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Uganda and Rwanda Safari Explore Wildlife and Rich Culture

OVER VIEW

The 11-day Uganda and Rwanda Safari is a blend of wildlife, adventure, and cultural immersion. The safari offers breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife encounters, and opportunities to engage in community led experiences.

Come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with the option for two trekking sessions to fully appreciate these magnificent primates. Experience the raw beauty of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five park, with thrilling game drives across vast savannahs with elephants, lions, and leopards and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Beyond the wildlife, step into conservation in action at the Kataara Elephant Conservation Project, where communities are working to protect Uganda’s elephants and promote human-wildlife coexistence. Hike through Kalinzu Forest, a prime destination for chimpanzee tracking, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of these fascinating primates.


UGANDA AND RWANDA SAFARI

  • Kigali Cultural Tour ,visit the Genocide Memorial and Kandt Museum.
  • Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Gorilla Trekking in either Bwindi Park (Uganda) OR Volcanoes Park (Rwanda).
  • Chimp Trekking - Trek the Chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest
  • Batwa Cultural Experience in Buniga Forest.
  • Game Drives – Spot the Big Five in Akagera & Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • Community Based Program, Kataara Elephant Conservation Project.
  • Scenic Boat Safaris – Cruise the Kazinga Channel and Akagera’s lakes.
  • Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Eco-Luxury & Conservation – Stay in eco friendly luxury lodges


  • ITINERARY
  • WHAT TO PACK
  • INCLUDES
  • TRAVEL INFORMATION
  • REQUEST A QUOTE 
ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a company representative marking the beginning of your 11-day luxury Uganda and Rwanda Safari.

If time permits, embark on an insightful Kigali city tour, exploring the country’s rich history and culture. Visit the Kandt House Museum, once home to Dr. Richard Kandt, Rwanda’s first German colonial resident, now a Natural History Museum celebrating his contributions.

For a deeper perspective, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the lives lost during the 1994 Genocide. Built on the burial site of over 250,000 victims, the museum’s powerful exhibits and survivor testimonials offer a profound understanding of Rwanda’s past and its journey toward healing.

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

Accommodation: Hotel Mille Collines

Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Today, journey to the breathtaking Akagera National Park, a sanctuary of rolling savannas, shimmering lakes, and diverse wildlife. Home to elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species, Akagera also shelters the elusive lions and leopards. Arrive in time for a lunch with panoramic views, before setting off on an exciting evening game drive, where the golden hues of sunset cast a magical glow over the plains. As the day winds down, retreat to your luxury lodge, where you can unwind in serene comfort, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 3: Game drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Start your morning with a private guided game drive, exploring the vast savannah in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. Enjoy the exclusivity of a luxury safari vehicle enhanced with a pop up roof, ensuring an intimate and immersive wildlife experience.

After lunch, unwind on a 2.5-hour boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll glide past basking crocodiles and pods of hippos while spotting over 40 species of water birds. Witness breeding colonies of cormorants, open-bill storks, and other rare water birds in their natural habitat, all from the comfort of a safari boat.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 4: Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park

This morning, head on a breathtaking journey north through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, where terraced landscapes paint a picture of natural beauty. As you ascend toward the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, take in spectacular views of five towering peaks that dominate the horizon.

Arriving in time for lunch at the lodge, you’ll then set out to explore the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo—serene, crystal-clear waters nestled at the foot of Mount Muhabura, near the Ugandan border. This tranquil retreat offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural encounters, setting the tone for an unforgettable safari experience.

 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 5: Gorilla Trekking OR Golden Monkey Hiking   

This Morning is set for Wild Encounters: Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Adventure.

As dawn breaks, prepare for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Volcanoes National Park—home to the iconic mountain gorillas. At the park headquarters, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family in Group 8, along with an expert guide who will lead you on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After a detailed pre-trek briefing on tracking protocols and safety measures, you set off towards the dense rainforest, anticipation building with every step. The trek’s duration is unpredictable, ranging anywhere from 2 to 5 hours or more, depending on the gorillas' movements. As you navigate through the misty jungle, each rustling branch and distant call heightens the excitement.

