Tour Overview
This 11-day Uganda and Rwanda safari offers an exceptional journey through East Africa’s most diverse landscapes, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with unforgettable primate experiences. The adventure takes you from the savannah plains of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks to the dense rainforests of Kibale, Bwindi, and Nyungwe, home to chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. You will also explore Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking and cultural experiences. This well-crafted itinerary delivers a perfect balance of wildlife, nature, and cultural immersion across both countries.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 2: Morning game drive and Nile boat cruise
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi community visit
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha
Day 7: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Golden monkey trekking and Iby’Iwacu cultural visit
Day 9: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 10: Nature walk and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Day 11: Transfer to Kigali and departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, where you will learn about conservation efforts to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s parks. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular view. Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early morning game drive across the savannah plains, where you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Along the way, spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds including the shoebill stork. The views of the falls from the river are truly breathtaking.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Community Visit
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. The scenic drive takes you through tea plantations, rural villages, and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the Bigodi Community for a cultural experience and guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you may see various bird species and primates. Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, track a habituated chimpanzee group and spend an hour observing their behaviors. After the trek, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time to relax at your lodge and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin your day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you may spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The cruise offers excellent photography opportunities and a close-up view of wildlife along the shores.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions. If lucky, you may spot them resting in fig trees. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the scenic hills of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest. The trek can take several hours, but the reward of spending one hour with a gorilla family is unforgettable. After the trek, cross into Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
In the morning, go for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These lively primates are easy to track and provide a fun and engaging experience. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan culture, including music, dance, and local practices. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. The drive offers stunning views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil forest environment.
Day 10: Nature Walk and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Start your day with a guided nature walk in Nyungwe Forest, where you may encounter different primates, birds, and plant species. Later, experience the famous canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest floor that offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.
Day 11: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive to Kigali with en route scenic views. Upon arrival, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a historical and educational experience. If time allows, explore local markets before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
