Rwanda, Uganda · Safari

10-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Big Five

10 Days Round trip from Kigali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek golden monkeys in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
  • 02 Cross into Uganda and track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • 03 Spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 04 Enjoy a wildlife-filled boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
  • 05 Experience game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks
  • 06 Witness the thunderous power of Murchison Falls from the top and bottom
  • 07 Cruise the Nile River and see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife
  • 08 Walk with rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and complete the Big Five experience

Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey through the heart of East Africa, exploring the rich landscapes and iconic wildlife of Rwanda and Uganda. Begin in Kigali with cultural immersion, then trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda's Bwindi Forest for a rare gorilla encounter. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and journey to Murchison Falls for powerful waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and a Nile River safari.

Begin in Kigali with cultural immersion, then trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda's Bwindi Forest for a rare gorilla encounter.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Entebbe, Kigali, Hoima, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and Hotel Transfer

  • Arrive at Kigali International Airport and complete all arrival procedures.
  • Meet the assigned representative or tour driver-guide, who will welcome you to Rwanda.

  • Transfer to your booked hotel in Kigali.

  • Check in and take time to rest, recover from jet lag, and adjust to the time difference.

2
Day 02

Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet your tour driver-guide.
  • Embark on a guided city tour of Kigali, visiting the national museum, local markets, the genocide memorial site, and art and craft shops.

  • Drive northward to Volcanoes National Park, located on the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

  • Arrive at the lodge and choose to relax or participate in an optional activity such as a canoe trek or a cultural village visit.

3
Day 03

Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi

  • Wake up early and report to the park headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing.
  • Begin golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, guided by a park ranger.

  • Spend an hour observing the monkeys and return to the lodge for lunch.

  • Drive to the Cyanika Border and cross into Uganda.

  • Meet the Uganda-based driver-guide and transfer to the lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

4
Day 04

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Lodge Relaxation

  • Take breakfast and report to the park office for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
  • Begin trekking through Bwindi Forest in search of mountain gorillas.

  • Spend up to one hour observing a gorilla family once located.

  • Return to the lodge and rest after the strenuous trek.

  • Consider an optional visit to the Batwa community for cultural experiences.

5
Day 05

Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Northern Queen Elizabeth

  • Wake up early and take breakfast.
  • Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Conduct a game drive to search for tree-climbing lions.

  • Continue to the northern region of the park.

  • Check in at the lodge and choose to relax or go for an optional evening game drive.

6
Day 06

Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

  • Depart early for a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
  • Search for wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species.

  • Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.

  • In the afternoon, take a two-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife.

  • Return to the lodge and relax for the evening.

7
Day 07

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura and Transfer to Hoima

  • Enjoy breakfast and drive to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking.
  • Spend the morning tracking chimpanzees and observing other primates.

  • Return to the lodge and check out.

  • Begin the transfer journey toward Murchison Falls National Park.

  • Break the journey with an overnight stay in Hoima town.

8
Day 08

Transfer to Murchison Falls and Afternoon Game Drive

  • Have breakfast and depart Hoima for Murchison Falls National Park.
  • Arrive in the park and check in at the lodge.

  • Go for a late afternoon game drive in the northern sector of the park.

  • Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and other wildlife.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

  • Consider an optional night game drive for a unique nocturnal experience.

9
Day 09

Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari to the Falls

  • Take an early breakfast and proceed for a morning game drive.
  • Search for wildlife and enjoy the savannah scenery of Uganda's largest park.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

  • In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls.

  • Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous birds.

  • Consider an optional hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view.

  • Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.

10
Day 10

Top of the Falls, Ziwa Rhino Tracking, and Departure

  • Have breakfast and drive to the top of Murchison Falls to enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Depart the park and continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

  • Participate in a guided one-hour on-foot rhino tracking experience.

  • Have lunch and proceed to Entebbe International Airport.

  • Arrive in time to catch your flight. The recommended departure time is 18:00 hours or later.

Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Murchison Falls

Where this trip takes you

Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Murchison Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kigali 8 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • All accommodations (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
  • International flights (from/to home)

What to bring

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

  • Obtain the necessary visas for Rwanda and Uganda in advance.

  • Carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate for entry into both countries.

  • Bring COVID-19 vaccination proof or recent negative test results as required.

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

  • Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and bring personal medications, including anti-malarials.

  • Pack long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral colors like khaki or olive.

  • Wear waterproof hiking boots for slippery and uneven terrain.

  • Bring thick socks and tuck your trousers in to help prevent insect bites.

  • Use gardening gloves for hand protection in dense foliage.

  • Carry a rain jacket or poncho for unpredictable weather.

  • Use a brimmed hat for protection from sun and rain.

  • Consider gaiters to keep debris out of your boots.

  • Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothing during safari drives.

  • Pack a fleece or warm layer for chilly mornings and evenings.

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for short game walks.

  • Include swimwear if your lodge has a pool or swimming area.

  • Use a daypack to carry essentials during activities.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

  • Carry binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing.

  • Pack a headlamp or flashlight for low-light areas.

  • Bring a camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

  • Carry a power adapter and voltage converter for Type G sockets.

  • Use dry bags or waterproof pouches for electronics and documents.

  • Apply insect repellent with DEET to help prevent mosquito bites.

  • Pack sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.

  • Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes for hygiene.

  • Bring a basic first aid kit with essentials like plasters and antiseptic.

  • Use biodegradable toiletries when possible, as some lodges provide limited supplies.

Know before you go

  • Embark on a morning trek to observe endangered golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

  • Wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy hiking boots for the trek.

  • Use insect repellent and carry a rain jacket due to changing weather conditions.

  • Avoid flash photography to prevent disturbing the monkeys.

  • Secure your golden monkey trekking permit in advance.

  • Cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border connecting Musanze and Kisoro.

  • Carry a valid passport, Ugandan visa, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.

  • Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

  • Prepare for hikes ranging from 1 to 5 hours depending on gorilla locations.

  • Build physical fitness before the trip to handle rugged terrain.

  • Wear long socks tucked into pants and consider gaiters for added protection.

  • Book your gorilla trekking permit early due to limited availability.

  • Go on safari drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Spot elephants, lions, leopards, and over 600 species of birds.

  • Cruise along the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

  • Visit between June and August for optimal game viewing during the dry season.

  • Travel to Murchison Falls National Park via Hoima town.

  • Witness the Nile River forcefully funnel through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls.

  • Go on game drives to see giraffes, elephants, and lions.

  • Visit during the dry season from June to September for better wildlife encounters.

  • Stay hydrated with bottled water and be mindful with local foods.

  • Track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

  • Join guided treks lasting 1-2 hours in the morning or evening.

  • Follow sanctuary rules and maintain a safe distance from rhinos.

  • Contribute to conservation by supporting eco-tourism efforts.

  • Depart from Entebbe after shopping for souvenirs and crafts.

  • Allow ample time for travel to Entebbe International Airport.

  • Stay informed on current travel advisories related to Uganda.

  • Ensure your yellow fever vaccination is up to date for entry into both countries.

  • Be aware of local laws and societal norms regarding LGBTQ+ travelers.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour start
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in Kigali.

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