Then, the moment arrives—face-to-face with a family of gorillas. For a magical hour, you’ll watch them in their natural habitat, observing their gentle interactions, playful young ones tumbling through the foliage, and the dominant silverback keeping a watchful eye over his troop. It’s a once in a life time inspiring encounter that will stay with you forever.

Alternative Experience: Golden Monkey Trekking

If you opt for golden monkey trekking, your morning will be spent exploring the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, where these lively and charismatic primates thrive. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll track one of the two habituated golden monkey groups, including a troop of more than 80 members. Watching them leap effortlessly between bamboo stalks, their golden coats shimmering in the sunlight, is a mesmerizing spectacle—a perfect alternative to gorilla trekking for those seeking a different kind of primate adventure.

If the trekking ends early.

You will explore the vibrant Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village, a community-driven initiative that thrives on tourism. Many of its members are former poachers who have embraced conservation and now share their rich cultural heritage with visitors. Stroll through the village, interact with locals, and meet a traditional healer who will introduce you to ancient remedies. Experience the rhythm of Rwanda through traditional songs and dances. Engage in hands-on activities like banana beer brewing and pottery making, gaining a deeper appreciation for their way of life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 6:  To Rushaga Sector – Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, head on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, heading to the Rushaga Sector in the park’s southern region. Along the way, take in the breathtaking landscapes before arriving just in time for a delicious lunch and some well-deserved relaxation, preparing for the adventures ahead.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 7:  Gorilla Trekking or Buniga Community Walk/ Batwa Experience

Seize another opportunity for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, venturing deep into the lush wilderness for an unforgettable encounter with these majestic primates. Alternatively, head out on a cultural adventure along the Buniga Forest Trail, where the Batwa Experience offers a rare glimpse into the rich heritage of the Batwa people—the original inhabitants of Bwindi before it was gazetted as a national park in 1991.

Led by a Batwa guide, journey through the forest as you uncover their traditional way of life—from grass-thatched huts and treehouses to the ancient caves they once called home. Step into their world as they demonstrate age-old hunting techniques, inviting you to try your hand at shooting a bow and arrow, just as their ancestors did for survival.

Meet the Batwa medicine men, who will introduce you to the healing secrets of the forest, sharing the medicinal properties of various plants. Listen to captivating legends and soulful traditional songs, echoing through the trees, keeping alive the spirit of a people deeply connected to the land.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 8:  Bwindi NP- Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your day begins with a scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse wildlife haven teeming with breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, enjoy lunch en route, taking in the ever-changing scenery as you approach your destination.

Arriving in the early evening, settle in and unwind before the next adventure. If time allows, embark on an optional evening game drive, where you may encounter buffaloes, elephants, lions, and other fascinating wildlife as they emerge in the golden glow of dusk.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 9:  Lion Experiential & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After breakfast, head for an extraordinary lion tracking experience, where you become an active participant in wildlife conservation. Guided by expert researchers, you’ll use locator devices to track and monitor the resident lion pride, gaining firsthand insight into their movements and behavior. Learn the art of habituation calls, record essential data on weather and surroundings, and contribute valuable findings to scientific research. Your involvement directly supports ongoing conservation efforts, helping to safeguard this incredible ecosystem for future generations.

After lunch, set off on a scenic three-hour boat safari along the iconic Kazinga Channel, a thriving wildlife corridor linking Lake Edward and Lake George. As you glide through the water, witness an astonishing density of wildlife—massive pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and herds of buffalo wallowing in the shallows. Elephants gather at the water’s edge, while a dazzling array of birdlife, including rare endemics, fills the air with color and song. This immersive water safari offers unparalleled opportunities to observe the untamed beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park from a breathtaking new perspective.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 10: Chimp trekking in Kalinzu Forest and Kataara Conservation Project

This morning, head out for an unforgettable journey into Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve, a lush tropical forest teeming with life. With over 400 species of trees and shrubs and 379 recorded bird species, this biodiverse haven is a paradise for nature lovers.

