17-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Ikorom Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Murchison Falls NP (Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, famously known as the "Primate Capital of the World." The drive takes you through scenic countryside and local villages. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and soaking in the lush forest atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

ElephantOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

LionVery Rare

LeopardVery Rare

HippoRare

GiraffeNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

Accommodation:

Bweza Kibale Lodge

Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Start your day with an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of chimpanzees. This 4-hour trek takes you through thick jungle listen for their distinctive calls and watch them swing through the treetops. Once located, you'll spend precious time observing their playful and intelligent behavior.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary(optional), a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Spot rare species like the great blue turaco, as well as primates such as red colobus and L'hoest monkeys. The 3-hour walk through this vibrant ecosystem is both educational and visually stunning.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Bweza Kibale Lodge

Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Mount Rwenzori Hiking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Night Game Drive

This morning, challenge yourself with a one-day hike on the lower slopes of Mount Rwenzori, Africa's legendary "Mountains of the Moon." Trek through montane forests, cross bubbling streams, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for primates and colorful forest birds along the trail. After descending, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the evening, embark on an exciting night game drive — a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife including hippos grazing on land, leopards, and possibly even lions on the hunt.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

LeopardOccasional

GiraffeNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Enshama Game Lodge

Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive across the park's diverse habitats. Queen Elizabeth is home to over 95 mammal species look out for buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and the iconic tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. After a relaxing lunch, set off on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa — hippos grunt and splash, buffaloes cool off in the water, and hundreds of birds line the banks. You'll get spectacular close-up views of wildlife coming to drink and bathe.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Accommodation:

Enshama Game Lodge

Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Full Day in Queen Elizabeth – Transfer to Ishasha

Enjoy both a morning and afternoon game drive exploring different corners of this rich national park. The park's varied landscapes savannah, wetlands, and forests support an incredible diversity of wildlife. Later, transfer to the remote Ishasha sector, famous for its unusual population of tree-climbing lions. These lions are often spotted lounging in fig trees a behavior rarely seen elsewhere. Settle into your lodge for the night, surrounded by wilderness.

Main Destination:

Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda)

Accommodation:

Embogo Lodges

Mid-range lodge just outside Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi – Batwa Experience

After breakfast, go on a game drive in Ishasha to search for the famous tree-climbing lions. These majestic predators are often found resting in the branches of ancient fig trees a photographer's dream. Afterwards, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Batwa Cultural Experience. Led by Batwa community members, you'll walk through the forest learning how these indigenous people thrived as hunter-gatherers before the park was established. Discover their ancient traditions, hunting techniques, and deep connection to the forest.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

LionNone

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Nshongi Camp

Budget lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Gorilla Tracking – Nkuringo Sector

Today is the highlight of your safari gorilla tracking! After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on tracking rules and safety. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you'll venture into the thick, misty forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once located, you'll have one magical hour to observe these gentle giants as they eat, play, and interact. Watching a silverback up close is an awe-inspiring, life-changing experience. Return to the lodge for well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Ikaze Cottages

Mid-range lodgenear Kisoro (Town, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Golden Monkey Tracking

This morning, you'll track another primate treasure the rare golden monkey. After a briefing at the park headquarters, enter the bamboo forests where these playful, strikingly colored monkeys live. The trek takes 1 to 4 hours, and you'll have an hour to watch them leap through the bamboo with incredible agility. Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Ikaze Cottages

Mid-range lodgenear Kisoro (Town, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Gorilla Tracking – Rushaga Sector

Today, you'll enjoy a second gorilla tracking experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, home to several habituated gorilla families. Each family has its own unique dynamics and story, making every tracking experience different and unforgettable. Spend an hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior in the wild. Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the day's adventure.

Main Destination:

Rushaga Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda)

Accommodation:

Nshongi Camp

Budget lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Third Gorilla Tracking or Batwa Cultural Experience

Choose your final day's activity either a third gorilla tracking experience or a deeper Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions of Uganda's original forest people, including traditional storytelling, dancing, and demonstrations of hunting skills.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Ikaze Cottages

Mid-range lodgenear Kisoro (Town, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 15

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

After breakfast, depart Uganda and cross into Rwanda. The drive takes you through beautiful rolling hills and scenic countryside. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In the evening, visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now share their heritage through dance, music, and storytelling a heartwarming cultural immersion.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone