The Ultimate Primate & Wildlife Safari: Uganda & Rwanda in 16 Days

Overview

This 16-day premier safari is a masterpiece of East African exploration, taking you from the source of the Nile in Uganda to the land of a thousand hills in Rwanda. You will encounter the legendary Big Five, come face-to-face with rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and cruise along pristine waterways teeming with life. It’s a journey of awe-inspiring landscapes, profound wildlife encounters, and deep cultural connections, all while enjoying the comfort and expertise of Muganzi Safaris.

  • 16 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda and Rwanda

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda – Journey to Murchison Falls

Arrive at Entebbe Airport where your Muganzi Safaris guide will warmly welcome you. After a brief refreshment, we journey north towards the mighty Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable up-close encounter with the endangered white rhino. Continue to your lodge near the park, where you can relax with an evening tea as the sounds of the African bush serenade you.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 2: Wild Encounters – Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, embark on your first morning game drive across the rolling savannah. Search for elephants, giraffes, lions, Uganda kobs, and a variety of antelope. Return to the lodge for lunch before an afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. This spectacular journey takes you to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls, offering stunning views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 3: To the Primate Capital – Kibale Forest

Depart after breakfast and drive south through the scenic Albertine Rift, passing traditional homesteads and lush farmlands. Our destination is the enchanting Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of the world. Arrive in the afternoon and, if time permits, take a guided walk in the forest or simply relax at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Today is dedicated to our charismatic cousins, the chimpanzees. After a briefing, venture into the dense forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. Watch them swing through the canopy, feed, and play. This is a truly mesmerizing encounter. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community project known for its rich biodiversity, including several primate species and exotic birds.
Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House (Full Board)

Day 5: Through Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi's Misty Forests

African Safaris

We journey today towards the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive takes us through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Keep your camera ready for a chance to spot these majestic cats lounging in the fig trees. Continue through the dramatic landscapes to Bwindi.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 6: The Apex Experience – Gorilla Trekking

This is the day of a lifetime! After an early breakfast and briefing, enter the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your mountain gorilla trek. The hike can be challenging but is immeasurably rewarding. Spending one hour with a habituated gorilla family is a humbling and emotional experience. After this unforgettable encounter, transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi to relax and reflect.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 7: Cross into Rwanda – Kigali City Tour

After a leisurely breakfast, we cross the border into Rwanda. The journey to the capital, Kigali, is short and scenic. Upon arrival, we visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects and understand Rwanda’s remarkable history of renewal. Later, enjoy a city tour of this clean and vibrant capital, set amidst countless hills.
Accommodation: Midrange Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 8: Savanna Adventures in Akagera National Park

Travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna park and a celebrated Big Five destination. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park’s southern circuit near Lake Ihema, spotting zebras, impalas, elephants, and more.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 9: Wilderness & Water – Game Drive & Boat Cruise

An early morning game drive takes you to the northern sector of Akagera, offering a chance to see predators and herds of plains game against a beautiful backdrop. After lunch, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Ihema, a perfect way to view hippos, crocodiles, and magnificent birdlife from a different perspective.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 10: Journey to the Canopy – Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, we drive south to the vast Nyungwe National Park, a pristine montane rainforest. The journey is broken with fascinating cultural stopovers at the National Museum of Rwanda in Huye (Butare) and the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. Arrive at your forest-edge lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 11: Chimps & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Venture into Nyungwe for another thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure. The forest is also home to colobus monkeys and rare birds. In the afternoon, experience the park’s highlight: the forest canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this walkway offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the jungle’s life.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 12: Serenity on Lake Kivu

Today, we travel to the stunning Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Rift Valley lakes. The drive along the Congo Nile Trail offers spectacular views. Check in at your lakeside lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, a boat cruise allows you to explore the lake’s beautiful islands and hidden coves.
Accommodation: Midrange Hotel (Full Board)

Day 13: To the Virunga Volcanoes

Drive north to the town of Musanze, the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park. En route, explore the fascinating Musanze Caves, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. After this easy and illuminating hike, continue to your lodge with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 14: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – A Second Encounter

Prepare for another profound primate encounter. After an early briefing, begin your gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. The terrain is different from Bwindi, offering a new and equally magical experience. Finding a gorilla family in the volcanic foothills is an achievement you will cherish forever.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 15: Dian Fossey's Legacy & Rwandan Culture

Choose a final forest adventure with a trek to the Dian Fossey Tomb, a tribute to her incredible conservation work. Alternatively, enjoy a more relaxed golden monkey tracking. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic and interactive experience of Rwandan traditions, dances, and storytelling.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge (Full Board)

Day 16: Farewell to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Enjoy a final breakfast in Rwanda before your guide transfers you back to Kigali. You’ll have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a farewell lunch before heading to the airport for your departure flight, filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included/Excluded & Important Notes

What’s Included:

  • Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits (as per itinerary)

  • All park entrance fees

  • Full-board accommodation as specified

  • Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle

  • Services of an English-speaking professional driver/guide

  • All mentioned activities (game drives, boat cruises, canopy walk, etc.)

  • Airport transfers

  • Drinking water in the vehicle

What’s Excluded:

  • International flights & visas

  • Tips for guides and lodge staff

  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)

  • Travel insurance

  • Items not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary

Important Note: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are subject to permit availability. We highly recommend booking several months in advance to secure your spot. A good level of fitness is advised for the primate treks.

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