14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
$5,780 pp (USD)

2 People | Leaves: Any Day


Destination: Ngamba Chimp Island, Murchison, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali City

Activities: Wildlife Game, Chimpanzee Tracking, Gorilla Trekking

14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

Overview

The 14-day Rwanda-Uganda Safari Holiday immerses you in the heart of Africa’s western Rift Valley, promising a diverse and captivating journey. The adventure begins with a half-day tour to Chimps Island, setting the stage for an exploration of the Savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, where iconic wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and leopards roam freely.

Next, venture into Kibale Wildlife National Park to track and habituate with the chimps, followed by a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the elusive tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and the rich wildlife along the Kazinga Channel await.

The highlight of the safari lies in the opportunity to witness some of the world’s last remaining 1640 mountain gorillas. This extraordinary experience unfolds in two major gorilla parks: Bwindi in Uganda and Parc de Volcans in Rwanda. Bwindi, with over 14 habituated families, presents a more challenging trek through thick tropical forests. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers a more accessible encounter with five habituated gorilla families amidst the Afro-montane forest.

Beyond gorilla trekking, the itinerary invites you to explore diverse activities, including nature walks to spot birds, monkeys, and orchids. Akagera National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Kigali City tours offer additional cultural and natural highlights. For the adventurous, climbing a volcano, embarking on nature walks, and encountering the endangered golden monkey in both Rwanda and Uganda contribute to the safari’s rich tapestry.

Whether climbing a volcano, visiting the remains of Dian Fossey’s grave, or observing the endangered golden monkey, the 14-day Rwanda-Uganda Safari promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa’s natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Tour Highlights

  • Ngamba Island’s Orphaned Chimpanzees
  • Muchison Falls Big 5 Safari Trail
  • Kibale Forest Jungles Chimps Tracking
  • Big Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth Savannah Grass Plains
  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
  • Rwanda’s Volcanoes Gorillas and Diane Fossey’s Legacy

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to hotel
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee viewing in Ngamba chimps island
  • Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Ride in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
  • Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
  • Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 8: Game Drive Boat Launch in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
  • Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Day 12: Transfer to Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 14: Diane Fossey Hike and Transfer to Kigali Airport

See Detailed Itinerary

Safari Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport for the 14 Days Rwanda-Uganda Safari, a warm welcome awaits you. You will be met by G S Uganda Travel Guide or a representative, who will ensure your seamless transfer from the airport to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. This marks the beginning of your exciting and immersive journey through the captivating landscapes and wildlife of Rwanda and Uganda.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Boma Guest house/
Moderate – 2 friends beach Hotel/ imperial heights Hotel
Up Market – Botanical resort hotel, Protea beach Hotel Entebbe.

DAY 2: Ngamba Chimpanzee Island Tour and Entebbe conservation Centre/botanical gardens.

After break fast and then later the 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari tour guide will transfer you the pier for a boat transfer to Ngamba Island. There are two half day excursions to Ngamba Island. One starts at 0900 hours while the other begins at 12:45 hours. The choice is yours to choose whether you take any at any time but all are subject to availability and therefore we must book them in advance.

chimpanzee-island

Enjoy the ride while on the largest lake in East Africa- Lake Victoria is! At Ngamba Island, they have replicated some of the country’s conservation zones such as savannah, wetlands and tropical forest. The boat takes about 45 minutes across to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, crossing the Equator en-route.

On arrival at this home to 39 orphaned chimps, you will be briefed about the sanctuary and its history. After, the chimpanzee feeding time will come! Watch these primates from the visitors’ platform while they are being fed. It is fascinating to watch the chimps intermingle with each other and with their keepers.

You will realize that most of them have different characters just like Man. Whereby some are very greedy others aren’t. This is charming!! In the relatively short amount of time you will be there , you will be able to see such different personalities amongst the group, with some whistling for food and others clapping. Clearly, the exceptional option would be to re-introduce these orphaned chimpanzees to the wild however this is not possible for a number of different reasons and the sanctuary is not bad for second best.

Return to the main land for lunch at the zoo, after you will be taken a round the place, including the botanical gardens after which we will transfer you to at your Lodge BB.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Boma Guest house/
Moderate – 2 friends beach Hotel/ imperial heights Hotel
Up Market – Botanical resort hotel, Protea beach Hotel Entebbe.

