Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari is an 18 days journey that combines the very best of East Africa’s wilderness and coastal paradise. From the misty rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda to the sun-kissed shores of Zanzibar, this adventure is designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and leave you with stories to last a lifetime.
Your safari begins in the vibrant city of Kigali before venturing into the lush highlands of Rwanda and Uganda, where you’ll come face-to-face with the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the playful golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park
The journey continues through Uganda’s great national parks—Queen Elizabeth, Kibale National Park , and Murchison Falls National Park —where you’ll experience classic game drives, river safaris along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, and meaningful cultural encounters with local communities. Each day reveals a new side of Africa, from the thunderous roar of Murchison Falls to the tranquil rhythms of the Bigodi wetlands.
After the exhilaration of wildlife adventures, you’ll trade the savannah for the sea with a flight to Zanzibar, the legendary Spice Island. Here, turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and coral reefs create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and discovery. You’ll sail the Indian Ocean on a Safari Blue excursion, snorkel in Mnemba’s coral gardens, dine at the iconic Rock Restaurant, wander through the historic alleys of Stone Town, and breathe in the fragrant aromas of spice plantations.
This is not just a holiday—it’s a complete African experience, where wild encounters meet cultural discovery and end with serene island bliss. Perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, this itinerary takes you on a journey through the soul of East Africa.
Uganda & Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali city. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at your hotel or take a short stroll around the city.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, set out for a guided Kigali city tour, exploring landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and bustling city streets. Later, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park, a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and lush countryside. Dinner and overnight will be near the park.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cross to Uganda
This morning, embark on a golden monkey trekking experience inside Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are a delight to watch as they leap through bamboo forests. After the trek, you will cross into Uganda through the Cyanika or Gatuna border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Visit
Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing from park rangers, you will venture into the forest in search of a gorilla family. Spending an hour in the presence of these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a Batwa cultural encounter, where you’ll learn about the traditions, dances, and forest knowledge of this indigenous community.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rolling hills and rural Ugandan landscapes. Upon arrival, you may enjoy an evening game drive or relax at your lodge while overlooking the savannah plains.
Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Rise early for a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and leopards roam freely. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. This is one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, a lush rainforest famously known as the primate capital of the world. In the afternoon, you will set out on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure, guided by experienced rangers. As you explore the forest, listen for the distant pant-hoots and rustling leaves that signal the presence of chimpanzees. Once you locate a troop, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and display their remarkable social behaviors. Along the way, you may also spot other primates such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, or grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as a variety of forest birds and butterflies. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation as you enjoy your Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari.
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Today will be a long but scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. You will pass rural towns, tea plantations, and rolling hills. Arrive in time for an evening at leisure at your lodge along the Nile River.
Day 9: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Murchison Falls
Start the day with a game drive across the savannah, where you may spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the thundering Murchison Falls. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.
Day 10: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Transfer to Kampala
After breakfast, drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. This exciting experience brings you close to these endangered giants. Afterwards, continue to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Kampala City Tour or Mabamba Shoebill Watching
After breakfast, you can choose between two enriching experiences for your Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari
If you opt for a Kampala City Tour, you will explore Uganda’s vibrant capital, a city that pulses with culture, history, and modern life. Visit key landmarks such as the Uganda Museum, the Kasubi Royal Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Gaddafi Mosque with its panoramic city views, and the bustling Owino Market where locals trade everything from fabrics to fresh produce. This tour provides insight into Uganda’s heritage, traditions, and the everyday life of its people.
Alternatively, nature enthusiasts may choose an excursion to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to spot the rare and iconic shoebill stork. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria, this birding paradise is reached by a scenic drive followed by a canoe ride through papyrus wetlands. As you glide quietly across the water, look out not only for shoebills but also for colorful kingfishers, African jacanas, herons, and other wetland bird species.
Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe & Flight to Zanzibar
This morning, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar for more of your Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and take you to your beachfront hotel. Relax and enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere as you prepare for the next leg of your Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari
Day 13: Safari Blue Trip
Enjoy a full-day sailing adventure around Menai Bay, including snorkeling, swimming, and visiting sandbanks and Kwale Island. A seafood barbecue lunch featuring lobster, octopus, squid, and fresh fish will be served, along with exotic tropical fruits.
Day 14: Market Experience & Traditional Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in Zanzibari culture with a visit to Darajani Market, where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients before taking part in a hands-on cooking class. This experience gives you an authentic taste of Zanzibar’s food culture.
Day 15: Mnemba Dolphins & Snorkeling Trip
Take a day trip to Mnemba Island, where you can swim with dolphins and snorkel among coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. A delicious seafood lunch will be served at Muyuni Beach.
Day 16: Blue Lagoon Snorkeling & The Rock Restaurant
Snorkel in the Blue Lagoon of Michamvi, famous for its tropical fish and starfish. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the iconic Rock Restaurant, set dramatically on a rock in the Indian Ocean.
Day 17: Spice Farm & Stone Town Tour
Visit a spice plantation to taste and learn about the spices that made Zanzibar world-famous. After a spiced lunch, take a guided Stone Town tour, exploring landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Slave Market, and Freddie Mercury’s childhood home.
Day 18: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank – Departure
On your final day, enjoy a full-day excursion to Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank. Visit the giant Aldabra tortoises, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy a beachside seafood barbecue. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport or ferry terminal for your onward journey.
End of Rwanda Uganda Zanzibar Safari