This 10-day safari takes you through Uganda and Rwanda, offering a blend of primates, wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. You will trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, encounter the rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and cross into Rwanda for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and a Kigali city tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a short city tour to visit local markets or the Uganda Museum. Dinner and overnight will be at your chosen hotel.
Accommodation in Kampala:
Luxury: Serena Hotel / Latitude 0 Hotel
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge / Fairway Hotel
Budget: Forest Cottages / Acactus Hotel
Day 2: Kampala – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive through western Uganda, passing tea plantations and the lush countryside. Stop in Fort Portal town for lunch before proceeding to Kibale Forest National Park, famously known as the “Primate Capital of the World.”
In the evening, you may opt for a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to many bird species and primates. Overnight will be at a lodge near Kibale.
Accommodation in Kibale:
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Budget: Isunga Lodge / Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up early and head for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will spend time observing chimps in their natural habitat along with other primates like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited safari park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the beautiful savanna scenery.
Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth NP:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp
Budget: Bush Lodge / Engiri Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and several antelope species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the shoreline, and numerous bird species. Evening relaxation and overnight at your lodge.
Day 5: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth NP – the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. If lucky, you will spot them resting in fig trees.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight will be at a lodge near the gorilla trekking trailhead.
Accommodation in Bwindi:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-range: Silverback Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Havens
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, head to the Bwindi Visitor Centre for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Then, begin your gorilla trekking adventure in the rainforest, which can take between 2–6 hours. Once you find the gorilla family, spend a magical one hour observing their behavior and taking photos.
Return to your lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you may opt for a Batwa cultural experience or community walk. Overnight stay at your Bwindi lodge.
Day 7: Bwindi – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands and cross into Rwanda via Cyanika or Katuna border. Continue to Volcanoes National Park, famous for gorillas and golden monkeys. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation in Volcanoes NP:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Garden Place Hotel / Hotel Muhabura
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking – Cultural Visit
In the morning, head into Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, a thrilling experience with these playful primates found only in the Virunga ranges. The trek is relatively short compared to gorilla trekking.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Rwandan cultural experience, visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for traditional dances, local food, and cultural demonstrations. Overnight at your lodge.
Day 9: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes NP and drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, take a Kigali city tour visiting:
The Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kimironko Market
Craft centers and souvenir shops
Later, check in at your Kigali hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation in Kigali:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / Retreat by Heaven
Mid-range: Hotel Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel
Budget: Urban by CityBlue / Gloria Hotel
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast depending on your flight schedule. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 10-Day Uganda–Rwanda Connecting Safari.