DAY 3: Through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

In the morning, your journey from Entebbe will lead you to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you’ll pause for a delightful luncheon at Masindi, with an intriguing stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to witness the efforts in rhino conservation.

Continuing your adventure, you will then proceed to the magnificent Murchison Falls. Marvel at the robust Nile River as it dramatically plummets into a seven-meter abyss, creating a resounding cascade 45 meters below. Take in the awe-inspiring sight of the series of cascades formed by the falls, each viewable from different vantage points, culminating in a spectacle of natural wonder. This marks the beginning of your exploration of the breathtaking landscapes and wonders that await you in Murchison Falls National Park.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Red Chillis camp
Moderate – Sambiya River Lodge
Up Market – Paraa Lodge / Nile safari Lodge

DAY 4: Game Drive and river Boat Ride Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up early morning for a cup of coffee or tea then set off for a 3-4 hours game drive on the northern Bank of the Nile River.

wildlife-safari-Murchison-falls-national

Expect encounters of Game in this park that include Rothschild Giraffe, Elephant, Jackson Hartebeest, Lions, Waterbucks and a variety of Savannah woodland birds. Return to your lodge. Have a mid morning breakfast and relax as you wait for lunch. IN the afternoon, you will go for your reserved private boat ride along the Nile to view aqua game and avian species at close proximity.

This is a unique encounter with a family of hippos , crocodiles, among other animals. For those interested in birds, watch out for the legendary shoe Bill stork if you are lucky and many other bird species. Then take dinner and overnight at Your lodge.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Red Chillis camp
Moderate – Sambiya River Lodge
Up Market – Paraa Lodge / Nile safari Lodge

DAY 5:Transfer to Fort Portal Kibale Forest National Park

Depart Murchison Falls after an early breakfast. You will pass through The Albertine rift via Hoima to the Verdant country side of Fort portal . Have lunch en route and arrive in the late after noon. Dinner and over night at Lodge of choice.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Kibale forest camp (KFC)
Moderate – Rwenzori View House
Luxury – Ndali Lodge / Mountains of the moons Lodge

DAY 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Take breakfast early morning. Leave for Kibale Forest National Park, this is commonly accepted to have a diversity and highest massing of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided chimpanzee walk in the tropical rainforest evergreen in searching of the Hot springs, Black white colobus monkeys, wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, butterflies of different species and many others. Have a luncheon, and then go to the Bigodi areas for a swamp walk. The guide will provide details about the flora and fauna that you will encounter and then after, you will be transferred back to your lodge.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge
Moderate: Primate Lodge (Cottages)
Lowest Price: Kibale Forest Camp

DAY 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Game Safari and Boat Cruise

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive will take 2-4 hours. A game drive en route is rewarding with views of acacia trees, antelopes, birds and many other savanna wildlife and flora species.

You will visit the crater lakes region, Katwe salt mines to see how salt is traditionally mined in Uganda. Then later transfer for dinner and overnight at lodge.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Albertine river camp, simba safari camp
Moderate – Hippo Hill Luxury tented camp
Up market – Mweya safari Lodge / Kyambura Wildlife reserve / Jacana Safari Lodge

DAY 8: Game drive and Launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

We take on a morning game drive in search of the wild game . The drive will provide excellent scenic view of the great Lakes of Lake Edwards and Lake George, then also their gutter-the great Kazinga channel. In the game drive, expect elephants, lions, buffaloes, kobs, the Python, hyenas, warthogs, birds’ hippos etc. Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast and then have lunch . In the after noon you will go for a boat -cruise along Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect to get exposed to a bird sin abundance both typical and migrants and the highest concentration of hippos in Africa. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Albertine river camp,simba safari camp
Moderate – Hippo Hill Luxury tented camp
Up market – Mweya safari Lodge / Kyambura Wildlife reserve / Jacana Safari Lodge

DAY 9: Game Drive & Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up for an early morning breakfast and then transfer to Kyambura gorge for a chimpanzee tour. Driving through grassland area, straight away we come transversely to an amazing ravine of tropical rain forest 100 meters deep. Trek into Kyambura River Gorge for an odd experience hiking chimpanzees.

