12-Day Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife, Primates & Gorilla Safari

Activities: Rhino Trekking | Scenic Drive | Top of Murchison Falls

Begin your East African safari with an exciting guided walking experience among southern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Your unforgettable East African safari begins with a warm welcome from your professional safari guide in Entebbe. Following a short safari briefing, depart northwards towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, travelling through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, traditional villages and lively trading centres.
Upon arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, embark on a guided walking safari to track southern white rhinos in their natural habitat. Accompanied by experienced sanctuary rangers, you will learn about rhino conservation efforts in Uganda while observing these magnificent animals from a safe distance.
After this remarkable wildlife experience, enjoy lunch before continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park.
Upon arrival, visit the breathtaking Top of Murchison Falls. Witness the powerful River Nile forcing its way through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging approximately 43 metres into the turbulent waters below.
The thunderous sound of the waterfall, surrounding scenery and refreshing mist create a spectacular introduction to Uganda’s wilderness.
Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Morning Game Drive | Nile Boat Safari | Mubaku Community Visit

Experience the breathtaking power of Murchison Falls and discover incredible wildlife along the Victoria Nile.

Wake up early to the magical sounds of Uganda’s wilderness and the beautiful dawn chorus of birds welcoming a new day.
After an early breakfast, embark on an exciting morning game drive across the open savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park.
Explore the park’s rich wildlife habitats in search of African elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis and other antelope species. With some luck, you may also encounter lions, leopards and spotted hyenas.
Your experienced safari guide will help interpret animal behaviour, identify birds and explain the ecological importance of the park.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, enjoy a memorable boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls.
As you cruise upstream, watch for large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous waterbirds along the riverbanks. Birdwatchers may spot African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, cormorants, herons and other aquatic species.
The boat journey offers outstanding photographic opportunities and spectacular views of the waterfall from below.
Later, enjoy a cultural visit to the Mubaku community, where you will interact with local residents and learn about traditional lifestyles, cultural practices and community initiatives.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Scenic Countryside Drive | Bigodi Community Visit | Cultural Experience
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin your scenic journey south towards Kibale Forest National Park.
Travel through Uganda’s countryside, passing traditional villages, agricultural landscapes, local markets and rolling hills.
The journey offers opportunities to observe everyday rural life and appreciate the changing landscapes of western Uganda.
Enjoy lunch along the way before continuing towards the Fort Portal region, known for its lush tea plantations, fertile countryside and distant views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.
Upon arrival in the Kibale area, check in at your lodge.
Depending on arrival time, visit the Bigodi community for an enriching cultural experience.
During the visit, interact with local residents and learn about traditional food preparation, local crafts, agricultural practices and community-based conservation initiatives.
Discover how tourism contributes to the livelihoods of communities surrounding Kibale Forest.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.
Overnight: Kibale Forest National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking | Forest Walk | Evening Game Drive

Explore the tropical rainforest of Kibale and experience unforgettable encounters with wild chimpanzees.

Begin your morning with an early breakfast before transferring to the Kibale Forest National Park briefing point for your exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.
Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, enter the tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees.
As you walk through the forest, listen to the beautiful dawn chorus and the calls of primates echoing through the trees.
Kibale Forest supports an impressive diversity of primates, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Upon locating the chimpanzees, enjoy up to one hour observing their fascinating behaviour, including feeding, grooming, playing and social interactions.
Chimpanzee trekking provides a remarkable opportunity to learn about the intelligence, family relationships and conservation challenges of our closest living relatives.
After the experience, return to your lodge for lunch before departing towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy the scenic journey through western Uganda, with beautiful views of the countryside and surrounding hills.
Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive, depending on travel time and park conditions.
Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other wildlife before proceeding to your lodge.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Morning Game Drive | Kazinga Channel Boat Safari | Wildlife Photography
Rise early for another exciting day of wildlife exploration in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through the park’s famous savannah plains, particularly the Kasenyi sector, an excellent area for observing wildlife.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and other animals inhabiting the grasslands.
Your guide will help you identify wildlife tracks, interpret animal behaviour and discover the park’s rich birdlife.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also known for its beautiful scenery, volcanic crater lakes and views of the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences: a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel.
This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts remarkable concentrations of wildlife.
Cruise along the channel while observing hippos resting in the water, Nile crocodiles basking along the banks and elephants and buffaloes gathering near the shoreline.
Birdwatching opportunities are exceptional, with chances to observe African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, cormorants and other waterbirds.
The afternoon light provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
After the boat safari, return to your lodge to enjoy the beautiful evening atmosphere.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Ishasha Game Drive | Tree-Climbing Lion Search | Scenic Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, depart the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south towards the remote Ishasha sector.
Ishasha is famous for its unusual population of tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of large fig trees.
Enjoy a game drive through the area’s beautiful savannah landscapes as you search for these remarkable predators.
Although lion sightings cannot be guaranteed, Ishasha offers excellent opportunities to encounter other wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and various bird species.
Your guide will explain some of the theories behind the tree-climbing behaviour of lions, including escaping insects, finding cooler resting places and gaining elevated viewpoints.
After the game drive, enjoy lunch before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The scenery gradually changes from open savannah to rolling hills, terraced farmlands and dense tropical rainforest.
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas.
Arrive at your lodge near your allocated gorilla trekking sector, check in and relax as you prepare for the following day’s extraordinary adventure.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Mountain Gorilla Trekking | Rainforest Adventure | Lake Bunyonyi

Relax beside the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by spectacular islands and the beautiful Kigezi Highlands.

