Overview
Explore the best of East Africa’s natural wonders and vibrant cultures on this immersive 14-day safari combining Uganda’s iconic national parks and Rwanda’s lush volcanoes. Encounter rare wildlife including rhinos, big cats, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys. Experience scenic landscapes from powerful waterfalls to serene lakes and engage with local communities to learn about their unique traditions and history.
Safari Highlights
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Murchison Falls National Park’s breathtaking views and diverse wildlife
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
• Cultural visits to the Batwa people and Iby’wacu Cultural Village
• Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
• Scenic boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu
• Historical city tour in Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and greeted before being transferred to your hotel, the Airport Guest House in Entebbe.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls and Rhino tracking
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes you through the picturesque Ugandan countryside. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. This sanctuary is home to the few remaining rhinos in Uganda, reserved as part of the effort to reintroduce them into the national parks.
After this incredible experience, have lunch and continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, head straight to the top of the falls to take in the breathtaking views and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Witness the creation of the second falls, known as the Uhuru or Independence Falls, which formed due to heavy water volumes over time. Accommodation; Fort Murchison
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Ride on the Rive Nile.
Start your day with a packed breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive to explore various parts of the park and discover its incredible wildlife. You’ll encounter species such as hartebeests, giraffes, bushbucks, the Big Five, big cats, and a variety of antelopes.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and take a few hours to rest. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise that takes you to the bottom of Murchison Falls. During the cruise, you’ll observe hippos, crocodiles, and for bird enthusiasts, a remarkable array of bird species such as the grey crowned crane, long-toed plover, African skimmer, and many more. Conclude your day by returning to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Accommodation; Fort Murchison
Day 4: Transfer To Kibale National Park
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast before driving to Fort Portal, famously known as the tourist city. This charming destination is celebrated for its pleasant weather and the warmth of its people. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch and embark on a town tour, including a visit to the Tooro Kingdom Palace, where you’ll explore its remarkable history.
Later, check in to your lodge and unwind for the rest of the day. Accommodation; Kibale Forest Camp
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking then Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Kibale Forest Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. At the briefing site, you will be informed of what to expect during this activity, which typically lasts about 2–3 hours. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and take some time to relax.
In the evening, embark on a 2-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll settle in at your accommodation. Bush Lodge Lodge
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and afternoon boat ride on Kazinga Channel.
Wake up early in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and head out on a morning drive through the Kasenyi sector of the park, where you’ll search for nocturnal mammals and encounter a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for buffalos, hartebeests, leopards, hippos, and lions, as well as the remarkable bird species that inhabit the park.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relax for a while. At 2 pm, embark on a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. As you cruise, you’ll see aquatic animals, including water elephants on the banks, and observe an array of birds nestled in the vegetation along the channel. End your day with a relaxing evening at your lodge. Accommodation; Bush Lodge
Day 7: Another Morning Game drive and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
On a bright and pleasant morning, enjoy your breakfast before heading out for your second game drive, this time in the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Take the opportunity to spot wildlife you may have missed on your previous drive.
After the game drive, embark on your journey to Bwindi Forest. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the next day. Accommodation; Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 8 Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi and visit to the Mountain people.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the headquarters for a briefing about the gorilla trekking activity. The trek typically lasts 2–6 hours and is an incredible experience. You will be assigned to a gorilla family based on your interests, fitness level, and age group. Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat before returning to the office.
Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of rest. In the afternoon, continue your adventure with a visit to the Batwa community, also known as the mountain people. These former forest dwellers lived in the area before it was gazetted as a national park, and you’ll have a chance to learn about their unique culture and way of life. Accommodation; Ride 4a woman
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Wake up to a morning call and enjoy breakfast before your driver transfers you to Lake Bunyonyi. This breathtaking destination features over 40 islands, and stunning views, and holds the title of the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa. It’s a serene location, perfect for bird watchers and romantics alike.
Upon arrival, take a relaxing boat ride to explore the lake and observe the daily activities of the local communities along the shores. Accommodation Bunyonyi Birdnest
Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your preferred time before setting off on the journey to Rwanda. This drive is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of the natural terrain and charming countryside on both the Ugandan and Rwandan sides, a truly worthwhile adventure.
Pause along the way for lunch and then continue on to Musanze. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a refreshing nature walk to explore the area. Later, retire early for the evening as you prepare for the exciting Rwanda gorilla trekking experience the following day. Accommodation: Da Vici Lodge
Day 11: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and visit the community.
After breakfast, your driver will drop you off at the briefing site for the gorilla trekking activity. Here, you’ll receive important information about the trek, including details about the gorilla family you’ll be tracking, what to expect during the journey, and proper etiquette when interacting with the gorillas. A knowledgeable guide or ranger will accompany you, offering insights and assistance throughout the trek, which typically lasts around 6 hours.
Upon finding the gorillas, you’ll have an unforgettable 1-hour encounter with them in their natural habitat—a truly joyous experience. Feel free to take as many photos as you’d like to capture these special moments. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Iby’wacu Cultural Village in Musanze, where you’ll witness the incredible transformation and growth of the local community. Accommodation: Da Vici Lodge.
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking and Twin Lakes visit.
Start your day at your leisure with a relaxed breakfast, then head out to track the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by a ranger, explore the forest as you watch these stunning primates swing gracefully from tree to tree in their natural habitat. Take as many photos as you wish to capture their beauty and charm.
After the golden monkey trek, return to the lodge for lunch and take some time to relax. Later, embark on a tour of the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera, where you can immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and unique sights. Conclude your day by returning to the lodge and enjoying a peaceful evening. Accommodation: Da Vici Lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, check out and depart from Volcanoes National Park, heading to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful lunch on the beach, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the lake, where you can explore its various islands.
Spend the rest of the evening unwinding and taking in the serene beauty of Lake Kivu’s picturesque shores. Accommodation: Kivu Lodge
Day 14 Transfer to Kigali and Airport.
Wake up and have breakfast before enjoying a leisurely drive to Kigali. Upon arrival, take a small tour of the city, visiting notable landmarks such as the Genocide Memorial Museum and the Presidential Palace, among others. Enjoy a relaxed lunch before your driver transfers you to the airport for your departure.
| What’s included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Transport | Visa |
| 1 Gorilla Permit per person | Travel insurance |
| Park entrance fees | International flights |
| Accommodation (unless upgraded) | Tips /appreciations |
| Professional guide/driver | Soft & Alcoholic drinks |
| All activities (except for optionals) | Souvenirs |
| All Taxes/VAT | Extra nights |
| Meals (As indicated in the day-by-day section ) | Other meals not specified |
| Drinking water |