13 Days Uganda & Rwanda Combo Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your professional safari guide will warmly greet you on your 13 days Uganda and Rwanda combo and transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Settle in and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Entebbe’s laid-back attractions — visit the lush Botanical Gardens, spot colorful birds along Lake Victoria, or meet rescued chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Sanctuary (optional).

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a detailed safari briefing from your guide, preparing you for the incredible wildlife and cultural adventures ahead. Get a good night’s rest — your journey into the heart of Africa begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After a hearty breakfast, start your road journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll track white rhinos on foot — a rare and exhilarating experience as these massive creatures graze and roam freely. This sanctuary is vital for reintroducing rhinos back into Uganda’s wild parks.

After lunch, continue your scenic drive through rural landscapes and bustling towns, observing daily Ugandan life. Arrive at Murchison Falls in the evening and settle into your lodge overlooking the River Nile. Relax to the sounds of nature as hippos grunt and the river flows by.

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari to Murchison Falls

Rise early for a sunrise game drive on the northern banks of the park, where open savannah and Borassus palm groves teem with wildlife. Look out for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and even elusive leopards. The cool morning hours are the best time to witness predators on the hunt and herbivores grazing peacefully.

In the afternoon, embark on a classic boat safari along the Victoria Nile to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls. As you cruise, spot hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking, and a spectacular array of birds including fish eagles, kingfishers, and bee-eaters. At the foot of the falls, marvel as the Nile crashes through a narrow 7-meter gorge in a display of sheer power and beauty.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and begin your journey southwards towards Kibale Forest, known as East Africa’s primate capital. The drive is long but scenic, passing through undulating countryside, roadside markets, and the rich agricultural lands of central Uganda.

Stop for lunch en route and enjoy views of tea plantations as you approach Fort Portal, a town nestled in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your forest lodge by evening and relax amidst the serene ambiance of the tropical rainforest. Fall asleep to the chorus of frogs and night birds, ready for your chimpanzee adventure tomorrow.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetlands Walk

Today is all about primates! After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for your chimpanzee trekking expedition. Follow expert trackers through the dense jungle as they listen for the hoots and drumming of the chimps. Once found, spend an unforgettable hour observing them — watch as they swing through trees, feed on fruit, groom each other, and care for their young.

In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands, a community-run conservation area rich in birdlife and monkeys. Stroll along the boardwalks with your local guide, spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and an array of wetland birds including the elusive great blue turaco. This is also a chance to learn about local plants used for medicine and crafts, supporting sustainable tourism in the area.

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier savannah reserve. The journey takes you past crater lakes and offers spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”

Arrive at Queen Elizabeth in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions often stalk the Uganda kob herds. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffalo, and a rich variety of antelopes. As the sun sets, the park’s golden savannah comes alive with wildlife, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start your day with an early morning game drive to catch predators before they retreat from the rising heat. Search for leopards lounging in fig trees and spot hyenas skulking in the shadows. Herds of buffalo and elephant are common sights, and the birdlife is superb — look out for martial eagles and crowned cranes.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing spots, with hundreds of hippos lounging in the shallows and elephants coming down to drink. You’ll also see crocodiles, buffaloes, and a kaleidoscope of waterbirds including pelicans, spoonbills, and cormorants.

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas. En route, pass through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions — a sight found in only a few places on Earth.

Continue through terraced hills and lush landscapes as you ascend towards Bwindi’s misty forests. Arrive at your lodge nestled on the forest edge, where you can unwind with a view of the emerald jungle. Prepare your gear and spirit for tomorrow’s life-changing gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 9 of 13 days Uganda and Rwanda combo is the ultimate highlight of your safari! After breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters before setting out into the forest with your guides. The trek can be challenging as you navigate steep trails and dense vegetation, but every step is worth it once you encounter your assigned gorilla family.

Spend one awe-inspiring hour in their presence, watching a silverback dominate his family, mothers care for infants, and juveniles tumble and play. This rare wildlife experience will stay with you forever. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and perhaps enjoy a soothing massage after your trek.

Day 10: Batwa Community Visit & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

In the morning, visit the Batwa community, the indigenous forest people who once lived in harmony with Bwindi’s wildlife. Engage in cultural performances, listen to their ancient stories, and witness traditional hunting and gathering skills.

Later, cross the border into Rwanda via Cyanika, enjoying the scenic drive through Rwanda’s famed “land of a thousand hills.” Arrive at Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon, where the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes form a stunning backdrop. Check into your luxury lodge and relax in anticipation of tomorrow’s primate encounters.

Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking or Optional 2nd Gorilla Trek

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are unique to the Virunga region and are known for their lively, playful nature. Follow them through bamboo forests and capture their energetic antics on camera.

For those who wish, an optional second gorilla trek can be arranged — offering another chance to spend time with a different gorilla family and deepen your appreciation for these incredible creatures. In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwanda’s rich traditions, music, and dance.

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali & Visit the Genocide Memorial

After breakfast, drive to Kigali, enjoying Rwanda’s neat and hilly countryside. On arrival, take a guided tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Gain insight into Rwanda’s history and its inspiring journey of reconciliation and recovery.

Spend the afternoon exploring Kigali’s vibrant craft markets, art galleries, and perhaps enjoy a Rwandan coffee tasting. Overnight in a comfortable city hotel as you reflect on your incredible two-country journey.

Day 13: End Of Your 13 days Uganda and Rwanda combo

Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping or a city tour before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure. Say farewell to East Africa, carrying with you unforgettable memories of gorillas, chimps, wildlife, and the warmth of Ugandan and Rwandan hospitality.