10 Days Rwanda Uganda safari

10-days Rwanda Uganda Safari includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park, golden monkey tracking, Kigali city Tour, and cultural visits to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and Batwa pygmies.

Kibale National Park is the first significant national park to explore following a tour of the city of Kigali. Kibale is regarded as the premier destination for chimpanzee tracking in Africa. It is home to more than 13 species of primates, including nocturnal species such as pottos and bush babies. Following your visit to Kibale, the next destination will be Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will have the opportunity to observe tree-climbing lions, the Big Four animals of Africa, and participate in a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Following your visit with Queen Elizabeth, you will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an immersive gorilla trekking experience and the opportunity to engage with the Batwa culture. From Bwindi, you will embark on island hopping, enjoy relaxation, and experience canoeing at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. Following your visit to Lake Bunyonyi, you will proceed to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park is the most visited National park in Rwanda. This area is inhabited by 30 percent of the remaining mountain gorilla population. In addition to gorillas, the park hosts golden monkeys and three of the eight Virunga volcanoes.

Your first activity will involve participating in the second gorilla tracking experience, followed by a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. The following day will involve golden monkey tracking and a visit to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. We are confident that by the conclusion of your journey, you will have experienced an extraordinary primates adventure, witnessed Africa’s renowned wildlife, and engaged in remarkable cultural interactions. If you are interested in a similar tour commencing from Uganda, please explore our 10-day safari package in Uganda and Rwanda. We offer a concise 7-day Rwanda and Uganda Safari, as well as a comprehensive 14-day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Package.

Highlight & Activities of the 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Uganda

Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes national park Rwanda

Game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Launch cruise along the Kazinga channel

Relaxation at the Beautiful lake Bunyonyi

Golden monkey tracking at the volcanoes national park

Cultural visits at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre and also with the Batwa pygmies

Touring Kigali city and the Gisozi Genocide memorial site

 A Detailed 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

Your guide will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, early in the morning. The individual will provide you with a briefing regarding the 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari prior to start your lengthy journey to Uganda. The journey requires approximately 6 hours, and it is advisable to depart early to ensure timely arrival for rest before the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest the following day. The journey is extensive yet highly engaging, offering the opportunity to experience the stunning countryside and landscapes of both Uganda and Rwanda. Lunch will be provided during the journey.

Dinner and accommodation options include Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Primates Lodge (Luxury), or Chimpanzee Guest House (Mid-range and budget).

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

Rise early and enjoy a brief cup of coffee before proceeding to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for the briefing. The park Rangers and Guides will provide you with insights into the history of the park, the wildlife, and what to anticipate during your chimpanzee tracking adventure. The chimpanzee trekking experience typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours, after which participants will return to their lodge for lunch, refreshments, and a period of relaxation. Your guide will subsequently transfer you to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening. The travel time to Queen Elizabeth National Park is approximately two hours.

Accommodation for the night and dinner will be provided at either the Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or the Mid-range Ihamba Lodge. Travelers on a budget may consider Simba Safari Camp.

Day 3: Morning game drive followed by a boat ride at the Kazinga Channel.

You will depart early with a packed breakfast from your hotel for a morning game drive to observe the early risers and the nocturnal mammals returning to their dens. When we refer to early risers, we are specifically talking about birds. Predators such as hyenas, leopards, and to a certain degree, lions, generally exhibit reduced activity levels during daylight hours. The optimal time to observe them is during the early morning hours when the sun has not yet reached its peak intensity. Buffaloes, hippos, leopards, lions, along with both resident and migratory birds, can be observed. After completing the game drive, you will return to the hotel for lunch and some time to relax. Following the break, our guide will escort you to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise.

 

The Channel serves as a central gathering location for a majority of the park’s wildlife and is regarded as one of the premier destinations for observing animals in Africa. This location is recognized as one of the premier destinations for birding in Uganda.

Accommodation for the night and dinner will be provided at either the Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or the Mid-range Ihamba Lodge. Travelers on a budget may consider Simba Safari Camp as an option.

Day 4: Second game drive in the Ishasha sector – Transfer to Bwindi

Following yesterday’s wildlife viewing experiences, you are now prepared for one final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your upcoming visit will take you to the Ishasha sector, renowned globally for its unique tree-climbing lions.

 

Tree-climbing lions are exclusively located in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The optimal location to observe them is in Uganda. As you search for the lions, you can anticipate encountering a variety of other wildlife, including species you may have overlooked during your initial game drive.  Following the completion of the game drive, you will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Lunch will be provided during the journey. Anticipate arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park late in the evening, allowing for an early rest in preparation for gorilla trekking the following day.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the luxurious Chameleon Hill Lodge or the comfortable Bakiga Lodge. Budget-conscious travelers will choose to stay at the Rushaga Camp.

Day 5: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi – Engaging with the Batwa Pygmies

Rise early and enjoy breakfast. Following breakfast, proceed to the park for a briefing on gorilla tracking. The briefing is scheduled for 7:00 AM and will be led by the head park guide or chief ranger. Attendance at the briefing is mandatory as it equips you with essential information and prepares you effectively for your experience with the gorillas. During the briefing, you will have the opportunity to hire a porter and be assigned to a gorilla group. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are approximately 14 habituated gorilla groups. Following the briefing, you will proceed into the forest to monitor the primates.

