14 Days Uganda-Rwanda Safari (Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking & Culture Tour)
Embark on the ultimate East African adventure, a journey that stitches together the wild heart of Uganda and the cultured hills of Rwanda. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a 14-day odyssey designed for the soul of the explorer. Prepare to be humbled by the raw power of nature, captivated by profound wildlife encounters, and warmly welcomed by the resilient spirit of the local people.
Your journey begins in Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” where the thunderous Murchison Falls announces the Nile’s might. Here, vast savannahs teem with elephants, giraffes, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. The call of the wild leads you deeper to the mist-shrouded Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, in an encounter that will redefine your connection to the natural world, you will come face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas.
Crossing into Rwanda, “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” the landscape transforms into a tapestry of emerald terraces and volcanic peaks. You’ll trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park for another unforgettable primate experience with the playful and photogenic golden monkeys. This meticulously crafted safari is a masterful blend of heart-pounding adventure, awe-inspiring beauty, and genuine cultural connection, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip Cost
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CATEGORY
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Price Per PAX
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Price for 2 PAX
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Price for 4 PAX
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Price For 6 PAX
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Budget
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USD 8,500
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USD 8,200
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USD 7,300
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USD 6,800
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Midrange
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USD 12,000
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USD 9,500
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USD 8,200
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USD 7,500
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Luxury
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USD 18,000
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USD 14,000
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USD 12,000
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USD 11,000
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Budget: Standard lodging (e.g., Primate Lodge Cottages, basic tented camps). 4×4 transport, all permits (2 gorilla, chimp, golden monkey, park fees), meals, and guided activities. Focus is on essentials.
Mid-Range: Your outlined itinerary with comfortable, en-suite lodges (e.g., Primate Lodge Kibale, Buffalo Safari, Buhoma Lodge). Private 4×4 Land Cruiser, expert guide, all permits, meals, and activities. Represents the standard for this premium trip.
Luxury: Top-tier boutique lodges (e.g., Kyaninga Lodge, Clouds Lodge, One&Only, Magashi Camp). Private luxury 4×4, often with a separate guide/driver. Gourmet meals, premium drinks, additional activities, and impeccable service.
Trip Overview
This 14-day epic expedition takes you through the most iconic national parks and cultural highlights of Uganda and Rwanda. Your adventure features world-class wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, where you’ll spot the Big Five and the famous tree-climbing lions. The climax is two separate gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Parks, offering intimate time with these gentle giants. Beyond the primates, you’ll track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, cruise the Kazinga Channel, and immerse yourself in the cultures of the Batwa people and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. The journey is paced to blend adrenaline-fueled activities with serene moments of reflection amidst some of the planet’s most stunning landscapes, from the source of the Nile to the volcanic highlands of Rwanda.
Trip Details
This is a premium, small-group safari designed for a maximum of 6-12 travelers to ensure an intimate experience. You will be accompanied by an expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout the journey. All ground transport is in a custom 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing. Accommodation is in a mix of luxury lodges and high-end tented camps, chosen for their exceptional location, service, and comfort. The package includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11, all park entrance fees, and all activities as mentioned in the itinerary, including the two gorilla trekking permits. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included. A good level of fitness is recommended for the primate treks, which can be physically challenging.
Trip Itinerary
Double Gorilla Trekking: Two distinct gorilla trekking experiences – in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Big Five & Classic Safari: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (tree-climbing lions) and Akagera National Park (central African savanna experience).
Primate Diversity: Encounter chimpanzees in Kibale Forest (the primate capital) and golden monkeys in Rwanda.
Cultural Connectivity: Authentic interactions with local communities, including the Batwa (Pygmy) people and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Scenic Diversity: Journey through rainforests, savannas, volcanic highlands, and the islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
Comfort & Logistics: A seamless blend of comfortable lodges, private 4×4 transport, and expert guides for a hassle-free adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in the Pearl of Africa – Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Meet and greet by your driver/guide.
Transfer: Short transfer to your lodge overlooking Lake Victoria.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Hotel or similar.
Meals: Dinner included.
Day 2: To the Primate Capital – Kibale Forest
Morning: Scenic drive westwards through tea plantations and rural villages.
Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest National Park.
Evening: Relax or take a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (community-run, excellent for birds and primates).
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (luxury) or Primate Lodge Kibale (mid-range).
Meals: Full Board.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Swamp Walk
Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest. Spend an hour with our closest relatives after locating them. Other primates like red colobus and grey-cheeked mangabeys are common.
Afternoon: Visit the Bigodi Community for a swamp walk and cultural exchange, supporting local conservation initiatives.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 4: To the Savannah – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning: Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Afternoon: Evening Game Drive in the Kasenyi plains, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (luxury) or Buffalo Safari Lodge (mid-range).
Meals: Full Board.