Today is one of the most anticipated highlights of your entire safari.
Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meet your experienced park rangers and receive important information about gorilla trekking regulations, safety procedures and responsible wildlife viewing.
Accompanied by professional trackers and armed park rangers, begin your trek into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.
The trekking experience may take several hours depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family allocated to your group.
Along the way, discover the remarkable biodiversity of Bwindi, including beautiful forest vegetation, colourful birds and other wildlife.
Upon finding the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family in its natural environment.
Watch as the silverback watches over his family, mothers care for their young and playful juveniles interact among the forest vegetation.
This intimate encounter with mountain gorillas is widely considered one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
After the trek, return to the briefing point, meet your safari guide and enjoy lunch.
Later, travel to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes.
Surrounded by steep terraced hills and picturesque islands, Lake Bunyonyi provides the perfect setting to relax after your rainforest adventure.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, scenic views and beautiful sunset over the lake.
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Uganda–Rwanda Border Crossing | Scenic Drive | Akagera National Park
After breakfast, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi before departing for Rwanda.
Travel through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa because of their rolling green hills, beautiful valleys and terraced landscapes.
Continue towards the Uganda–Rwanda border, where your guide will assist with the necessary immigration procedures.
After entering Rwanda, enjoy the journey through the country’s beautiful countryside, characterised by neatly cultivated hillsides, rural communities and picturesque landscapes.
Continue towards Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
Akagera offers a different safari experience from Uganda’s rainforests, featuring rolling savannah plains, woodland, lakes and extensive wetlands.
The park is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses.
Depending on arrival time and park operating hours, you may enjoy a short introductory game drive before continuing to your lodge.
Alternatively, check in and relax after the long journey.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Morning Game Drive | Big Five Wildlife Search | Transfer to Kigali
Wake up early for a thrilling game drive through Akagera National Park.
Explore the park’s beautiful savannah landscapes, woodlands and wetland ecosystems while searching for its diverse wildlife.
Possible sightings include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks and other antelope species.
With some luck, you may also encounter lions, leopards or rhinoceroses.
Akagera is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, supporting numerous species associated with its lakes, wetlands and grasslands.
Enjoy the changing scenery and excellent wildlife photography opportunities as you explore the park with your professional safari guide.
After the game drive, begin your transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore some of Kigali’s local attractions or simply unwind after an exciting safari day.
Overnight: Kigali
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial | Scenic Transfer | Rwandan Cultural Experience
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
This important historical site honours the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and provides visitors with an opportunity to understand Rwanda’s tragic history, resilience and remarkable journey towards reconciliation.
The memorial offers an informative and moving educational experience.
Afterwards, depart Kigali and travel north towards Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy beautiful scenery as you journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills, fertile valleys and traditional rural communities.
As you approach the Musanze region, admire the impressive volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village.
This community-based cultural initiative provides an opportunity to discover traditional Rwandan lifestyles and customs.
Enjoy cultural dances, drumming, traditional performances and demonstrations of local crafts.
Learn about traditional architecture, local food preparation and the role of community conservation in protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat.
After the cultural experience, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Golden Monkey Trekking | Volcanoes Scenery | Relaxation
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before travelling to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking briefing.
Meet your professional park guides and receive instructions before beginning your trek into the bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
The endangered golden monkeys are among Rwanda’s most distinctive primates, recognised for their beautiful golden-orange fur and playful behaviour.
As you walk through the bamboo forest, listen to the calls of birds and other forest wildlife while enjoying the remarkable scenery.
Once you locate a habituated group of golden monkeys, spend up to one hour observing them as they leap through the bamboo, feed, groom and interact with one another.
Their energetic movements and colourful appearance make this experience particularly enjoyable for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
The afternoon is reserved for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Volcanoes region.
You may relax at your lodge, admire the spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes or explore the nearby surroundings through optional activities.
This additional night provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of northern Rwanda without rushing back to Kigali immediately after trekking.
Enjoy your final safari evening surrounded by the magnificent volcanic landscapes.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Scenic Transfer | Optional Kigali Shopping | Airport or Hotel Drop-Off
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge while appreciating the final views of the magnificent Virunga Mountains.
After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali.
Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing green hills, local communities and vibrant trading centres.
Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time for souvenir shopping, visiting a local craft market or enjoying a relaxed lunch in Kigali.
Your professional safari guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel.
This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable 12-day Uganda and Rwanda wildlife, primates and gorilla safari.
Return home with wonderful memories of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African wildlife, scenic landscapes and the warm hospitality of East Africa.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drop-Off: Kigali International Airport or Kigali Hotel