Trip Overview
This ultimate Uganda & Rwanda safari takes you from Entebbe’s lush lake shore through savanna’s, rain forests, and volcanoes, ending in Kigali’s forward-looking capital. You’ll trek gorillas twice, once in Uganda’s mist-shrouded Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and again among the Virunga peaks of Rwanda. Along the way you’ll track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and glide past fishing villages on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Each evening is spent in handpicked lodges chosen for their comfort, atmosphere, and breathtaking views.
Trip Highlights
- Two Gorilla Treks: One in Uganda’s Bwindi and one in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Follow chimp families in Kyambura Gorge’s forested canyon.
- Tree-Climbing Lions: Spot these rare lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP.
- Kazinga Channel Cruise: Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds at sunset.
- Cultural Immersion: Meet the Batwa in Mgahinga and visit local villages and community projects.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
You will meet an experienced driver guide from Hige safaris on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and you will be driven a few minutes to Papyrus Guesthouse, a 10 minutes drive from the airport for relaxation from the tiring flight. After settling into your lake-view room, enjoy an afternoon tea in the lush gardens or opt for a gentle sunset cruise on Lake Victoria to unwind from your journey . Dinner is served in the open-air restaurant, where the menu showcases fresh local produce and continental favorites.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House (Half Board)
Day 2: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following an early breakfast, you depart Entebbe and head west. At Kayabwe, pause on the Equator line for photos and light refreshments. A little further, the Mpambire Drum Makers demonstrate centuries-old drum-carving techniques. By late afternoon, you arrive at Kyambura Gorge Lodge on the rim of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will relax at the Lodge and prepare for the next Day adventure.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth
Rise at dawn for a morning drive to Mweya, where elephants bathe in the Kazinga Channel and elusive leopards hide in riverine thickets. Drive through Kasenyi plains for more animal viewing such as Buffalo,Uganda kob, Antelope, and among others more. A picnic lunch beneath acacia trees lets you soak in the Savannah panorama. In the afternoon, board a covered boat to glide along the Kazinga Channel. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds line its banks as you drift past Papyrus-fringed shores.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4: Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast, descend into the lush Kyambura Gorge—known as the “Valley of Apes.” Your guide leads you along forest trails in search of habituated chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and colobus. The mist-cloaked river valley is also rich in horn bills and dwarf galagos. You return to the lodge for lunch, then have the afternoon at leisure to relax on the deck overlooking the gorge.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)
Day 5: Ishasha Lions to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning’s drive takes you south into the Ishasha sector, famed for lions that lounge high in fig trees. After watching these rare tree-climbing cats, you continue through the Rift Valley, crossing the Equator once more before climbing into the emerald hills of Bwindi. Arrive in time for a late lunch at Bwindi Lodge, tucked at the forest’s edge, and spend the evening enjoying traditional storytelling around the fire.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge (Full Board)
Day 6: First Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
Set out before sunrise into the misty rainforest, following park rangers and a local guide to one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families (Habinyanja, Rushegura, or Mubare). The hike cuts through ancient vines and giant ground-horn bills, and when the silverback emerges, the effort feels instantly worthwhile. After one magical hour with the gorillas, return to camp for a celebratory bush lunch and an afternoon to rest or explore nearby community trails.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge (Full Board)
Day 7: Optional Gorilla Trek or Community Immersion
Today you can opt for a second gorilla trek—each experience is uniquely rewarding—or join a guided village walk. You’ll meet members of the Batwa Pygmy community, visit local schools supported by the Amagara project, and learn how Bwindi Community Hospital grew from a tree-shade clinic into a vital regional hospital.
Accommodation: Bwindi lodge (Full Board)
Day 8: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
A scenic morning drive winds through bamboo groves and terraced hills to the Kanaba Gap. In Kisoro, pause for lunch before climbing again to Mount Gahinga Lodge, which overlooks rolling slopes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. In the evening, a Batwa guide shares forest legends around the campfire, adding a magical cultural layer to your stay.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 9: Golden Monkeys & Batwa Cultural Visit
At dawn, trek the lush bamboo forests in search of playful golden monkeys, whose bright fur flickers through the foliage. After lunch, visit a nearby Batwa settlement to learn traditional foraging techniques, herbal medicine, and enjoy performances of song and dance. Return to the lodge for a dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 10: Cross into Rwanda & Volcanoes Lodge
This morning you cross the border into Rwanda (the clocks go back one hour) and drive to Virunga Lodge, set on a volcano-fringed ridge. The rest of the day is yours: take a short nature trail, relax in the panoramic lounge, or watch the sun set behind the twin peaks of Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 11: First Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
Rise at dawn for coffee and a briefing at park headquarters, then follow your guide into the cool forest to find one of Rwanda’s 12 habituated gorilla groups. Trekking time varies, but the reward is an intimate hour with these gentle giants in their primeval home. Return to the lodge for lunch, then unwind with a hot stone massage or a swim in the infinity pool .
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 12: Optional Second Gorilla Trek or Dian Fossey Trail
You may choose a second gorilla trek today or hike the Karisoke Trail to Dian Fossey’s grave and former research camp. Along the way, learn about her pioneering work and the mountain gorilla conservation story. Afternoon tea back at Virunga Lodge, followed by a farewell dinner featuring Rwandan specialties.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali & City Highlights
After breakfast, drive 2–3 hours to Kigali. If time allows, visit the Genocide Memorial Park to pay respects and learn Rwanda’s moving reconciliation story, or browse the craft markets for colorful baskets and “imigongo” art. Finally, you’ll be dropped at your hotel or the airport for onward travel .
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Bed and Breakfast)
What to Pack
Clothing: Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, thick socks, gardening gloves, and a lightweight rain jacket.
Accessories: Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small daypack.
Gear: Camera with extra batteries/SD cards, binoculars, reusable water bottle, and a headlamp.
Health & Documents: Malaria prophylaxis, personal medications, face masks for gorilla/chimp trekking, travel insurance, passports, and gorilla permits.
Inclusions
- All transfers and internal flights where applicable
- Accommodation (13 nights) on full board basis
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entry fees, gorilla and chimpanzee permits (2 gorilla treks, 1 chimp trek)
- Boat safari on Kazinga Channel
- Community visits and cultural experiences
- Bottled drinking water throughout
- Government taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips)
- Optional activities not listed above
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation
With every logistical detail handled – from transfers and permits to expert guides and exclusive lodges – this safari delivers blockbuster wildlife encounters and cultural insights without compromise. Contact us today to reserve your spot on the adventure of a lifetime!
