Elegant Rwanda & Uganda Tour - with THY (KGL-EBB)
1st Day ISTANBUL – KIGALI
We meet at Istanbul Airport's international departures terminal three hours prior to departure. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we fly directly to Kigali International Airport with Turkish Airlines scheduled flight. Upon arrival, we transfer to our awaiting private bus at the airport. We proceed with check-in procedures and then head to our hotel for rest. Accommodation at our hotel.
2nd Day KIGALI – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day with a city tour of Kigali. Rwanda's vibrant and organized capital stands out as a city confronting its past but looking to the future with hope. Our first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum, built to commemorate the tragic events of 1994. During this meaningful visit, we not only see the marks of a tragedy but also hear the story of a people's resurgence. This emotional yet educational experience will be one of the most memorable moments of our tour. After the museum visit, we head north into Rwanda's stunning nature and mountain vistas, an approximately 2.5-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park, located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. This region is renowned as one of the few places in the world where mountain gorillas can be observed in their natural habitat. Throughout the journey, we enjoy breathtaking scenery including mist-covered mountain silhouettes, tea plantations, and traditional Rwandan villages. Upon arrival, we check into our lodge to rest and explore the surroundings. You may choose to take a walk around the lodge or enjoy the spectacular view of the Virunga Mountains from the veranda. The day concludes with free time, dinner, and overnight at our lodge.
3rd Day VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – BUNYONYI LAKE – BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on another extraordinary day filled with unforgettable experiences. Today’s route includes a remarkable crossing that connects two different countries, and one of Africa’s natural beauties, Bunyonyi Lake, is waiting for us. First, we head toward the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing. During this approximately 3-hour journey, we enjoy the stunning views of the Virunga range and the peaceful rural life of Africa. After completing border procedures, we step into Ugandan territory. Shortly after crossing the border, we arrive at Bunyonyi Lake, one of Africa’s most mesmerizing water formations. Meaning "small birds’ lake", Bunyonyi is situated at about 2000 meters altitude and features dozens of tiny volcanic islands, offering a postcard-perfect landscape. Surrounded by terraced farms and misty hills, we will take a short boat trip on the lake to explore its pristine nature closely. With its tranquility and serenity, this area is one of Africa’s lesser-known but most enchanting stops. After our lake halt, the journey continues. In the afternoon, we arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most spectacular rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is globally famous as one of the key habitats of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. After the tour, there is free time for dinner and overnight at our lodge.
4th Day BWINDI NATIONAL PARK – GORILLA SAFARIS
After breakfast at the hotel, we are about to witness one of the most special wildlife experiences not only in Africa but worldwide. Early in the morning, following breakfast, we head to the visitor center of Bwindi National Park. At the park entrance, we receive a brief introduction to the area, including park rules and ethical guidelines for gorilla encounters. Then, we start a walk through the dense vegetation, with steep slopes and cool valleys all around. Gorilla trekking duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla groups – sometimes an hour, sometimes up to three hours. However, every step involves the scent of the dense forest, bird songs, and an authentic discovery at nature's core. When we finally reach a family of mountain gorillas deep in the forest, all our fatigue vanishes instantly. Observing these creatures from just a few meters away will be a mesmerizing and emotional experience. Their silent communications, playful young, and protective adults—each reveals how powerful and balanced natural life is. This will be one of the rare moments of respect and admiration for nature at its peak. After approximately an hour of observation, we return to the starting point and go back to our lodge. The evening concludes with free time, dinner, and overnight at our lodge.
5th Day BWINDI NATIONAL PARK – ISHASHA – QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s richest parks in wildlife. But this journey is special; our route crosses a remarkable natural event area that links two different countries: the Ishasha region. The scenery along the way features the African countryside, misty hills, banana plantations, and traditional villages. After about 4 hours of driving, we arrive at Ishasha, known for its unique ecosystem where "tree-climbing lions" reside. These lions, which climb shorter, cooler trees, rest in the shade during the hot daytime hours and observe their prey from above. This behavior is very rare and considered a privileged sight in safaris. During a short safari here, we can observe not only the lions but also elephant herds, African buffaloes, topi antelopes, kob, hippopotamuses, and a wealth of bird species—each providing excellent photographic opportunities. After our observations, our journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. We check into our lodge and relax in this peaceful natural setting for a short rest.
6th Day QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK – KAZINGA CHANNEL – QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK
After breakfast, we embark on a full-day exploration of Queen Elizabeth's wildlife. We start with a safari in the Kasenyi plains in the park's northeast, a broad open area ideal for observing wildlife, especially in the morning hours. During this safari, we expect to see lion prides, elephants, Uganda's native kob antelopes, buffaloes, hippopotamuses, and, if luck is on our side, leopards hiding in the trees. Thanks to our guides’ expertise, we will gain insights into animal behaviors, interspecies interactions, and the delicacies of this natural ecosystem. This area is also rich in colorful bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Then, we continue with one of the park’s most famous activities, the Kazinga Channel boat safari. This 32-kilometer-long waterway connects Lakes Edward and George, and hosts the highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles in Africa. During the tranquil boat tour, we can see herds of elephants bathing along the banks, groups of hippos in the waters, crocodiles on the shores, and various migrant and local bird species soaring above. After the boat safari, there is free time, dinner, and overnight at our lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park.
7th Day QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK – KIBALE NATIONAL PARK – CHIMPANZEE SAFARIS
After breakfast, our journey takes us to Kibale National Park in Uganda’s western region. The scenery en route presents a visual feast for photography enthusiasts: tea plantations on hills, banana farms, the natural flow of village life, and glimpses of local daily life. The trip lasts approximately 3-4 hours. Kibale is renowned as one of Africa’s most important primate regions, hosting 13 primate species. It is especially famous for its opportunity to observe chimpanzees in the wild. After arriving, we receive a brief orientation at the park entrance and then begin a walk led by experienced trackers, where we search for wild chimpanzees. As we move through the forest, we could also encounter red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, baboons, and other primates. Watching chimpanzees playing, communicating, and foraging among the trees will provide fascinating insights into the intelligence and social structures of wild animals. The region is also home to tropical birds, butterflies, and diverse plant species, attracting nature lovers. Our guides will offer information throughout the walk and help us observe silently without disturbing nature. Afterward, there is free time, dinner, and overnight at our Kibale lodge.
8th Day KIBALE NATIONAL PARK – KAMPALA – VICTORIA LAKE – ENTEBBE
Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the capital city of Uganda, Kampala. En route, we will enjoy the rural landscape of the country: red soil roads, villages decorated with banana trees, children returning from school, farmers working in the fields, and many scenes of daily Ugandan life. Upon arrival in Kampala, we take a short panoramic city tour. This city, Uganda's political, economic, and cultural hub, blends traditional African life with modern urban development. During the city tour, colonial-era buildings, colorful markets, and lively local life can be observed. After the tour, we change scenery to visit Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, which is also a significant ecological and economic resource for Kenya and Tanzania. We can take a walk along the lake, take photos, or relax at local cafes by the lake. Afterwards, we head to Entebbe. Our day concludes with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which is more of a rehabilitation center than a zoo. Here, you can observe animals that are injured, orphaned, or rescued and are being prepared to return to the wild, all in conditions close to their natural habitat. Lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, crocodiles, and many other species are presented in an educational format. We then have free time for dinner and overnight at our Entebbe hotel.
9th Day ENTEBBE – ISTANBUL
Early morning, with packed breakfast boxes, we are transferred to the airport as advised by your guide. After completing baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we depart on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services conclude.
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