12 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda is the ultimate East African journey, blending Uganda’s diverse wildlife and landscapes with Rwanda’s cultural and primate treasures. From gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, and cultural encounters in Rwanda, this safari offers a complete and unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Rwanda’s Capital

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your guide will meet you and brief you about the safari. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft shops. Overnight in Kigali.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Heaven Boutique Hotel (Mid-range) / Quiet Haven Hotel (Budget)

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park, the land of the Virunga Volcanoes and home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and rural life. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury) / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Budget)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Hike through the thick forest and volcanic slopes to find a gorilla family. Spend one hour observing their behavior, interactions, and feeding habits. In the evening, you may opt for a cultural experience at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu

Today, enjoy a morning trek to see the rare golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are endemic to the Virunga ranges. After the trek, transfer to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s most beautiful lake, where you can relax, swim, or take a boat ride to explore small islands.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Paradise Malahide (Mid-range) / Palm Resort Gardens (Budget)

Day 5: Cross into Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive across the Cyanika or Gatuna border into Uganda. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening and prepare for another trekking adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge (Luxury) / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) / Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (Budget)

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Today is a highlight of your safari. After an early briefing, set out for gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s thick rainforest. Trekking may take 2–6 hours, but the reward of spending time with a gorilla family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to the lodge for relaxation, with an optional Batwa cultural visit in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier savanna park. Drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive en route before arriving at your lodge inside or near the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Enganzi Lodge (Mid-range) / Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget)

Day 8: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, as well as elephants coming to drink along the shores.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 7

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, the “primate capital of East Africa.” After lunch, go for chimpanzee trekking where you will observe these intelligent primates up close, alongside other species such as red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Evening relaxation at your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury) / Turaco Treetops (Mid-range) / Kibale Forest Camp (Budget)

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area. Arrive in the evening and enjoy a short game drive as you head to your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 11: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, spotting giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge. Optional hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 10

Day 12: Return to Kampala or Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your flight time, you may stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Arrive in the evening for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permits (Rwanda & Uganda)

• Golden monkey trekking permit

• Chimpanzee trekking permit

• Game drives & boat cruises as per itinerary

• Accommodation and meals throughout the safari

• English-speaking driver/guide

• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel

• Drinking water in the safari vehicle

• Park entry fees

Exclusions

• International flights

• Visas (Uganda & Rwanda)

• Travel insurance

• Tips & personal expenses

• Optional activities not listed