10 Days Best of Uganda & Rwanda Safari
A journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Best of Uganda & Rwanda Safari, exploring primate-rich rainforests, vast savannahs, and diverse wetlands. This adventure is designed to immerse you in the incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage of East Africa. Trek through the jungles to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Each day is packed with unforgettable experiences, making this an expedition of a lifetime.
Brief 10 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk
Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Detailed 10 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a brief city tour to explore Kigali’s vibrant culture and history. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Optional Kigali City Tour: If time permits, take a guided city tour to explore Rwanda’s capital, known for its cleanliness and order. Visit landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s history, the vibrant Kimironko Market for local crafts, or the Inema Arts Center showcasing contemporary Rwandan art.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic drive offers stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit (Optional): Experience the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda by visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can engage with former poachers who have turned into conservationists, learn traditional dance, and even participate in local cooking demonstrations.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Begin your day with an exhilarating golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are a delight to observe as they leap through the bamboo forests. Afterward, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to gain insight into Rwandan traditions and community conservation efforts.
Golden Monkey Trekking: This unique experience allows you to hike through the lush forests in search of the endangered golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga region. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll spend an hour watching them play, forage, and interact in their natural habitat.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: A visit to this cultural center offers a deep dive into Rwandan traditions. Engage with local communities, enjoy performances of traditional dance and music, and learn about the transformation of poachers into conservationists.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, cross the border into Uganda and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, lush vegetation, and rural communities along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for the next day’s thrilling gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari – a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi’s dense jungle. Accompanied by experienced rangers, track a gorilla family and spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their interactions. In the afternoon, engage with the Batwa community to learn about their fascinating hunter-gatherer traditions.
Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is one of the most profound wildlife encounters in the world. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, you will spend an hour observing their social behaviors, including grooming, playing, and feeding. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating.
Batwa Cultural Experience: The Batwa people, also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” are indigenous to Bwindi. During this experience, you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, from hunting techniques to storytelling and medicinal plant use.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, vast savannahs, and scenic crater lakes. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge in preparation for an exciting day ahead.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where you may spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of bird species.
Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains: The morning hours are ideal for spotting predators like lions and leopards as they hunt. Other animals such as elephants, buffalos, and antelopes roam freely in the savannah.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: This two-hour boat cruise is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. It’s an excellent opportunity for photography.
Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Enjoy another early morning game drive to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities. Afterward, travel to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its high concentration of primates, including chimpanzees. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge in preparation for the next day’s trekking adventure.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk
Embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area teeming with diverse birdlife and primates.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are highly active and vocal, making for an exciting trek. You’ll hike through the tropical forest, listening to the echoes of chimpanzee calls, and observe them swinging between trees, foraging, and playing.
Bigodi Wetland Walk: This swampy wetland is home to an incredible variety of birds, including the Great Blue Turaco, as well as colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more. The walk is led by community guides who share insights about the area’s flora and fauna.
Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you may have time for optional activities before your international flight.
Optional Activities in Entebbe: If time permits, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a lakeside meal before heading to the airport.