Tour Overview

Experience the best of East Africa on this 2-Week Uganda and Rwanda Safari, an unforgettable journey that combines thrilling wildlife safaris, incredible primate encounters, and breathtaking scenery across two of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Beginning in Kigali, Rwanda, and ending in Entebbe, Uganda (or vice versa), this cross-border adventure takes you through some of the region’s most iconic national parks.

The safari includes unforgettable experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, exciting game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You’ll also search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, visit the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi, and have the option to enjoy additional activities in Rwanda, including golden monkey trekking, a second gorilla trek, or exploring the beautiful Lake Kivu and Kigali.

Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this two-week safari offers an exceptional combination of primates, the Big Five, spectacular landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences, creating a once-in-a-lifetime East African safari.

Detailed 2-Week Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel

Your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide or a representative from our local team. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you will be transferred to your comfortable guesthouse or hotel in Entebbe, located just a short drive from the airport.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing after your international flight or explore some of Entebbe’s attractions. You may choose to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Victoria, or simply unwind at your hotel while preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight stay in Entebbe.

Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe and begin your journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Along the way, you will pass through Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city, before continuing to Nakasongola District, home to the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Established in 2005, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary plays a vital role in Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts following the extinction of wild rhinos in the country during the early 1980s due to poaching. Covering more than 7,000 acres of protected wilderness, the sanctuary is currently the only place in Uganda where visitors can observe southern white rhinos in their natural habitat.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience on foot accompanied by experienced ranger guides. Walking quietly through the bush to observe these magnificent giants at close range is an unforgettable wildlife encounter and offers excellent opportunities for photography while learning about ongoing conservation initiatives.

After lunch, continue your drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon entering the park, you may make a stop at the Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow seven-meter gorge before plunging over 40 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Estimated Driving Time:

  • Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Approximately 4 hours
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park: Approximately 2.5–3 hour
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up early for breakfast before heading out on an exciting morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, where wildlife is most active during the cool morning hours.

The park boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, including African elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis, warthogs, and numerous antelope species. Your experienced guide will help track animals while explaining the ecology and fascinating behaviors of the park’s wildlife.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short relaxation before embarking on one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences—a three-hour boat cruise along the Victoria Nile.

As the boat slowly navigates upstream towards the base of Murchison Falls, you will enjoy spectacular views of the riverbanks where large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes frequently come to drink. The river is home to countless hippos basking in the water, enormous Nile crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, herons, cormorants, and, with a bit of luck, the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.

The highlight of the cruise is reaching the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the immense power of the Nile can be truly appreciated.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park via the Albertine Rift Valley

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and embark on a scenic drive southwest towards Kibale National Park, one of Africa’s finest tropical rainforests and the primate capital of East Africa.

The journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Albertine Rift Valley, offering stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, fertile farmlands, tea plantations, banana plantations, and traditional Ugandan villages. Along the route, there will be opportunities to stop at roadside markets where local farmers sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts, providing an authentic glimpse into rural Ugandan life.

As you approach Fort Portal, the scenery becomes even more spectacular, with panoramic views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon.”

Upon arrival, check into your lodge situated near Kibale National Park. Many lodges in this area are surrounded by beautiful gardens and forest patches that attract vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, colorful butterflies, and numerous bird species.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, taking a nature walk around the property, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere before dinner.

Overnight near Kibale National Park.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 7–8 hours.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

Following an early breakfast, drive a short distance to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, the starting point for one of Uganda’s most exciting primate adventures.

After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the lush rainforest for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees along with 12 other primate species, making it one of the best destinations in Africa for observing chimpanzees in the wild.

As you walk beneath the towering tropical canopy, your ranger will help identify various birds, butterflies, medicinal plants, and primates. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing their fascinating social interactions as they feed, groom, communicate, swing through the trees, and care for their young. Besides chimpanzees, you may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

After lunch, continue to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. A guided nature walk through the wetlands offers opportunities to spot several monkey species, colorful butterflies, reptiles, and more than 200 bird species, including the magnificent Great Blue Turaco, papyrus gonolek, hornbills, and various kingfishers.

The visit also supports the local community, and if time allows, you may enjoy a cultural interaction with nearby residents, visit a local school, traditional healer, or women’s craft project to gain insight into rural life around Kibale Forest.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay near Kibale National Park.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Equator and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and enjoy a scenic drive south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah wildlife destination. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque countryside characterized by rolling hills, crater lakes, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering spectacular views of western Uganda’s diverse landscapes.

En route, make a stop at the Equator crossing for memorable photographs and a chance to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This is a popular landmark where visitors can also browse local craft shops and enjoy refreshments before continuing the journey.

Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. After some time to relax, head out for an evening game drive as wildlife becomes more active during the cooler hours of the day.

The park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, with over 95 mammal species and more than 600 recorded bird species. During your game drive, keep an eye out for African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, hyenas, and, with a bit of luck, lions and leopards emerging from their daytime resting spots.

As the sun sets over the vast savannah, enjoy the breathtaking scenery before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 hours.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning breakfast before setting off on an exciting game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, one of the park’s richest wildlife viewing areas. Early morning is the ideal time to encounter predators returning from their nighttime hunts and herbivores grazing across the open grasslands.

Your experienced guide will help track some of the park’s iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, topis, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and numerous antelope species. The park’s varied ecosystems—including savannah, wetlands, forests, and crater lakes—support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, making every game drive unique.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, continue to Mweya Peninsula for one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife experiences—a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward and is famous for hosting one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. As the boat slowly cruises along the channel, you will enjoy close-up views of large pods of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles basking along the shoreline, herds of elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge, and numerous antelope species.

