Tour Overview
This 9-day Uganda and Rwanda safari combines unforgettable primate encounters with exceptional wildlife adventures across two of East Africa’s top safari destinations. The journey begins in Rwanda with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park before continuing to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Cross into Uganda to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on exciting game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, then travel to Murchison Falls National Park for more wildlife viewing and a visit to the spectacular Murchison Falls. The safari also includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, completing your chance to encounter the Big Five. From endangered mountain gorillas and diverse wildlife to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences, this safari offers an unforgettable East African adventure.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and cultural village visit
Day 3: Golden monkey tracking and transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 4: Boat cruise, island visits, and coffee and tea tours
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and evening boat cruise
Day 6: Morning game drive and Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 8: Game drive, top of the falls hike, and boat cruise
Day 9: Rhino tracking at Ziwa and transfer to Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver-guide who will brief you about your safari. You will then depart Kigali and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately 2–3 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers before beginning your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Trek through the lush rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family, a journey that can take between 1 and 6 hours depending on their location. Once you find the gorillas, spend one magical hour observing their behavior, photographing them, and watching them interact in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) for an immersive cultural experience. Learn about Rwanda’s traditions through music, dance, traditional medicine, local crafts, and the conservation efforts that support communities living near the park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Following breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These playful and endangered primates inhabit the park’s bamboo forests and provide an excellent wildlife encounter.
After the trek, drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, check in to your lakeside lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying the tranquil scenery.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Lake Kivu Exploration
Spend the day discovering the beauty of Lake Kivu. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to some of the lake’s scenic islands, including Napoleon Island, famous for its colony of fruit bats. You may also visit local fishing villages and interact with the surrounding communities to learn about their way of life. Later, explore nearby coffee plantations or simply unwind by the lakeshore while taking in the spectacular views.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Rwanda and cross into Uganda through the Cyanika Border before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, renowned for its high concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an impressive variety of bird species gathering along the shoreline.
After the cruise, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Ishasha Sector
Wake up early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the park’s prime wildlife viewing areas. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hyenas, warthogs, and numerous antelope species.
After lunch, drive through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting in the branches of large fig trees. Continue enjoying the park’s diverse scenery before returning to your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive offers beautiful views of rural villages, rolling hills, and lush countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise and Top of Murchison Falls
Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile in search of giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hartebeests, oribis, and other wildlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Along the way, look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of water birds. After the boat cruise, drive to the top of the falls for breathtaking views as the River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters below.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Departure
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable guided rhino tracking experience on foot. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will observe southern white rhinos in their natural environment while learning about Uganda’s successful rhino conservation program.
After the experience, continue to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable Uganda and Rwanda safari to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of 9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit
Golden monkey trekking permit
All park entrance fees
Boat cruises and activities mentioned in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Full-board accommodation and meals
Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Bottled drinking water
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as tips, drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Optional activities not included in the itinerary