Safari Overview

This 15-day East African Adventure is a grand circuit designed for the traveler who wants it all. Spanning two countries, this journey takes you from the adrenaline-fueled source of the Nile in Jinja to the mist-shrouded peaks of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

You will witness the Big Five (including rhino trekking at Ziwa and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), track our closest relatives in the primate capitals of Kibale and Nyungwe, and stand in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the serene, island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi, this is a masterfully crafted itinerary led by expert guides to ensure a deeply rewarding encounter with Africa’s heart.

 

Safari Highlights

• Adrenaline & Source of the Nile: White-water rafting and a boat trip in Jinja.
• The Big Five Pursuit: Rhino trekking at Ziwa and game drives in Murchison Falls.
• Primate Triple-Crown: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and the Nyungwe Canopy Walk.
• Legendary Landscapes: The Rwenzori backdrop, Kazinga Channel cruise, and the Switzerland of Africa (Kabale).
• Historical Reflection: Dian Fossey’s grave site and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Meet your expert guide at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort) / Adonai Guest House (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Adrenaline in Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Head to Jinja for a world-class white-water rafting experience on the Nile. After the thrill, visit the official Source of the Nile before returning to Kampala.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Rhino Trekking & The Murchison Falls

Drive north through the Luwero Triangle. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided trek to see wild rhinos. Proceed to Murchison Falls and witness the Nile squeeze through a 7-meter gorge at the Top of the Falls.

• Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Murchison River Lodge (Comfort)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Wildlife Safari & The Victoria Nile Cruise

Early morning game drive for lions, giraffes, and elephants. In the afternoon, take a boat safari upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos and crocodiles.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Transfer to the Primate Capital (Kibale)

A full-day scenic drive south to Fort Portal, resting under the Mountains of the Moon.

• Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Comfort)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Swamp for rare primates and birdlife like the Great Blue Turaco.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7 – 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel

Visit the Mpanga tea estates before entering Queen Elizabeth N.P. Enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, featuring one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, and extensive game drives.

• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 9: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Search for the legendary lions that spend their days perched in fig trees in the Ishasha Sector.

• Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge (Luxury) / Ishasha Jungle Lodge (Comfort)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 10 – 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi

Travel to Bwindi for your life-changing Mountain Gorilla Trek. Spend one hour with these gentle giants before transferring to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi for a well-earned evening of relaxation.

• Accommodation: Birdnest @Bunyonyi (Luxury) / Bunyonyi Overland (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 12: Island Life & Cross to Rwanda

Enjoy canoeing or a visit to the Batwa community on Lake Bunyonyi’s islands. In the evening, cross the border into Ruhengeri, Rwanda.

• Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Luxury) / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 13: Dian Fossey Grave Site Trek

Trek to the Karisoke research camp at 3000m to visit the grave of Dian Fossey, nestled between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 14: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk

Drive to Nyungwe Forest and experience the exhilarating 160-meter canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of monkeys and butterflies in the rainforest.

• Accommodation: Top Hill View Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 15: Nyanza Palace & Departure via Kigali

Visit the Nyanza King’s Palace and the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your final transfer to Kigali International Airport.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (Included)	Exclusions (Not Included)
Permits	1 Gorilla Permit & 2 Chimp Permits (Kibale & Nyungwe)	International Airfares & Entry Visas
Transport	4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof & all fuel	Personal Travel & Medical Insurance
Guide	Expert English-speaking Ugandan/Rwandan guide	Tips/Gratuities for rangers, guides, and staff
Activities	White-water rafting, Rhino trekking, Boat cruises	Porters for trekking (highly recommended)
Accommodation	14 Nights Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)	Personal expenses (Laundry, Soft drinks/Alcohol)
Entrance Fees	All National Park & Memorial site entry fees	Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Uganda (Jinja, Murchison, Kibale, QENP, Bwindi, Bunyonyi) and Rwanda (Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Kigali).
• Key Wildlife: Rhinos, Chimpanzees, Tree-climbing Lions, Mountain Gorillas, Shoebill Stork.
• Travel Note: This 15-day tour is the ultimate multi-country East Africa safari, balancing high-intensity adventure with cultural depth.
• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) ensure the best trekking conditions and wildlife visibility.
• Expert Tip: Start in Uganda (Kampala) and end in Rwanda (Kigali) to save on backtracking and enjoy the different topographies of both land of a thousand hills.