Tour Overview

The 14 Days Uganda and Rwanda Ultimate Safari is an unforgettable cross-border adventure that showcases the very best of East Africa’s wildlife, primates, and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you through Uganda and Rwanda’s most iconic national parks, offering exceptional opportunities to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and the Big Five in their natural habitats.

From thrilling game drives and scenic boat cruises to immersive primate trekking experiences and cultural encounters, this safari combines adventure, nature, and relaxation into one remarkable journey. Whether exploring lush rainforests, vast savannahs, or the rolling hills of Rwanda, the 14-day safari promises an authentic and unforgettable East African wildlife experience.

Safari Highlights

  • Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala city experience
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • Boat cruise on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Bigodi Wetland nature walk
  • Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Game drives and boat cruise in Akagera National Park
  • Kigali city tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Entebbe Airport and Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to Kampala city. The drive gives you a first glimpse of Uganda’s lush landscapes and bustling roadside life. On arrival, you will check in at your hotel, relax, and recover from your journey as you prepare for the adventure ahead. Dinner and overnight stay in Kampala.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot, the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. After lunch en route, continue to the park and visit the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge creating a powerful roar. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

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

The day starts with an early morning game drive in the northern savannah plains where you search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, and various antelope species. After returning for breakfast and relaxation, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife including kingfishers and herons. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you travel to Kibale Forest National Park through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and views of the Albertine Rift Valley. You will have en route stops for photography and lunch before arriving in Fort Portal area. Continue to your lodge near Kibale Forest, where you will relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night surrounded by nature.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before entering Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees. The trek takes you through dense tropical forest filled with primates, birds, and butterflies. Once located, you spend time observing chimpanzees as they feed, play, and communicate. In the afternoon, take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in bird species and primates. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying scenic views of crater lakes and rolling landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you may enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This area is famous for large populations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 7: Game Drive and Optional Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife species. The open savannah offers excellent photography opportunities. After lunch and relaxation, optional activities include a second boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, or a nature walk. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 8: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a game drive through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Continue your journey through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and rest.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, you spend one magical hour observing their behavior in their natural habitat. After the experience, return to the lodge for relaxation and reflection on the unforgettable encounter.

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

After breakfast, cross into Rwanda through the border and drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers beautiful views of the Virunga volcano ranges and surrounding countryside. Arrive in the evening, check in, relax, and enjoy dinner at your lodge.

Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali

After an early breakfast, proceed for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are fast-moving and often found in bamboo forests. After the trek, return to the lodge and transfer to Kigali city. Depending on time, you may enjoy a short city tour before dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Boat Cruise

After breakfast, drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. The surrounding savannah also offers chances to see animals coming to the water edges. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 13: Full Day Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Spend the day exploring Akagera National Park on game drives in search of the Big Five including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. The park’s diverse landscapes include lakes, wetlands, and open savannah, offering excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 14: Transfer Back to Kigali for Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Kigali city. Depending on your flight time, you may have a short city tour or craft market visit before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari adventure.

End of Safari

Inclusions

  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
  • Park entrance fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Game drives and boat cruises
  • Airport transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary