Discover the Untamed Beauty of Uganda & Rwanda on a 14-Day Wildlife Safari
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this 14-day Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safari, a carefully curated journey through two of Africa’s most biodiverse and scenic countries. This immersive safari combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and unforgettable game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Along the way, encounter tree-climbing lions, golden monkeys, elephants, hippos, and an astonishing variety of birds across lush rainforests, expansive savannahs, crater lakes, and the mighty River Nile.
From the poignant cultural insights of Kigali to the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi
and the thunderous roar of Murchison Falls, this two-week itinerary blends rich wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and authentic East African hospitality. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurous travelers, this mid-range and luxury safari offers a perfect balance of comfort, exploration, and conservation experiences.
Whether you’re seeking intimate primate encounters, Big Five sightings, or peaceful lakeside relaxation, this 14-day safari through Uganda and Rwanda promises breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife moments, and memories to last a lifetime.
14-Day Best of Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari representative. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kigali for check-in. You’ll have time to relax, adjust to the new environment, and receive a short briefing about the exciting wildlife journey ahead across Rwanda and Uganda.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Kigali City Tour & Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After a delicious Rwandan breakfast, set off for a guided Kigali city tour, beginning with a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where you will gain insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s hilly countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforests, known for primates, endemic birds, and dense vegetation.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
This morning, experience the thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor and stretching over three segments (45m, 90m, and 25m). From this unique aerial viewpoint, spot primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, along with a variety of colorful bird species. After the walk, enjoy lunch before departing for Volcanoes National Park, driving through Rwanda’s scenic countryside and picturesque villages.
Accommodation: The Bishop’s House (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing about the mountain gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by professional guides and trackers, hike through bamboo-covered slopes and misty rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing the gorillas interact, feed, and care for their young—an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: The Bishop’s House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Golden Monkey Trekking Experience
After breakfast, return to the park for another unique primate encounter—golden monkey trekking. Begin with a briefing, followed by a guided hike into the bamboo forest to locate these fast-moving and vividly colored monkeys, endemic to the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend one hour in their presence, observing their playful behavior and taking photographs before returning to your lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation: The Bishop’s House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Cross into Uganda & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After a hearty breakfast, depart Rwanda via the Cyanika border post, officially entering Uganda. Continue your scenic drive to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning crater lake dotted with over 29 islands, surrounded by terraced hills. Upon arrival, check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of relaxation.
Accommodation: Birdnest @ Lake Bunyonyi (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Leisure & Activities at Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a relaxing full day by the lake, taking in panoramic views and fresh highland air. Optional activities include a canoe ride to explore the islands, swimming in the safe bilharzia-free waters, birdwatching, quad biking, or a guided village walk to learn about the local Bakiga people and their traditions. Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect location to unwind between primate encounters and savannah safaris.
Accommodation: Birdnest @ Lake Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey northwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park, entering through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy countryside views, cross small towns, and arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, nestled within the park’s wilderness.
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Kyambura Sector
Wake up early for a game drive in the Ishasha sector, home to prides of tree-climbing lions, often spotted lounging in fig and acacia trees. After the drive, proceed to the Kyambura sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into your lodge near the escarpment with stunning views over the Rift Valley.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains, where you may spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, warthogs, and more. After lunch, embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. The cruise offers up-close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 600 bird species like pelicans, kingfishers, and fish eagles.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 – Transfer to Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, travel northeast to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate capital. Pass through rural villages and scenic hills before arriving in Fort Portal for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot and birder’s paradise where you may encounter turacos, hornbills, and primates like red colobus, vervet monkeys, and baboons.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Start your day early with a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 individuals. Follow expert trackers into the forest to observe the chimps in their natural habitat—swinging through the canopy, feeding, and vocalizing. After lunch, begin the long but scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the evening.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 – Game Drive, Boat Safari & Hike to the Top of the Falls
Enjoy an early game drive on the northern bank of Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park, home to giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and more. After lunch, set off on a Nile River boat safari to the base of the falls, viewing hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. End the day with a guided hike to the top of the majestic Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14 – Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to track southern white rhinos, completing your Big Five sightings. Continue the drive to Entebbe International Airport in time for your evening flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions:
Gorilla & chimpanzee tracking permits (Rwanda & Uganda)
National park entrance fees and ranger guide services
All transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
Airport transfers and overland travel
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation and meals as specified
Bottled water in the vehicle