12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Big Five & Cultural Highlights

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on arrival time, you may explore the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Victoria.

Dinner and overnight in Entebbe
Suggested: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, The Boma Entebbe, or Protea Hotel

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Kibale National Park, Uganda’s best destination for chimpanzee tracking. The 6–7-hour drive takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes.

Enjoy lunch en route in Fort Portal and visit the Amabere Caves or Tooro Kingdom Palace if time allows.

Dinner and overnight near Kibale Forest
Suggested: Turaco Treetops, Primate Lodge Kibale, or Chimpundu Lodge

Today you’ll experience an exciting chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimps and 12 other primate species.

Track chimps through thick forest and listen to their vocal calls echoing through the canopy.

Spend up to 1 hour observing a habituated group as they feed, groom, and communicate.

In the afternoon, take a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for monkeys, butterflies, and over 200 bird species including the great blue turaco.

Dinner and overnight near Kibale

After breakfast, drive 3–4 hours south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most scenic savannah park. Stop at the Equator Monument and enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way.

Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Look for lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and hyenas.

Dinner and overnight inside Queen Elizabeth NP
Suggested: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Enganzi Game Lodge

Start your day with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active. Spot large herds of buffalo, grazing antelope, and predators on the hunt.

After lunch, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s densest hippo habitats. Also look for crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife such as fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP

Depart early for Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions that lounge in fig trees. Enjoy a short game drive before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and terraced hills as you approach Bwindi.

Dinner and overnight in Bwindi
Suggested: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Four Gorillas Lodge

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Accompanied by rangers, hike through Bwindi’s thick rainforest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.

Trekking may take 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla movement.

Once located, spend 1 hour face-to-face with these gentle giants.

Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest and optional massage.

Dinner and overnight in Bwindi

After breakfast, depart Uganda and cross into Rwanda at the Cyanika border. Complete immigration procedures and continue to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.

Enjoy lunch in Musanze and relax at your lodge with views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes NP
Suggested: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

This morning, trek to see the endangered golden monkeys, a fun, lively species only found in the Virunga region.

Alternatively, book an optional second gorilla trek in Rwanda for a deeper primate experience (advance booking & extra permit required).

Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to engage with Rwandan traditions, music, and cuisine.

Dinner and overnight in Volcanoes NP

After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Lake Kivu, a perfect place to unwind after trekking. Check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch.

Optional afternoon activities:

Boat ride to Napoleon Island

Visit local hot springs or coffee plantations

Sunset kayaking on the lake

Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi or Karongi
Suggested: Paradise Kivu, Cormoran Lodge, or Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Kigali (approx. 3–4 hours). Along the way, stop at tea plantations and traditional villages.

Upon arrival, visit:

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Local artisan markets for souvenir shopping

Optional visit to the Kimironko Market or Inema Arts Center

Dinner and overnight in Kigali
Suggested: Heaven Boutique Hotel or The Retreat

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy final shopping or a city walk.

Your 12-day Uganda and Rwanda safari comes to an end with unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure