Overview
12-Days Best of Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari. Embark on an unforgettable 12-day safari adventure through Uganda and Rwanda, where you’ll explore the diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures of these East African gems. This journey will take you from the bustling city of Kampala to the lush rainforests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks, where you will have the rare opportunity to trek with the majestic mountain gorillas. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, enjoy scenic drives, and experience the warmth and hospitality of local communities. This carefully curated itinerary promises an immersive experience, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural immersion, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe (Uganda)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative who will transfer you to your hotel. This day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization after your long journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Spend the night in the comfort of your hotel, preparing for the exciting days ahead.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe or similar
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most stunning reserves. On the way, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can observe rhinos in their natural habitat, contributing to their conservation. After this enriching experience, continue your journey through the picturesque landscapes of northern Uganda until you reach Murchison Falls. Check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening, taking in the beautiful surroundings of the park.
- Driving Plan: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls
Start the day with an early morning game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a unique opportunity to see different species in their natural habitats. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll witness the powerful surge of water as the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. This experience offers excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its population of chimpanzees and other primates. The drive takes you through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, passing by tea plantations and traditional villages. Upon arrival at your lodge in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind and prepare for the chimpanzee tracking adventure awaiting you the next day. The evening can be spent enjoying the lodge’s amenities or taking a nature walk to explore the surrounding area.
- Driving Plan: 7-8 hours
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Today is dedicated to tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, a thrilling experience that allows you to observe these intelligent primates up close. After a briefing by the park rangers, you’ll venture into the forest, guided by expert trackers. Spending an hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where a guided nature walk will introduce you to a variety of bird species and other wildlife. This sanctuary is also an important community-based conservation project, providing insights into local conservation efforts.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems including savannah, forests, and wetlands. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. The game drive offers a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat and enjoy the park’s stunning scenery. In the evening, relax at your lodge and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness.
- Driving Plan: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth
Start the day with an early morning game drive, exploring different sectors of the park to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, which are often seen resting in the branches of fig trees. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat trip offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles. The cruise also provides a unique perspective on the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, also known as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its terraced hills and stunning vistas. Upon arrival at your lodge in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance by the local Batwa community, gaining insights into their traditional way of life.
- Driving Plan: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your safari – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, you’ll receive a briefing from the park rangers before heading into the dense forest to track a gorilla family. The trek can be physically demanding, but the reward of spending an hour with these gentle giants is immeasurable. Observing the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching them interact and go about their daily lives, is a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this extraordinary encounter.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and vibrant local communities, offering a glimpse of the country’s beauty and culture. Upon arrival at your lodge in the afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek. The rest of the day can be spent enjoying the lodge’s amenities or exploring the nearby area.
- Driving Plan: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today, embark on your second gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing by the park rangers, you’ll hike through the forest to find a gorilla family. The trek can vary in length and difficulty depending on the gorillas’ location, but the effort is well worth it. Spending another hour with these incredible primates offers a deeper appreciation of their social structure and behaviors. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and savor the memories of this remarkable experience.
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a poignant and educational look at Rwanda’s history. Explore the city’s markets, shops, and cafes, soaking in the local culture. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your incredible 12-day safari adventure. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and the diverse landscapes and wildlife you have encountered on this journey.
- Driving Plan: 2-3 hours
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Additional meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
