Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
Trip Overview
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Track: Uganda & Rwanda Circuit
Countries: Uganda, Rwanda
National Parks: Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable (Uganda); Volcanoes (Rwanda)
Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Five (excluding Rhino), Golden Monkeys, and abundant birdlife.
Main Activities: Gorilla Trekking (x1 or 2), Chimpanzee Trekking, Game Drives, Boat Safaris, Cultural Encounters.
Best Time to Go: June to September & December to February (Dry seasons for easier trekking).
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding.
Accommodation: A mix of comfortable lodges and luxury tented camps.
Health: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required. Anti-malarial prophylaxis highly recommended.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2: To Murchison Falls National Park
Travel north, with a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino trek. Proceed to the park.
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Cruise
Morning game drive in the Nile Delta and an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls.
Day 4: To Kibale Forest National Park
Scenic drive south through the Albertine Rift, arriving at the primate capital in the evening.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland
Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Afternoon community walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Day 6: To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth, with an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Day 7: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Game Drive
Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with wildlife, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Day 8: To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Journey through the “Switzerland of Africa” to Bwindi, home of the mountain gorillas.
Day 9: Uganda Gorilla Trekking
The highlight! Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. A life-changing encounter.
Day 10: Transfer to Rwanda & Volcanoes National Park
Cross the border into Rwanda and travel to the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Day 11: Rwanda Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkey Tracking
Choose a second gorilla trek in Volcanoes NP or track the playful golden monkeys.
Day 12: Departure
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
What’s Included
All park entry and conservation fees.
Full-board accommodation (all meals) during the safari.
All game drives and transfers in private 4×4 vehicles.
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Border crossing fees and arrangements.
Domestic flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi.
Drinking water throughout the safari.
What’s Not Included
International flights and visas.
Travel and medical insurance.
Gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
Optional activities (e.g., Hot Air Balloon Safari).
Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Treks can last from 1 to 8 hours over steep, muddy terrain.
What is the difference between the gorilla permits?
Permits are purchased per country. A Uganda gorilla permit is currently cheaper than a Rwanda permit. This itinerary allows you to experience both or choose one.
What should I pack?
Waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a daypack, and a good camera.
Is it safe to travel in Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, both countries are very safe for tourists with stable governments and a strong focus on security.