 

Gorilla trekking presents a demanding experience that requires hiking into the depths of the forest, navigating through dense vegetation, hills, valleys, and uneven, muddy terrain. The ultimate reward is the opportunity to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat for one hour. Experiencing a family of mountain gorillas over 10-days visit to Rwanda and Uganda safari in their natural habitat is regarded as one of the premier wildlife encounters. Please adhere to the instructions provided by the guides during your time with the gorillas. Upon the completion of your one-hour observation of the gorillas, please return to the starting point to meet with our guide. The guide will escort you back to the hotel for lunch and a period of rest. In the evening, proceed to visit the Batwa pygmy community.

The Batwa were the initial residents of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; however, they were displaced from the area to facilitate the conservation of mountain gorillas. During your time with them, you gain insight into the challenges they encounter while adjusting to a new environment. The Batwa will provide an engaging experience through their songs, dance, and storytelling.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the luxurious Chameleon Hill Lodge or the mid-range Bakiga Lodge. Budget-conscious travelers will choose to stay at the Rushaga Camp.

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Island hopping, Relaxation and Boat ride

You will rise early to enjoy a delightful breakfast before preparing for your transfer to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi stands out as one of the most stunning destinations in Uganda. The 29 islands in the lake are remarkable, as are the avian species and the surrounding landscape. Upon your arrival, you will complete the check-in process and proceed for a boat ride along the lake. Additional activities at the lake encompass swimming, nature walks, cultural excursions, and opportunities for relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi is devoid of bilharzia and crocodiles, yet it ranks among the deepest lakes in Africa. Please exercise caution if you are not proficient in swimming.

Dining and lodging options include the budget-friendly Bunyonyi Overland Resort or the mid-range Bunyonyi Safari Camp. The Bunyonyi Resort is a luxury lodge.

Day 7: Engagements in Lake Bunyonyi – Transition to Volcanoes National Park

You will rise and take a stroll around the picturesque lake prior to enjoying breakfast. The driver will escort you to engage in activities at Lake Bunyonyi before continuing your journey. The journey to Rwanda takes approximately four hours, with lunch scheduled during the trip. Experience the remarkable countryside and landscapes of both countries throughout your journey. The local residents lead a simple lifestyle yet consistently exhibit a sense of happiness. Be sure to capture photographs with the locals during your journey, and feel free to request brief stops if anything piques your interest. It is advisable to arrive at the lodge in a timely manner to allow for adequate rest in preparation for the gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Dining and lodging options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Tour of Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

The briefing for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park is scheduled for 7:00 am and will be conducted by park guides. Following the briefing, participants will be assigned to gorilla groups based on their overall age and fitness levels. Porters are available for hire if required. Upon completion of the briefing, the Guides and Rangers will escort you to the forest for gorilla tracking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national Park presents challenges due to the mountainous terrain; however, the opportunity to observe a family of mountain gorillas serves as a compelling motivation for all participants. Upon locating the group, maintain composure and avoid abrupt actions. After capturing your photos and utilizing the allocated hour, the Rangers will escort you back to the starting point to receive your certificate of completion. The guide will escort you back to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest.

In the evening, you will be taken on a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village, located near Volcanoes National Park. The center, recognized as the Gorilla Guardians Village, offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich culture of the Rwandan people.

Dining and lodging options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).

Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking – Exploring Lake Burera and Ruhondo

Following an early morning breakfast, you will proceed to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a comprehensive briefing on golden monkey tracking in Rwanda. Consider hiring a porter to assist you as you embark on your search for the charming golden monkeys.

They can be observed on treetops and branches, with some descending to forage on the ground. Golden monkeys represent a subspecies of blue monkeys and are currently classified as highly endangered. Tracking can also be conducted in Uganda; however, the activity in Rwanda is completed in just 4 hours. After completing the tracking of the golden monkeys, it is advisable to return to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest. In the evening, our guide will escort you to explore the twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera.

Dining and lodging options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).

Day 10: Return to Kigali – City Tour and Departure

This day 10 of the 10 days Rwanda Uganda Safari is designated for relaxation, contingent upon your departure flight or your plans to spend the night in Kigali. Begin your day at your convenience, enjoy breakfast, and check out of the hotel as you prepare for the Guide to commence the 3-hour journey to Kigali. If you were unable to explore the city of Kigali on Day 1 of the 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari due to a late arrival or other timing issues, today presents an opportunity to do so. Upon arrival in Kigali, the company driver will escort you on a tour of the city, including visits to the Kings Palace, the genocide memorial site, artisan shops, and the central market. The Kigali city tour presents opportunities to purchase souvenirs from local art and craft shops. Upon completion of the tour, the driver will escort you to lunch and subsequently to the airport for your departure or to your hotel.

10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari  includes: –

A full time safari vehicle and an experienced driver/Guide

Fuel for the entire tour

Gorilla Permits for Rwanda and Uganda

Drinking water and lunch while out of the hotel

Chimpanzee tracking permits

Golden monkey tracking permits

Airport transfer

Park entrance fees

Cultural and community visits at the Gorilla Guardians Centre and to the Batwa pygmies

A tour of Kigali city

The tour excludes: –

All flights

visas

personal costs

Insurance.