13-Day-Uganda Rwanda Tour

This meticulously crafted 13-Day Uganda Rwanda Tour is an immersive expedition into the heart of East Africa's most captivating landscapes. Designed for the discerning traveler, it seamlessly blends the raw, untamed wilderness of Uganda with the accessible, profound primate encounters of Rwanda. The journey promises an unparalleled diversity of experiences: from tracking majestic mountain gorillas and curious chimpanzees to embarking on thrilling game drives across vast savannas teeming with wildlife and leisurely boat cruises along the Nile's source. It is a profound adventure that explores lush rainforests, vibrant cultures, and rolling hills, offering a complete and unforgettable East African safari experience.

• • • Gorilla Trekking: Participate in two separate, life-changing gorilla trekking experiences—once in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and once in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each offering a unique perspective.

    • Chimpanzee Tracking: Trek through Kibale Forest National Park, the "Primate Capital of the World," to observe our closest genetic relatives in their natural habitat.

    • Wildlife Safaris: Enjoy extensive game drives in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo, and countless other species.

    • Boat Safaris: Take a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a magnet for wildlife, and on the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, witnessing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

    • Scenic & Cultural Encounters: Hike to the top of the mighty Murchison Falls, experience a local community visit, and journey through some of the continent's most stunning scenic landscapes.

• • • Two unforgettable Mountain Gorilla trekking permits included.

    • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

    • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP with chances to see tree-climbing lions.

    • Boat cruise on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

    • Visit to the dramatic Murchison Falls.

    • Boat safari on the Nile River in Murchison Falls NP.

    • Cultural interactions with local communities.

    • Scenic drives through the "Land of a Thousand Hills" in Rwanda.

Day 1: Arrival in the Pearl of Africa Your adventure begins upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. You will be warmly welcomed by a representative from your tour company who will assist you with the transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe. This first evening is for acclimatization to the African time zone, allowing you to relax and unwind from your journey. Enjoy a quiet dinner, soaking in the warm, humid air and the anticipation of the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

Day 2: Journey to the Mighty Nile and Murchison Falls After an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive northwards towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area. The journey offers a glimpse into rural Ugandan life, passing through bustling towns and lush countryside. You will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a unique guided trek on foot to observe the endangered white rhinos—a key conservation success story. After this exciting encounter, you continue to the park, checking into your lodge near the powerful Nile River. The evening is spent listening to the sounds of the wild from the comfort of your accommodation.

Day 3: Game Drives and the Nile's Power An early morning game drive across the rolling savannah of the Buligi Circuit offers the best opportunity to spot the park’s diverse wildlife. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, Jackson's hartebeest, lions, and perhaps even a leopard. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the midday heat. In the afternoon, prepare for a highlight: a boat safari upstream to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls. Witness hippos wallowing, enormous crocodiles sunbathing, and a myriad of waterbirds along the banks. The boat takes you to the point where the world's longest river explodes through a narrow gorge with thunderous force, creating a permanent rainbow—a truly spectacular sight.

Day 4: To the Primate Capital of the World Following a leisurely breakfast, you begin your journey south, heading for Fort Portal, the picturesque town at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive is long but incredibly scenic, traversing through rural villages and verdant tea plantations that blanket the hillsides. Fort Portal has a pleasant climate and serves as the gateway to Kibale Forest National Park. You will arrive in the late afternoon, check into your lodge, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the rainforest, perhaps spotting some primates from the lodge grounds.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk Today, you delve into Kibale Forest, renowned for having the highest concentration of primates in Africa. After a briefing from the park rangers, you set off on a guided walk into the dense forest. The air is filled with the cacophony of birds and the calls of monkeys. The goal is to find a habituated community of chimpanzees. Watching them feed, play, and swing through the canopy is a mesmerizing experience. In the afternoon, you engage in a cultural and ecological tour of the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project that is excellent for bird watching and supporting local initiatives.

Day 6: Wildlife and the Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha After breakfast, you drive to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse ecosystem of sprawling savannah, shady forests, and sparkling lakes. The journey takes you through the remote and wild southern sector of the park, known as Ishasha. This area is famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, often spotted lounging in the branches of large fig trees. You will enjoy a game drive here, hoping for a sighting, before continuing to your lodge in the heart of the park, which often offers stunning views of the Kazinga Channel.

