The 12 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari is a thrilling journey across two East African gems. This adventure blends Uganda’s diverse wildlife with Rwanda’s cultural heritage and primate encounters. From gorilla and chimpanzee trekking to game drives, boat cruises, and cultural experiences, this safari guarantees unforgettable memories.
Safari Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) & Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.
Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Scenic boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel.
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector.
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Kigali and Kampala city tours.
Cultural encounters with Batwa and Iby’Iwacu community.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour or relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: Luxury – Lake Victoria Serena; Midrange – 2 Friends Beach Hotel; Budget – Airport Guesthouse.
Day 2: Kampala City Tour & Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, explore key landmarks in Kampala, including Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and Uganda Museum. You will then drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest in Uganda, famous for its powerful waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Overnight near the Nile.
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari – Murchison Falls
Start your day with a morning game drive on the northern bank, spotting elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalos, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of the falls, offering spectacular views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. You may hike to the top of the falls for a breathtaking view.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital
After breakfast, drive through Fort Portal’s crater lakes and tea plantations en route to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
In the morning, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Watch them swing, play, and feed in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetlands, known for its birdlife, butterflies, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park. On arrival, enjoy an evening game drive, spotting elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs, and possibly big cats.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with a morning game drive in Kasenyi plains, known for lions and antelopes. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and bird species.
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, drive to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi, the home of mountain gorillas, where you will check into your lodge and prepare for trekking.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek may take 2–7 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once found, you will spend one magical hour with these incredible primates.
In the afternoon, you may relax or opt for a Batwa cultural experience, learning about the traditions of Uganda’s indigenous people.
Day 10: Cross to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive across the Cyanika or Gatuna border into Rwanda and proceed to Volcanoes National Park, the Rwandan home of mountain gorillas. Depending on arrival time, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic cultural encounter.
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking & Kigali Transfer
In the morning, head into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These playful primates are a delight to watch. Afterward, transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Kigali City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and craft villages. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 12 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari.