Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Destinations to visit
Safari Overview
Discover the very best of East Africa on this unforgettable 14-Day Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari Journey, carefully designed by Engeya Tours and Travel. This exceptional cross-border adventure combines Uganda’s remarkable wildlife, lush rainforests, and mighty rivers with Rwanda’s breathtaking volcanic landscapes and thriving savannah ecosystems.
The safari takes you through some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous Big Five, track endangered mountain gorillas, walk alongside chimpanzees and golden monkeys, cruise on the Nile River and Kazinga Channel, and witness spectacular waterfalls, rolling hills, crater lakes, and vibrant local communities.
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, honeymooner, or first-time safari traveller, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences across two of Africa’s most beautiful destinations.
Safari Activities
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters as you trek through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi in search of endangered mountain gorillas. After locating a gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing their behaviour, family interactions, feeding habits, and playful young gorillas in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Explore Kibale Forest, East Africa’s primate capital, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Guided by experienced rangers, trek through the tropical forest while searching for chimpanzees and several other primate species including red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Venture into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey tracking experience. These colourful and energetic primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and provide incredible photography opportunities.
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Enjoy a guided walking safari to observe Uganda’s only wild rhinos. This conservation success story allows visitors to safely encounter these magnificent animals on foot while learning about rhino conservation efforts.
Game Drives
Explore the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Akagera National Parks on professionally guided game drives. Expect sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, hippos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, topis, elands, and numerous bird species.
Tree-Climbing Lion Experience
Visit the famous Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned worldwide for its unique population of tree-climbing lions that spend hours relaxing in giant fig trees.
Boat Safari on the Nile River
Cruise to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls while enjoying close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and countless water birds including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Take one of Africa’s finest wildlife boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, famous for having one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos. The cruise also offers excellent sightings of elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Discover Akagera National Park from the water during a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where crocodiles, hippos, fish eagles, papyrus birds, and aquatic wildlife thrive.
Nature Walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Walk through one of Uganda’s best community-managed wetlands, home to hundreds of bird species, colourful butterflies, and several monkey species, including the spectacular Great Blue Turaco.
Scenic Drives
Travel through Uganda’s beautiful countryside featuring tea plantations, crater lakes, rolling hills, traditional villages, the Albertine Rift Valley, and Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Detailed Itinerary
Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Engeya Tours and Travel. After a short briefing about your safari, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital city.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at your hotel or take an optional evening city drive to experience Kampala's lively atmosphere.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Le Petit Village
- Mid-range: Cassia Lodge
- udget: Savannah Suites
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Uganda's largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park.
En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting guided rhino tracking experience on foot. Continue to the park, arriving in time for lunch before visiting the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres into the Devil's Cauldron.
The thunderous roar and breathtaking scenery make this one of Africa's most remarkable natural attractions.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
- Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the northern plains, where wildlife is most active.
Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, Jackson's hartebeests, oribis, waterbucks, warthogs, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation before enjoying an unforgettable afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you'll encounter large pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Following breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa's premier primate destinations.
The journey takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, tea plantations, traditional villages, and scenic crater lakes.
Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge surrounded by tropical rainforest.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Turaco Treetops
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before entering Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees.
Watch these intelligent primates communicate, feed, groom, and swing effortlessly through the forest canopy.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its exceptional birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and lush vegetation.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy breakfast before travelling south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive offers magnificent views of crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains, tea plantations, and local communities.
In the afternoon, embark on a spectacular boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its remarkable concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Katara Lodge
- Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge
- Budget: Park View Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous antelope species.
After breakfast, spend the afternoon enjoying an optional chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge or simply relax at your lodge while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, travel through the famous Ishasha Sector in search of the legendary tree-climbing lions.
Continue through the breathtaking Kigezi Highlands, often called the "Switzerland of Africa," before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Mid-range: Bwindi Lodge
- Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today marks the highlight of your safari.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
The trek may last between 2 and 8 hours depending on the gorilla family's location.
Upon finding the gorillas, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat while learning about their social behaviour and conservation.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda through the Cyanika Border and continue to Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda's rolling green hills before checking into your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali
Begin the morning with a briefing before entering Volcanoes National Park to track the fascinating golden monkeys.
These rare primates are playful, colourful, and highly photogenic.
After your trek, transfer to Kigali for an overnight stay and optional city tour if time allows.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
- Mid-range: Five to Five Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
After breakfast, travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah park and home to the Big Five.
Upon arrival, enjoy a short game drive before embarking on a relaxing afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Expect sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and an impressive variety of birds.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Akagera's diverse landscapes of open savannah, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes.
Search for lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, topis, impalas, elands, and many bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park before continuing your wildlife adventure.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or enjoy lunch before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari.
Meals: Breakfast
What is included in your safari
Safari Includes
- Airport transfers
- Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Park entrance fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Nile River boat cruise
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Lake Ihema boat cruise
- Bigodi Wetland guided nature walk
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Fuel throughout the safari
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
- Government taxes and conservation fees
Safari Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
- Uganda Visa (where applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal shopping expenses
- Laundry services
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
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