This 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari takes you to some of the best tourist destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. The safari starts in Uganda and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. However, you can also choose to start the safari in Rwanda.
The safari starts with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park. From there, you will travel to Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is famous for gorilla trekking.
After exploring Uganda, you will cross into Rwanda. You will visit Volcanoes National Park, where you can enjoy another gorilla trekking experience. You can also track golden monkeys, visit local communities, and explore Kigali City.
Here is a simple look at the main destinations on this safari.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda. It is also a great place to see the Big Five. These include lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
Before reaching the park, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you can track white rhinos on foot.
In Murchison Falls National Park, you can visit the top of the falls. You can also enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise on the Nile River.
After exploring Murchison Falls, you will continue to Kibale National Park.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is one of the best places in East Africa to see primates. The park is especially famous for its chimpanzees.
During your visit, you can enjoy chimpanzee trekking in the forest. You may also see several monkey species and many birds.
Kibale offers a great forest experience before you continue to the next destination on your Rwanda Uganda safari.
Travel Highlights of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari
Day 1: Pickup at the airport – transfer to a hotel in Entebbe or Kampala
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park – track Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary – Visit top of the falls
Day 3: Morning Game drive – Boat cruise along the river Nile
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
Day 6: Early morning game drive – Kazinga Channel Launch cruise
Day 7: Game drive at Ishasa sector – Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Day 8: Trekking with Uganda Gorillas – Batwa Pygmies visit
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Canoeing, nature walks, island hopping and relaxation
Day 10: Complete activities in Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to the Volcanoes national park
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village tour
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour – Departure
Detailed Tour of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari
Day 1 - Day 4 of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari
murchison falls national park
Day 1: Airport Pickup and Transfer to Entebbe or Kampala
On arrival at the airport, a Zamunda Travels guide will meet you. The guide will welcome you and explain the safari plan.
You will then travel to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. If you arrive early, you can enjoy a short city tour before checking in.
Main Destination: Kampala
Accommodation: Hotel Triangle (Budget), Malakai Eco Lodge (Mid-range), or Kampala Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park – track Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary – Visit top of the falls
Wake up early, have breakfast, and start your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about four hours. Along the way, enjoy views of the Ugandan countryside, small towns, farms, and local communities.
You will make a few stops along the way. You will also spend about two hours at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary helps protect and breed Uganda’s southern white rhinos. It also supports rhino research and conservation.
During your visit, you may see rhinos, antelopes, monkeys, and many bird species. After rhino tracking, you will have lunch at Amuka Lodge.
After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about one hour. On arrival, visit the Top of Murchison Falls.
Here, the Nile River passes through a narrow gorge before dropping with great force. The falls offer beautiful views and great photo opportunities. After the visit, continue to your lodge for check-in and rest.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget), Pakuba Lodge (Mid-range), or Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
Wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare for a day of wildlife viewing. You will start with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park.
Look out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. You may also see giraffes, hyenas, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, antelopes, and other wildlife.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River. The boat will take you towards the bottom of Murchison Falls. Along the river, you will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and other animals coming to drink.
The area is also home to many bird species. Keep an eye out for the shoebill, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, African skimmer, and other birds.
After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget), Pakuba Lodge (Mid-range), or Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Kibale National Park. Enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside along the way.
You will pass through small towns, farms, forests, lakes, rivers, and green hills. The journey takes you to Fort Portal, where you will stop for lunch.
After lunch, enjoy a short tour of Fort Portal. The town is known for its green scenery and pleasant weather. You will also visit the headquarters of the Tooro Kingdom.
After the town tour, continue to your lodge near Kibale National Park. Relax and prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience the next day.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House (Budget), Primate Lodge (Mid-range), or Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury)
Day 5 - Day 8 of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up early and have a light breakfast or coffee. Then, go to the park headquarters for a briefing.
The guides will explain what to expect during chimpanzee trekking. Kibale National Park is home to many chimpanzees. It is one of the best places in East Africa to see them.
Chimpanzees are active and move quickly through the forest. They are also very noisy. You may hear them before you see them. They spend a lot of time in the trees, so keep looking up.
The trek can take several hours. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will have time to watch them and take photos. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.
Later in the afternoon, begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about two hours.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (Budget), Park View Lodge (Mid-range), or Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early and prepare for a morning game drive. You can carry a packed breakfast or coffee.