Day 7: Kazinga Channel Cruise and Game Drives Another early start for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains or the Queen’s Mile. This is prime territory for buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, and their predators. Return for lunch before embarking on a completely different safari experience: a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural channel linking Lake George and Lake Edward boasts the highest concentration of hippos in the world and is a magnet for elephants, crocodiles, and an astounding array of bird species, making it a photographer's paradise. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the pool and reflect on the day's sightings.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Today, you journey to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The drive itself is an adventure, winding through stunning highland scenery and terraced farms. The atmosphere upon arrival is one of palpable excitement and reverence. You will attend a briefing at the park headquarters and, if time permits, perhaps participate in a gentle cultural walk to a local community, gaining insight into the lives of the Batwa people or local farming communities.

Day 9: A Life-Changing Gorilla Encounter This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast and a final briefing, you are grouped and assigned a gorilla family to track. Led by experienced guides and trackers, you hike into the dense, mystical forest. The trek can be physically demanding but is immensely rewarding. The moment you come face-to-face with a massive silverback and his family is profoundly moving and humbling. You are allowed one hour to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat—an hour that will forever be etched in your memory. The afternoon is for recuperating and sharing stories of your incredible encounter.

Day 10: Crossing the Border into Rwanda's Land of a Thousand Hills You bid farewell to Uganda and begin your scenic transfer to Rwanda. The journey involves crossing the border at Cyanika/Katuna, a straightforward process your guide will facilitate. As you enter Rwanda, you are immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty of its rolling hills, meticulously cultivated terraces, and clean, organized towns. You will drive directly to Musanze, the base for Volcanoes National Park. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and prepare for another incredible primate trek tomorrow.

Day 11: Second Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Your second gorilla trekking experience, this time in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, offers a different context. The terrain is often characterized by volcanic slopes and bamboo forests, with the majestic Virunga volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop. The tracking process is similar but no less magical. Encountering a different gorilla family allows for a new and unique perspective on their behavior and social structure. This second trek deepens the connection and understanding of these remarkable creatures. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village for an insightful cultural experience.

Day 12: Reflection and Journey to Kigali After the intensity of the previous days, this morning is for relaxation. You might opt for an additional activity, such as a visit to the grave of the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey or a gentle hike to see golden monkeys. After lunch, you begin the comfortable two-hour drive to Rwanda's vibrant capital city, Kigali. Upon arrival, you will undertake a poignant and educational tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide that provides crucial context for understanding Rwanda's remarkable story of resilience and renewal.

Day 13: Departure from Kigali Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at local markets or a coffee tour. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your departure flight, marking the end of your profound and unforgettable 13-Day Uganda Rwanda Tour.

Accommodations on this tour range from comfortable budget lodges to ultra-luxurious safari properties. The price varies significantly based on this choice.

• • • Budget/Lodges: (e.g., Parkside Safari Hotel, Bush Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge) - Focus on clean, comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities in great locations.

    • Mid-Range/Luxury: (e.g., Pakuba Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Mahogany Springs) - Offer enhanced comfort, beautiful settings, swimming pools, and excellent service.

    • Superior Luxury: (e.g., Chobe Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge) - Provide world-class amenities, exceptional design, gourmet dining, and unparalleled views.

Price Estimate: The cost for this comprehensive 13-Day Uganda Rwanda Tour typically ranges from $7,500 to $12,000+ per person (based on double occupancy). This wide range is due to accommodation choice, time of year (peak vs. low season), and the number of people in your private group.

What’s Included:

• • • All park entrance fees and activity fees.

    • Two gorilla permits (one in Uganda, one in Rwanda).

    • One chimpanzee permit.

    • Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration.

    • Professional English-speaking driver/guide.

    • 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and fuel tank.

    • All mentioned boat cruises and game drives.

    • Airport transfers.

    • Drinking water in the vehicle.

What’s Excluded:

• • International airfare.

  • Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda (consider the East African Tourist Visa for both).

  • Tips for guides and lodge staff.

  • Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, non-water beverages, etc.).

  • Travel insurance (mandatory).