

Afternoon Canoe Adventures Embark on peaceful canoe rides across crystal-clear waters, exploring several of the lake’s scenic islands while observing local fishermen using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Island Hopping Experience

• Punishment Island: Learn about the historical significance of this small island where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned
• Bushara Island: Visit this conservation-focused island supporting local community projects
• Cultural Interactions: Meet local communities maintaining traditional lifestyles around the lake

Evening Relaxation Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere with optional activities including swimming in bilharzia-free waters, nature walks along scenic shorelines, or simply relaxing while watching spectacular sunsets over the lake.

Day 2: Batwa Community & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Cultural Morning Experience Wake to spectacular lake views and hearty breakfast before visiting the fascinating Batwa Pygmy community located on hilltops near Lake Bunyonyi. These indigenous forest people offer unique insights into traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyles.

Batwa Cultural Encounter

• Traditional Performances: Experience authentic cultural dances and storytelling
• Craft Demonstrations: Learn about traditional hunting tools, basketry, and pottery
• Cultural Exchange: Understand the challenges and adaptations of indigenous communities
• Community Support: Purchase handcrafted souvenirs supporting local livelihoods

Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Depart Lake Bunyonyi for the 4-hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular wildlife destination covering 1,978 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems.

Journey Highlights Pass through varied landscapes including highland forests, agricultural areas, and gradually entering savanna grasslands. The route showcases Uganda’s incredible geographical diversity.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Arrival Enter Uganda’s premier wildlife destination known for exceptional biodiversity, including over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. The park’s location along the Equator creates unique ecological conditions.

Pumba Safari Cottages Welcome Check into comfortable accommodation strategically positioned for optimal wildlife access. These cottages provide essential amenities while maintaining authentic safari atmosphere.

Evening Game Drive Introduction Begin your wildlife adventure with late afternoon game drives through diverse park habitats, from open savanna to dense forests, providing first glimpses of Uganda’s incredible wildlife diversity.

Initial Wildlife Encounters

• Elephant Herds: Large family groups roaming open grasslands
• Uganda Kob: The country’s national antelope in large numbers
• Warthogs: Comical families foraging across savanna areas
• Bird Diversity: Over 600 species including numerous endemics and Rift Valley specials

Day 3: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Dawn Wildlife Adventure Rise early for breakfast before embarking on comprehensive morning game drives when animals are most active and temperatures remain comfortable for extended wildlife viewing.

Morning Game Drive Highlights Explore different park sectors searching for the diverse wildlife that makes Queen Elizabeth Uganda’s most visited national park:

Big Game Encounters

• African Elephants: Large herds with impressive matriarchal structures
• Cape Buffalo: Massive congregations creating dramatic savanna scenes
• Lions: Multiple prides including opportunities to spot rare tree-climbing behavior
• Leopards: Elusive cats occasionally spotted in riverine forests
• Waterbuck: Elegant antelopes frequenting permanent water sources

Primate Diversity

• Baboon Troops: Large social groups with complex hierarchies
• Vervet Monkeys: Adaptable primates thriving in various habitats
• Red-tailed Monkeys: Forest species occasionally venturing into savanna areas

Midday Lodge Return Return to Pumba Safari Cottages for lunch and brief rest during the warmest part of the day, with opportunities to observe wildlife from lodge viewing areas.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari Embark on the highlight afternoon activity – a boat cruise along the 32-kilometer natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, famous for hosting the world’s largest concentration of hippos.

Marine Wildlife Spectacle

• Hippo Pods: Over 5,000 hippos creating incredible wildlife theater
• Nile Crocodiles: Large populations of these impressive predators
• Elephant Families: Herds coming to drink and bathe along channel banks
• Buffalo Congregations: Massive herds gathering at permanent water sources
• Waterbird Paradise: Exceptional diversity including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers

Photography Paradise The boat safari provides exceptional photographic opportunities with close wildlife approaches impossible during land-based game drives. Professional guides position the boat for optimal viewing and photography.

Evening Relaxation Return to the lodge for sundowner cocktails while processing the day’s incredible wildlife encounters. Enjoy dinner featuring local and international cuisine.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Kigali

Early Morning Preparation After hearty breakfast, prepare for one of East Africa’s premier primate experiences – chimpanzee trekking in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes.”

Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking Descend into this remarkable 100-meter-deep gorge featuring lush underground forest ecosystem supporting diverse primate populations and other wildlife species.

Trekking Experience

• Duration: 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on chimpanzee locations
• Habitat Exploration: Dense forest canopy with diverse plant species
• Primate Encounters: Multiple species including red-tailed, colobus, and vervet monkeys
• Wildlife Diversity: Elephants, leopards, and buffaloes also inhabit the gorge
• Chimpanzee Interaction: One full hour observing these intelligent primates once located

Chimpanzee Behavior Observation Experience intimate encounters with our closest living relatives, observing complex social structures, communication methods, feeding behaviors, and family dynamics in their natural habitat.

Ishasha Sector Game Drive En route to Kigali, explore the famous Ishasha sector in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions – a behavior exhibited by only two populations worldwide.

Tree-Climbing Lions Search for these remarkable cats resting in large fig trees during hot daytime hours. This unique behavior adaptation provides relief from ground-dwelling insects and improved visibility for hunting.

Cross-Border Return Journey Begin the scenic 5-hour return journey to Kigali, passing through diverse landscapes and experiencing the gradual transition from Ugandan savanna back to Rwandan highlands.

Route Highlights

• Scenic Landscapes: Experience changing topography and ecosystems
• Cultural Observations: Observe daily life in rural communities
• Border Crossing: Efficient crossing procedures with guide assistance
• Countryside Views: Rwanda’s famous terraced hillsides and agricultural areas

Kigali Arrival & Departure Arrive in Kigali with time for optional souvenir shopping in craft markets or modern shopping centers before transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure flights or hotel check-in for extended stays.

Farewell Services Our team provides departure assistance, luggage handling, and ensures smooth transitions to international flights or continued travel arrangements.

Comfortable Safari Accommodation

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Lakeside Serenity

Environmentally conscious accommodation with spectacular lake views, comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to canoe activities and cultural experiences.

Pumba Safari Cottages – Wildlife Access

Strategically located cottages providing comfort and convenience for Queen Elizabeth National Park activities, with restaurant facilities and wildlife viewing opportunities.