The channel is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with excellent opportunities to spot African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, pelicans, African skimmers, saddle-billed storks, grey herons, cormorants, egrets, and Uganda’s national bird, the grey crowned crane. The combination of spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife makes this boat safari one of the highlights of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and another overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 8: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector and Search for the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and travel south through Queen Elizabeth National Park to the remote Ishasha Sector, one of Uganda’s most unique wildlife destinations. This region is internationally renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only a few places in Africa, including Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided game drive through the open savannah and acacia woodlands in search of these remarkable predators. Although scientists have not reached a definitive conclusion about why the lions climb trees, it is widely believed they do so to escape the heat on the ground, avoid biting tsetse flies, and enjoy cool breezes while keeping watch over the surrounding plains. Seeing these majestic cats resting comfortably on the branches of giant fig trees while overlooking herds of Uganda kobs grazing below is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Besides the famous lions, Ishasha is home to elephants, buffaloes, topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this diverse ecosystem.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to your nearby lodge where you can relax and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay near Ishasha.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours (excluding the game drive).

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Lake Bunyonyi – The Switzerland of Africa

After breakfast, depart Ishasha and continue south through the breathtaking highlands of southwestern Uganda towards the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi.

The drive offers spectacular scenery as you pass through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, lush valleys, and traditional villages that have earned this region the nickname “The Switzerland of Africa.” The landscape is among the most beautiful in East Africa, with endless green hills and fertile agricultural terraces stretching across the countryside.

Lake Bunyonyi, whose name means “Place of Many Little Birds,” is one of Africa’s deepest lakes and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, scenic islands, and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by steep terraced hills, the lake provides a peaceful retreat and is the perfect place to relax before your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.

Upon arrival, check into your lakeside lodge and spend the remainder of the day enjoying the breathtaking views. You may relax by the swimming pool, take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, or simply unwind while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 3–4 hours.

Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today marks the highlight of your Uganda and Rwanda safari as you embark on one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family based on your fitness level before entering the ancient rainforest in search of these critically endangered primates.

The trek can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the movement of the gorilla family and the terrain. As you hike through dense forest, your guides will share fascinating information about the park’s rich biodiversity, medicinal plants, birdlife, and other wildlife encountered along the way.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as family members groom one another, feed on leaves and bamboo shoots, play, nurse their infants, and interact under the watchful eye of the dominant silverback. This intimate encounter is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.

After the trek, return to your lodge at Lake Bunyonyi for a well-deserved rest while reflecting on an unforgettable day in the rainforest.

Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 11: Cross into Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Following breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and drive to the Uganda-Rwanda border, where you will complete immigration formalities before entering the beautiful country of Rwanda.

Often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, clean cities, and remarkable conservation efforts. As you continue your journey toward Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) and the nearby village of Kinigi, enjoy spectacular views of rolling green hills, fertile farmland, and the towering Virunga Volcanoes that dominate the horizon.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier wildlife destination and home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

If time permits, you may explore the local markets in Kinigi or Musanze, where colorful stalls display handcrafted souvenirs, woven baskets, artwork, coffee, and other locally made products.

Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 hours.

Day 12: Optional Activities in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, enjoy a day of optional activities within Volcanoes National Park, allowing you to customize your experience based on your interests and fitness level.

For those wishing to experience another unforgettable gorilla encounter, a second gorilla trekking excursion can be arranged with the purchase of an additional trekking permit. Alternatively, visitors may choose to track the park’s playful golden monkeys, an exciting adventure through the bamboo forests where these endangered primates leap energetically through the treetops.

History and conservation enthusiasts may opt for a guided hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Center, where the legendary primatologist dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. The hike provides insight into her pioneering conservation work and lasting legacy.

More adventurous travelers can challenge themselves with a full-day hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters), one of the Virunga Volcanoes. The trek passes through bamboo forests and alpine vegetation before reaching a beautiful crater lake at the summit, offering spectacular panoramic views when weather permits.

In the afternoon, depart for the lakeside town of Gisenyi (Rubavu) on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations.

Dinner and overnight stay in Gisenyi.

Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 hours.

Day 13: Explore Lake Kivu and Experience the Traditional Singing Fishermen

After breakfast, spend the day discovering the beauty of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and one of Rwanda’s most picturesque destinations.

You may choose to enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across the lake, explore its beautiful islands, or paddle along the calm waters on a guided kayaking excursion. The lake’s crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and scenic shoreline make it an ideal destination for relaxation and photography.

Visit the vibrant town of Gisenyi, where local markets offer an excellent opportunity to purchase authentic Rwandan coffee, tea, handcrafted baskets, colorful fabrics, and traditional artwork.

Later in the afternoon, witness one of Lake Kivu’s most unique cultural experiences as local fishermen paddle their traditional wooden boats onto the lake while singing rhythmic songs that have been passed down through generations. Watching the synchronized rowing and listening to the beautiful harmonies against the backdrop of the setting sun creates a memorable and authentic cultural experience.

Return to your lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay along the shores of Lake Kivu.

Day 14: Transfer to Kigali, City Tour, and Departure

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour that showcases Kigali’s fascinating blend of modern development, rich culture, and historical significance. Depending on your departure schedule, visit some of the city’s major attractions, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and offers valuable insight into Rwanda’s remarkable journey of reconciliation and national rebuilding.

You may also visit local craft markets, art galleries, coffee shops, or the Kimironko Market to experience everyday life in Rwanda’s bustling capital.

After the city tour, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable 2-Week Uganda and Rwanda Safari to a close.

End of the 2-Week Uganda and Rwanda Safari | Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Five Wildlife & Cultural Experience