18 Days Burundi, Congo, Rwanda & Uganda Culture, Primates and Wildlife Adventure Safari

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TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES

As with all the tours on our website, this is just an example of the safaris ideas we are able to arrange. We take pride in creating holidays and safaris from scratch, placing particular emphasis on matching the destinations and properties to your budget. Contact us now to start the process of arranging your dream holiday and safari.

Top Selling Safaris

Countries: Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda

Destinations: Bujumbura, Rusizi National Park, Gitega, Gishora drum sanctuary, Kabira National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Lake Kivu, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Kampala, Entebbe, and Mabamba Swamp Bay

Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrive Bujumbura

Day 2: Visit to Karera Falls

Day 3: Visit to Gitega, Gisora Drum Sanctuary

Day 4: Boat ride on River Rusizi and Bujumbura city tour

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park for canopy walk experience

Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking at Nyungwe National Park and transfer to DR Congo

Day 7: Gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park and transfer to Karongi

Day 8: Boat ride on Lake Kivu and transfer to Kigali

Day 9: Kigali city tour & transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 10: Golden Monkey trekking and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 11: Gorilla Trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 12: Batwa Trail Experience and transfer to Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 13: Game drive in Ishasha and Transfer to Mweya for after boat ride at Kazinga Channel

Day 14: Game drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking and Swamp walk at Kibale National Park

Day 16: Transfer to Kampala

Day 17: Kampala city tour and transfer to Entebbe.

Day 18: Shoebill Bird Watching at Mabamba Swamp and departure (Evening flight)

Trip Overview

The 18 Days Burundi, Congo, Rwanda & Uganda Culture, Primates and Wildlife Adventure Safari, rewards you with the best of Burundi attractions, whereby, you will execute a day Bujumbura city tour, which will reward you with great knowledge of Bujumbura city, as well as visit Rusizi National Park, for great wildlife experience. You will be able to visit Karera waterfalls and the famous Gitega city, home for the famous powerful Burundi drummers at Gishora drum sanctuary. Later transferred to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda for canopy walk and Chimpanzee trekking before crossing over to DR Congo for lowland Gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park. You will as well as enjoy boat ride on Lake Kivu en route Kigali, for a city tour, visit Kigali genocide memorial before you proceed to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking.

You will later cross over to Uganda, and be able to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the half of the world’s remaining mount gorillas and chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, the primate capital. You will do a wildlife game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a wonderful boat ride on Kazinga channel, having the world’s concentration population of hippos and large Nile crocodiles. You will wind up the tour in Entebbe, with a day excursion to Mabamba swamp wetland, best spot to spot the rare shoebills, as well as a day trip to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary. The tour starts from Bujumbura – Burundi and ends in Entebbe – Uganda.

This tour blends culture, with primates and wildlife experiences across the four East African countries.

Discover the wildlife treasure of East Africa, with ultimate One More Adventure after the other!

Trip High lights.

  • Bujumbura city tour
  • Visit to memorial
  • Boat ride on River Rusizi
  • Gishora drum sanctuary
  • Gitega city tour
  • Karera waterfalls
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
  • Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
  • Golden monkey trekking at Volcanoes National Park
  • Kigali city tour
  • Canopy walk experience
  • Kampala city tour
  • Gorilla trekking in Uganda
  • Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale National Park
  • Game drives
  • Boat cruise at Kazinga Channel
  • Shoebill bird watching at Mabamba bay
  • Batwa Cultural tour
  • Ndere cultural experience
  • Visit to Kigali genocide memorial
  • Bigodi swamp walk
  • Entebbe tour

Day 1: Welcome to Bujumbura!

