11 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tour

This 11-day adventure combines the best of Rwanda and Uganda, offering a blend of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Rwanda’s lush forests and vibrant cities, then journey into Uganda’s national parks for unforgettable safari moments. This cross-border itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive East African experience. 11 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tour

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Volcanoes National Park.
• Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park.
• Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Cultural immersion in Rwanda’s cities and communities.
• Relaxation at Lake Kivu.
• Scenic drives through East Africa’s stunning landscapes.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

1. Arrival
   • Meet your guide at Kigali International Airport.
   • Brief introduction to the itinerary and logistics.
2. Kigali City Tour
   • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
   • Explore local craft markets and art galleries.
3. Overnight Stay in Kigali
   • Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel.
   • Mid-Range: Heaven Boutique Hotel.
   • Budget: 2000 Hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

1. Scenic Drive to Volcanoes
   • After breakfast, drive to Musanze (approx. 2.5 hours).
   • Enjoy stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills.
2. Optional Activities
   • Visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
   • Explore the local markets in Musanze.
3. Overnight Stay in Volcanoes National Park
   • Luxury: Bisate Lodge.
   • Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
   • Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

1. Gorilla Trekking Adventure
   • Early morning transfer to the park headquarters.
   • Attend a briefing by park rangers before starting your trek.
   • Spend an hour with the gorilla family after locating them.
2. Return to Lodge
   • Relax at your lodge and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
3. Optional Community Visit
   • Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about local traditions.
4. Overnight Stay
   • Same as Day 2.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu

1. Morning Drive to Lake Kivu
   • Scenic drive to Lake Kivu (approx. 3 hours).
2. Relaxation and Activities
   • Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake.
   • Optional activities: boat ride, kayaking, or visiting nearby coffee plantations.
3. Overnight Stay at Lake Kivu
   • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
   • Mid-Range: Cormoran Lodge.
   • Budget: Paradise Malahide.

Day 5: Transfer to Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

1. Cross the Border to Uganda
   • Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Cyanika or Katuna border (approx. 5-6 hours).
2. Optional Batwa Community Visit
   • Learn about the indigenous Batwa people and their traditional forest lifestyle.
3. Overnight Stay in Bwindi
   • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
   • Mid-Range: Silverback Lodge.
   • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

1. Gorilla Trekking Adventure
   • Begin your trek early after a briefing at the park headquarters.
   • Spend an hour with the gorillas once you find them.
2. Return to Lodge
   • Enjoy lunch and relax at your lodge.
3. Overnight Stay
   • Same as Day 5.

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
   • Scenic drive through Uganda’s southwestern highlands (approx. 5 hours).
2. Afternoon Game Drive
   • Explore the park’s savannahs and spot wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and lions.
3. Overnight Stay in Queen Elizabeth
   • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
   • Mid-Range: Enganzi Lodge.
   • Budget: Bush Lodge.

Day 8: Game Drive and Boat Safari

1. Morning Game Drive
   • Explore the Kasenyi Plains, home to predators and herbivores.
2. Afternoon Boat Safari
   • Cruise along the Kazinga Channel and observe hippos, crocodiles, and bird species.
3. Overnight Stay
   • Same as Day 7.

Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

1. Drive to Kibale Forest
   • Morning drive to Kibale Forest National Park (approx. 3-4 hours).
2. Bigodi Wetlands Visit
   • Optional guided walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, known for birdlife and primates.
3. Overnight Stay in Kibale
   • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge.
   • Mid-Range: Primate Lodge.
   • Budget: Kibale Forest Camp.

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

1. Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure
   • Early morning trek to locate chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
   • Learn about their behavior and interactions.
2. Optional Activities
   • Forest hikes or a visit to the crater lakes.
3. Overnight Stay
   • Same as Day 9.

Day 11: Return to Kigali and Departure

1. Drive Back to Kigali
   • Cross back into Rwanda and drive to Kigali (approx. 7-8 hours).
2. Departure
   • Drop-off at Kigali International Airport for your flight.

What’s Included

• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.
• Private transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
• Accommodation for 10 nights (luxury, mid-range, or budget).
• Meals as per itinerary.
• Park entry fees and ranger services.
• Professional safari guide.

What’s Not Included

• International flights and visas.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
• Personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season: June to September, December to February for easier trekking and wildlife viewing.
• Wet Season: March to May, October to November for lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Experience the best of Rwanda and Uganda in one trip.
• See mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five.
• Enjoy cultural immersion and breathtaking scenery.

Book your 11 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey across East Africa!