Safari Overview
This 20-day Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife Holiday is the ultimate East African odyssey, meticulously designed to showcase the Big Five, rare primates, and breathtaking landscapes of two remarkable nations. Your journey begins with an adrenaline-fueled start at the Source of the Nile in Jinja and traverses through Uganda’s oldest parks into the mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park and the savannahs of Akagera in Rwanda.
From tracking Rhinos on foot and watching Tree-Climbing Lions to double Gorilla Trekking and walking above the forest floor on a Canopy Walk, this safari offers a comprehensive immersion into Africa’s biodiversity. You will witness the thunderous Murchison Falls, relax on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, and honor the resilient history of Rwanda at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Safari Highlights
- Adrenaline & Source of the Nile: White water rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja.
- The Big Five: Rhino trekking at Ziwa and savannah drives in Murchison Falls and Akagera.
- Primate Triple-Crown: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Nyungwe; Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes.
- Iconic Landscapes: Murchison Falls, Rwenzori foothills, Kazinga Channel, and the Virunga Volcanoes.
- Cultural Depth: Batwa community visits and the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrival & Adrenaline in Jinja
Arrive at Entebbe and transfer to Kampala. On Day 2, head to Jinja for a world-class white water rafting adventure on the Nile.
- Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3-4: Ziwa Rhinos & Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot tracking. Proceed to Murchison Falls, visiting the Top of the Falls. On Day 4, enjoy a sunrise game drive followed by a boat cruise upstream to the base of the falls to spot hippos, crocodiles, and the rare Shoebill stork.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Murchison River Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5-6: Kibale Forest – Primate Capital of the World
Travel south to the lush Fort Portal region. Day 6 is dedicated to tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, followed by a community walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7-9: Queen Elizabeth Park & Tree-Climbing Lions
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Highlights include a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and a search for the legendary tree-climbing lions in the remote Ishasha Sector.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10-12: Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation
Journey into the Switzerland of Africa (Kigezi Highlands). On Day 11, embark on your first Gorilla Trekking adventure in Bwindi. On Day 12, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, for canoeing and island visits.
- Accommodation: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13-14: Crossing to Rwanda & Volcanoes National Park
Cross into Rwanda and head to Musanze. Day 14 offers a choice: a second Gorilla Trek in Rwanda or a hike to the Dian Fossey Grave Site to honor the pioneer of gorilla conservation.
- Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Luxury) / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 15-17: Kigali Culture & Akagera’s Big Five
Visit Kigali’s craft markets before heading to Akagera National Park. Enjoy game drives across Rwanda’s only savannah park and a boat safari on the Kagera River to view elephants and water birds.
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp (Luxury) / Akagera Game Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 18-20: Nyungwe Forest Canopy & Departure
Head to Nyungwe Forest, home to 13 primate species. On Day 19, track Chimpanzees and experience the thrilling Canopy Walk 70 meters above the forest floor. On Day 20, transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is included) | Exclusions (What is NOT included) |
| Permits | Gorilla Permit, Chimp Permit, Rhino Trekking | Second Gorilla Permit (optional) |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle with fuel and expert guide | International airfares & Visa fees |
| Activities | Rafting, Launch trips, Canopy walk, Game drives | Tips and gratuities for guides/staff |
| Lodging | Full Board accommodation (19 Nights) | Personal insurance (Medical/Travel) |
| Entrance | All National Park entrance fees | Expenses of a personal nature (Laundry, drinks) |
| Refreshments | Bottled drinking water throughout the tour | Meals not specified in the itinerary |
Quick Facts
- Regional Coverage: Comprehensive tour of Uganda and Rwanda.
- Key Species: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, Elephants.
- Activity Levels: High (Includes multiple treks, hikes, and rafting).
- Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) for better trekking conditions.
- Expert Tip: This cross-border safari requires an East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between Uganda and Rwanda.
