14-Day Uganda-Rwanda Safari
This 14-day Uganda-Rwanda safari offers an immersive experience of East Africa’s rich wildlife, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From gorilla trekking in dense rainforests to Big Five game drives and serene lakeside relaxation, this journey is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
- Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park.
- Big Five game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Akagera National Park.
- Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Ihema.
- Cultural experiences, including visits to local communities and Kigali City.
- Stunning scenery at Lake Kivu, Uganda’s crater lakes, and lush savannahs.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
- Arrival
- Meet your guide at Entebbe International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel for rest.
- Optional Activity
- Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or explore the nearby botanical gardens.
- Overnight Stay in Entebbe
- Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott.
- Mid-Range: Lake Victoria View Guesthouse.
- Budget: Airport Guesthouse.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Scenic Drive
- Drive through Uganda’s countryside, passing tea plantations and rural villages (approx. 6 hours).
- Overnight Stay in Kibale
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge.
- Mid-Range: Primate Lodge.
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
- Morning Activity
- Trek through the forest to locate chimpanzees and observe their behavior.
- Optional Activity
- Afternoon guided walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, rich in birdlife and primates.
- Overnight Stay
- Same as Day 2.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Pass through scenic landscapes (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Explore the park’s Kasenyi Plains for sightings of lions, elephants, and antelope.
- Overnight Stay in Queen Elizabeth
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Mid-Range: Enganzi Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge.
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
- Morning Game Drive
- Spot wildlife in the Ishasha Sector, known for tree-climbing lions.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Enjoy a boat safari and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
- Overnight Stay
- Same as Day 4.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Drive to Bwindi
- Pass through the scenic highlands (approx. 5 hours).
- Optional Activity
- Visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle.
- Overnight Stay in Bwindi
- Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
- Mid-Range: Silverback Lodge.
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Early morning trek to meet a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
- Return to Lodge
- Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the area.
- Overnight Stay
- Same as Day 6.
Day 8: Cross to Rwanda and Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Border Crossing
- Drive to Rwanda via the Cyanika or Katuna border (approx. 5-6 hours).
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Enjoy the serene waters or take part in optional water activities like kayaking or boat rides.
- Overnight Stay in Lake Kivu
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
- Mid-Range: Cormoran Lodge.
- Budget: Paradise Malahide.
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Drive to Musanze, home of the mountain gorillas (approx. 3 hours).
- Optional Visit
- Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s culture.
- Overnight Stay in Volcanoes
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge.
- Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Embark on another gorilla trekking experience, guided by park rangers.
- Relaxation
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight Stay
- Same as Day 9.
Day 11: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Drive to Akagera National Park
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s eastern province (approx. 5 hours).
- Evening Game Drive
- Begin exploring the park’s savannah landscapes.
- Overnight Stay in Akagera
- Luxury: Magashi Camp.
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge.
- Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Day 12: Full Day in Akagera National Park
- Morning Game Drive
- Search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.
- Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
- Spot aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
- Overnight Stay
- Same as Day 11.
Day 13: Return to Kigali
- Drive Back to Kigali
- Relax and enjoy the scenic drive (approx. 3 hours).
- Kigali City Tour
- Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers.
- Overnight Stay in Kigali
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel.
- Mid-Range: Heaven Boutique Hotel.
- Budget: 2000 Hotel.
Day 14: Departure
- Airport Transfer
- Enjoy your final moments in Kigali before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
What’s Included
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.
- Accommodation for 13 nights (luxury, mid-range, or budget).
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Private transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- 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 better trekking and wildlife viewing.
- Wet Season: March to May, October to November for lush greenery and fewer crowds.
Embark on this 14-Day Uganda-Rwanda Safari for a lifetime of memories and unparalleled encounters with East Africa’s incredible wildlife and culture!
