15 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

This 15-day Uganda Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want a deeper cross-border journey that combines primates, wildlife, lakes, and cultural contrasts in both countries. The itinerary starts in Kigali and ends in Kampala, linking Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kampala in one broad East Africa safari route. It is the best option for travellers who want more than a single gorilla trek. Instead of focusing only on one park, this safari combines chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, optional golden monkey trekking or the Dian Fossey hike, wildlife game drives, launch cruises, and scenic lake experiences into one longer itinerary.

Safari Highlights

• 15 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla, and wildlife safari
• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
• Gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride and Batwa community experience
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park
• Kampala city tour before departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, transfer to Nyungwe National Park

When you arrive at the airport, a safari driver from AA Safaris and Tours Ltd will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Nyungwe National Park. On the way, stop in Nyanza to learn more about the traditional culture and history of the Banyarwanda. Dinner and overnight stay at: Budget ORTPN Rest House or Gisakura Guest House, Mid-range Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel, Luxury One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 2, Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park

Wake up early in the morning for breakfast, then move to Nyungwe Forest at 5:00 am to look for chimpanzees. At times, they are referred to as human cousins because of how closely some of their behaviour resembles that of humans. Watch them as they rise from their nests and begin their day. You may also come across other primates that survive in the park. Birdlife is also abundant, with many species belonging to the Albertine Rift endemics. You will also enjoy a forest walk as you continue the search. Lunch is served en route before you return to your accommodation

Day 3, Transfer from Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park

Early in the morning, your safari driver will pick you up from your overnight hotel and transfer you to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at: Budget Muhabura Lodge or Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range Five Volcanoes Hotel or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Luxury Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 4, Gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey hike

Depending on your preferred activity, you will depart your hotel at around 6:45 am and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, begin the trek through the forest in search of gorillas or golden monkeys. Once you meet them, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour taking photographs before returning to the starting point. For the Dian Fossey hike, the activity starts at the Karisoke Research Centre, where you are given an introduction to gorilla conservation and its history before starting the trek to the tomb site. If you finish early, you can opt to go for a nature walk to the Twin Lakes or visit the Iby’Iwacu community at an extra fee.

Day 5, Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

After breakfast, drive to Uganda through the Kisoro border and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. It is often referred to as the jewel of western Uganda and is a haven for different types of birds. This unique lake is free from bilharzia, hippos, crocodiles, and mosquitoes, making it a relaxing stop after a long drive. Dinner and overnight stay at: Budget Bunyonyi Overland, Mid-range Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Luxury Birdnest Bunyonyi

Day 6, Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride, Batwa community visit, transfer to Bwindi

Today you will visit the Batwa community and later enjoy a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi while visiting different islands. For bird lovers, Lake Bunyonyi is also a good birding location, especially for smaller bird species. Later in the afternoon, drive to transfer to Bwindi. Dinner and overnight stay at Bakiga Lodge [budget], Gorilla Mist Camp [mid-range], or Gorilla Safari Lodge [luxury], depending on availability and your permit sector.

Day 7, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have breakfast early in the morning to give you energy throughout the day. Carry your trekking gear and move to the ranger station for another exciting adventure. Gorilla trekking starts at 8 am and can last between 2 and 8 hours, so patience is important. Once you encounter the mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to stay in their presence for 1 hour. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8, Transfer through Ishasha to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following gorilla trekking in Bwindi, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Pass via the Ishasha sector, which is famous for harbouring tree-climbing lions. Along the way, you may also spot elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, among other animals. Dinner and overnight stay at: Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba Safari Lodge or Marafiki Safari Lodge, Budget Elephant Lodge, Simba Safari Camp, or Ishasha Bandas.

Day 9, Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up early in the morning and head for a game drive, especially in the crater sector of the park. You may have the chance to view animals such as elephants, waterbucks, bushbucks, kobs, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, and topi. There is also a variety of both local and migratory birds in the area. Later, head for a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel. It has a rich birdlife, including species such as martial eagle, African skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, and the rare shoebill. Return for dinner and an overnight stay at the Lodge.

Day 10, Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, afternoon chimpanzee tracking

Today in the morning after breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive will take about 3 hours, arriving early. Check into your hotel and prepare for the afternoon chimpanzee tracking. After lunch, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before proceeding through the forest in search of chimpanzees. On meeting the chimpanzees, you will spend 1 hour observing them before transferring back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at: Budget Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Guest House, Mid-range Crater Safari Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, or Primate Lodge Kibale standard rooms, Luxury Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge.

Day 11, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Early in the morning, head to Murchison Falls National Park. It is a long day’s drive, and you will pass through Hoima before reaching the park. Check in and have dinner and an overnight stay at: Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, or Chobe Safari Lodge, Mid-range Sambiya Lodge, or Budget Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Day 12, Game drive and boat cruise on the Victoria Nile

Early in the morning, head out for a game drive, where you may have the chance to see early risers such as leopards, lions, and hyenas returning to their hideouts. Other animals you may spot include giraffes, Cape buffaloes, hippos, oribi, warthogs, and kobs. After lunch, head to the River Nile for a launch cruise. On the return, watch the Nile waters as they pour down the high escarpment, creating a dramatic appearance. Return to your booked accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13, Transfer to Kampala

After breakfast, head to Kampala. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before continuing to the city, where you will have dinner and an overnight stay at: Luxury Serena Hotel, Imperial Royale Hotel, or Sheraton Hotel, Mid-range Hotel Africana, Hotel Triangle, or Hotel Shangri-La, Budget Holiday Express Hotel or Namirembe Guest House

Day 14, Kampala city tour

Early in the morning, drive to Mengo Palace of Buganda, then continue to the Naggalabi coronation site and the Katereke Prison Ditch. Head to the Bahá’í Temple in Kikaya, one of the notable Bahá’í temples in Africa, then continue to Namugongo Uganda Martyrs Shrine, where many Christians were burnt to death. Listen to the history behind this important site. Later, drive to the national museum before returning to your Lodge for dinner and overnight stay

Day 15, Departure from Uganda

Today, your 15-day Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari comes to an end with a drop-off at the airport for your onward flight back home.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 14 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Chimpanzee tracking  permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Optional golden monkey trek or Dian Fossey activity
• Bottled drinking water during transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda and Rwanda visas
• Personal travel insurance
• Porter fees during gorilla trekking
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included