12 Days / 11 Nights
Explore Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Game Drives, Golden Monkeys & More
Fly into Kigali for your 12-Day Uganda-Rwanda Safari. Transfer to Nyungwe for chimp tracking before heading to Volcanoes National Park. In Volcanoes, you will enjoy golden monkey trekking and cross the border into Bwindi (Uganda) where you will enjoy the epic gorilla trekking. After Bwindi, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha – known for tree-climbing lions.
From Queen National Park, you will then drive to Kibale Forest National Park for the Bigodi swamp excursion. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary then head back to Entebbe.
Uganda and Rwanda combined safari highlights
Safari Highlights:
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest – Africa’s top primate destination
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a life-changing experience
- Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP – lions, elephants, buffaloes & more
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise – hippos, crocs & birdlife
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
- Cultural visits – Bigodi Wetland & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Relaxation at the scenic Lake Kivu
Uganda and Rwanda combined safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for relaxation and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its high concentration of primates. Enjoy views of tea plantations and rural Ugandan landscapes.
Drive Time: ~6 hours
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale National Park
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today, venture into Kibale Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk with opportunities to spot birds and monkeys.
Activities: Chimp trekking, nature walk
Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Game Drive
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park with a game drive en route. Spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes as you enter Uganda’s most diverse park.
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Accommodation: Lodge inside or near Queen Elizabeth NP
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, leopards, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, known for its tree-climbing lions. Continue to the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Drive Time: ~5-6 hours with game viewing
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, or Rushaga sector depending on permits)
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest – A Bucket List Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. Spend an unforgettable hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Cross into Rwanda – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, cross the Cyanika or Gatuna border into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park, the Rwandan home of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Drive Time: ~4-5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today, go trekking to see the playful golden monkeys, an endangered species unique to the Virunga Volcanoes region. The experience is lighter than gorilla trekking and equally captivating.
Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Drive to Lake Kivu
Experience Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, then transfer to Lake Kivu, a serene lake town perfect for relaxation.
Drive Time: ~2-3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour
Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and modern capital. Enjoy a guided city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and historical sites.
Drive Time: ~3-4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Departure – End of Safari
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Make your dream trip come true with Guide Adventure
At Guide Adventure, we believe every traveler deserves a personalized adventure. That’s why all our sample itineraries are fully flexible and can be adjusted to match your unique interests, travel style, and schedule.