13-Day Uganda & Rwanda Adventure

 

On this 13-day Uganda and Rwanda safari, you’ll explore the very best of East Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife. You’ll visit the source of the Nile in Jinja, witness the dramatic Murchison Falls, and enjoy thrilling game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and trek through the dense jungles of Bwindi for an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas. Cross into Rwanda to experience the stunning Volcanoes National Park and end your journey with a cultural taste of Kigali. This adventure offers rich wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural immersion—all in one seamless, expertly guided trip.

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our guide. Enjoy a scenic transfer to your hotel in Kampala. After check-in, relax or explore the nearby local markets and cultural sites, depending on your arrival time. Overnight stay in a comfortable mid-range hotel in Kampala with dinner included.

Accommodation: Sky Hotel

Meal Plan: Dinner

 Day 2 – Day Trip to Jinja (Source of the Nile)

After breakfast, depart for Jinja for a day trip to the source of the Nile. Optional activities include water tubing, boat cruise to the source, and horse riding or a visit to the craft markets. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant. Return to Kampala by evening for dinner and overnight at the same hotel.

Accommodation: Sky Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Depart early for Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (optional stop for rhino tracking). Arrive at the park by afternoon, crossing the Nile via ferry. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. After check-in, relax and enjoy views of the Nile or a sundowner. Dinner and overnight at a safari lodge inside the park.

Accommodation: Fort Murchison

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Game Drive & Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

Early morning game drive on the northern delta to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, watching hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Optional hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Fort Murchison

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 5 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive southwest to Kibale Forest, known for its dense rainforests and chimpanzees. The journey offers breathtaking landscapes of rural Uganda, tea plantations, and crater lakes. Arrive in the evening and check into a forest lodge. Relax with a warm dinner as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Kibale Guest Cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by a guide, walk through the forest to observe chimp families in their natural habitat. After lunch, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving by evening. En route, watch for scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Overnight at a lodge near the park with dinner included.

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 7 – Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP

Start the day with a sunrise game drive through Kasenyi Plains for chances to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large populations of hippos, elephants, and birds. Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Engiri  Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 8 – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Take a scenic route through the Ishasha sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy packed lunch en route. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi by late afternoon. Relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience. Dinner and overnight at a forest lodge.

Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner

 Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience

Rise early for your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. After a briefing at park headquarters, begin the trek through dense forest, guided by rangers to locate a gorilla family. The hike can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla’s movements, but the reward is breathtaking—a magical hour with the gentle giants. After returning, receive your trekking certificate and rest before visiting the Batwa community. Learn about the Batwa pygmies’ forest traditions, songs, and dances. Return to Rushaga Gorilla Lodge for dinner and overnight after a day filled with awe, culture, and adventure.

Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner

Day 10 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) & Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before driving to the Cyanika border to cross into Rwanda. Proceed to Volcanoes National Park, a beautiful area surrounded by the Virunga Volcanoes. Arrive at your mid-range lodge near the park and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may opt for a short nature walk or a visit to the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan traditions and hospitality. This is a great day to unwind, refresh, and prepare for another exhilarating gorilla trek the following day. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation: Da vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner

Day 11 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to kyigali

After an early breakfast, report to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your second gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through the beautiful bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour with these gentle giants—an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable. After your trek and certificate ceremony, return to the lodge for a quick freshen-up, then begin your scenic drive to Kigali. Arrive in Rwanda’s capital by evening and check into your hotel for dinner and rest after an exhilarating and emotional day in the wild..

Accommodation: Scheba Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner

Day 12 – Transfer to Kigali

Today is entirely dedicated to rest and relaxation after your incredible gorilla trekking adventures and cross-country journey. Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and take the day to unwind at your own pace. Lounge at the hotel, read a book, catch up on journaling, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Kigali from the comfort of your room or garden. No scheduled activities or excursions—just pure downtime to relax your body and mind before your journey home. Dinner and overnight at your Kigali hotel.

Accommodation: Scheba Hotel/ Urban by city blue Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner

Day 13 – Departure from Kigali

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps one last stroll through Kigali’s clean, green streets. Your driver-guide will ensure a timely transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your incredible 13-day journey through Uganda and Rwanda. You’ve experienced unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and deep cultural moments. Thank you for traveling with us—we hope these memories stay with you forever. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to East Africa one day.

Accommodation: No Accommodation

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Included in the Safari Package

• Accommodation: 12nights in mid-range lodges/hotels (full board)
• Transportation: 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
• All airport transfers
• All park entrance fees and permits
• Chimpanzee trekking permits
• Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda & Rwanda
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes and VAT

 Not Included in the Safari Package

• International flights to/from Uganda and Rwanda
• Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities not mentioned in the inclusions
• Alcoholic drinks