13 Days Uganda Rwanda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Join our 13-day Uganda and Rwanda safari to see the big five animals and also to trek gorillas, chimpanzees, and Golden monkeys. This 13-day Uganda and Rwanda safari starts in Entebbe and ends in Kigali. The trip takes you to visit some of the famous sites in both countries, including Murchison Falls Rest Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kibale Forest, and Lake Kivu. Make use of the East African tourist visa to visit both countries, without worrying about the borders.

Safari Highlights

• 13 days Uganda Rwanda wildlife and gorilla safari
• Rhino tracking stop en route to Murchison Falls
• Game drives and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls
• Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo and Kibale
• Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Golden monkey trekking and Dian Fossey hike in Volcanoes National Park
• Scenic finish at Lake Kivu before departure from Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Early in the morning, a driver guide from AA Safaris and Tours Ltd will pick you up from your overnight hotel and transfer you to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, pass through the Luwero Triangle, then continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see rhinos that have been reintroduced in Uganda. After lunch in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls and hike to the top of the Nile for views of the dramatic falls. Dinner and 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 2, Game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up early and head out for a game drive. You may see a variety of animals such as hartebeest, Uganda kob, lions, waterbucks, buffaloes, oribi, and baboons. Enjoy the green vegetation around the riverbanks before returning to the lodge for breakfast and later lunch. In the afternoon, go for a launch cruise along the Nile. During the cruise, you may see birdlife, herds of elephants, buffalo, antelopes, pods of hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife before returning to your lodge.

Day 3, Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest

Get up early for breakfast and head to Budongo Forest, known for its ecological diversity, for chimpanzee tracking. Observe our closest relatives and learn more about their behaviour in the wild. Other primates in the forest include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, pottos, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and baboons. You will also enjoy a forest walk and learn more about some of the tree species found in the area, including both their scientific and local names. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at your booked accommodation.

Day 4, Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After a hearty breakfast, drive to Fort Portal via the Masindi Hoima road. You will arrive in the evening and then have dinner and an overnight stay at: Luxury Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge, Mid-range Rwenzori View Guest House, Mountains of the Moon Hotel Fort Portal, or Chimps Nest Lodge, Budget Kanyanchu Ecological Bandas

Day 5, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rise early and have a warm cup of tea or coffee. Carry your tracking gear and head to the starting point for a briefing from the guide. Continue to Kanyanchu for chimpanzee tracking and the chance to compare and contrast chimpanzee behaviour with that of humans. You may also see grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys. In the afternoon, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, enjoy views of the Mweya Peninsula, Katwe town, and the surrounding saline crater lakes. Learn more about salt mining in the area before dinner and an overnight stay at: Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba, Albertine Camp, or Hippo Hill Camp, Budget Simba Safari Camp or Elephant Guest House

Day 6, Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rise early in the morning and get ready for a game drive. As you explore the northern sector of the park, you may see warthogs, antelopes, elephants, waterbucks, birds, and several other species. After lunch, go for a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel before returning to your previous lodge for dinner and overnight stay

Day 7, Transfer through Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After your time in Queen Elizabeth National Park, get ready to leave for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the mountain gorillas. Pass through the Ishasha sector, where you may see the famous tree-climbing lions, before continuing to Bwindi. Dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge for  Mid-range, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Budget, or Buhoma Lodge for Luxury.

Day 8, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Get up early in the morning and prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of the tour. Carry your tracking gear, drinking water, and packed food, then move to the ranger station for a briefing. You will be guided into the thick, damp, and luxuriant forest in search of the gorillas. You are advised to wear long trousers because there may be stinging insects, and hiking shoes are important because the ground can be boggy and slippery. Once you meet the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them, taking photographs and watching the young ones at play. Later, return to the lodge to relax or go for a community walk to learn more about Batwa culture before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Following breakfast, continue to Rwanda and cross the border via Katuna. Drive to Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight stay at: Budget Muhabura Lodge or Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range Five Volcanoes Hotel, Luxury Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. In the afternoon, depending on time and interest, you may also visit the Twin Lakes or selected local communities.

Day 10, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early in the morning for breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Golden monkeys are one of the notable primates of the Virunga landscape and are closely associated with the Albertine Rift region. The golden monkey trek usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. Later, return for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 11, Dian Fossey Tomb Hike, Kigali city tour

After breakfast, head out for the Dian Fossey hike, where you will learn more about the American gorilla conservationist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting gorillas. Her work later gained wider recognition through Gorillas in the Mist. In the afternoon, continue for a Kigali city tour where you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft shops, and other interesting places before returning for dinner and overnight stay at your booked accommodation.

Day 12, Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu for a boat ride. Along the lake, you may see a variety of birds, the surrounding vegetation, and local landing sites. After lunch, continue with the planned historical visits if they fit the route and timing. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13, Transfer to Kigali Airport

After your cross-border safari, prepare for your homebound flight from Kigali Airport.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 12 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Golden monkey permit
• Boat cruises and game drives listed in the itinerary
• 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
• Items of a personal nature