13 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari (Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking & Wildlife)
13-days Rwanda Uganda safari covers Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Volcanoes National Park. for gorilla trekking. This 13 days Rwanda Uganda Itinerary includes double gorilla trekking experience, golden monkey tracking, cultural visits, and Kigali city tour. Let us engage in a discussion regarding each of the national parks and additional destinations.
Murchison Falls is the most expansive national park in Uganda. This park uniquely offers the opportunity to observe all of the big five mammals. Prior to arriving at the park, there will be a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to provide an opportunity for tracking white rhinos. Additional activities in the park encompass a visit to the summit of the falls, a game drive, and a launch cruise. You will then proceed to Kibale National Park. Kibale is considered one of the premier locations for primate tracking in East Africa. The park is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees. Following your visit to Kibale, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is the most frequented national park in Uganda. This location features tree-climbing lions, stunning landscapes, gorges, and crater lakes. During your time at the park, you will participate in two game drives and enjoy a launch cruise. The journey will proceed from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas. Your primary engagements in Bwindi will include gorilla trekking and interacting with the Batwa pygmies. Following your gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi, you will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi for a period of relaxation, which includes activities such as canoeing, nature walks, bird watching, and exploring the islands. We are confident that this will provide you with the opportunity to rest and recover following the initial phase of the safari. Following your visit to Lake Bunyonyi, arrangements will be made for your transfer to Rwanda.
Starting with Volcanoes National Park. This national park in Rwanda is the most frequented, offering opportunities for registration for both gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking experiences. In the evenings, you will have the opportunity to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village and the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera. Upon the conclusion of all activities, the driver will transport you to Kigali for the final event of the safari. The itinerary includes a city tour featuring visits to the genocide memorial centre in Kigali, the main city market, the presidential palace museum, and artisan shops. Following the city tour, the driver will transport you to your hotel or to the airport for your departure.
If you are seeking a more concise safari experience, our 12-day safari in Uganda may capture your interest. We offer an exceptional 15-day Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda Safari Packages. If your primary focus is on primates, we invite you to explore our 5-day Uganda and Rwanda tour Package
Highlights & Activities Of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari:
- Â Â Â A game drives and launch cruise at Murchison falls National park
- Â Â Â Tracking Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
- Â Â Â Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Â Â Â Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Â Â Â Launch cruise along the Kazinga channel
- Â Â Â 1st Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest
- Â Â Â Visiting Lake Bunyonyi
- Â Â Â 2nd gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National park
- Â Â Â Golden Monkey Tracking
- Â Â Â Visiting the Twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
-    Visiting the Iby’iwacu Community village
- Â Â Â Touring Kigali city and its landmarks
Detailed 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at the airport – transfer to accommodations in Entebbe or Kampala
Upon your arrival, a safari guide will meet you at the airport and provide a briefing regarding the tour. He will then transport you directly to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Should you arrive ahead of schedule, the driver will provide you with a tour of Entebbe or Kampala.
Dinner and overnight accommodations are available at Hotel Triangle (budget), Malakai Eco Lodge (mid-range), and Kampala Serena Hotel (luxury).
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park – Track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit the top of the falls.
You will rise early, enjoy breakfast, and commence your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey lasts approximately 4 hours, providing an opportunity to observe the Ugandan countryside, quaint towns, and the local populace engaged in agricultural activities. Anticipate making stops in various towns or at the primary markets.
A two-hour stop is scheduled at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary was created to safeguard the remaining rhinos in Uganda. The illegal hunting of elephants for ivory in Murchison Falls National Park, along with numerous other national parks in Uganda, has resulted in the extinction of rhinos in their natural habitats. The sanctuary has been transformed into a breeding and research center. There is optimism that, in the near future, some of the rhinos at the sanctuary will be reintroduced into their natural habitat. During your visit to the sanctuary, be sure to observe the primates, antelopes, and various bird species. Your lunch is scheduled at Amuka Lodge following the Rhino tracking activity.