Day Itinerary

Upon landing at Bujumbura International Airport, you will proceed to the immigration stand, after finalizing with your visa, you will proceed to the exit gate, where you will be met by your guide, brief you shortly and transfer to your booked accommodation in Bujumbura, close to the beach. Spend the afternoon at leisure at the beach. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight stay at: Club du lac Tanganyika 

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 2: Excursion to the Karera Falls and the southernmost source of Nile River

Day Itinerary

Today, after getting done with our morning breakfast at 7:30 am, we shall leave Bujumbura and drive to Bururi, for a visit to the southernmost source of the Nile River in Rutovu (White Nil), and continue to the extraordinary Karera waterfalls, undertake a hike and walk at the famous waterfalls and as the sun falls down, we shall gather at our booked accommodation, for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at: Isango Hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Gitega city tour, the former royal site and the sacred drum sanctuary in Gishora.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast will be served on time, before we jump onto our jeep and head to explore Gitega city.

Gitega is the current political capital of the country since 2019, a city located exactly in the middle of the country and the ideal city where one can get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of Burundi, in the national museum of Gitega.

Our visit begins at the National Museum of Gitega, then Boma, the former residence of German governor before the First World War; then we drive to Gishora drum sanctuary.

If you haven’t visited Gitega and explored the mesmerizing Gishora drum sanctuary, then you haven’t truly experienced the heart and soul of Burundi. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting rhythm of the drums, witness electrifying performances, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that will leave you breathless.

Prepare to be mesmerized as you listen to the rhythmic beats of the drums echoing through the air. The Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a place like no other, where the vibrant energy of the drums takes center stage. Immerse yourself in a truly electric performance that will leave you captivated from start to finish. The powerful resonance of the drums will stir your soul and ignite a fire within.

As the drums play, you’ll find it impossible to resist the urge to move. The rhythm will pulsate through your veins, and before you know it, you’ll be on your feet, dancing to the infectious beat. The energy is infectious, and the atmosphere is alive with joy and celebration. Allow the music to guide you as you join in the jumps, letting go of inhibitions and embracing the sheer exhilaration of the moment.

As the resonating beats fill the air, you won’t be able to resist the urge to move. The pulsating energy of the drummers will ignite your spirit, and the contagious joy of the performance will make it impossible to remain seated. Let the vibrant melodies and pulsating rhythms guide your feet as you dance to the ancient tunes, allowing the music to carry you away to a world of pure bliss.

Later we head to our jeep, and find our way back to Bujumbura.

Overnight stay at: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4Boat trip on River Rusizi and Bujumbura city tour

Day Itinerary

Following breakfast, next, we venture into Rusizi National Park, a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Be prepared to be amazed by the colorful plumage and melodious songs of the diverse birdlife that calls this park home. With binoculars in hand, explore the park’s trails and immerse yourself in the symphony of nature. Every step brings you closer to encounters with unique and rare avian species, making this a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.

We shall be able to reach Lake Tanganyika, watch fishermen go about their day fishing activity on the lake. Later, we return and drive to the DR Congo border, before we drive back and visit the living museum, the memorial stone of the meeting of explorers David Livingston and Henry M. Stanley, return downtown for lunch. Afternoon, visit the various monuments in the city including the Independence Square, the mausoleum of the hero of independence, Prince Louis Rwagasole, the place of unity” Ubumwe”, and later after the tour, we shall transfer to your lodge, for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Overnight stay at: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park for a canopy walk. Travel time + 5hrs

Day Itinerary.

Today, have an early breakfast and later meet your guide and drive off to Rwandawhere you will proceed to Nyungwe National Park, with an en route lunch.

In the afternoon, you should be in the green trees of Nyungwe National Park – home to one of the oldest rainforests on the continent. With 374.5 square miles to explore you won’t be able to do it all today, but the easy stroll out to the Canopy Walkway from the Uwinka reception center offers a chance to marvel at the views from 230 feet above the rainforest floor. Listen for the sounds of 13 species of primates and more than 300 types of birds. Sleep tonight knowing you’ll meet some of the noisemakers in the days ahead. Experience the rainforest from a dazzling new perspective on the famous Canopy Walkway.

Overnight stay at: Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Nyungwe Chimpanzee trekking experience and transfer to Congo

Day Itinerary

Today’s agenda includes chimpanzee trekking deep in the Nyungwe Forest National Park and transfer to Congo.

