10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Tour Overview
This 10-day Uganda and Rwanda safari offers an unforgettable journey through East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The itinerary combines gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural experiences. From the savannah plains of Uganda to the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda, this safari delivers diverse scenery, rich wildlife encounters, and incredible photographic opportunities.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
- Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Scenic drive through the Albertine Rift and Virunga volcanoes
- Cultural visits, including Kigali city tour and genocide memorial visit
- Optional sighting of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 2: Game Drive and Lunch Cruise in Murchison
- Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
- Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
- Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Nature Walk
- Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
- Day 9: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes NP
- Day 10: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Your journey begins after breakfast in Kampala or Entebbe. You will drive northwards with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking experience. After lunch en route, continue into Murchison Falls National Park, where you will enjoy your first views of the Nile and surrounding savannah landscapes. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park, where you may spot lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. Expect sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks. Return for dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal. Enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains along the way. Stop for lunch en route before continuing to your lodge near Kibale Forest for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Ndali Lodge / Mountains of the Moon Hotel / Rwenzori View Guest House
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest after a briefing at the park headquarters. Spend time observing chimpanzees and other primates such as colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
After the trek, continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park with game viewing en route. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge
Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, known for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife species.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s richest wildlife waterways. Expect large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and numerous bird species including kingfishers, pelicans, and the shoebill in nearby areas. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Continue your journey through scenic landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax at your lodge.
Accommodation options: Gorilla Safari Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp / Bakiga Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters, begin your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest. Trekking duration varies depending on the gorillas’ movement, but the experience is one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in the world.
After spending one hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you may opt for a community or cultural walk to experience local traditions.
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura. Arrive in Volcanoes National Park, check in, and relax at your lodge.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Muhabura Hotel
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing and cultural entertainment from local dance groups. Begin your gorilla trekking adventure in the volcanic rainforest.
After locating the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Later, return to the headquarters for certificate awarding and drive back to your lodge for relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 10: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, drive to Kigali for a guided city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.
Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permits (Uganda & Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- All park entrance fees and activities
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not included in itinerary