Rwandagandarundi | Journey to Gorillas and Waterfalls of Rwanda Uganda+Burundi

Abracadabra, Rwandagandarundi!

This is a cross-country East African journey through Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi!

Waterfalls that quake at your feet, gorillas that make you shake in your shoes, and high-jump drumbeats that’ll have you tapping your toes! It’s Rumble in the Jungle meets Lords of the Drums with a little wanda’in Rwanda.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, on the south-western edge of Uganda, along the Albertine Rift, contains nearly half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Coming face-to-face with these KINGS, the silverback is overwhelming, a little bit scary, enough to leave you breathless. He’s imposing, majestic, elegant, strong … and gorgeous! Their eyes speak as much as a human gaze, their lips can tell us if they’re smiling, worried, or angry, and their hands nearly identical to ours, you’ll want to reach out and introduce yourself.

The gorillas are not the only thing that rumbles! Uganda is home to massive national parks full of wildlife, famed forests, and the breath-taking spectacle of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a gap in the rocks, only 7 meters wide, to then tumble 43 mts before flowing into Lake Albert.

Rwanda is a study in contrasts, mainly in comparison to her neighbours. As we wind our way through lush hills and gentle cattle-farms on our way to Kigali you’ll notice how pristine is the landscape, neat villages and cafes along the road, green grounds around every bend and turn.

Crossing through dense forests in search of silverbacks, standing atop ground-shaking waterfalls, exploring rolling hills and savannahs dotted with wildlife, watching pristine landscapes unfold from border to border, it’s Rwandagandarundi!

Let’s go!!
Day 1 // Kampala to Murchison
After arrival and immigration formalities in Uganda, we’ll leave Kampala behind and drive north-west into the plains of Nakasongola – to Rhino Sanctuary. We will have a stop for lunch before we go into the wild. Ziwa is the last refuge of Uganda’s white rhino, previously hunted to extinction during more turbulent times. We should be lucky enough to spot Shoebill. We’ll reach our lodge among the savannahs in time for dinner, sunset, and rest.
Day 2 // Murchison Falls
Early morning breakfast and game drive at sunrise when the wildlife is most active. After we check out of our lodge, we’ll make our way to the top of Murchison Falls where the rumble in the jungle is the falls at our feet! After we dry off, continue onwards to Queen Elizabeth NP for a few more spots of wildlife and settle in to our camp.
Day 3 // Buhoma
Breakfast at camp and pack up our gear for journey to Buhoma. We’ll catch a glimpse of Lake Edward and have lunch on the road and make a few roadside stops before we reach our community rest camp for the evening and dream of our gorilla trekking tomorrow!
Day 4 // Bwindi
The gorillas are early birds, so we’ll pack up our breakfast and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a quick briefing before we hit a trail in search of primates! After our unforgettable encounter, we’ll head back out of forest and on the road back to Buhoma with a stop to see pygmies on the way.
Day 5 // Rwanda & Kigali
We’ll pack up and check-out of rest camp and start our journey across the border to Rwanda all the way to Kigali! With an early start, we should reach our destination in time for late lunch before heading out to explore this remarkable city, with few stops at Genocide Memorial and quick glimpse of Hotel Rwanda.
Day 6 // Burundi & Gitega
We will say au Revoir to Rwanda and head to Burundi, transfer to Gitega the second largest city of Burundi and the political capital. On a hill outside of Gitega stands several straw-roofed structures wich was formally the palace for the monarchy (disbanded in 1996). There we witness an impressive music performance from the world famous and talented burundian drummer.
Day 7 // Karera waterfalls
After breakfast we hit the road to admire the Karera Waterfalls and drive further south, to see the source of the Nile - the site marked by a compact pyramid
Day8 // Bujumbura
Before we head off to airport, we will take a boat on Rusizi river, to bid farewell to Africa with hippos and crocodiles!

Activities:
Experience raw and authentic Africa, gorilla trekking, game drives, boating, cultural immersion.

Room & Meals:
Lodges and hotels - double sharing. Meals in Uganda included.

Cost: AED 9600 excl. flights until NOV 16.

Excluded: international flights, visa, insurance, meals in Rwanda and Burundi.

NOTE: At the time of writing, border Rwanda - Burundi remains closed. If closure continues, you will need to purchase additional flight KGL- BJM at 300 USD (DEC 01).

Visa:
Multiple entry evisa to UG+RW,
Burundi: transit visa on arrival.

YELLOW FEVER Vaccine mandatory.

See yah at Rwandagandarundi x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238