12 Days Best of Uganda Rwanda Safari

July 20, 2024

12 Days Best of Uganda Rwanda Safari with Safari Vacations and Travel Services

Overview

On this 12-day best of Uganda Rwanda Safari with Safari Vacations and Travel Services, you’ll explore the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda. You’ll start in Uganda, visiting the Rhino Camp to see white rhinos, then head to Murchison Falls National Park for a game drive, boat safari, and scenic views. Next, you’ll visit Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a nature walk in the Bigodi Swamp. You’ll continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive and a relaxing boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. The Ugandan leg ends with a trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

In Rwanda, you’ll trek to see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and conclude your safari with a visit to a Genocide memorial site in Kigali.

Safari Highlights

Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Observing playful chimpanzees in the treetops
Discovering diverse wildlife, colorful birds, rare plants, and insects
Enjoying stunning views of volcanic landscapes and crater lakes
Meeting local people and learning about their traditional lifestyles
Exploring the fascinating features of volcanic mountains
Learning about the Rwandan Genocide at a memorial site
Trekking rhinos at a new sanctuary project in Uganda

Activity Schedule of 12-day Best of Uganda Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Camp
Day 2: Game drive and boat safari on the Nile River
Day 3: Visit the top of the falls and transfer to Hoima town
Day 4: Drive to Kibale National Park & visit crater lakes
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Game drive in the Ishasha sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 8: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Day 10: Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 11: Transfer to Kigali & visit the genocide memorial site
Day 12: City excursion & departure

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 7:00 am. Drive through the Luwero Triangle, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track white rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park with a lunch stop in Masindi town, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 2: Early Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile River

Wake up early for a 6:30 am game drive in the Nyamsika plateau to see buffaloes, giraffes, kob, hartebeest, waterbucks, and more. After lunch, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 3: Visit the Top of the Falls and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls to see the Nile River squeezing through a 7-meter gorge. Then, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through the countryside and towns like Hoima and Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trek and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, go for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. After lunch, take a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or visit the Crater Lakes region. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Crater Lakes Region

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with stopovers for sightseeing and lunch. Visit the Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiiru caves. Continue to the park. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 6: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early morning game drive in the northern part of the park to see lions, elephants, leopards, and more. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 7: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector for a game drive to see tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on mountain gorilla tracking. Spend up to an hour with the gorillas once sighted. Optional afternoon community walk among the Batwa people. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive to Rwanda through scenic countryside and bamboo forests. Cross the border at Katuna and continue to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, go to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. Spend up to an hour with the monkeys once sighted. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.