Day 5: Tree-Climbing Lions & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Morning: Game Drive in the Ishasha Sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions (subject to their location).
Afternoon: Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel. A fantastic opportunity for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 6: To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Territory
Morning: Optional visit to Kyambura Gorge for a primate walk (chimp tracking, extra cost) or drive directly to Bwindi.
Afternoon: Enter the misty highlands of Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cultural Interaction: Visit the Batwa (Pygmy) Community for a cultural performance and insight into their forest heritage.
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury) or Buhoma Lodge (mid-range).
Meals: Full Board.
Day 7: Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Highlight: Gorilla Trekking Day. After briefing, trek through the dense forest to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing them.
Evening: Return to the lodge, weary but exhilarated. Share stories with fellow trekkers.
Accommodation: Same as Day 6.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 8: The Switzerland of Africa – Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation
Morning: Transfer to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi (a cluster of 29 islands).
Afternoon: Canoe ride to explore the islands, visit local communities, or simply relax at the lodge enjoying the stunning views.
Accommodation: BirdNest Resort or Bunyonyi Overlook Resort.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 9: Cross into Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills
Morning: Cross the border from Kisoro to Cyanika/Gatuna into Rwanda. Complete border formalities.
Afternoon: Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Musanze/Volcanoes National Park.
Evening: Relax and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (luxury) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (mid-range).
Meals: Full Board.
Day 10: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
Highlight: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience. Trek from the Rwanda side, often through different terrain, for another unforgettable encounter with a gorilla family.
Afternoon: Cultural Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. A rewarding experience with traditional dances, medicine walks, and king’s palace replica.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 11: Golden Monkeys & Transfer to Kigali
Morning: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes NP. Track these playful, endangered primates in the bamboo forest.
Afternoon: Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital.
Evening: Kigali Genocide Memorial visit – a moving and essential experience to understand Rwanda’s resilience.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel or Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 12: To the Savannah of Rwanda – Akagera National Park
Morning: Drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five savanna park.
Afternoon: Evening Game Drive in the park, spotting species like roan antelope, elephant, giraffe, and zebra.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (inside park) or Magashi Camp (luxury).
Meals: Full Board.
Day 13: Full Day Safari in Akagera
Full Day: Morning and afternoon game drives. Explore the diverse landscapes of lakes, swamps, and savanna. Search for lions, rhinos (making it a potential Big Five day), and hundreds of bird species.
Option: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Accommodation: Same as Day 12.
Meals: Full Board.
Day 14: Return to Kigali & Departure
Morning: Final short game drive or leisurely breakfast, then return to Kigali.
Day Use: A day room is provided for freshening up and lunch (own account).
Departure: Transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your onward evening flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
What’s Included:
Accommodation: As specified in the itinerary (Lodge/Tented Camp).
Meals: As per itinerary (Full Board in parks, some Half Board in cities).
Transport: Private 4×4 Safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
Park Fees: All national park entry fees.
Permits: One (1) Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda and One (1) Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda, One (1) Chimpanzee Permit in Kibale, One (1) Golden Monkey Permit.
Activities: All mentioned activities (game drives, boat cruises, Batwa & Iby’Iwacu visits, Lake Bunyonyi canoe, Kigali Genocide Memorial).
Water: Unlimited bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
Border Fees: All border crossing facilitation.
Government Taxes: All applicable VAT and tourism levies.
What’s Not Included:
International Flights: To/from Entebbe and from Kigali.
Visas: Uganda eVisa (~$50) and Rwanda visa (~$30). East African Tourist Visa (~$100 covering both) is highly recommended.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and gorilla trekking.
Tips & Gratuities: For guides, drivers, lodge staff, and trekking porters (recommended: $20-$30 per day for guide, $15-$20 per porter).
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, drinks (besides water), telephone calls, etc.
Optional Activities: Extra trekking (e.g., second chimp trek), spa treatments, etc.
Meals in Cities: Lunches & dinners in Entebbe/Kigali unless specified.
Items of Personal Nature: Any other item not expressly mentioned as included.
Essential Information & FAQs
Q: How difficult is the gorilla trekking?
A: Treks can be physically demanding, ranging from 1-8 hours over steep, muddy terrain. Fitness is important, but the pace is slow. The unparalleled reward of seeing the gorillas is worth the effort.
Q: What is the best time of year for this safari?
A: The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are ideal, with less rain and easier trekking conditions. However, this safari operates year-round.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Essentials include waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, neutral-colored clothing, a daypack, binoculars, camera, and a good power bank.
Q: Are the gorilla permits guaranteed?
A: Permits are secured at the time of booking. They are 100% guaranteed once your reservation is confirmed, which is why we recommend booking far in advance.
Q: Is the Kigali Genocide Memorial included?
A: Yes, it is part of the standard itinerary on the 11th day as a moving and important historical experience.
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