The Grand Uganda & Rwanda Safari: A 19-Day Primate & Wildlife

Overview

The 18 Days Best of Uganda Safari is the ultimate wildlife and adventure experience. This carefully crafted journey takes you across Uganda — from the vast savannahs of Kidepo and Murchison Falls to the lush rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. Expect unforgettable encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, and the Big Five, plus scenic boat cruises, community visits, and the thrill of standing at the Source of the Nile.

  •  19 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda

 

Key Highlights of Your 19-Day Safari:

 

  • Double Gorilla Trekking: Experience the profound magic of gorilla trekking in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Prime Wildlife Viewing: Track the Big 5 and more during thrilling game drives in Akagera, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks.

  • Primate Encounters: Go beyond gorillas with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and golden monkey tracking in Rwanda.

  • Iconic Water Experiences: Enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, and witness the powerful Murchison Falls.

  • Cultural Immersion: Connect with local cultures through visits to the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village and the fascinating Batwa community.

  • Adventure at the Nile: Visit the source of the world’s longest river and opt for adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.

 

Your Detailed 19-Day Safari Itinerary

 

Days 1-3: Arrival in Rwanda & Akagera’s Wild Plains

 

  • Day 1: Welcome to Kigali. Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Muganzi Safaris guide will greet you. Transfer to your hotel to relax and unwind.

  • Day 2: Journey to Akagera National Park. After breakfast, travel to Akagera. In the afternoon, embark on a serene boat launch on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

  • Day 3: Full Day Game Drive. Dive into a full day of game viewing. Akagera’s rolling hills are home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope, offering a classic African safari experience.

Days 4-6: Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

 

  • Day 4: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes. Explore Rwanda’s poignant history and vibrant culture with a city tour, including the Genocide Memorial. Later, travel to the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

  • Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. A day you’ll remember forever! Trek through lush rainforest to spend a magical hour with a endangered mountain gorilla family. Later, visit the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village.

  • Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cross into Uganda. Track the playful and endangered golden monkeys, then journey across the border into Uganda, arriving at your lodge for the evening.

 

Days 7-9: Uganda’s Gorillas & The Scenic South-West

 

  • Day 7: Batwa Culture & Lake Mutanda. Walk with the former forest-dwelling Batwa people, learning their ancient traditions. Enjoy a canoe on the beautiful Lake Mutanda and a walk along the Congo border.

  • Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your second gorilla trekking adventure awaits in the legendary Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After this profound experience, drive to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi & Tree-Climbing Lions. Enjoy a morning canoe ride on the “place of little birds.” Then, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, followed by an evening game drive.

 

Days 10-13: Wild Encounters in Queen Elizabeth & Kibale

 

  • Day 10: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise. A dawn game drive reveals the park’s predators and herbivores. In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers unparalleled hippo, bird, and elephant viewing.

  • Day 11: To Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp. After a final morning game drive, journey to primate-rich Kibale Forest. An afternoon walk through the Bigodi Swamp is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

  • Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Semuliki. Trek through Kibale to find habituated chimpanzees, our closest relatives. After your encounter, transfer to the remote Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.

 

Days 14-16: The Mighty Nile & Rhino Trekking

 

  • Day 14: To Murchison Falls National Park. Travel north, arriving in time to visit the top of the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge.

  • Day 15: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise. Explore the savannah on a morning game drive, then take to the water for a boat cruise to the base of the falls, getting up close to hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants.

  • Day 16: Rhino Trekking & To Jinja. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable on-foot rhino tracking experience. Continue your journey to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.

 

Days 17-19: The Source of the Nile & Departure

 

  • Day 17: Adventure on the Nile. Visit the historic Source of the Nile. The day is yours to choose your adventure: white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a gentle boat trip.

  • Day 18: Mabira Forest & Kampala Tour. Enjoy a nature walk in the lush Mabira Forest, then return to Kampala for a city tour, including the Buganda King’s Palace and the Uganda Museum.

  • Day 19: Shoebill Search & Departure. Take an early morning canoe trip on Mabamba Bay in search of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Afterwards, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your departure flight.

 

Safari Package Inclusions & Exclusions

 

This Safari Package Includes:

 

  • All ground transportation in a custom 4WD safari vehicle.

  • Full-board accommodation as per the itinerary.

  • Services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide.

  • All park entrance fees.

  • Gorilla trekking permit (for both Uganda & Rwanda).

  • Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey tracking permits.

  • Rhino tracking permit at Ziwa Sanctuary.

  • All specified boat cruises, nature walks, and cultural experiences.

 

This Safari Package Excludes:

 

  • International airfare & visa fees.

  • Personal travel insurance.

  • Tips for guides and lodge staff.

  • Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and souvenirs.

  • Optional activities in Jinja (e.g., white-water rafting).


Ready to Answer the Call of the Wild?

This 19-day journey through Uganda and Rwanda is the ultimate African safari experience. At Muganzi Safaris, we are passionate about creating seamless, unforgettable adventures. Contact us today to book your private safari and start planning the trip of a lifetime.