Tour Overview

Experience the best of East Africa on this 3 Weeks Rwanda and Uganda Itinerary, specially designed for first-time visitors seeking an unforgettable blend of wildlife, primates, culture, and adventure. This well-paced journey takes you through some of the region’s most iconic destinations, offering incredible opportunities to explore Rwanda’s rolling hills and Uganda’s diverse landscapes while encountering some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife.

Begin your adventure in Rwanda, where you’ll explore the vibrant city of Kigali before trekking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and discovering the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees, a spectacular canopy walkway, and numerous bird species. Continue into Uganda to experience another unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoy scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, and embark on exciting wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. End your journey in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, where you can visit the source of the Nile or enjoy thrilling activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping.

Combining primate encounters, classic game drives, breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and comfortable accommodations, this three-week safari offers the perfect introduction to the natural beauty and diverse attractions of Rwanda and Uganda.

3 Weeks Rwanda And Uganda Highlights

  • Explore the Nyamirambo neighbourhood to see the art and taste local delicacies.
  • Traverse the Nyungwe Forest via an elevated walkway and suspended bridges.
  • Observe the Big Five on morning and evening game drives.
  • Experience fresh seafood in Kasenyi and bask in the sun on White Sands Beach.
  • Explore notable sites such as the Uganda Museum and Kabaka’s Palace in Kampala.

Tour Summary

  • Day 1 Arrive in Kigali (Rwanda), Relax at Leisure Kigali
  • Day 2 Full-Day History & Culture Tour of Kigali Kigali
  • Day 3 Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Canopy Walk Nyungwe
  • Day 4 Trek Through the National Park to Find Chimpanzees Nyungwe
  • Day 5 Transfer to Akagera National Park, Relax at Leisure Akagera
  • Day 6 Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park Akagera
  • Day 7 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Cultural Village Visit Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 8 Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 9 Transfer to Kigali, Relax at Leisure Kigali
  • Day 10 Fly to Entebbe (Uganda), Transfer to Kampala Kampala
  • Day 11 Guided Tour of Kampala Kampala
  • Day 12 Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 13 Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 14 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 15 Morning Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Water Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 16 Transfer to Kibale National Park, Half-Day Chimpanzee Trek Kibale National Park
  • Day 17 Full-Day Chimpanzee Trek Kibale National Park
  • Day 18 Transfer to Kampala, Self-Guided City Tour of the Capital Kampala
  • Day 19 Transfer to Jinja, Boat Tour to the Source of the Nile Jinja
  • Day 20 Morning at Leisure in Jinja, Transfer to Kampala Kampala
  • Day 21 Visit the Chimpanzees of Ngamba Island, Depart

Detailed Itinerary of 3 Weeks Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight or exploring the hotel’s surroundings while preparing for your East African adventure.

Destination: Kigali

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, the Kimironko Market, art galleries, and other cultural landmarks to learn about Rwanda’s history, resilience, and vibrant culture.

Destination: Kigali

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park & Canopy Walk

Depart Kigali after breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Nyungwe Forest National Park. In the afternoon, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the rainforest, offering spectacular views of the forest and opportunities to spot birds and primates.

Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by experienced park guides, hike through the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while also looking out for colobus monkeys, orchids, and a variety of bird species.

Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, travel across Rwanda to Akagera National Park, the country’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness.

Destination: Akagera National Park

Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Akagera National Park

Enjoy a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species across the park’s beautiful savannahs and lakes.

Destination: Akagera National Park

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Experience

Drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s scenic countryside. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, local crafts, and community life.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early morning briefing, begin your unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Spend one magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family before returning to your lodge for relaxation.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park

Day 9: Return to Kigali

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before departing Volcanoes National Park and driving back to Kigali. The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, providing excellent opportunities for photography and a final look at the country’s stunning countryside.

Upon arrival in Kigali, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to visit local cafés, browse craft markets, enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal, or simply relax and unwind after your gorilla trekking adventure. Kigali’s clean streets, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant food scene make it an enjoyable place to spend your final evening in Rwanda.

Destination: Kigali

Day 10: Fly to Uganda – Entebbe & Transfer to Kampala

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your short regional flight to Uganda. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Ugandan safari guide and begin the drive to Kampala.

The transfer takes you through the bustling towns surrounding Lake Victoria and offers a first impression of Uganda’s vibrant culture and daily life. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief orientation drive through the city before checking into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming wildlife adventures across Uganda.

