The great apes experience in Africa
10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
BOOK TOUREmbark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of East Africa, blending the vibrant culture of Rwanda with Uganda’s diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali with a city tour. Crossing into Uganda, you will embark on a journey to Mgahinga National Park, home of the majestic Mountain Gorillas.
you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the plains teem with elephants, lions, and hippos. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience.
The adventure deepens at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park. Finally, unwind in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, at the source of the Nile.
10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
Tour highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour – Ellen degenerous – Transfer to Kisoro
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa Encounter
- Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game drive
- Day 4: Morning Game drive and Afternoon Boat cruise
- Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Visit Bigodi Wetland
- Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation
- Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top of the Falls
- Day 8: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 9: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Jinja City
- Day 10: Jinja – Source of the Nile – Busowoko Falls
10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour – Ellen DeGeneres – Transfer to Kisoro
Day 1 of the 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda and Uganda Safari will start with a pick up from Kigali International Airport by our professional driver guide who will brief you about the 10 Ultimate Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel. Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most welcoming capitals perfect travelers.
Your tour begins with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and beautifully curated site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide while offering a message of peace and reconciliation. From there, continue to local landmarks such as Kimironko Market, where you can experience Kigali’s colorful daily life, and Inema Arts Center, showcasing contemporary Rwandan art and culture.
Later visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located on the outskirts of Kigali. This modern conservation and research center celebrates the legacy of Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas. Here, you’ll explore interactive exhibits about gorilla behavior, conservation science, and community engagement, gaining deeper insight into Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its unique wildlife. Transfer to Kisoro.
Accommodation Option: Ichumbi Hotel/ Ikoro Hotel
Website: https://ichumbi.com/ichumbi-hotel-kisoro
Meals Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa Encounter
On this day after having your heavy breakfast, here you will go for Gorilla Trekking. You then you will prepare yourself in appropriate clothing and get ready for Gorilla Trekking. You will be transferred to the Parks center for briefing about the DO’s and DON’T’S by a ranger guide. After briefing, join your group and trek through bamboo forests in search of one of the habituated Gorilla families.
When you finally meet them, you’ll spend a magical hour watching their behavior, playful juveniles, nurturing mothers, and calm silverbacks. This life-changing encounter offers deep emotional connection and appreciation for conservation efforts. Return to your lodge to rest and enjoy a relaxing moment. Later in the evening, you will visit the Batwa people for a cultural encounter.
Accommodation Option: Ichumbi Hotel/ Ikoro Hotel
Website: https://ichumbi.com/ichumbi-hotel-kisoro
Meals Plan: Full Board an
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game drive
After breakfast, drive north through scenic landscapes to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah park. The drive is about 5–6 hours passes through beautiful farmlands and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Arrive in the park for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, look out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and, if lucky, lions lounging in the sun.
Accommodation Option: Enganzi Lodge/ Acacia Wilderness
Website: https://enganzilodge.com
https://www.acaciawildernessmweya.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Morning Game drive and Afternoon Boat cruise
Day 6 of the Safari will begin with a mouth-watering breakfast thereafter you head out for a morning game drive in Kasenyi that will expose you to diverse animals including the Big four— Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Warthogs, Hyenas, and many more species that are residents to this park. There is a rich birdlife such as Marital Eagles, African fin foot, African skimmer, Lesser Flamingos among others. You will go back to the Lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Later in the Afternoon, you head out for a boat cruise on the famous Kazinga Channel a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Here you’ll see land and water adapted hippos, Elephants, Nile crocodile, Warthog etc. Birds like pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles among others. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Accommodation Option: Enganzi Lodge/ Acacia Wilderness
Website: https://enganzilodge.com
https://www.acaciawildernessmweya.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Visit Bigodi Wetland
On this day, you will have a delicious breakfast, pack your bags and prepare to exit the park. The scenic journey takes about 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, check into the lodge for lunch and relaxation from at the lodge facilities.
Later in the evening, you will embark on a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland. Bigodi has a thriving population of bird species like the green breasted pitta and great blue turaco. The swamp is also a haven for other mammals such as sitatungas, bushbucks and otters. Local guides will take you on a tour in the lush vegetation. This is the perfect opportunity to view the wildlife from the forest pathways, boardwalks and atop a tree house tucked high in the canopy. Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Tourist Hotel / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Website: https://kibaletouristsafarilodge.com
https://www.chimpanzeeforestlodge.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation
After an early breakfast, you will head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and researchers. Unlike standard chimp tracking, which allows only one hour with the chimps, the Habituation Experience gives you a half day in the forest, accompanying researchers and trackers as they follow a semi-habituated chimpanzee group through their daily routines.
You will set out just after dawn, when the chimps are still in their nests, and spend the day observing them as they wake, feed, play, and interact. This hands-on conservation activity offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the process of habituating wild chimps to human presence, which can take years. Return the lodge for relaxation as you prepare for the next encounter. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Accommodation Option: Tourist Hotel / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Website: https://kibaletouristsafarilodge.com
https://www.chimpanzeeforestlodge.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top of the Falls
After breakfast on day 6, your driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and start the journey to Murchison Falls National Park with a hike to the top of the falls. Upon arrival in Murchison Falls National Park you will check into the hotel/lodge for a refreshment before embarking on a hike to the top of the falls. Later, you will get on a hike where you will view the beautiful roaring, take some pictures and enjoy the scenery. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Accommodation Option: Twiga Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Website: https://twigasafarilodge.com
https://www.murchisonriverlodge.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise
On the early morning, you have an early morning breakfast and your driver guide will pick you up to go for a morning delta drive where you will able to see animals like warthogs, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, zebras, Patas monkeys, baboons, elephants, among others grazing in the open savannah plains, view predators like lions, hyenas, leopards, before they go back to their hiding areas, view different birds among others. After the game drive you will head back to the lodge for lunch.
