2 week Uganda Rwanda Itinerary

2 week Uganda-Rwanda itinerary safari package leads to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi. The 14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari itinerary includes double gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, alongside numerous other remarkable experiences. You will participate in boat cruises, wildlife drives, chimpanzee tracking, visits to Lake Bunyonyi, birdwatching, a tour of the genocide memorial site in Kigali, Golden Monkey tracking, and conclude with relaxing by the shores of Lake Kivu. We are confident you will like your experience seeing some of the premier tourist destinations in Uganda and Rwanda.

This 14-day Uganda and Rwanda Safari commences in Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda. Your journey starts at Murchison Falls National Park, with a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route. During your visit to Murchison Falls, you will partake in a game drive and a boat excursion at the base of the falls. From Murchison Falls, you will proceed to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, followed by a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The primary activities at Queen Elizabeth National Park are a boat ride on the renowned Kazinga Channel and a conventional morning wildlife drive. Additionally, before moving on to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will have a special game drive to witness the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Bwindi harbors the largest population of mountain gorillas in Africa. Following the gorilla trekking, you will engage with the Batwa pygmies for a remarkable cultural experience. You will take a vacation from Bwindi and travel to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi for island hopping, nature walks, kayaking, and birdwatching. Following your stay in Lake Bunyonyi, you will have sufficiently recovered and be prepared for Rwanda.

On the tenth day of 14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari, you will travel from Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda to Volcanoes National Park for a second gorilla trekking experience. With this second gorilla trekking experience, you may compare and contrast how different groups are structured and behave. Following gorilla trekking, the driver will transport you to the Gorilla Guardians Village, previously referred to as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. The following day will be dedicated to golden monkey trekking and exploring the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. From Volcanoes National Park, you will engage in relaxing, swimming, canoeing, and island hopping in Lake Kivu. The concluding activity involves a trip of Kigali, during which you will see the genocide memorial center, the primary city market, artisan shops, and the former presidential palace museum. If you seek an extended journey encompassing Congo, consider our 15-day safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We also provide a concise 7-day wildlife safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

Highlights Of the 2 week Uganda Rwanda Itinerary

Tracking white Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Touring Kigali city
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable Forest Uganda
Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Standard game drive in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks
Special Game drive to see tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruises along the Nile river and Kazinga channel
Visit Lake Bunyonyi for birding, nature walks, relaxation and canoeing
Golden Monkey Tracking at the Volcanoes national park
Visiting the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera in Rwanda
Visiting the Gorilla Guardians village in Rwanda
Visiting the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda
Canoeing, swimming, island hopping and relaxation at Lake Kivu

Detailed 2 Week Uganda Rwanda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and airport transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala

Upon your arrival, the safari guide will be waiting to collect you from the airport and transport you to Kampala. Upon early arrival, the driver will provide a tour of Entebbe or Kampala city.

Overnight and Dinner at hotel Triangle (budget), Malakai Eco Lodge/2 Friends Beach Hotel and Kampala Serena hotel (luxury).

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park for rhino tracking at the Ziwa Sanctuary.

You will rise early in the morning, have breakfast, and depart for Murchison Falls National Park. During your journey, you will traverse the picturesque landscape of Uganda, including the Luwero Triangle. The Luwero Triangle is the location where the present government initiated a guerrilla warfare campaign that facilitated its rise to power.

You will explore the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary right before you reach the Murchison Falls National Park. As of 1980, white rhinos were no longer seen in Uganda’s protected areas. The remaining individuals were transported to the sanctuary for further protection. Currently, approximately 50 rhinos reside in the sanctuary, with plans for their future reintroduction into Uganda’s wildlife parks. After lunch at Amuka Lodge, we’ll head to the national park of Murchison Falls. The guide will lead you directly to the top of Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls constricts through an 8-meter-wide valley before plummeting with a resounding roar. Adjacent to it, you will observe the Uhuru Falls, which was formed in 1962 as a result of significant flooding.

Overnight and Dinner at Red Chili Rest Camp (budget), Pakuba Lodge (mid-range) and Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury).

Day 3: Early morning game drive and a boat ride on the Nile River

In order to participate in an early morning game, you will need to up quite early. Bring your own coffee or breakfast items to enjoy on the game drive across the park’s southern sector. The morning drive will traverse several sections of the park, providing an opportunity to observe four of the Big Five: leopards, buffaloes, lions, and elephants. The game drive reveals a greater diversity of mammals in the park, including the Uganda Kob, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, hartebeest, bushbucks, and several antelope species. Upon completion of the morning wildlife drive, you will return to the resort for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, prepare for a boat cruise along the Nile River, concluding at the base of Murchison Falls. This part of the Nile exhibits a substantial density of hippopotamuses and crocodiles. The region is a bird haven, with species such as the Fish Eagle, Shoebill, Grey-crowned Crane, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, Black-headed Gonolek, Long-toed Plover, and Saddle-billed Stork.