After your early morning breakfast, you will drive to the park reception for the early morning briefing before heading to the forest in search of the chimpanzee. During the briefing, grouping of the trekker’s is done, and you will be put into a group of 8 members per group, depending on the number of trekkers, you may be less.  Make your way to Cyamudongo in the dark with a local park ranger who knows the forest’s deepest secrets. Follow him to the home of the chimps. Watch the animals wake, stretch, and start their day in the forest. Snap your photos while you can. Once they’re on the move, catching up to them among the tall trees and thick brush is a feat of athletic prowess. This once in a lifetime experience deserves your full attention: Remember the feeling of the mud beneath your hiking boots, the pitch of the primate calls echoing through the trees and the moment you locked eyes with a chimp in one of the few places in the world where you still can.

These cousins to humans can be found and tracked in Nyungwe National Park. A beautiful guided hike through the forest will lead you to these fascinating creatures where you can watch them play and interact up close. Chimpanzee tracking can be done year-round in Nyungwe, rain or shine, and while it is never guaranteed that you will see them, sightings are very common and guides are skillful in tracking them. The experience differs from gorilla tracking as the chimps move through the canopy, so the sightings are a bit more sporadic and exciting, but worthwhile nonetheless. Observe them playing, wild and free, hooting and dashing through the trees. You will later return back and head for lunch. After driving to Bukavu, receive your DRC visa and you cross over to DR Congo through Rubavo border to your booked lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Located in the southeastern part of DR Congo, 30 km away from Bukavu, which is a border post between Rwanda and DR Congo, Kahuzi – Biega National Park is the only national park in DR Congo where visitors have the opportunity to track the famous eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. The park was established in 1970, with the main aim to conserve the lowland Eastern gorillas, which are the major attraction of the park. The park has two fully habituated gorillas that are the major source of attraction. The park covers an area of 6000 km 2 and protects a mountain forest in eastern DRC, which is the most densely populated region of the country. The park is named after the two spectacular extinct volcanoes which dominate its high altitude sector, Mont Kahuzi (3,308m) and Mont Biega (2,790m). Kahuzi Biega National Park is a Safe destination that is managed by Wildlife Conservation Society. The eastern lowland gorilla—also known as Grauer’s gorilla—is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies.

Overnight stay at: Orchid Safari Club

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Lowland Gorilla Trekking Experience at Kahuzi Biega National Park

Day Itinerary

After a delightful breakfast in the morning, you will head for your first briefing at the park headquarters’, where you will as well get the registration, and pick up your assigned ranger guides and drive off to the park trekking starting point, for your lowland gorilla trekking experience.  You will later head off with your ranger guide, who will share with you a lot of information about Kahuzi Biega National ParkUpon sighting the gorillas, you will be allowed an ample 1 hour, to watch the gorillas, take video’s and photos of your choices under the guidance of your ranger guide. You will later return and drive off to Rwanda, proceed to Karongi, to your booked lodge, and retire at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Overnight stay at: Cormoran Lodge Karongi

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali. Travel time +5hrs

Day Itinerary

Today after taking your early morning breakfast, you will meet with your driver guide, share a short briefing as usual, and transfer over to Rwanda through Bukavu border and head off to Karongi, where you will visit Lake Kivu, for a boat trip. You will head for a sunrise boat trip on Lake Kivu, which is roughly a two hours boat trip to explore this beautiful Lake and its numerous islands, you will as well be able to spot a number of bird species as well as visit one of the islands called the Napoleon Island. You will engage on a nature walk hike on the Island as you explore the bat caves. You will later return and drive off to Kigali. If time permits, head for Kigali city tour, visit the art galleries and local market. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Overnight stay at:  Hotel des Mille Collines