Later in the Afternoon, you will head out for an exciting boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. During the boat ride which takes about 2 hours you will have spectacular views of the beautiful scenery, hippos, and Nile crocodiles in water, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, along the shores, water birds like the kingfishers, bee-eaters, cormorants, and fish eagles among others. After the boat cruise you will meet up with your driver guide and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Twiga Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Website: https://twigasafarilodge.com
https://www.murchisonriverlodge.com
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Jinja City
After breakfast on day 8 of the 10 days, your driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You will have a stopover at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking. The only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, you will meet a local ranger for a short briefing, then set out on foot for a rhino tracking experience. Walking quietly through the savannah bush, you will approach the rhinos from a safe distance and have the rare chance to observe these magnificent animals up close.
After the tracking session and a relaxed lunch at the sanctuary’s café, continue your journey toward Jinja, passing through Uganda’s lush countryside and small towns. As you approach Jinja, enjoy the change in scenery from rolling hills to the calm waters of the Nile.
Accommodation Option: Jinja Nile Resort/ Kingfisher Safari Resort
Website: https://madahotels.com/jinja-nile-resort
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Jinja – Source of the Nile – Busowoko Falls
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the River Nile and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge. Today is dedicated to exploring Jinja, the historic and adventure-filled town known as the Source of the Nile the world’s longest river.
Begin your day with a boat ride to the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria gently spills into the river’s first flow northward toward Egypt. Your local guide will share fascinating stories about the river’s discovery, its spiritual significance, and its role in Uganda’s history and culture. As you glide along the calm waters, you may spot colorful kingfishers, monitor lizards, and fishermen casting nets along the lakeshore. Return to the lodge for lunch.
Afterward, drive a short distance to Busowoko Falls, one of the most scenic and energetic sections of the Nile near Jinja. Here, the river cascades over rocky outcrops, creating dramatic rapids and a refreshing spray that fills the air. Spend time walking along the riverbanks, taking photos, and enjoying the natural beauty of this hidden gem. For those seeking a touch of adventure, you can even take part in optional activities such as kayaking, tubing, or a guided nature walk around the falls. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport using the Kampala –Jinja highway. End of Tour.
Best Time to Go on a 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
- June to September – Prime Gorilla Trekking & Best Wildlife Viewing
This long dry season is considered the optimal time for a combined Rwanda–Uganda safari. Trekking conditions in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are at their best, with trails remaining firm, vegetation thinner, and visibility higher. Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera National Park also peaks at this time, as animals gather at water sources and grasslands stay open. Clear skies and cool temperatures create stunning conditions for photography and game drives.
- December to February – Excellent Primate Encounters & Beautiful Green Scenery
This short dry season is another highly recommended period for cross-border gorilla and wildlife safaris. Although landscapes appear greener than in the long dry season, trekking conditions remain favorable and wildlife activity is consistent. This is also an excellent time for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Nyungwe Forest, with primates remaining active and visible. Birdwatching becomes exceptional due to the presence of migratory species across wetlands, forests, and savannahs. Fewer crowds also ensure a calmer trekking experience.
- March to May – Long Rains & Low Visitor Numbers
This rainy season brings heavier showers across both countries, making forest trails muddy and requiring more physical effort during gorilla trekking. Some game drive routes may become slippery in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera. However, this period rewards travellers with dramatic cloud formations, intensely green landscapes, quieter national parks, and lower lodge rates. Photographers who appreciate moody, misty mountain scenes find this season especially rewarding. Gorilla trekking continues year-round in both Rwanda and Uganda, even during the rains.
What to Pack for a 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
Clothing
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing—such as khaki, beige, olive and light brown—is recommended throughout the safari to blend naturally into forest and savannah environments. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers help protect against insects, thorny vegetation, and sun exposure, especially during treks in Bwindi, Volcanoes, Kibale, and Nyungwe. A warm fleece or jacket is necessary for early mornings at high elevations, where temperatures drop significantly. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential for gorilla trekking, paired with long socks to tuck trousers in for added protection. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses improve comfort during game drives in Akagera and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Gear & Essentials
Binoculars are invaluable for game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera, where animals may be spotted at a distance. A good camera with extra batteries, lenses, and memory cards is essential for capturing fast-moving primates, scenic volcano backdrops, and savannah wildlife. A reusable water bottle ensures constant hydration during trekking and drives. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a pair of gardening-style gloves are practical items for gripping vegetation during gorilla treks. A waterproof daypack protects electronics and essentials during rainy or misty conditions.
Travel Essentials
A valid passport with the necessary Rwanda and Uganda entry visas must be arranged in advance, with the East Africa Tourist Visa being a convenient option for multi-country travel. Travel insurance—especially covering trekking activities—is strongly recommended. Yellow Fever vaccination certificates may be required depending on your travel route. Guests should pack personal medication, altitude-related remedies, a basic first-aid kit, and any prescriptions needed for the entire trip. Carrying local currencies (Rwandan Francs and Ugandan Shillings) or reliable cards ensures smooth transactions for tips, souvenirs, and lodge extras.
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10 Days Ultimate Rwanda – Uganda Safari
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