Overnight and Dinner at Red Chili Rest Camp (budget), Pakuba Lodge (mid-range) and Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury).

Day 4: Proceed to Kibale National Park

You will awaken at your convenience and have breakfast prior to departing Murchison Falls National Park for Kibale National Park. The tour is extensive yet rewarding, allowing you to witness Uganda’s picturesque landscape, numerous landmarks, and observe the people of Uganda in their daily activities. We will have lunch in the charming town of Fort Portal.

Following lunch, I will embark on a tour of the town and the headquarters of the Tooro Kingdom. Fort Portal is distinguished by its favorable climate and abundant greenery throughout the year.

Overnight and Dinner at Chimpanzee Guest House (budget), Primates Lodge (Mid-range) and Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury).

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following breakfast, the driver will transport you to the Kibale National Park offices for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. The guides and Rangers will inform you of everything pertinent to tracking chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is the premier location for chimpanzee tracking globally.

The likelihood of encountering them is considerable, and there are four habituated communities. Unlike mountain gorillas, chimpanzees prefer to remain atop of the trees. They are also more vociferous, enabling them to be detected from several kilometers away. Chimpanzee trekking lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, following which you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The driver will then transport you to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening. The expedition requires merely 2 hours.

Overnight and Dinner at Simba safari camp (budget), Park view lodge/Ihamba Lodge (mid-range) and Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury).

Day 6: Game drive and launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth park

You will rise early to embark on a morning game drive in the Kasenyi area of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. This morning game drive enables tourists to observe nocturnal animals returning to their dens as well as early risers. Anticipate observing leopards, hippos, lions, buffaloes, hartebeests, as well as resident and migratory bird species. Upon concluding your game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and a period of rest. You will be transferred to the Kazinga Channel for a launch voyage at 2:00 PM. The Kazinga Channel serves as a convergence point for the majority of the park’s wildlife and birds. You will be greatly astonished by the abundant wildlife found drinking and foraging along the banks.

Overnight and Dinner at Simba safari camp (budget), Park view lodge/Ihamba Lodge (mid-range) and Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury).

Day 7: Game drive at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth – Transfer to Bwindi national park

Rise early for a lavish breakfast and ready yourself for your second game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will be transported to the Ishasha region of the park, renowned for its Tree Climbing Lions. You will encounter numerous additional park mammals that you may not have observed in other areas of the park. Upon observing the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha(which is only by luck), you will exit the park and commence your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. Lunch will be consumed en route, with an anticipated arrival to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park in the late afternoon. Get a good night’s sleep before the next day’s gorilla tracking.

Overnight and Dinner at Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury).

Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest – Visiting the Batwa Pygmies

Get up early and eat breakfast before coming to the park office at 7:00 am for the gorilla trekking briefing. The lead guide will review the prerequisites and regulations for gorilla trekking, anticipated experiences, the gorilla groups, and the park’s attractions. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is home to a number gorilla families, some residing near the park offices and others situated further within the forest. The distribution of gorilla families is determined by the overall fitness and age of the travelers. Gorilla tracking is difficult, although the experience of ultimately witnessing a gorilla group is unparalleled. One may devote an entire day observing the juveniles as they engage in play and tumble about. Consistently adhere to the directives provided by the guides, maintain composure, and refrain from abrupt movements when capturing your photographs.

Upon the conclusion of the one-hour encounter with the gorillas, you will return to the initial location where our driver will be awaiting your arrival. The driver will transport you back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. You will visit the Batwa pygmy village that is near the park later in the afternoon. The authorities transferred them once the forest reserve was converted into a park. The Batwa pygmies resided as hunters and gatherers for millennia in the forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Park.

Overnight and Dinner at Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury).

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for bird watching, sightseeing and a boat ride

Awaken at your convenience for breakfast and prepare for transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is a renowned destination for birding excursions and tourism in Uganda. It is a diminutive lake featuring more than 40 islands, making it a great destination for honeymooners and individuals seeking a tranquil, serene, and romantic environment. You will embark on a boat excursion and island exploration while observing local fisherman engaged in their tasks. One may also visit the island of punishment. This is where young ladies who conceived out of wedlock were forsaken to perish. The majority were saved by males who were unable to pay the bride price.

Overnight and Dinner at Bunyonyi overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi Birdnest (Mid-range) and Bunyonyi resort (luxury).

