Rwanda, Uganda · Safari

14-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Safari with Big Five Game Drives

14 Days Round trip from Kigali Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Kigali's history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and city landmarks
02 Search for the Big Five on game drives in Akagera National Park
03 Enjoy Lake Bunyonyi's scenic beauty and island visits by boat
04 Embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
05 Look for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and cruise the Kazinga Channel

Embark on a 14-day private safari through Rwanda and Uganda, combining city history, Big Five game viewing, primate encounters, and scenic lake and river experiences. Explore Kigali and Akagera National Park, cross to Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi for unforgettable gorilla trekking, and continue through Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Murchison Falls National Parks. Along the way, enjoy boat safaris, nature walks, and opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, and abundant birdlife. This journey brings together some of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife and landscapes in one adventure.

Embark on an exciting gorilla trekking adventure, where you'll have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Entebbe, Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and City Exploration

Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city.
Explore the city and visit landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda's history.

Overnight stay in Kigali.

Day 02

Akagera National Park Game Drives and Lake Ihema

Depart from Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park.
Enjoy game drives in the park, searching for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino).
Experience a boat safari on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos and crocodiles.

Overnight stay in Akagera National Park.

Day 03

Cross into Uganda for Lake Bunyonyi

Cross the border into Uganda and travel to Lake Bunyonyi.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills.
Take a boat ride on the lake and visit some of the islands.

Overnight stay near Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 04

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Embark on an exciting gorilla trekking adventure, where you'll have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Spend a full day with the gorillas, photographing them and learning about their behaviour.

Overnight stay near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 05

Ishasha and Tree-Climbing Lions

Drive to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Go on a game drive in search of the famous tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy the diverse wildlife and landscapes of the area.

Overnight stay in Ishasha.

Day 06

Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel

Explore the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Take game drives to spot various animals, including elephants, buffalos, and antelopes.
Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for its abundant birdlife and hippos.

Overnight stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 07

Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking and Nature Walk

Journey to Kibale National Park, home to a large population of chimpanzees.
Embark on a chimpanzee tracking excursion and get a chance to see these intelligent primates up close.
Take a guided nature walk in the park, discovering other wildlife and bird species.

Overnight stay near Kibale National Park.

Day 08

Murchison Falls and Nile Boat Safari

Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, known for its impressive waterfalls.
Take a boat safari on the Nile River, observing hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Enjoy game drives in search of the Big Five and other wildlife.
Visit the top of Murchison Falls and witness the incredible power of the Nile River.

Overnight stay near Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 09

Return to Entebbe and Departure

Drive back to Entebbe, where the tour began.
You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or explore the local markets, depending on your departure time.
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla forest, Lake Bunyonyi islands, Kazinga Channel wildlife cruise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kigali 8 cities · 14 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All meals
Accommodation
Transportation by road
Entry fees/park fees
Activity fees
Gorilla permit
Chimpanzee permit
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Government taxes
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

Domestic flights can be arranged by the company.
International flights can be arranged by the company.
Hotels before and after the tour can be booked in advance if needed.

What to bring

Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Insect Repellent:
- Mosquito repellent with DEET or another effective ingredient
Medications and Health Supplies:
- Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
- Anti-malarial medication
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic cream)
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
Travel Essentials:
- Passport and necessary travel documents
- Money (local currency and/or credit cards)
- Travel adapter for electrical outlets
- Portable charger/power bank
- Travel insurance details
Outdoor Gear:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Lightweight backpack or daypack
- Water bottle
- Travel towel
- Inflatable neck pillow and eye mask for long journeys
Toiletries and Personal Items:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect bite relief cream
Miscellaneous:
- Entertainment (books, music, etc.) for long journeys
- Snacks for the road
- Travel locks for luggage security

Know before you go

Visa Requirements for Uganda:
- Most visitors, excluding a few visa-exempt African countries, require a visa for travel to Uganda.
- The option of getting a visa on arrival in Uganda has been discontinued.
- Travellers must now apply for an electronic visa online before the trip.
- The application can be submitted at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
- A single-entry visa costs US$50, while a six-month multiple-entry visa costs US$100.
- For travellers exploring Rwanda and Kenya on the same trip, the recommended choice is the 90-day multiple-entry East African Tourist Visa, covering all three countries and priced at US$100.
- Visa requirements for Uganda differ based on nationality.
- Some countries enjoy visa exemptions, while others can either obtain visas on arrival or apply beforehand.
- Uganda provides an e-visa system for specific nationalities.
- It is crucial to verify current requirements and procedures with the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate.
- For comprehensive and updated information, visit the official website of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda: http://www.immigration.go.ug/.
Vaccination Requirements for Uganda:
- When journeying to Uganda, understanding vaccination prerequisites is crucial to safeguard health and prevent disease transmission.
- While no compulsory vaccinations are needed for entry into Uganda, certain vaccinations are highly recommended.
- Essential routine vaccinations include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), and polio.
- Moreover, vaccination against diseases like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and meningitis is strongly advised.
- It is vital to consult a healthcare professional or visit a travel clinic well in advance of the trip to ensure all necessary vaccinations for Uganda are up to date.