19 Day Rwanda & Uganda Safari
19 Days | 18 Nights
Safari Overview
This 18-day all-inclusive safari is a grand journey through the heart of East Africa, starting in Kigali and covering Rwanda’s most iconic sites, including Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park. After exploring Rwanda’s natural wonders and cultural gems, the trip transitions into Uganda to discover its rich tapestry of experiences—from gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimp tracking in Kibale to thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. With visits to the Source of the Nile, Sipi Falls, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, this safari offers the ultimate combination of primates, wildlife, adventure, and local culture.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your AFRICANBROWNMAT Safaris guide. Begin with a short Kigali city tour including a visit to the Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Kigali Convention Centre.
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera NP – Sunset Game Drive
Depart Kigali for Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5 hours), Rwanda’s premier savannah reserve. Check in, relax, and enjoy an evening sunset game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring the northern sector of the park. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, travel to Nyungwe Forest, a pristine rainforest rich in biodiversity (approx. 6–7 hours). Stop for views of tea plantations and traditional villages.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Start early for chimpanzee tracking in the forest, followed by an afternoon canopy walk, where suspended bridges give panoramic views above the treetops.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation
Travel north to Lake Kivu in Karongi (Kibuye). Relax on the shores of this beautiful lake with optional swimming or kayaking.
Overnight: CormoranLodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes NP – Visit Twin Lakes
Drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon, visit the scenic Twin Lakes – Burera & Ruhondo or enjoy cultural interactions.
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
After an early breakfast, head to park headquarters for a briefing and then begin your gorilla trek. Spend an unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family in the wild.
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Bwindi
Track golden monkeys in the morning, followed by transfer across the Cyanika border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Overnight: Gorilla Mist Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Go for your second gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi (different sector/family). Afterward, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic beauty and tranquility.
Overnight: Heritage Lodge - Bunyonyi.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
After a morning boat cruise, drive north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way and settle In Topi safari Lodge in Ishasha sector of the park
Overnight: Topi Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Morning Drive and Transfer to the Northern Part of Queen Elizabeth NP
Start the day with a game drive in the uniquely gifted plains of Ishasha sector that offer a rather quieter and more untouched wilderness feel. The landscapes is dominated by expansive acacia woodlands, open savannahs, and fig trees, which are central to its fame.
A chance to sight tree climbing lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, topis, and a vast birdlife is quite valid. Later transfer to the northern sector of the park ie the Kasenyi plain.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with an early game drive in the Kasenyi plains. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Bigodi Swamp Walk
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon, take a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetlands, a haven for birdlife and primates.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Hoima
Track chimpanzees in the morning in Kibale. Afterward, begin the journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park, with an overnight stopover en route.
Overnight: MIKA Eco Resort – Hoima
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP – Evening Game Drive
Arrive at Murchison Falls, check into your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive in the northern sector of the park.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Hike to the Top of the Falls
Take a morning game drive in search of lions, giraffes, elephants, and leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, followed by a hike to the top of the falls for a stunning view.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Entebbe
Depart Murchison for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Track rhinos on foot, completing your Big Five sightings. Continue to Entebbe, arriving in the evening.
Overnight: Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Entebbe – Departure Day
Depending on your flight time, relax at the lodge or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or craft markets. Your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
Overnight: No accommodation but can be arranged.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Ready for Your Adventure?
Book your unforgettable primate safari today and explore the heart of Uganda’s wildlife! From chimpanzee trekking in Kibale to observing mountain gorillas in Bwindi, this once-in-a-lifetime journey will create memories to last forever.