13 Day Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with the 13-Day Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari. This exciting and comprehensive journey takes you to the heart of East Africa’s most renowned wildlife parks, allowing you to experience both countries’ unique ecosystems, incredible wildlife, and cultural heritage. From gorilla trekking to thrilling game drives and boat safaris, this trip offers the best of both worlds.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrival: You’ll be met at Kigali International Airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel for the night.
Kigali City Tour: If time allows, explore the vibrant city of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets to learn about the country’s history and culture.
Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kigali.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park in north western Rwanda, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Afternoon: Check into your lodge and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Early Morning: After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your gorilla trekking adventure.
Trekking Experience: You will trek through lush forests and bamboo groves in search of a family of mountain gorillas. Once you find them, you will have one hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: Return to your lodge and unwind after the exhilarating trek.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Visit
Morning: Choose from two exciting activities:
Golden Monkey Trekking: Trek into the forest to observe the endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Dian Fossey Tomb: Visit the tomb of Dian Fossey, the renowned gorilla conservationist, and learn about her ground breaking work in protecting mountain gorillas.
Afternoon: Relax at your lodge or explore more of the surrounding area.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, passing through the scenic landscapes and crossing the border between Rwanda and Uganda.
Afternoon: Arrive at Bwindi, check into your lodge, and relax.
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early Morning: After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi.
Trekking Experience: Trek through the dense forest of Bwindi to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Once you encounter them, spend an hour observing their behavior and interactions.
Afternoon: Return to your lodge to relax after the trek or take a walk around the local community.
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge.
Day 7: Visit Batwa Pygmies or Community Walk
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous group that once lived in the forests of Bwindi. Learn about their traditional way of life, culture, and customs.
Afternoon: Alternatively, take a nature walk around Bwindi, exploring its trails and birdwatching opportunities.
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Afternoon: After arriving, check into your lodge and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge
Day 9: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning: Embark on an early game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of other wildlife species.
Afternoon: Afterward, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife.
Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 10: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee tracking and diverse primates.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax. If time allows, enjoy a short walk or birdwatching in the area.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale /Kibale Forest Camp
Day 11: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Morning: After breakfast, head to Kibale National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and this experience gives you the chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: After the trek, relax and enjoy the beauty of the park, or opt for a guided nature walk in the park.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale /Kibale Forest Camp
Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Uganda back to Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
Afternoon: Arrive in Akagera and check into your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying a game drive around the park.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 13: Game Drive & Departure from Kigali
Morning: Embark on a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. The park is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards), and you’ll have the opportunity to spot other wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
Afternoon: After your game drive, enjoy lunch and then transfer back to Kigali for your flight back home. If time allows, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or shop for souvenirs in the city.
Evening: Departure from Kigali International Airport.
End of Safari
This 13-Day Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari offers an extraordinary journey across two of East Africa’s most incredible wildlife destinations. From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to exciting game drives and chimpanzee tracking, this safari provides a comprehensive and enriching experience that highlights the best of both countries. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, this safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic landscapes.