Day 10: Transfer to the Volcanoes national park in Rwanda

Awake at your convenience and have breakfast prior to departing for Rwanda. Anticipate an engaging experience, as the travel from Uganda to Rwanda offers visitors stunning landscapes and remarkable terrain. Upon reaching Rwanda, we will stop for lunch. Subsequent to lunch, the driver will proceed to your lodge for check-in and leisure. You have two options for the evening: ask the driver to give you a tour of Musanze or go on a nature walk. Get some early sleep so that you are ready for the next day’s gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation and dinner at The Garden Place Hotel (budget), Da Vinci Lodge (mid-range), and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (luxury).

Day 11: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda – Touring the Iby’iwacu cultural village

Get up and eat breakfast before going to the park headquarters at 7:00 am for a gorilla trekking briefing. The officials will inform you about the expectations for the activity, the items you should bring, and the appropriate conduct when in the presence of the gorilla family. The Volcanoes National Park is home to ten gorilla families that are accustomed to living there. You will be assigned one according to your age and overall fitness level. This is due to the fact that some of the families may need additional monitoring hours because they reside farther from the starting location.

Mountain gorilla tracking requires maneuvering through difficult terrain, which can be steep, muddy, and covered in jagged tree branches. Take as many pictures as you can during the short encounter with the gorilla family because you will only be there for an hour. Mountain gorillas may approach you since they are active and inquisitive. Remain composed and avoid abrupt, unintended movements that may draw their attention. Adhere to directives from the park rangers.

Our corporate guide will be waiting at the beginning location to drive you back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation after your hour-long experience with the gorilla group. In the late afternoon, you will proceed to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Musanze, adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. The Centre is currently referred to as the Gorilla Guardians Village. It has evolved from a basic marketplace for former poachers to sell souvenirs into one of the premier cultural centers in East Africa.

Overnight and Dinner at The Garden Place Hotel (Budget), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range) and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury).

Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Touring the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera

Following yesterday’s engagement with the gorillas, today is dedicated to tracking golden monkeys and exploring the twin lakes. Awaken early, consume breakfast, and proceed to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. Subsequent to the briefing, you will proceed into the forest to observe the golden monkeys alongside the park rangers. Upon entering their territory, you can watch them swinging among the treetops and descending in search for insects. Golden monkeys appear aesthetically pleasing and endearing; nonetheless, they are classified as endangered. Capture as many photographs as possible, then return to the resort for lunch and relaxation. Your driver will escort you on a tour of the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera.

Luxury: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge; Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge; Budget: The Garden Place Hotel.

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi Rwanda – Canoeing, Swimming, Island hopping and relaxation

Have a leisurely breakfast at your leisure before packing up to depart from Volcanoes National Park and make your way to Gisenyi’s Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake, which it shares with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, you will partake in lunch with a view of Lake Kivu. Your guide will escort you on a boat excursion across the lake as you explore the various islands. You will also engage in swimming or leisurely relaxing at the picturesque lake shoreline.

Overnight and Dinner at Palm Resort Gardens (Budget), Paradise Marahide (Mid-range) and Lake Kivu Serena hotel (Luxury).

Day 14: Kigali for a city tour, visit to a genocide site, and subsequent departure.

. Get up whenever you like, and then spend time in Lake Kivu before returning to Kigali. Take in the stunning Rwandan countryside with more than a thousand hills as you’re traveling. Upon arriving in Kigali, partake in lunch and go on a tour of the compact yet meticulously structured city. Kigali is among the most rapidly developing cities in East Africa and serves as a model for other nations to look up to. On the Kigali city tour, you will explore the genocide memorial site, the presidential palace museum, the central market, and conclude with shopping at artisan boutiques. The driver will transport you to the airport or your accommodation in Kigali.

What To Pack For a 2 week Uganda Rwanda Itinerary

Packing appropriate hiking boots, heavy-duty cotton gloves, a raincoat, enough of water, and a light food can help you have the greatest time with the gorillas. Porters are on hand at the starting point to assist you with carrying any additional equipment or bags. While physical fitness is not a need, as indicated in our article on gorilla trekking for seniors, it is crucial to mentally prepare for the hardships that may occur throughout the primate tracking experience. Don’t forget to prepare for the rain and wear appropriate footwear made to handle challenging terrain. Remember to give the guides and rangers a tip for their excellent efforts. We suggest $10 or its equivalent in the local currency, noting that it is not obligatory.

Chimpanzee tracking requires you to be at least 13 years old. While tracking gorillas requires being at least 15 years old, tracking golden monkeys has no age restrictions. This schedule excludes accommodations and dinner for arrivals prior to the tour but can be offered upon request. Keep in mind that before entering Rwanda and Uganda, you must receive a yellow fever vaccination. Visas can be obtained at the airport, border crossing, or online. To prevent difficulties, consider obtaining the East Africa Tourist Visa, which grants passengers access to all East African nations, excluding Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi.

14 Day Uganda -Rwanda safari