This 12-day safari combines the very best of Uganda and Rwanda, from bird watching at Mabamba Swamp to powerful rhino encounters at Zziwa, the mighty Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes, and finally a Kigali city tour. It’s a journey of primates, wildlife, landscapes, and culture, offering a complete East African experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your guide will welcome you. Head straight to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places to see the elusive shoebill stork. Enjoy a canoe birding excursion before returning to Entebbe for overnight.
Day 2: Entebbe – Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls
Drive north, stopping at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking safari to see Uganda’s only rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the evening at your lodge on the Nile.
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Enjoy a morning game drive on the northern savannah where elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffalo roam. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the way. Hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest
After breakfast, set off for Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and local villages. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale for relaxation.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Spend time observing them in their natural habitat. Afternoon options include a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland.
Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Begin with a morning game drive to spot lions, elephants, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Join rangers for a briefing before trekking through the dense rainforest to find a gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour watching them in their natural environment.
Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes. Spend the afternoon relaxing, canoeing, or exploring its islands.
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Cross into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes on arrival.
Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Kigali City Tour – Departure
Track the playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Later, drive to Kigali for a city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.