The 10 Days Best of Uganda & Rwanda Safari combines the highlights of two East African gems, offering you the ultimate wildlife, cultural, and primate adventure. This journey takes you through Uganda’s lush national parks and Rwanda’s scenic landscapes, providing unforgettable encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, wildlife safaris, and rich cultural heritage.
Safari Highlights
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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
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Big Five game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
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Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector.
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Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
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Kigali and Kampala city tours.
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Scenic landscapes, cultural and community experiences.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your driver-guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Luxury – Lake Victoria Serena; Midrange – 2 Friends Beach Hotel; Budget – Airport Guesthouse.
Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa, home to over 13 primate species. The drive takes about 5–6 hours, passing through lush countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for chimpanzee tracking.
Accommodation: Luxury – Kyaninga Lodge; Midrange – Turaco Treetops; Budget – Chimpanzee Guesthouse.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Today you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before venturing into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. The experience of watching these intelligent primates as they interact, feed, and swing from tree to tree is remarkable.
In the afternoon, you will take a guided Bigodi Swamp walk, famous for bird species, butterflies, and local community encounters.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park. Along the way, enjoy views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and later embark on an evening game drive, searching for elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and possibly big cats.
Accommodation: Luxury – Mweya Safari Lodge; Midrange – Enganzi Lodge; Budget – Bush Lodge.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive in Kasenyi plains, where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, and Uganda kobs.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers fantastic sightings of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
Today you will drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. You may also spot topis, elephants, and buffalos.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge in preparation for the trek.
Accommodation: Luxury – Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge; Midrange – Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge; Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and then start your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek may take 2–7 hours depending on the gorilla family’s movement.
Spending an hour with the mountain gorillas is an unforgettable experience as you observe their behavior and interactions.
In the afternoon, you may choose to relax or enjoy an optional community walk with the Batwa people.
Day 8: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda via Cyanika or Gatuna border. Drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the Rwandan gorillas and golden monkeys.
Depending on arrival time, you may relax at your lodge or take a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Accommodation: Luxury – Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel; Midrange – Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge; Budget – Muhabura Hotel.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Kigali City Tour
In the morning, head into Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These playful primates are fascinating to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests.
Afterwards, you will transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. In the afternoon, enjoy a Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and local craft centers.
Day 10: Departure from Kigali
On your final day, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may do some last-minute shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.