Following lunch, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey that will take approximately one hour. Upon your arrival near the park, you will be escorted directly to the summit of the Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls is regarded as one of the most remarkable waterfalls in Africa. It is created at a location where the river Nile navigates through a constricted gorge before cascading with a powerful sound. Capture numerous photographs of yourself at the falls, as it will undoubtedly be a highlight of your tour. Following a period of appreciating the photographs and capturing your own, the driver will transport you to your hotel or assist with check-in.
Accommodation options include overnight stays and dinner at Red Chili Rest Camp (budget), Pakuba Lodge (midrange), and Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury).
Day 3: Morning game drive followed by a boat cruise along the River Nile.
You will rise early to get ready for a day filled with various activities. Enjoy your breakfast and proceed to the southern banks of the Nile River. During your time in the park for the game drive, be sure to keep an eye out for four of the big five: buffaloes, lions, leopards, and elephants. Additionally, you can expect to observe hyenas, giraffes, jackals, hartebeests, bushbucks, the Uganda Kob, and various other mammals and primates. You will return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest before embarking on an afternoon launch cruise that will take you to the base of the Murchison Falls this time. Along the riverbanks, numerous park animals can be observed drinking from the water’s edge.
Please be vigilant for hippopotamuses and crocodiles during this time. Murchison Falls boasts one of the highest concentrations of crocodiles and hippos in Africa. Numerous resident and migratory bird species can also be found. Notable bird species to observe include the Black-headed Gonolek, the rare shoe-bill stork, the African Skimmer, Long-toed Plover, Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, and Grey-crowned Crane, among others.
Accommodation options include overnight stays and dinner at Red Chili Rest Camp (budget), Pakuba Lodge (midrange), and Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury).
Day 4: Journey to Kibale National Park – 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
Following yesterday’s activities, please wake up at your convenience, enjoy breakfast, and proceed with checkout. The guide will commence the journey to Kibale National Park. Experience Uganda’s stunning landscapes and the warm hospitality of its people throughout your journey. You will navigate through towns, lakes, rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and numerous small bridges. The itinerary includes a visit to Fort Portal for lunch, followed by a guided tour of the town. The town is modest in size yet situated in a region characterized by excellent weather and lush landscapes. You will visit the headquarters of the Tooro Kingdom during the town tour before proceeding to your lodge.
Accommodation options include dinner and overnight stays at Chimpanzee Guest House (budget), Primates Lodge (midrange), and Kyaninga Lodge (luxury).
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking – Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin your day5 of the 13 days Rwanda Uganda safari with a brief coffee before proceeding to the park headquarters for a briefing on the expectations for chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to approximately 1500 individual chimpanzees, though only 4 groups have been habituated. The likelihood of observing chimpanzees in this location is significantly greater than in any other area of East Africa.
Chimpanzees exhibit greater mobility and a more dynamic behavior in comparison to gorillas. The leading male faces challenges in managing his group members effectively. Their significant noise level allows for their location to be identified prior to direct approach. Chimpanzees tend to spend a greater amount of time in the treetops compared to gorillas. Following a 3-5 hour tracking session of chimpanzees, you will return to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest. In the late afternoon, you will commence a two-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation options include Simba Safari Camp for budget travelers, Park View Lodge for mid-range preferences, and Mweya Safari Lodge for those seeking luxury.
Day 6: Early morning game drive – Kazinga Channel Launch cruise
It is advisable to rise early and prepare your breakfast or coffee before departing for the morning game drive. The early morning game drive is intended to provide tourists with the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals returning to their dens after a bustling night. You will have the opportunity to observe the early rising mammals and birds.
Get your camera ready to capture images of leopards, lions, buffaloes, and hippos as they return from grazing outside the lakes at night. Enthusiasts of avian species will find a remarkable assortment of both resident and migratory birds to admire.
