16 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Overview—16 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

The 16 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari is a grand expedition through two of East Africa’s most captivating countries, designed for travelers who want the very best in primate encounters, big game viewing, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery. This itinerary combines rhino tracking, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, savannah safaris, birding, lake relaxation, and meaningful cultural experiences across Uganda and Rwanda. It offers a balance of adventure and comfort, taking you from Uganda’s open plains and rainforest jungles to Rwanda’s volcanic peaks and shimmering lakes.

Over sixteen days, you will track rhinos at Ziwa, explore the thunder of Murchison Falls, photograph elephants and lions in Queen Elizabeth, trek chimpanzees in Kibale, and spend unforgettable hours with mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks. You will also unwind at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu, enjoy golden monkey tracking, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s culture and Kigali’s history. It is a complete journey that captures the soul and wilderness of the Pearl of Africa and the Land of a Thousand Hills.

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Detailed Itinerary —16 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Hotel

You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you are welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may relax by Lake Victoria or take an evening stroll. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, you drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Continue to the park, arriving by evening to your lodge along the Nile. Dinner and overnight in Murchison.

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile

This morning, you set out for a game drive across the northern savannah plains. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and lions are commonly seen. After lunch, you take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birds thrive. A hike to the top offers dramatic photographic opportunities. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, you depart for western Uganda. The scenic drive passes crater lakes, rolling hills, and tea plantations. By evening, you arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest. Dinner and overnight in Kibale.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk

This morning, you trek into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees, observing them as they feed, play, and communicate in their lively troops. In the afternoon, you explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where birds and monkeys are abundant. Dinner and overnight in Kibale.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, you set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an evening game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Elephants, antelopes, and predators often roam here at dusk. Dinner and overnight in the park.

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The day begins with a sunrise game drive, followed by a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Drive to Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions – Continue to Bwindi

After breakfast, you drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With luck, you will spot them resting in fig trees. By afternoon, you arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check into your lodge on the forest edge. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your Ugandan journey. After breakfast, you report to the park headquarters for a briefing before trekking into the jungle. The hike may take hours, but the reward is extraordinary—an hour spent with a gorilla family in their natural home. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Leisure

After the trek, you enjoy a relaxed drive to Lake Bunyonyi. This tranquil lake, dotted with islands, is perfect for swimming, canoe rides, and scenic relaxation. Dinner and overnight at a lakeside lodge.

Day 11: Cross into Rwanda – Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you cross into Rwanda and continue to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The Virunga volcanoes dominate the skyline, offering a dramatic backdrop for your stay. Dinner and overnight at your lodge near Volcanoes.

Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Cultural Visit

This morning, you track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These lively primates are fascinating to watch and photograph. In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’Iwacu cultural village to experience Rwandan traditions of dance, music, and storytelling. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes.

Day 13: Second Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

For those who want the ultimate gorilla experience, today you trek again—this time in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Each trek is unique, offering a new gorilla family and setting. The experience of encountering gorillas twice, in two countries, is a true privilege. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Sunset Leisure

After breakfast, you drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s most beautiful lakeside retreat. You settle into your luxury resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, swimming, boating, or simply watching the sunset over the water. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 15: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour

This morning, you leave Lake Kivu and drive to Kigali. A city tour introduces you to Rwanda’s vibrant capital, with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and art galleries. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 16: Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, you enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Later, you are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your ultimate Uganda and Rwanda safari.