Embark on a 21-day adventure through Uganda and Rwanda, exploring some of East Africa’s most captivating landscapes and wildlife. From the vibrant city of Kampala to the majestic Murchison Falls, the lush Kibale Forest, and the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this journey offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Encounter mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, explore diverse ecosystems from Semliki Forest to Lake Bunyonyi, and conclude with a visit to the Nile River. This comprehensive safari promises breathtaking wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Enjoy the evening to settle in and relax. Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast (B/B)
Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, travel to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park spanning 3,840 sq km. The River Nile splits the park into northern and southern sections and creates the stunning Murchison Falls. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola to learn about rhinos. After lunch, continue to the park and take a game drive to the top of the falls for spectacular views. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 3: Exploring Murchison Falls National Park
Discover the park’s natural beauty with game drives, where you’ll see elephants, giraffes, antelopes, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, and various bird species, including saddle-billed storks. Return for lunch and then embark on a 3-hour boat cruise to the base of the falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the Nile. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your accommodation. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
Start the day with an early game drive as you head to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its diverse primate population, including chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and red colobus. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 5: Kibale National Park
Begin with morning chimpanzee tracking in the forest. Spot various bird species like the grey-throated flycatcher and the chestnut-winged starling. After lunch, take a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp, home to 137 bird species and rich vegetation. Return for dinner and overnight at your accommodation. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 6: Kibale Forest to Semliki Wildlife Reserve
Depart early for Semliki Wildlife Reserve, located in the Western Rift Valley. This diverse reserve features riparian forests, savannas, and palm forests. After dinner, enjoy a unique night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife, including big cats and small nocturnal creatures. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Semliki Forest
Rise early for chimpanzee tracking in Semliki’s gallery rainforest. Observe chimps in their natural habitat and enjoy birdwatching. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, take a game drive and watch the sunset over the savannah. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 8: Semliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its stunning crater lakes and rich wildlife. Spanning 1,978 sq km, the park is home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and a variety of birds. After checking in, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visit Kyambura Gorge for chimp tracking and see various primates and birds. After lunch, take a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, followed by an evening game drive. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 10: Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look for the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, and topis. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 11: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing through Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions. Bwindi, a haven for mountain gorillas and bird species, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 12: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, report to the ranger station for gorilla tracking in Bwindi. This trek can take from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Observe these majestic creatures and their interactions. Return to your lodge for the night. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 13: Bwindi to Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
Drive through the picturesque hills of Kabale to Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, one of the parks where you can track mountain gorillas. Adjust to the local time zone and driving patterns. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 14: Gorilla Tracking in Parc National des Volcans
After breakfast, head to the gorilla tracking headquarters for a briefing. Trek to meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a rewarding and unforgettable experience. If time permits, take a community walk in Ruhengeri. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 15: Rwanda to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, a scenic lake surrounded by terraced hills. This picturesque area, known as the “place of little birds,” is ideal for birdwatching. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 16: Canoe Rides on Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring its small islands and birdlife. Return to the lodge for relaxation, or visit local markets in Kabale. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 17: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
Head to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s fourth-largest park, featuring diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Enjoy a game drive to spot impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes, zebras, and more. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 18: Exploring Lake Mburo National Park
Take a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo, home to over 310 bird species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake for more wildlife and bird viewing. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 19: Lake Mburo to Jinja
Travel to Jinja, with stops at the Equator and the Royal Drum Makers. Arrive in Jinja by evening. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 20: Jinja to Entebbe
Visit the Source of the Nile and Bujjagali Falls. Observe rafters conquering the rapids and enjoy the local birdlife. Drive to Entebbe for overnight and dinner. Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Day 21: Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
In the morning, take a boat to Ngamba Island, home to 39 chimpanzees. Witness their feeding and interaction with keepers. Return to Entebbe and transfer to the airport for your flight home.