Following the game drive, you will be transported back to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest. You will be taken on a Launch cruise across the Kazinga Channel by your guide at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon. The channel delineates the boundary between Lake Albert and Lake George. This location serves as an excellent bird sanctuary, attracting a significant number of wildlife seeking hydration, particularly during the dry season. The extensive range and diversity of animals found along the water banks will undoubtedly leave you both surprised and impressed. Be vigilant for crocodiles, hippos, elephants, antelopes, and buffaloes.
Accommodation options include an overnight stay at Simba Safari Camp for budget travelers, Park View Lodge for those seeking mid-range comfort, and Mweya Safari Lodge for a luxury experience.
Day 7: Game drive in the Ishasa sector – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
It is advisable to enjoy a complete breakfast prior to your departure. Your guide will accompany you for an additional game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The game drive will take place in the Ishasa sector, renowned globally for its tree-climbing lions. Following the observation of various mammals and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, we are now set to commence our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Lunch will be sourced from an appropriate location during the journey to Bwindi. Upon your arrival, please check in and make sure to rest early in preparation for the gorilla tracking scheduled for the following day.
Accommodation and dining options include Rushaga Gorilla Camp for budget travelers, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge for mid-range preferences, and Chameleon Hill Lodge for those seeking luxury.
Day 8: Trekking with Uganda Gorillas – Batwa Pygmies visit
Following breakfast in the morning, proceed to the briefing at the park headquarters. You will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the rules and regulations pertaining to the tracking of mountain gorillas, with a specific focus on appropriate conduct in the presence of the gorilla family. Additional subjects encompass the park’s history, the count of gorilla groups, a packing list, and expectations for visitors. Participants will be allocated to a gorilla family according to their age, physical fitness, and personal preferences. The criteria for allocating gorilla groups is crucial, as certain groups inhabit the deeper areas of the forest. Once everything is settled, you will proceed into the forest for gorilla tracking accompanied by the park rangers and your porters. Upon encountering the gorillas, it is essential to remain composed and avoid any abrupt actions. The park guide will inform you of the appropriate times for photography. You have one hour to observe the gorillas, so please take your time to appreciate their behavior. Observing a group of mountain gorillas represents a premier wildlife experience. While there are more than 250,000 western lowland gorillas still in existence, many of which are located in zoos, the population of mountain gorillas in the wild is approximately 1,000. Not everyone has the opportunity to witness them during their lifetime. Once the hour has concluded, it is time to return to the starting point.
As you proceed, be attentive to the birds, forest mammals, and various primates in the area. Your guide will meet you at the designated starting point to escort you back to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Batwa pygmy community. The individuals were formerly residents of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest until ongoing conflicts with wildlife necessitated their relocation by the government to their present location. Several projects have been initiated to assist the Batwa pygmies in adapting to their new home and lifestyle, and they have achieved significant success. In addition to gaining insights into the history of the Batwa and their hunting expertise, you will also experience cultural performances.
Accommodation includes dinner and overnight stays at Rushaga Gorilla Camp (budget), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (midrange), and Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury).
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Engaging in canoeing, exploring nature through walks, island hopping, and enjoying moments of relaxation.
It would be advisable to allow yourself to wake up later following yesterday’s engagements. Please enjoy your breakfast and proceed with the check-out process. The guide will commence the journey to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations to visit in Uganda and Rwanda. This lake ranks among the deepest in Africa, making it unsuitable for individuals lacking swimming proficiency. The lake is distinguished by its surrounding lush vegetation, forests, and the presence of 29 islands. Lake Bunyonyi is a preferred destination for honeymooners and individuals seeking a tranquil retreat following an extensive safari in Uganda. This location is renowned as an exceptional destination for birdwatching in Uganda, serving as a significant bird sanctuary. You will embark on a boat cruise, exploring various islands or relaxing as you enjoy the passage of time. This is an excellent location to rejuvenate after the past eight days.
Accommodation options include overnight stays and dinner at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi Safari Camp (midrange), and Bunyonyi Resort (luxury).
