Gorillas in Rwanda and wildlife in Uganda

Despite its turbulent past, Kigali is safe and incredibly friendly, and makes a wonderful welcome to the magic of Rwanda. History and culture are evident everywhere you look and a city tour should be number one on your list, no matter how long you are staying for. Highlights include the Inema Art Centre, a contemporary gallery showcasing work from East and Central Africa, the museum of natural history, the iconic Milles Collines hotel, and Kimironko Market, where you can spend your pennies on everything from fruit to fabrics, cookware to clothing. For a quick break in between, pop into Question for a cup of the good stuff and a glimpse into Rwanda’s booming industry.

A stay in Kigali shouldn’t pass by without a visit to the Genocide Memorial. A necessary and sobering reminder of the country’s tumultuous history, it’s also a reminder of its bright future and the resilience of all who live here.

Volcanoes is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking, so there are no prizes for guessing what you’ll be getting up to. There are several habituated gorilla families in the forest so it’s (slightly) easier to gauge trekking times, but there’s still no guarantee how long you may need to walk for. Pack those comfy boots! Treks depart with the sparrows, are led by seasoned guides and scouts, and will take you through the juicy, green forests of the lower volcanoes. After you first lay eyes on your gorillas, you’ll spend an hour with them before heading back.

Aside from the furry star attraction, there’s a good selection of activities in Volcanoes making a longer stay attractive. If you’re keen to dig deeper into the forest and all its inhabitants, try trekking with endangered golden monkeys or hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and seeing what you can spot along the way. Possibilities include lots of monkeys, gorgeous flora, and small antelope. We also recommend taking a walk into the local villages and meeting the communities, and exploring the crater lakes, time allowing.

With more than 400 mountain gorilla calling Bwindi home, your days here will more than likely revolve around trekking with the iconic primates. Most guests opt for two treks over a two or three-day stay. Treks depart in the morning (after a hearty breakfast) and, depending on where the gorillas are located, can last up to four or five hours. Trackers will advise on their location in the morning, but come prepared for a long(ish) walk – it all adds to the experience!

While seeing a gorilla is the highlight of any Bwindi stay, spending time in the forest is magical in a different way. Stuffed full of birds – 350 species to be precise – and butterflies, insects and mammals, a walk with an experienced guides will reveal a hidden world. It’s also possible to spot chimpanzee, various monkeys and antelope like bushbuck and forest duiker. For culture-seekers, spend time with the locals of Buhoma village, and discover the rituals of the ancient Batwa tribe, the ‘Keepers of the Forest.’

The most popular ‘safari’ destination in Uganda, game drives are firmly on the menu in Queen Elizabeth. Most lodges offer two drives a day – one in the early morning with the rising sun, and one later in the afternoon usually at around 4pm. Wildlife-wise, the park is famous for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector, but you may not know that four of the Big Five are present (sadly no rhino) and enormous herds of buffalo and elephant can often be spotted on the open plains. Interestingly, giant forest hogs, elusive in many other areas, are relatively easy to see too.

Away from four wheels, there’s plenty going on. Boat trips down the Kazinga Channel are excellent for bird-watching (and G&Ts and sunsets if birding isn’t your thing), and walks to spot the chimpanzee in Kyambura Gorge are always lively! At some lodges, there are community visits to the local coffee plantations and even dawn hot air balloon trips, making for a full Ugandan experience.