After a briefing at the park headquarters, set off on a thrilling trek in search of one of the forest’s most fascinating inhabitants—the chimpanzee. As you navigate the dense trails, listen for their distinct calls echoing through the trees. Watching these intelligent primates interact, play, and forage in their natural habitat is a truly captivating experience. Along the way, your expert guide will introduce you to the unique chimp families that call Kalinzu home, while also pointing out the forest’s diverse birdlife and exotic plant species.

Look out for the striking great blue turaco, cuckoos, sunbirds, and an astonishing variety of butterflies and moths. The forest also hosts six primate species, including the playful blue, velvet, and colobus monkeys that swing through the canopy.

Afternoon of Conservation & Scenic Beauty

In the afternoon, visit the Kataara Women’s Elephant Conservation Project, an inspiring initiative that empowers local women—many of them widows—by transforming elephant dung into eco-friendly paper products and handicrafts. From beautifully crafted beads and notebooks to intricate souvenirs, each item tells a story of sustainability and resilience. Browse the craft shop and take home a meaningful piece of conservation.

End your day with a peaceful, guided walk to the breathtaking volcanic twin lakes, Mirambi and Katinda. As the sun begins to set, take in the tranquil scenery and spot a variety of resident bird species along the shimmering waters


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 11:  Queen Elizabeth NP to Entebbe

Today, you will journey back to Kampala, enjoying a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside. Along the way, stop for lunch en route before making a memorable visit to the Uganda Equator. Here, witness a fascinating water flow demonstration, showcasing the unique effects of crossing between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Arriving in Entebbe by evening, you’ll be dropped off at the airport if you have a late flight home. Alternatively, if you’re extending your stay, post-tour accommodation can be arranged for a comfortable night’s rest.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch


WHAT TO PACK

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes

INCLUDES

Included in the Itinerary

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • English-speaking Guide
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden Monkey Trekking
  • Boat Cruises on Lake Ihema and Kazinga Channel
  • Kigali City Tour
  • Community Interactions and Projects
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle


Excluded in the Itinerary

  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Jinja Activities white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or even quad biking.
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Discover Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is a land of breathtaking beauty and extraordinary biodiversity and located in the Great Lakes Region. Deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, this vibrant country boasts an ecological richness that rivals even larger nations. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle, creating a spectacular blend of landscapes teeming with life.

Flanked by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains—the fabled Mountains of the Moon—and the Virunga Volcanoes, Uganda is also home to Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. With its diverse ecosystems, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, Uganda offers an unparalleled safari experience.

A Haven for Wildlife

No other African destination offers such a remarkable variety of primates in such close proximity. Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise, home to more than ten monkey species and the iconic great apes—chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas.

For birdwatchers, Uganda is nothing short of heaven. Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, it ranks among the top four nations with over 1,090 recorded bird species. Its western rainforests, particularly Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offer some of the finest birdwatching opportunities in Africa.

Essential Travel Information

  • Visa & Entry Requirements
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date and have two blank pages for stamps.
  • Most travelers require a single-entry visa (USD 50), which must be applied for online at Uganda e Visa Portal at least two weeks before arrival.
  • You’ll need to upload a passport photo, yellow fever certificate, and a scanned copy of your passport.

Payments are accepted via Visa or Mastercard only.

East Africa Tourist Visa

For those exploring Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) offers a multiple-entry option, valid for 90 days.

Currency & Payments

  • US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, but only notes from 2009 or later are valid.
  • Small bills can be difficult to exchange, so it’s best to use Ugandan Shillings (UGX) for minor expenses.
  • Credit cards are accepted in some lodges, though a 5% transaction fee may apply.

Health & Medical Advice

  • A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory—your certificate will be checked upon arrival.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended—consult your doctor before traveling.
  • Bottled water is readily available, but carrying anti-diarrheal medication is advisable.



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