Day 10: Finalize activities in Lake Bunyonyi – Proceed to Volcanoes National Park
Rise early on the day 10 of the 13 days Rwanda Uganda safari, enjoy breakfast, and proceed to further relax and explore Lake Bunyonyi. You are now prepared to embark on your journey to Rwanda. Make certain that all your documents are prepared, including the Rwanda visa. If you do not possess a Rwanda visa, it can be obtained at the border crossing in just 15 minutes. The journey from Uganda to Rwanda offers breathtaking scenery and landscapes that will captivate your attention. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will proceed to check in, take a shower, and unwind at the lodge in preparation for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation options include dinner and overnight stays at The 5 Volcanos Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Kinigi Guest House (Budget).
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Tour of Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park starts with a briefing at Volcanoes National Park at 7:00 AM. Rise early to enjoy your breakfast prior to the arrival of your driver. Rwanda is home to 12 habituated gorilla families. Tracking gorillas presents challenges, yet the rewards and excitement are truly beyond description.
One hour spent with the gorillas in the wild will remain etched in your memory forever. When with family, one can easily spend hours observing the children as they engage in play and explore their surroundings. Mountain Gorillas exhibit playful behavior and may approach you closely. Please refrain from making contact. Please maintain composure and adhere to the directions provided by the park guide. This is an opportunity to note any behavioral differences in comparison to the gorilla family you observed in Uganda. Once the hour spent with the gorilla group has concluded, please proceed back to the park offices. Your guide will escort you to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest.
Â
In the afternoon, you will visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village situated in Musanze, conveniently near the Volcanoes National Park. The Centre has been rebranded as the Gorilla Guardians village. It began as a center where former poachers would sell merchandise to tourists, but the government of Rwanda recognized an opportunity. The facility has been revitalized and has emerged as one of the premier cultural centers in East Africa. Anticipate an engaging experience featuring cultural dances and songs. Participation and appropriate attire in local robes may be necessary during the photo sessions.
Â
Accommodation options include dinner and overnight stays at The 5Â Volcanos Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Kinigi Guest House (Budget).
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Explore Lake Burera and Ruhondo
on 12 of 13 days Rwanda Uganda safari , you will rise early for breakfast before proceeding to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. The park guides and rangers will expertly lead you as you track the charming yet endangered golden monkeys. Upon arrival at the troop, you will observe them foraging on the lower branches of trees. Golden monkeys exhibit a high level of playfulness characteristic of their species. They enjoy being photographed and are indifferent to the use of flash. The Park Rangers will provide you with comprehensive information regarding the monkeys and their primary threats: humans and eagles. Upon completing your observation of the monkeys, our guide will escort you back to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, a guided tour of the stunning twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo will be provided.
Accommodation includes dinner and an overnight stay at The 5 Volcanos Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Kinigi Guest House (Budget).
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour – Departure
on day 13 of the 13 days Rwanda Uganda Safari, you will have the opportunity to wake up and enjoy breakfast at your convenience as you prepare for the journey to Kigali. The journey to Kigali presents an opportunity to appreciate the stunning countryside of Rwanda, characterized by lush green hills, tea plantations, vibrant local communities, bustling town centers, and the majestic views of the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. The lunch will take place in Kigali prior to the city tour. The itinerary encompasses a visit to a genocide war memorial center, the presidential palace museum, the main city market, and gift shops for souvenirs. You will subsequently be transported to the airport for your departure or to your hotel in Kigali.
cost of the safari will include: –
A safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
A Driver/Guide who is experienced and speaks good English
Full time English speaking guide/Driver
Fuel for the 13 days
Accommodation and meals for 12 days
Park Entry fees
Gorilla Permits for Rwanda and Uganda
Chimpanzee permits
Golden Monkey permits
Game drives
Launch cruises
Activities in Lake Bunyonyi
Cultural Encounters with the Batwa pygmies and at the Gorilla Guardians Village
Drinking water and lunch while traveling or outside the hotel
Pickup in Kampala/Entebbe and drop-off at your desired location in Kigali
Tour of Kigali City
The tour cost will exclude
international flights
visas
personal costs
insurance.