It’s so paying to see the river valley, home of many bird and butterfly species. Rangers will provide the necessary information about the gorge and then later you will return to your lodge for lunch, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Albertine river camp,simba safari camp
Moderate – Hippo Hill Luxury tented camp
Up market – Mweya safari Lodge / Kyambura Wildlife reserve / Jacana Safari Lodge

DAY 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park for gorilla trekking.

This morning, you will leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will drive through the seasonal southern sector of Queen Elizabeth known as Ishasha. Here we will take lunch by the Ishasha River if time permits and after searching for the famed Ishasha tree-climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi, home to the few remaining mountain gorillas.

 mountain-gorillas-uganda

If you are trekking gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi , you will not be able to drive via this sector to shorten the drive between Kisoro and Queen Elizabeth national park. Bird life and primate life in the Bwindi national park is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora.

Some bird watchers refer to Bwindi as a bird heaven! It holds 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey’s stomping ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Buhoma Community Bandas(self contained cottages)
Moderate – Lake Kitandara Camp, Engagi logde
Up Market -Gorilla Forest camp/ Gorilla resort camp Clouds lodge.

DAY 11:Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda.

Take breakfast, with your packed lunch and all your trekking gear, like: rain coat, ankle level hiking boots on, gardener’s gloves, pair of trousers and long sleeved shirt, etc go to the starting point for briefing by a ranger guide.

Enter the gorilla sanctuary for your world premier wildlife encounter and adventure- Gorilla trekking. The beauty of this rain forest is magnificent. The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists.

The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great giant apes. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored. Many find it to be a rare and moving experience Whether you track the “M” group or the “N” group, you will not find wildlife experience quite as exhilarating or emotional like gorilla trekking. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight .

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Buhoma Community Bandas(self contained cottages)
Moderate – Lake Kitandara Camp, Engagi logde
Up Market -Gorilla Forest camp/ Gorilla resort camp Clouds lodge.

DAY 12: Transfer to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive across the Uganda – Rwanda – Kyanika Border . Have lunch en route and arrive at your lodge. You will check in and retire for dinner and overnight at Lodge of selection.

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Kinigi Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Up Market – Virunga Volcanoes Lodgeest House / Muhavura Lodge
Moderate – Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge /

DAY 13 Another day of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

An early morning breakfast is followed by a drive/ walk to Kinigi park headquarters for briefing , group allocation and orientation. This is followed by a drive to the trail heads where hiking and trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone begins. Hiking, trekking and tracking gorillas may take

3-10 hours. Sight and stay with the Gorillas for one hour. Dinner and over night at your lodge

Accommodation: (Full board basis)
Budget – Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge
Moderate – Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Up Market –Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

DAY 14: Dianne Fossey hike/Golden monkey- and Transfer to Kigali – Airport Rwanda

Take breakfast and report to the starting point of the Dianne fossey hike for your excursion to slopes of the Bisoke volcano and pay a visit to the former Karisoke centre where the grave of Dian Fossey is located. Fantastic views, lush forested slopes and an exceptional environment.

This fantastic hike to the grave will take 2 up 3 hours. Those who will choose Golden monkey tracking will be in for another primates watch treat . Return to the lodge to freshen up and then later, we will transfer you to Kigali and then to Kanombe airport for your flight back home. marking the End of our 14 days Rwanda Uganda Safari.

Included

  • All tour activities as indicated above on 14 days Rwanda Uganda safari
  • 1 gorilla permit Uganda @ $800 USD.
  • 1 gorilla permit  Rwanda @ $1500 USD.
  • Golden monkey tracking
  • All chimps permits
  • All boat trip fees
  • Game drives
  • Accommodation in hotels (with breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
  • Sightseeing as noted in the trip itinerary
  • Park fees
  • Entry fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Bottled drinking mineral water

Not Included

  • Tips for drivers and other staff
  • Bank charges involved
  • Flight tickets and departure taxes
  • Travel documentation (visas)
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Optional excursion
  • Beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle
  • Meals not indicated on your detailed itinerary

Interested in this tour?


Or Send us a direct email to: info@gorillasafaris-uganda.com

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