This 10-day tour in Rwanda and Uganda will allow you to explore some of Africa’s exclusive wildlife, including Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Africa’s Big Five mammals: Lions, African Elephants, Cape Buffaloes, Rhinos, and Leopards.
These experiences will be coupled with amazing landscapes, culture, and historic encounters in both countries.
The tour will start in Rwanda and end in Uganda.
Detailed 10-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Pick up
Arrive in this beautiful country at Kigali International Airport and be welcomed by our driver-guide at the airport.
Receive a briefing about the safari and drive to the hotel to rest while awaiting the fascinating adventures in this beautiful country.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and go for a city tour in and around Kigali, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial site.
The indoor exhibit sheds light on the Rwandan genocide, as well as its pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial roots, with giant wall displays, archival documents, photos, video footage, and weapons encased in glass.
The visit takes you back to the dark history of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
After lunch, embark on a journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, where you will spend the night.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier home to Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys.
The journey offers amazing views of the Virunga ranges.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi
Have breakfast and transfer to the Park Headquarters for registration and a briefing about Golden Monkey tracking.
Golden Monkeys are rare primate species in Africa, with only a few populations in the Virunga forests of Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
During the briefing, local ranger guides will lead you into the forest to observe the golden monkeys.
Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is less strenuous as the golden monkeys tend to stay in one place for some time.
You will spend an hour watching these primates play from one tree branch to another.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch.
Then, in the afternoon, drive from Volcanoes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi is a prime gorilla tracking destination in the world, with over three-quarters of the remaining population of these apes.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Cultural Encounter
Enjoy an early breakfast and set off for gorilla trekking briefing at the park visitor center.
Be grouped into a party of eight people, the maximum number allowed to visit a gorilla family per day.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes you into the tropical forest, walking through slippery trails and unclear paths.
When you encounter these magnificent apes, spend one magical hour observing their daily lives. Nothing is more thrilling than gazing into the eyes of a silverback.
After an hour, return to the headquarters and then to the lodge.
After lunch, visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience with reformed poachers.
Witness how these forest pygmies used to hunt and gather fruits in the forest, enjoy traditional performances, and sample local cuisine.
It will be an unforgettable evening.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Game Drive)
After an early breakfast at the lodge, drive to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing Lions.
Embark on a game drive to spot these lions resting on the branches of fig trees during the afternoon hours, along with other wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Enjoy lunch en route as you proceed to the northern part of the park, where you will check in, have dinner, and spend the night.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Have an early breakfast and go for a morning game drive within the park.
Game drives here offer sightings of numerous wildlife species within minutes.
Expect stunning views of the landscape, dotted with craters and crater lakes.
Anticipate seeing some of the famous Big Five, including Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, as well as other mammals like Warthogs, Bushbucks, Kobs, Hyenas, Topis, and Waterbucks in the Kasenyi plains.
In the afternoon, after lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
You will witness a high concentration of Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, and crocodiles, including arguably the world’s largest concentration of hippos.
You will also see numerous bird species, including the Great Pelicans residing along the 40km long and 8-meter deep channel connecting Lakes Edward and George.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest and Transfer to Fort Portal
Enjoy an early morning breakfast and head to Kalinzu Forest for Chimpanzee tracking to encounter our closest cousins in the wild.
Kalinzu Forest is in proximity to the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Witness these primates as they play, swing on tree branches, and forage for food.
Later, make a scenic journey through rolling hills with terraced landscapes to Fort Portal, Uganda’s tourism city.
You can stop for photography at places of interest along the way.
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and begin your transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.
Enjoy a road drive through the Great Rift Valley while appreciating the fascinating landscapes and Uganda’s remote setting.
Lunch will be provided en route.
Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early morning breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up for an early game drive.
Explore the major game trails, especially in the northern bank, to spot Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Antelopes, Jackals, Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Jackson’s Hartebeests, and hopefully, the elusive Leopards, among others.
Later, take a lunch break and relax briefly.
In the afternoon, set out for an afternoon boat ride on the Victoria Nile, a highlight of any Murchison Falls Safari.
Get up close to numerous animals, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, and other animals that come to the riverbanks to drink, refresh, and cool off in the scorching sun, as well as to graze on fresh grass.
Day 10: Drive back to Kampala with a stop at Ziwa for Rhino Tracking
After an early breakfast, check out and start your drive back to Kampala.
Along the way, make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where rhinos are being reintroduced to the wild in Uganda, completing the experience of encountering Africa’s Big Five mammals.
Here, you will go for a trek around the sanctuary on foot.
Have lunch at the sanctuary and then proceed to Kampala or Entebbe.