12-Days Uganda-Rwanda Safari: An Unforgettable Adventure

Embark on a 12-day Uganda-Rwanda safari that promises a mix of exhilarating wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion. This journey will take you from the iconic Murchison Falls and the depths of Kibale National Park to the misty mountains of Bwindi and the primate haven of Nyungwe. Along the way, you’ll track rare rhinos, seek out playful chimpanzees, marvel at majestic mountain gorillas, and delve into the rich traditions of local tribes. By the end of the trip, you’ll have collected memories of a lifetime.

Tour Highlight

1. Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, overnight in Entebbe or Kampala.
2. Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, visit the falls, overnight near the park.
3. Day 3: Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, boat cruise, overnight near the park.
4. Day 4: Morning game drive, transfer to Kibale, overnight near the park.
5. Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, overnight near the park.
6. Day 6: Game drive and boat cruise at Kazinga Channel, transfer to Bwindi, overnight in Bwindi.
7. Day 7: Gorilla trekking, visit Batwa pygmies, overnight in Bwindi.
8. Day 8: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, enjoy a boat trip, drive to Rwanda via the Kyanika border, overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
9. Day 9: Golden monkey tracking, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or Dian Fossey Museum, transfer to Nyungwe, overnight near the park.
10. Day 10: Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, overnight in Nyungwe.
11. Day 11: Drive to Kigali, overnight in Kigali.
12. Day 12: Kigali city tour, Genocide Memorial, transfer to the airport.

Day 1: Arrival and Overnight in Entebbe or Kampala

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala. Take this time to unwind after your journey and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Visit Top of the Falls

Kick off your safari with a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you’ll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Continue to the top of the falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous roar and mesmerizing mist. Overnight accommodation is provided near the park.

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and other iconic African wildlife. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat cruise along the Nile River, where you’ll witness hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Return to your nearby accommodation for another night near the park.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Enjoy another game drive in the morning to catch any wildlife you might have missed. Afterward, journey south to Kibale National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Settle in for the night at a lodge near the park.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale. As you venture into the forest, listen for the calls of these playful primates and observe them swing through the trees. Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into a lodge near the park.

Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, Transfer to Bwindi

Kick off the day with a thrilling game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’re likely to spot elephants, lions, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, relax on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and birds. Afterward, journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, known for its mountain gorillas. Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmy Community Visit

Today is the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking. Trek through dense jungle to find a gorilla family and marvel at their gentle behavior. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa pygmies to learn about their traditional way of life. Overnight again in Bwindi.

Day 8: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, Boat Ride, and Transfer to Rwanda

Leave Bwindi and drive to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil waters, surrounded by terraced hills and islands. In the afternoon, cross the border into Rwanda via Kyanika and spend the night near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or Dian Fossey Museum, Transfer to Nyungwe

Begin the day by tracking the charming golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or the Dian Fossey Museum to gain insight into the local culture and the legacy of gorilla conservation. Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park and overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Rise early for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, a biodiversity hotspot with a unique canopy walk. The walk offers stunning views of the rainforest and a glimpse of the primates living in the treetops. Stay overnight in Nyungwe.

Day 11: Drive to Kigali

After breakfast, head to Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital. Spend the afternoon exploring the city or relaxing at your accommodation in preparation for your final day.

Day 12: Kigali City Tour, Genocide Memorial, and Departure

Discover Kigali’s vibrant culture and history on a city tour, including a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Pay tribute to the victims while learning about the nation’s recovery. After the tour, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure.

This 12-day Uganda-Rwanda safari offers a deeply enriching journey into the heart of East Africa, where unforgettable wildlife encounters, warm hospitality, and diverse cultures come together in a seamless adventure.