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes NP. Travel time +2hrs

Day Itinerary

Upon getting done with your hotel breakfast in Kigali, you will be met by our company representative, who will introduce you to your safari driver guide, who will brief you shortly and later transfer you to the booked accommodation in Musanze which is roughly a 2 hours’ drive. If time allows, you can have a short brief Kigali city tour, with a visit to Kigali genocide memorial, learn more about the Rwanda 1994, genocide incidence, and later have lunch, before you hit up on the road, to find your way to you booked in Musanze. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Volcanoes National park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience a face to face encounter with these intriguing creatures, making it the most famous park in Rwanda. The park is set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Highly regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, visiting the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre, and enjoying a beautiful day hike to the Crater Lake on Mount Bisoke. You can as well as opt for trekking the shy golden monkeys or head for a canoe ride on the twin lakes. The beautiful Buhanga Eco Park, still remains virgin and open to visitors, where you get more cultural insight in regards to leadership and kingship of Rwanda.

Overnight stay at: Ingagi Parkview Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Golden Monkey trekking and transfer to Bwindi. Travel time +4hrs

Day Itinerary

This morning, head for a Golden monkeys trekking experience that takes place in Volcanoes national park at 7:00 am. The golden monkey trekking, takes the same procedure as the gorilla trekking, however less, strenuous compared to gorilla trekking. These rare species are also listed as endangered – and Volcanoes national park currently has two habituated golden monkeys’ troops that are available for visiting by tourists in the park, both of which make about 50 members.

Golden monkeys in Rwanda live in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes and habituation has helped them to overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.

Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group of no more than eight people, and you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. The endangered species are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting and a little difficult to photograph!

Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, via Cyanika border post, which is roughly a 3 hour’s drive to your booked accommodation, for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day Itinerary

Today is the big day… Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. You will be required to wake up early in the morning then be led to the visitor’s reception center for a briefing about the park. You are allocated guides before heading into the forest in search of Mountain Gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts of both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees – the only forest in Africa which can make this claim. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammals, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds.

The Gorillas you will track belong to one of nine habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your trek will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the Gorillas’ habitat. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time taken to track the Gorillas can take as little as 4 hours or more.

Once the Gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a Mountain Gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Uganda’s very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. You will enjoy an informative moment, with the ranger guide, who will share with you more information about the gorilla conservation and the entire park. Later return back to your lodge for hot lunch, retire in the afternoon at leisure at the lodge.

Overnight stay at: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge  

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Batwa Pygmies and Transfer to Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will get to do the ‘Batwa’ (pygmies) cultural trail. Doing this trail will enable you to interact and learn about the interesting lifestyle of Uganda’s unique pygmies. The Batwa pygmies were originally the traditional inhabitants of Bwindi forest that’s currently occupied by the National park. The trail exposes you to the in depth hidden history of the Batwa pygmies before the year 1990 when they evacuated the forest area that had become protected and conserved as a National park.

The Batwa Trail is unique in a way that it show-cases authentic culture of the original inhabitants of Bwindi forest who’s lives mainly depended on the natural habitat. While exploring the trail, you experience the naturally endowed forest through a rare view point of the local people. The experience comes along with different unique demonstrations on how the pygmies used to extract local herbs that were used for healing different diseases, traditional ways of fetching water using locally made bamboo mugs and construction of grass huts.

After your cultural adventure with the pygmies, you transfer to the beautiful Ishasha plains which are part of Queen Elizabeth National Park – the oldest & second largest National Park in Uganda, located at the base of the massive Rwenzori Mountains, adjacent to lakes Edward& George. The park is covered by Savannah plains that provide an abundance of Game viewing like; Elephants that trumpet when you get too close, lazy Leopards laying in the sun, abundant Gazelle and buck, Lions, Buffaloes, Hippos and others.

In the late afternoon, transfer to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay at: Enjojo Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Tree Climbing and transfer to Queen for Kazinga Channel

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you’ll indulge in a morning and evening game drive in time to see the sun rise and see the sun set over the horizon respectively.

