Uganda and Rwanda combined safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for relaxation and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its high concentration of primates. Enjoy views of tea plantations and rural Ugandan landscapes.

Drive Time: ~6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale National Park

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Today, venture into Kibale Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk with opportunities to spot birds and monkeys.

Activities: Chimp trekking, nature walk

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Game Drive

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park with a game drive en route. Spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes as you enter Uganda’s most diverse park.

Drive Time: ~3 hours

Accommodation: Lodge inside or near Queen Elizabeth NP

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start with a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, leopards, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector

Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, known for its tree-climbing lions. Continue to the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Drive Time: ~5-6 hours with game viewing

Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, or Rushaga sector depending on permits)

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest – A Bucket List Experience

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. Spend an unforgettable hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Cross into Rwanda – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, cross the Cyanika or Gatuna border into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park, the Rwandan home of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Drive Time: ~4-5 hours

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today, go trekking to see the playful golden monkeys, an endangered species unique to the Virunga Volcanoes region. The experience is lighter than gorilla trekking and equally captivating.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Drive to Lake Kivu

Experience Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, then transfer to Lake Kivu, a serene lake town perfect for relaxation.

Drive Time: ~2-3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour

Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and modern capital. Enjoy a guided city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and historical sites.

Drive Time: ~3-4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 12: Departure – End of Safari

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast