18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari

The 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari offers visitors experiences that are truly representative of Africa. Furthermore, this safari will take you to the unspoiled corners of Uganda and Rwanda, where you can expect to encounter many animals and birds on game drives. Additionally, you can look forward to discovering the Big 5: the African lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard.

Moreover, you will enjoy boat trips to explore more of the prolific birdlife and animals. Additionally, the itinerary includes primates trekking, Gorilla tracking in both Uganda and Rwanda, cultural walks, forest walks, excellent bird watching, mountain climbing, and opportunities for excellent photography.

You will also have a city trip to Kigali (the capital city of Rwanda) and Kampala (the capital city of Uganda). The Safari starts and ends at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

Highlights of 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Upon arrival at the airport,
Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park
Embark on a game drive and boat ride
Travel from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
Engage in chimpanzee tracking and a nature walk to Bigodi Swamp
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a game drive and lunch cruise
Move onward to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Experience gorilla tracking on the 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari
Journey to Lake Bunyonyi
Cross into Rwanda on the 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda trip
Participate in gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Engage in Golden Monkey tracking
Visit Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu
Explore Lake Kivu
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Participate in chimpanzee tracking or canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Conclude with departure

Here is the detailed safari trip for the 18-day Uganda and Rwanda trip

Day 1: Arrival at the airport,

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and greeted by our representatives, who will then transfer you to your hotel in Kampala for dinner and an overnight stay.

Luxury Serena Hotel
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge
Budget: The Lodge

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7.00 am and drive you North-East through the famous Luweero Triangle. Reaching Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at around 11 am. After that, you will go to Rhino tracking, which takes about one hour. After tracking, you will continue to Masindi Town, lunch break at Kabalega Dinners / New Court View Hotel or its equivalent.

After proceeding to the Park, stopping at the top of the falls offers an incredible sight. Furthermore, game viewing on the way is perfect; you may spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and birds, among other animals grazing around the sandbank. Eventually, you will arrive at the Park in the evening. Upon arrival, check-in and relax in your room. Finally, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Luxury: Paraa Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Red Chili Camp / Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Game drive and Boat ride:

Wake up early in preparation for the game drive to see Rothschild’s giraffe, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hyena, oribis, warthog, jackals, and leopard. Then, return to the lodge for a full breakfast and lunch.

After lunch, you will go on a boat trip up to the bottom of Murchison Falls. During this excursion, expect to get close to various animals, including some giant Nile crocodiles, antelopes, elephants, and lots of birds, such as fish eagles and storks. Finally, come back for dinner and an overnight stay.

Luxury: Paraa Lodge
Budget: Red Chili Camp / Fort Murchison Lodge
Budget: Red Chili Camp
Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Murchison Falls-Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, you will be driven through Masindi and Hoima towns to arrive in time for lunch in the Fort portal. The journey from Murchison to Kibale takes about a 7-8 hours drive. After lunch, proceeds to Kibale Forest National Park, which is about 35 km from Fort Portal, overnight stay.

Luxury: Ndali Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest camp / Chimpanzee Guest House
Budget: Rwenzori View Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 5 Chimpanzee tracking and nature walk to Bigodi swamp walk.

Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species, and a guided forest walk offers an excellent chance to see the Chimpanzee, a significant resident of this forest. Notably, there are nine diurnal primates: vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys, as well as grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, and olive baboon. Most famously, the Chimpanzee also resides here.

Although chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed, the odds are good, with the chance of encountering them standing at higher than 90%. So this morning, you will go on a forest walk, searching for primates. Whilst trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, you will be surrounded by bird songs and can expect to see at least 5 or 6 other types of primate, most probably the grey-cheeked manageably and the red-tailed monkey, and of course, the Chimpanzee.

The walking is relatively easy due to the well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. You will get another chance to trek the chimpanzees in the afternoon, allowing for observation of them during a different section of their daily lives. Luxury: Ndali Lodge/ Kyaninga Lodge

Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp/ Chimpanzee Guest House
Budget: Rwenzori View Guest House
Meal plan: Full board

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive passes through Fort Portal and then south along the eastern length of The Rwenzori Mountains, hoping to view the glaciated peaks. We gently descend into The Great African Rift Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Moreover, Mweya Lodge, situated on a peninsula overlooking Lake Edward and Kasinga Channel, offers beautiful park views with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background.

Size and animals

Queen Elizabeth National Park resides in a fertile, equatorial area and has beautiful scenery. It is Uganda’s most popular and accessible savannah reserve, with a total of 1978km². It is primarily associated with grassy savannah plains, but this impressive park also includes within its boundaries leafy rainforests, dense papyrus swamps, and natural volcanic crater lakes.

As a result, it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world, including a total of 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 species of birds. We will explore the Park and its wonders in the afternoon on a game drive.

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Kyambura Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 7: Game drive and lunch cruise:

Early in the morning, after coffee or tea, you will be led by a tour guide who will drive you to Kasenyi for a game drive. Moreover, during this excursion, expect to see lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, Uganda kobs, plus various species of birds.

A slow drive back to the lodge for entire breakfast rest. In the evening, take a two-hour boat safari on the Kazinga channel that connects Lake Edward and George; while on the boat, expect to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, primates, and various species of birds such as malachite kingfishers, great white pelicans, saddle billed stork, and many others.

A slow drive to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Kyambura Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 8 Transfer to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest.

Your Safari continues to the primaeval Bwindi forest, best known for gorilla tours trekking.

Additionally, traveling via Ishasha—subject to road conditions—allows you to observe the unusual behavior of the tree-climbing lions. Moreover, the long journey through the rapidly changing landscape leads you to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, which offers views of the towering forest trees.

Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village. Dinner and an overnight stay at:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Silver Back Lodge / Lake Kitandara Tented Comp
Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas

Day 9 Gorilla tracking 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari

After enjoying an early breakfast, you set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day.

Alternatively, other activities and excursions are offered in and around the National Park. For example, you can take a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies, and rare plant life. This walk offers excellent photographic opportunities. Additionally, the knowledgeable guide will provide great insight into this globally critical habitat.

Walk through the local village and learn about community projects, such as the Amagara project that assists local farmers and their communities, and the Bwindi Community Hospital, which started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people. Discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies and learn about the native tribal inhabitants of the forest.

Though no longer resident in the woods, the indigenous people of the Bwindi forest still practice many of their traditional hunter-gatherer skills.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury: Mahogany Springs/ Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Silver Back Lodge/ Lake Kitandara Tented Camp
Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal plan: Full board

Day 10 Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi:

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Kisoro. Following that, you will cross the border into Rwanda early in the morning (your watch will go back one hour). Upon arrival, finally reach Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda in the afternoon for lunch. The lake derived its name from the very birds that inhabit it, hence its name Lake Bunyonyi.

You will arrive in time for a hot lunch, and after lunch, it is possible to take a dugout canoe ride to the various islands found around the lake. Return to the mainland in the late evening for dinner and an overnight stay at Bunyonyi Overland Camp / Arcadia Cottages / Bushara Island Camp;

Day 11: 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda trip cross into Rwanda.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Kisoro. Subsequently, you will cross the border into Rwanda early in the morning (your watch will go back one hour). Finally, reach Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda in the afternoon for lunch. The evening is reserved for leisure until tomorrow’s gorilla tracking in the volcano forest of Rwanda. Dinner and an overnight stay at

Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range: Le bombou lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 12: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will be taken to the park headquarters and briefed about the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. The experience is worth your time and money.

Should you be up for it, the evening will usher in the Ibyiwacu community walk in the Banyarwanda community. Here, you can see how they have managed their lives. Additionally, they will entertain you, as they are happy to receive you and share more about their culture. Afterward, return to your accommodation for dinner and, subsequently, breakfast.

Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range: Le Bombou Lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 13: Golden Monkey tracking

Breakfast, then golden monkey tracking starting at either Kabatwa at the base of Sabyinyo or Musanga at the bottom of Karisimbi. These golden monkeys are the most endangered primates in the volcanoes. And tracking can take between 1-7 hours, and once found, you are strictly allowed to stay with them for only one hour.

Other primates are also expected to be seen during the tracking, such as the Olive Baboon and Grey-cheeked mangabey, among others, plus also with various species of birds. After the activity, you will come back to the lodge. The evening is reserved for leisure or optional community walks.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range: Le Bombou Lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 14: Dian Fossey and Lake Kivu

Early in the morning, after breakfast then, you will visit Dian Fossey Grave.

A prominent researcher who carried out research on the behaviors of these giant apes for over 18 years.

Following that, take a visit to her research center at Karisoke. After this activity, you will be transferred to Kibuye Town, located on the eastern side of Lake Kivu. This is a lovely town, offering you the first impression of Rwanda and showcasing why it’s famously known as the land of a thousand hills.

Dinner and an overnight stay at Budget: Stipp Hotel
Mid-range: Malahide Hotel
Luxury: Serena Kivu Hotel

Day 15: Lake Kivu

After breakfast, you will proceed to the eastern side of Lake Kivu. You will enjoy beach activities such as boat rides on Lake Kivu to the closest islands. Discover fresh-looking places and sceneries; different species of birds can be seen. Majorly the water birds and a fish eagle, to mention but a few.

You can also relax at the side of the beach or enjoy swimming, volleyball, sunbathing, and sports fishing, among others. Dinner and an Overnight stay at.

Budget: Stipp Hotel
Mid-range: Malahide Hotel
Luxury: Serena Kivu Hotel

Day 16: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park:

You will leave Volcanoes National Park in the morning after a fully served breakfast. Then, head to Nyungwe National Park for primate watching. Nyungwe National Park is one of the mountainous rainforests in Africa with over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and Angolan colobus monkeys, among others.

Afterward, make a stopover at Butare and Nyanza, the historical and cultural sites. Here, you will visit the National Museum and University in Butare and explore the old King’s Palace in Nyanza for cultural interaction. You will have lunch in Butare before you proceed to the Park.

Dinner and an overnight stay at Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board

Day 17: Chimpanzee tracking / Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Have a cup of tea or coffee after reporting to the park headquarters to meet your guide. Subsequently, gather information about chimp tracking before heading into the forest to begin searching for the chimpanzees. Some level of physical fitness is required because it may involve passing through muddy and thick forests. The activity is tiresome, although rewarding. Tracking can take between 1 and 6 hours.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Meeting our closest relatives during the 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari, the chimpanzee is one of the unforgettable experiences. Certainly, the Park is home to over 13 species of primates. These include the chimps, Angolan Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Additionally, other monkeys found here include golden monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Hamlyn’s Monkey, Silver Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, among others. Plus also various species of birds such as orange and white birds, great blue Turaco, forest Hornbills, among others can be viewed.

The guide will provide relevant information not only to the chimps. Also to other fauna and flora that live in the forest to make the Safari interesting and educative, and informative. Finally, retire to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Basically, if the evening is free, you can opt for a canopy walk or nature walk. During these activities, you have a higher chance to view various species of butterflies, distinct species of birds, and different primates that reside in the upper levels of the forest. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Meal plan: Full Board Day

18: Departure:

Enjoy an early morning breakfast, and then after, you will head to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and largest city. All together, If time allows, you will have the opportunity to go for a city tour and visit the marketing places. Afterward, have lunch in Kigali and head to the airport for flight connections, ultimately ending the 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari.

Best months to go for 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari:
JAN, FEB, MAR, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEPT, OCT-DEC
Good months to go:
APR, MAY, NOV

What is Included in the 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari:

In terms of what’s included, the package covers:

All flights except your arrival/return international flights
All accommodations, including breakfast (some hotels may include more meals & activities)
Two gorilla trekking permits
All private ground transfers
Furthermore, all guided tours specified in the itinerary description

6. Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during, and after your trip

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