Overview
This 13-day Rwanda–Uganda safari is an exceptional journey through East Africa’s most diverse wildlife habitats, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Designed for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-track African experience, this itinerary combines primate encounters, classic game viewing, cultural interactions, and adventure activities.
Highlights include chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary, white-water rafting on the Nile in Jinja, and a Kampala city tour. The safari starts in Rwanda and ends in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport.
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Big game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- White-water rafting on the River Nile
- Cultural & community experiences in Rwanda and Uganda
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali for a brief city tour before heading south to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills with an en-route lunch in Butare. Arrive at the lodge, check in, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Set out early for chimpanzee trekking after a briefing by park rangers. Track the energetic chimps as they swing through the forest canopy. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy the canopy walk, a suspended bridge offering stunning aerial views of the rainforest.
Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Drive north through Rwanda’s terraced countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Spend the afternoon at leisure at your lodge. Optional activities include visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb or the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Amikus Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, attend a briefing and proceed for golden monkey tracking. Observe these playful primates in their bamboo habitat. Later, transfer to Uganda via the scenic Kigezi Highlands, arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven’s Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Experience
After a briefing, begin your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Spend one magical hour with a gorilla family before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a community walk or Batwa cultural experience.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven’s Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. After lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, rich in wildlife and birdlife.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains, searching for lions, elephants, and antelopes. Later, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with a visit to the scenic Ndali–Kasenda crater lakes.
Main Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Bigodi Swamp Walk & Community Visit
Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, renowned for birdlife and primates. This community-based project supports local development initiatives. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Main Destination: Kibale Forest National ParkAccommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, enjoying scenic views of Lake Albert and the Western Rift Valley along the way. Arrive in time to relax at the lodge.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Game Drive & Nile Launch Cruise
Start with a morning game drive on the northern bank, spotting elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls, a highlight of the park.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Jinja
After breakfast, visit the Top of the Falls before driving to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking (if included). Continue to Jinja, the source of the River Nile.
Main Destination: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Accommodation: Source of the Nile Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: White-Water Rafting on the Nile
Enjoy a thrilling day of white-water rafting on the River Nile, one of the world’s best rafting experiences. This adventure offers unforgettable memories and adrenaline-filled moments.
Main Destination: Jinja
Accommodation: Source of the Nile Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Kampala City Tour & Transfer to Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, drive to Kampala for a city tour, visiting monuments, markets, and historical sites. Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers and ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit (Rwanda)
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Park entrance fees and activities mentioned
- Boat cruises and game drives
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Best Time to Travel
This safari can be enjoyed year-round, with the best wildlife viewing during the dry seasons (June–September & December–February).
Book This Safari
This 13-day Rwanda & Uganda safari is ideal for travelers seeking a complete East African experience combining wildlife, primates, culture, and adventure.
Contact us today to customize this safari or request a detailed quotation.