If you’re lucky, a game drive through the open savannah of Acacia on the edge of the Albertine Rift valley will enable you to view ‘Tree climbing Lions and other wild animalsYou will search for all the wildlife in the park including; Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Uganda Kob, Warthog, etc. After head for a transfer to Queen Elisabeth NP for Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise to view the water dwelling birds and animals such as the pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, herons, darters to mention but a few and see animals such as buffalos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants wallowing at the mad and much more. After a boat cruise, you will proceed for a short game drive as you find your way back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Overnight stay at: Enganzi Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14:  Game drive and transfer to Kibale National Park. Travel time + 3hrs

Day Itinerary

After early morning breakfast, you will head off for a game drive in search of the early raisers where you have a great chance to spot more wildlife before you depart Queen Elizabeth N.P heading to Kibale Forest National Park; you will drive through a scenic lush green countryside. On arrival at Kibale forest; you will enter a completely different world… some serious monkey business. The forest is home to at least 12 Primate Species including: The Red-Tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon, Black and White Colobus plus Blue Monkeys. The bird life in the forest is also prolific and includes the beautiful Great Blue Turaco. If you are very lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the meandering herd of Forest Elephants.

In the late afternoon, transfer to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay at: Isunga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk at Kibale National Park

Day Itinerary

This morning at 08:00am, your Chimpanzee tracking excursion will commence. Kibale Forest boasts of the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins- the Chimpanzees. At this moment, in Uganda, there are approximately 4,950 Chimps left in the wild, which makes this forest a perfect and best place to spot chimpanzees in Africa! During the excursion, your ranger will point out the other species living in the forest, including birds, flora and fauna.

In the afternoon you embark on a nature excursion. Your Bigodi swamp walk (1- 2 hours) will take you through grassland and some beautiful scenery. It is usual to spot 3 or 4 different primate species during this walk. The highlight is catching a glimpse of the Great Blue Turaco bird!

In the late afternoon, return to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Overnight stay at: Isunga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Transfer to Kampala. Travel time + 6 hours

Day Itinerary

This morning at have a relaxed breakfast, before you jump into your jeeps to find your way to Kampala, for an en route lunch. You will reach and spend the afternoon at leisure.

As the sun sets, we invite you to the Ndere Cultural Center, where the magic of Ugandan music, dance, and drama come alive. Ndere showcases a selectively sampled repertoire from the 56 unique Ugandan cultures, each with its own distinct rhythm and story to tell. Let the infectious beats and melodic tunes ignite your spirit as you witness the extraordinary performances of the talented Ndere troops.

As you lose yourself in the mesmerizing sounds of the drums and the energetic dance moves, your smile will be a constant companion throughout the evening. The vibrant costumes, graceful movements, and spirited performances will transport you into the heart of Ugandan culture, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this diverse nation.

To satisfy your culinary cravings, indulge in mouthwatering samples of local Ugandan dishes served as a buffet. Let the flavors of Uganda tantalize your taste buds as you savor the authentic tastes of the region. Feed your soul through the captivating performances and feed your empty stomach with the delectable culinary delights, making it a truly satisfying and memorable experience.

The Ndere Cultural Center offers an ideal way to begin or end your Ugandan safari adventure. It sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the country’s rich cultural heritage, providing a deeper connection to the people and traditions that make Uganda so captivating.

You will later transfer to your booked accommodation, for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at: Fairway Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Kampala city tour and transfer to Entebbe.

Day Itinerary

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, you will head for Kampala city tour. Our Kampala city tour will take you on a journey through the bustling streets, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks of Uganda’s capital. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, gaining insights into the vibrant culture and history that shaped Uganda’s identity.

We shall visit Gaddafi mosque, centered in the middle of the city, which rewards you with a great view of the city, and then proceed to visit Kabaka Royal Palace at Lubiri, learn more about the Buganda Kingdom and culture, before heading to visit Baha’i Temple, the only Buddha temple in Africa, after visit Namugongo shrine, to know more about missionaries and their influence on the Buganda kingdom.

You will later drive to Entebbe, catch up with lunch, and after lunch. Afternoon at leisure, or head to visit the local markets for some shopping. 