Destination: Kampala

Day 11: Kampala City Tour

Spend the day exploring Kampala, a lively city built across several hills and known for its rich cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the Uganda Museum, where exhibits showcase the country’s history, traditional music, archaeology, and cultural diversity.

Continue to the impressive Gaddafi National Mosque, where you can climb the minaret for panoramic views over the city. Visit the historic Kasubi Tombs (where accessible), the royal burial grounds of the Buganda Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before stopping at Kabaka’s Palace to learn about the kingdom’s history.

Later, explore local markets and craft shops where you can purchase handmade baskets, fabrics, carvings, and souvenirs. Return to your hotel in the evening with a deeper understanding of Uganda’s culture, history, and vibrant urban life.

Destination: Kampala

Day 12: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Kampala and begin your scenic journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes you through vibrant towns, traditional villages, and beautiful countryside, offering a glimpse into everyday life in rural Uganda.

Along the way, make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be seen. Accompanied by experienced rangers, enjoy a guided walking safari to observe the white rhinos in their natural habitat while learning about the country’s successful rhino conservation and breeding program.

After lunch, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, you may visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge before plunging approximately 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. The thunderous roar, mist, and breathtaking views make this one of Uganda’s most iconic natural attractions.

Proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay as you prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures awaiting you the following day.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 13: Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise & Murchison Falls Exploration

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive through the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll search for wildlife including elephants, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, warthogs, and, if you’re lucky, leopards. The park is also home to a rich variety of birdlife, making it a rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Along the way, look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds along the riverbanks. The excursion concludes with a visit to the Top of Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness the mighty Nile force its way through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 14: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and journey southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah wildlife destination. The drive takes you through scenic countryside, rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages, offering beautiful views of western Uganda. Arrive at the park in the evening, check in to your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the next day’s wildlife adventures.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 15: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the park. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive leopard. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an impressive variety of water birds along the shoreline.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 16: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park & Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa and home to 13 species of primates. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided chimpanzee trekking experience through the lush tropical rainforest, where you’ll search for habituated chimpanzees while also spotting other monkeys, birds, and forest wildlife.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park

Day 17: Explore Kibale Forest National Park

Spend another day discovering the incredible biodiversity of Kibale Forest National Park. You can enjoy an additional chimpanzee tracking experience or take a guided walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area known for its rich birdlife and primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening surrounded by the forest.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park

Day 18: Return to Kampala – City Exploration & Leisure

After breakfast, leave Kibale Forest National Park and begin your journey back to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city. Enjoy the scenic drive through western Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, passing through countryside communities, farmlands, and bustling towns along the way.

Upon arrival in Kampala, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to explore some of the city’s attractions, visit local craft markets to shop for souvenirs, enjoy Ugandan cuisine at a local restaurant, or simply relax at your hotel after the long journey.

Destination: Kampala

Day 19: Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile Experience

After breakfast, depart Kampala and travel east to Jinja, a historic town located along the banks of the mighty River Nile and known as Uganda’s adventure capital. The journey offers beautiful views of rural landscapes, sugar plantations, and local communities.

Upon arrival in Jinja, enjoy a memorable boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, the legendary point where the Nile River begins its long journey northward. During the cruise, admire the peaceful surroundings, spot water birds, and learn about the historical and geographical importance of this iconic location.

After the boat trip, explore Jinja town or relax by the river while enjoying the scenic atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.

Destination: Jinja

Day 20: Jinja Adventure Activities & Return to Kampala

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Jinja, with the option to participate in some of the exciting activities the town is famous for. Adventure seekers can choose experiences such as white-water rafting on the Nile, kayaking, quad biking, horseback riding, or bungee jumping, while those looking for a quieter experience can explore local markets, cafés, or enjoy views of the river.

Later in the afternoon, depart Jinja and drive back to Kampala for your final night in Uganda. Spend your evening relaxing at your hotel as you prepare for your departure the following day.

Destination: Kampala

Day 21: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the shores of Lake Victoria and take a scenic boat ride to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Established to provide a safe home for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, the sanctuary plays an important role in chimpanzee rehabilitation, conservation, and public education.

During your visit, observe the chimpanzees during their feeding session and learn about their individual stories, behaviors, and the challenges facing wild chimpanzee populations. You will also gain insight into the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and commitment to protecting these remarkable primates.

After the visit, return to Entebbe and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave Uganda, you take with you unforgettable memories of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda.

End of the 3 Weeks Rwanda and Uganda Itinerary