The early morning is a great time to see wildlife. Some animals may still be returning from their night activities. Others are starting their day.
Look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and other wildlife. You will also see many bird species along the way.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. It is one of the best places in the park to see wildlife and birds.
During the cruise, look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Many animals come to the water to drink, especially during the dry season.
Main Destination: Kazinga Channel
Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (Budget), Park View Lodge (Mid-range), or Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 7: Game Drive in Ishasha and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, check out of your lodge. You will then enjoy another game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The game drive will take place in the Ishasha sector. The area is famous for its tree-climbing lions. You may also see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.
After the game drive, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will have lunch along the way.
On arrival in Bwindi, check in at your lodge. Have an early rest and prepare for your gorilla trekking experience the next day.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range), or Chameleon Hill Lodge (Luxury)
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Visit
Wake up early and have breakfast. Then, head to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing.
The guides will explain the rules and safety guidelines. They will also tell you what to expect during the trek.
You will then enter the forest with park rangers and porters. The trek can take several hours because gorillas move through the forest.
Once you find the gorilla family, stay calm and follow the guide’s instructions. You will have one hour to observe the gorillas and take photos.
Watching mountain gorillas in their natural home is a special experience. After the visit, begin your walk back through the forest.
Along the way, look out for birds, monkeys, and other forest animals. Your driver will meet you at the starting point and take you back to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, visit a Batwa community near Bwindi. Learn about their history, culture, and traditional way of life. You can also enjoy traditional songs and dances.
After the visit, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range), or Chameleon Hill Lodge (Luxury)
Day 9 - Day 13 of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Canoeing, Nature Walks and Relaxation
After your gorilla trek, wake up later and have breakfast. Check out of your lodge and start the journey to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. It is surrounded by green hills, forests, and many small islands. The lake is also a great place for bird watching.
When you arrive, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can also go canoeing, take a nature walk, or visit some of the islands by boat.
Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect place to rest after several busy days of safari activities.
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget), Bunyonyi Safari Camp (Mid-range), or Bunyonyi Resort (Luxury)
Day 10: Explore Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy some more time at Lake Bunyonyi. You can relax by the lake or take part in an optional activity.
Later, prepare for your journey to Rwanda. Make sure you have your travel documents ready before crossing the border.
The drive to Rwanda offers beautiful views of green hills, farms, and local communities. After crossing the border, continue to Volcanoes National Park.
On arrival, check in at your lodge. Take a shower, relax, and prepare for your second gorilla trekking experience.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Cultural Visit
Wake up early and have breakfast. Your driver will take you to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing.
The guides will explain the trekking rules and safety guidelines. You will then enter the forest with the park rangers.
Gorilla trekking can take several hours. The time depends on where the gorilla family is located. Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them.
Watch the gorillas as they feed, rest, and play. Do not touch them, even if they come close to you. Stay calm and follow the instructions of your guide.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters. Your driver will take you back to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, formerly known as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you can learn about Rwandan culture and local traditions.
Enjoy traditional dances, songs, and other cultural activities. You may also have a chance to take part in some of the activities.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visit to the Twin Lakes
After breakfast, go to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing.
You will then start your golden monkey trek with the park guides. Golden monkeys are playful and beautiful primates found in the Virunga Mountains.
During the trek, watch them move through the forest and feed on leaves and fruits. The guides will also share information about their behavior and conservation.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Enjoy the views of the lakes, hills, and surrounding countryside.
Main Destination: Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
Accommodation: 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali, City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, start your journey to Kigali.
Enjoy the beautiful Rwandan countryside along the way. You will see green hills, farms, tea plantations, towns, and local communities.
After arriving in Kigali, have lunch and enjoy a city tour. Depending on your flight time, you may visit places such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and souvenir shops.
After the city tour, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight. You can also be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali.
Main Destination: Kigali
End of Tour
13 Days Rwanda Uganda safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Price Includes:
- A Driver/Guide who is experienced and speaks good English
- Accommodation and meals for 12 days
- Park Entry fees
- Gorilla Permits for Rwanda and Uganda
- Chimpanzee permits
- Golden Monkey permits
- Activities in Lake Bunyonyi
- Cultural Encounters with the Batwa pygmies and at the Gorilla Guardians Village
- Drinking water and lunch while traveling or outside the hotel
- Pickup in Kampala/Entebbe and drop-off at your desired location in Kigali
Price Excludes:
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day).
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
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