Overnight stay at: Papyrus Guest House.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18: Shoebill Watching at Mabamba and tour Entebbe

Day Itinerary

Embark on an extraordinary bird-watching adventure at Mabamba Bay with the renowned One More Adventure Safaris. Rise with the first light of dawn as we make our way to the enchanting Kasenyi landing site. At 6:30 am, we’ll board a motorized speed boat, gliding effortlessly across the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, eagerly anticipating the magical moment when the sun rises above the horizon.

The boat ride is a short, exhilarating 15-20 minutes, bringing us closer to our destination – the captivating Mabamba wetland. Here, we’ll switch to a local canoe, gently navigating through the serene wetland, towards the heart of the shoebills’ habitat. As we traverse the waterways, our eyes remain alert, scanning the surroundings in all directions, hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. And on that fortunate day, we behold their majestic presence!

With cameras in hand, we seize the opportunity to immortalize the moment, capturing the shoebills in their natural habitat. Watching these towering birds in action as they hunt for fish is a sight to behold – their sheer size and grace are simply unbelievable.

Mabamba wetland is not only home to a significant number of shoebill storks but also serves as the ultimate destination worldwide for observing these remarkable birds. In addition, the wetland teems with an array of other avian species, ensuring an unforgettable bird-watching experience for enthusiasts and photographers alike.

After indulging in this visual feast, we bid farewell to the wetland, embarking on our return journey to the hotel. As we cruise back on the boat, we are treated to a delightful en route experience. We witness local fishermen skillfully carrying out their daily duties, while our eagle eyes spot various other bird species fluttering above the tranquil waters.

Later return to your hotel for late lunch.

Depending on the time of your departure flight, you can simply relax or explore the town of Entebbe before departing to the airport from where you’ll catch your departure flight home. Upon arrival at the airport, gather your luggage and proceed to your departure lounge to board your flight for your journey onward.

Thank you for choosing One More Adventure Safaris for your Burundi, DRC, Rwanda and Uganda safari experience. It is always sad to say goodbye, but we know that you will have made some great new friends and some very special memories in this beautiful region of East Africa. We hope to see you back again someday! End of Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & lunch.

The safari package includes.

  • Transportation in a 4 x 4 safari vehicle with Pop up roof
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • 1 Gorilla permit ($ 800), per person
  • Lowland Congo gorilla permit per person
  • 2 Chimpanzee permits, per person
  • 1 Golden monkey permit per person
  • En-route lunches
  • Batwa trail experience
  • Game drives as mentioned
  • Kigali city tour
  • Kampala city tour
  • Bujumbura city tour
  • Boat ride on River Rusizi
  • Boat ride on Lake Kivu
  • Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe
  • Bigodi swamp walk
  • Boat cruise on Kazinga channel
  • Art Museum visits
  • Visit to the genocide memorial
  • Park entrance fee
  • Ndere cultural performance
  • Services of English speaking driver/guide
  • Bottle of mineral water
  • Much fun on African soil
  • Shoebill bird watching at Mabamba swamp
  • Activities as mentioned
  • Office support services

The package excludes expenses of personal nature like:

  • Visa Fees & flights
  • Optional activities
  • Photography equipment
  • Tips for guides
  • Laundry
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • International vaccinations
  • Health test requirements
  • Personal travel Insurance
  • Personal shopping bills
  • Phone call bills
  • Extras while at the hotel
  • Items of personal nature

Please contact us for a free detailed quote on the option of your choice. We can tailor a request that suits your interests, and budget, as well as we can change or upgrade the lodge options. Inquire with us with more details about your safari and we curate it together.

Once you start a trip planned by One More Adventure Safaris, you fall into the One More Adventure rhythm. No request is too small, neither complicated, we curate the entire trip with you, from start until when you meet your interest and budget at hand. Our rapport with the local guides and continuous assessment of your interests and needs demonstrated the diamond standard of all safari specialists. We are also available outside working hours when a couple of things needs to get done.