Trip Itineraries
17-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Adventure
This immersive 17-day safari takes you through the heart of Uganda and Rwanda, offering a deep dive into some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Africa. Begin with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, then explore the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and enjoy a boat safari along the Nile River. In addition to iconic wildlife sightings like the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, you’ll experience chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and cultural visits to local communities.
The trip also includes thrilling game drives through the wilderness and scenic drives through lush landscapes, ensuring unforgettable moments of wildlife and natural beauty. This adventure combines the best of nature and culture, making it an experience of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari guide for a warm welcome and a short briefing, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Check in to your hotel, relax as you prepare for the next days’ activities Dinner and overnight stay in Entebbe or Kampala.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After enjoying your morning meal, you’ll link up with your guide and start the scenic drive heading north to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you'll pause at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos roam freely. Here, a specialist guide will lead you on foot through the reserve to observe the white rhinos up close in their natural environment.
Later, have lunch and continue to the park with a visit to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and crashes down with incredible force. Dinner and overnight stay your lodge.
Day 3: Game Drive and Murchison Falls Exploration
Early this morning, with your packed breakfast in hand, set out on a game drive across the park’s vast savannah. Murchison Falls National Park stretches with wide, open terrain that’s full of life. Herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. You’ll also have chances to spot lions and leopards resting in the shade and antelope species darting across the savannah. Enjoy the cool morning air as you search for predators and admire the golden landscape.
Return to the lodge to unwind and enjoy lunch. Then later head out for a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls. This relaxing cruise offers excellent chances to see hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles sunning on the banks, and elephants coming down to drink. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting species like the African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and saddle-billed stork.
You may opt to taking a short guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gap for spectacular views.
After completing the hike, reconnect with your driver and head back to the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale – Crater Lakes Visit
After breakfast, begin your journey southwest toward Fort Portal. The drive takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, and small villages. Along the way, enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Upon arrival, have lunch and later visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves, a site rich in cultural legend and natural beauty. Nearby, take a walk/drive around the crater lakes, where the calm waters reflect the surrounding hills and forests.
Later, check in to your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day with an early breakfast, then head to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing about chimpanzee tracking and group allocation. Walk through the forest with a guide as you listen for the calls of chimpanzees. Once you find them, spend time watching their playful behavior and social interactions.
After the trek, enjoy a relaxed lunch before your drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey offers scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife along the way. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early and head out for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, a great spot for seeing lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, and warthogs. The morning light makes it easier to spot animals and take great photos.
After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, and birds like kingfishers and pelicans. The cruise offers a close look at animals along the water’s edge. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 7: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park. This sector is well-known for a rare sight in the wild lions perched comfortably in trees, especially among the broad branches of fig trees and other wild species such as leopards, topis and many more.
After, continue off toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the famed sanctuary of Uganda's mountain gorillas. The journey winds through a patchwork of rural communities, terraced farms, and gently sloping. Dinner and overnight stay near Bwindi.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Community Visit
Rise early and head to the park office for a gorilla trekking briefing and be assigned a gorilla family. With your guide, enter the forest to track a gorilla family. The walk can be challenging, but the reward is unforgettable spending one hour with these gentle giants in their natural home. One the way you will meet other species such as birds, monkeys and butterflies
Once the trek comes to an end, head back to your lodge and in the evening, visit a nearby Batwa community, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, music, and storytelling about the guardians of the forest. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Cyanika border, where you’ll exit Uganda and enterRwanda. The border crossing is picturesque, taking you through gentle slopes and quiet farming communities.
You’ll also make a short stop at the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where the calm waters and surrounding hills offer a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful break. The landscape changes as you enter Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Visit
Today in the morning you will go for an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure deep inside the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. With the guidance of an expert ranger, follow trails shaded by thick green foliage as you search for these rare and playful primates.
In the afternoon, head to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village nestled near Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll be welcomed by local residents, you will have the chance to join in traditional Rwandan dances, listen to drumming performances, and hear stories passed down through generations that reflect Rwanda’s resilience and rich heritage. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Boat Ride and Lakeside Exploration
After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most scenic lakes. Upon arrival, take a boat ride to explore the islands and enjoy the peaceful waters. You may see fishermen in traditional boats and birds along the shoreline.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake or walking along the beach. Dinner and overnight stay by Lake Kivu.
Day 12: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Leave Lake Kivu behind and drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through tea plantations and mountain scenery. This forest is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your lodge, surrounded by cool air and lush greenery. Dinner and overnight stay near Nyungwe Forest.
Inclusions
· All Accommodations
· All Meals
· Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle
· Professional English-speaking driver-guide
· Entry Fees
· All Scheduled Game Drives
· Airport Transfers
· Drinking Water
· Cultural Visit
Exclusions
· International Flights
· Visa Fees
· Travel Insurance
· Optional Activities
· Tips & Gratuities
· Beverages
· Laundry Services
· Souvenirs & Personal Expenses
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