A 15-day Uganda Rwanda Tour offers the ultimate East African adventure, combining wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, primate tracking, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural encounters. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience across the two countries, exploring Uganda’s diverse national parks and Rwanda’s rich cultural and natural treasures. From the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the misty forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, this journey promises unforgettable memories.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Gorilla Trekking Permit (Uganda & Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee Tracking Permit in Kibale
- Golden Monkey Tracking Permit in Volcanoes NP
- All Accommodation as per itinerary (lodges & hotels)
- Meals as indicated in the tour plan
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
- Game Drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Akagera NP
- Boat Cruises (Murchison Falls, Kazinga Channel, Lake Ihema)
- Cultural Experiences (Batwa Community, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village)
- All Park Entry Fees and Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport Transfers (Arrival & Departure)
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Rwanda & Uganda Visa Fees
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Personal Expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic Drinks & Beverages not included in the itinerary
- Optional Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips & Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or relax by the shores of Lake Victoria.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic park. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot. Continue to the park and check into your lodge.
Overnight near the Nile River.
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you’ll spot elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Later, hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
Depart early and drive southwards through the Albertine Rift Valley to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species. The journey offers beautiful landscapes and countryside scenery.
Overnight in Fort Portal/Kibale.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After a briefing, set off for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. The trek also offers encounters with other primates like red colobus and L’Hoest monkeys. In the afternoon, take a community-guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for birdlife and cultural experiences.
Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its vast biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Overnight inside the park.
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Embark on a sunrise game drive, spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes George and Edward. The channel is a hotspot for hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha – Bwindi
Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is a highlight of your safari. After a briefing, embark on a gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forest. Spending one hour with a gorilla family is an unforgettable wildlife encounter. In the evening, relax or enjoy a cultural performance by the Batwa community.
Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.” Spend the day relaxing, canoeing, or exploring the beautiful islands of this serene lake.
Overnight by Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Cross into Rwanda through the Cyanika or Katuna border and proceed to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. The park is home to the famous mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Overnight near Volcanoes NP.
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Cultural Experience
Enjoy an adventurous morning of golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes NP. These playful primates are a joy to watch. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive cultural experience with traditional dances and storytelling.
Day 13: Volcanoes – Kigali City Tour
Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Enjoy a city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries. Later, check into your hotel.
Day 14: Kigali – Akagera National Park
Head east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Overnight inside Akagera.
Day 15: Game Drive – Departure
Enjoy a final game drive in Akagera, searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and antelopes. Later, return to Kigali for your onward flight, marking the end of this unforgettable Uganda-Rwanda adventure.