NATURAL HERITAGE SAFARI OF UGANDA & RWANDA
A cultural safari to Uganda & Rwanda

The East African countries of Uganda and the Rwanda are known over the world for their natural heritage with well maintained national game parks, wildlife, ornithology as well as a very interesting African culture. Amongst the most interesting attractions both the countries offer is being able to view the gorillas, often at very close range.  This 09 days natural heritage tours has been designed to see the important centres in both these countries and can be combined with our tours to Ethiopia and the Kenya, Uganda overland safaris.  

Day 01 FRI: Arrive Entebbe (Uganda)
Upon arrival at Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Gately Inn, Entebbe (2 nights)

Day 02 SAT: Entebbe
Entebbe is a beautiful town and has retained it’s originality. We start the day with a visit to the lakeside Botanical Gardens followed by a visit to a traditional fishing village. This is followed by a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) to observe a wide range of flora and fauna of the indigenous species in their natural habitats. Afternoon, we visit the neighboring city of Kampala, Uganda’s political and commercial capital. We drive through the hilly roads and have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Entebbe. (B, D)

Day 03: SUN: Entebbe / Mburo National Park
We drive to Mburo, which harbors several species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes. For birders, this is one of the best place to see the African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife. We visit the Royal Drum makers located right on the Equator - where one can stand with one leg on the northern and the other on the southern hemispheres. An exciting evening safari before we end for the day.
Overnight: Mantana Tented camp (deluxe) (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04 MON: Mburo National Park / Bwindi
We drive to the Impenetrable National Park via Kabale with beautiful scenery and terrace farming arriving in the afternoon. Best known for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. Tonight we take a good night’s rest to get ready for the following day’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge. (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05 TUE: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable Park (Southern sector)
An exciting day as we have an early morning Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. There are now only 650 left in the world! The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but its well worth it. Park guides accompany you and interpret the flora, fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon, relax at the lodge or go for an optional Village walk returning to the lodge in the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 06 WED: Bwindi / Musanze (Rwanda)
Today we cross to Rwanda – the land of chimps and gorillas. We view beautiful scenery and terraced farming as we arrive the town of Musanze in time for lunch. Relax in the afternoon or see the Ibyiwatu Cultural group performance where you are entertained by the Rwandese and get to know about their culture in music, dance and drama. An early retirement to get ready for tomorrow’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: La Palme hotel, Musanze (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07 THU: Volcanoes National Park – 2nd gorilla tracking (optional)
Early morning wake up call to get ready for our optional Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take all necessary gear to track down the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. This exciting tracking may take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Accompanying Park guide explains us about flora, fauna and lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon free to relax. Walk around this small and colorful African town (B, L, D)

Day 08 FRI: Musanze / Kigali
We drive to Kigali the capital of Rwanda. We tour and explore Kigali visiting the Genocide Museum, Caplaki Crafts Centre. Located at Rwanda’s geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business centre and main port of entry.
Overnight: Lemigo hotel, Kigali (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09 SAT: Kigali / departure
After an exciting Journey over 4 countries in 2 continents, we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home or take en excursion to the coastal cities of Lamu, Malindi in Kenya or join our Zanzibar Island tour in Tanzania. (B)

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Feb 03, Mar 02 & 30, May 04, Jun 01 & 29, Aug 03, Sep 28, Oct 26 & Nov 30
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include • Accommodation as mentioned or similar category • 21 Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner) • All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary • Services of local English speaking guide/drivers • Entrance fees to museums, sites and game parks • International airfares or airport departure taxes • Visas/ Insurance • Tips / gratuities • Gorilla viewing permits (currently at $500 per view)
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2012 US $ 3580 US $ 295 *Note: Due to the limited number of gorilla viewing permits being issued, this tour has been tailored in a way that we have two opportunities of gorilla viewing in two different settings - Uganda or Rwanda.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast US $ 1700 USA - East Coast US $ 1500
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 06 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.