6 Days Lake Mburo and Akagera

6 Days Lake Mburo and Akagera

6 Days Lake Mburo and Akagera: 6 Days Lake Mburo and Akagera safari is a breathtaking adventure that will start in Kigali, Rwanda and end in Kampala, Uganda. The Uganda safari allows you to explore Kagera National Park a home to Africa’s iconic big five mammals; lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos and Lake Mburo National Park Uganda’s smallest national park which is a home to over 68 mammal species such as buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, and zebras as well as various bird species. It is famous for having large numbers of Zebras and large herds of Elands, the biggest antelopes in Africa, also it is the only park in Uganda where you can see Impalas.

Safari Highlights

  • Kigali Tour
  • Transfer to Akagera National Park
  • Morning Game drive in Akagera
  • Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
  • Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Islands Touring in Bunyonyi
  • Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
  • Horseback riding or Game drive in Lake Mburo
  • Morning Game Drive in Lake Mburo
  • Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
  • Guided Nature Walk
  • Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

Day 1: Kigali tour – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Kigali Tour: Your guide will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in Kigali or directly from the airport. After a short briefing on the Uganda safari itinerary, you will start your city tour with a visit to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s six national genocide memorials. This powerful site holds the remains of thousands who were tragically killed during the 1994 Genocide and offers a moving insight into Rwanda’s history. Afterwards, you will head to Kimironko Market, one of Kigali’s busiest and most vibrant local markets. Here, you will have the chance to interact with friendly vendors and explore stalls selling fresh produce, traditional crafts, handmade baskets, mats, sandals, and more.

Transfer to Akagera National Park: Then you will begin the scenic 2- to 3-hour drive to Akagera National Park. Along the way, you will make a cultural stop at Nyakarambi village, home to the Kakira Women’s Cooperative. Here, you will discover the fascinating art of cow dung painting, a traditional form of house decoration initiated by Prince Kakira, known for its intricate designs and cultural significance. With lunch enroute, upon arrival at the park, you will complete the necessary entry formalities at the gate, then head to the visitor centre for orientation. Afterwards, you will proceed to your lodge or hotel and check in for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight: Ruzizi tented camp, Akagera Game Lodge and Dereva Hotel.

Day 2: Morning Game drive in Akagera and boat cruise

Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, you will meet your driver-guide and set off for another thrilling game drive. Your guide will be joined by an experienced park ranger who will accompany you and help navigate the best wildlife viewing routes within the park. You will explore different sections of Akagera, taking in its varied landscapes, from savannah plains and woodland forests to riverine habitats and wetlands. Keep an eye out for animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, warthogs, waterbuck, zebras, hyenas and different types of antelopes. This game drive lasts for about 3 to 4 hours, after which you will return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch.

Game drive in Akagera and boat cruise
Game drive in Akagera National Park

Afternoon Boat cruise: Once the game drive concludes, you will return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, you will prepare for a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, which begins around 3:30 PM and lasts approximately two hours. As the largest lake in the park, Lake Ihema offers excellent opportunities to spot crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife gathering at the water’s edge. Be on the lookout for the elusive sitatunga (swamp antelope), waterbucks, and a variety of water birds. After the cruise, your Uganda tour guide will transfer you back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo via Lake Bunyonyi: After morning breakfast, you will start your journey to Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. You will drive for 4-5 hours with lunch enroute cross to Uganda via Katuna border and continue to Kabale, enjoying a great scenic view of the rolling hills, this is where the second deepest lake is located. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, connect for a boat ride or canoe paddle and also take a walk visiting different islands and communities. The islands on the lake have an interesting history. Check in your reserved lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages, Lake Bunyonyi Overview Resort

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park: After breakfast, you will set off to Lake Mburo National Park, which is approximately 4 hours away. You will have a lunch stopover in Mbarara town, and continue your journey, arrive at the park while on a Uganda safari, and check into your reserved lodge for relaxation.

Horseback Riding or Game Drive: After you have the option to choose between an unforgettable horseback safari starting at 2:00 PM (lasting 1 to 5 hours) or a guided game drive. The horseback ride offers a peaceful, up-close experience with wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, while the game drive provides excellent viewing from a safari vehicle. Afterwards, return to the lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night in the tranquil setting of Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise and Evening Nature Walk

Morning Game Drive: Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out on a morning game drive along the scenic Kazuma track. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Mburo National Park’s hills and five lakes while searching for wildlife like zebras, elands, impalas, and the elusive klipspringer. Early hours also offer a chance to spot predators such as hyenas, leopards, and jackals. After the drive, return to the lodge for refreshments, lunch, and some time to relax.

Afternoon Boat Cruise: After lunch, you will enjoy a scenic two-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo starting at 2:00 PM. This relaxing ride offers great views of hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a rich variety of birds. Birdwatchers who enjoy birding can spot species like the African Finfoot, Fish Eagle, Papyrus Bushshrike, and possibly even the rare Shoebill Stork. It’s a perfect way to unwind while exploring Uganda’s vibrant wetland wildlife.

Evening Nature Walk: After the boat cruise, you will go for a guided nature walk on a Uganda tour with an armed ranger within the park. The best place to go for a guided nature walk is at the salt lick area. This is where Zebras, Impalas and other park animals go to lick salt. A hidden wooden platform has been constructed where visitors can go and watch as park animals visit the salt mine. After the nature walk, you will drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Transfer back to Kampala

Game Drive: This marks your final day in Lake Mburo National Park. Begin with an early wake-up call and enjoy a hearty breakfast as you prepare for one last adventure in the park. You will set out on a morning game drive, offering a unique opportunity to witness the park come to life and spot some animals that you might have missed previously. Watch as diurnal animals emerge from their resting spots to start the day, while nocturnal creatures like hyenas and jackals retreat to their dens after a night of activity. The soft morning light, cool temperatures, and quiet atmosphere make this an ideal time for wildlife viewing and photography. After the drive, you will return to the lodge to refresh and prepare for your departure.

Transfer to Kampala: After this final day of exploring the park, you will check out of your lodge and embark on your Journey back to Kampala or the airport in Entebbe. There will be a stop at the equator crossing for lunch and to take photos as you stand in different parts of the Earth’s hemispheres. We hope that you had a great time while on this Lake Mburo and Kagera Safari. And your driver will drop you off either at Entebbe International Airport or at your preferred place in Kampala.

End of the 6 Days Lake Mburo and Akagera Trip.

The safari includes;

  • Park Entry Fees
  • Game drives and Ranger fees
  • A standard tour van
  • An English-speaking and experienced Guide/Driver
  • Full board accommodation
  • Meals and bottled water in between journeys
  • Horseback riding safari

The tour excludes

  • Visas and Air tickets
  • Personal expenses like alcoholic drinks, cigars, laundry, tips, travel and medical insurance

  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary

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