10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari
Overview;
Experience the best of East Africa on this exciting 10 days Rwanda and Uganda safari. This journey combines gorilla trekking, the exclusive gorilla habituation experience, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Organized by Destinations African Gorilla, this safari offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Rwanda’s scenic landscapes and Uganda’s remarkable wildlife destinations.
Tour Highlights;
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Main Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Habituation Experience, Chimpanzee Tracking, Game Drives, Boat Cruise, Cultural Tours
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Tour Driver Guide from Destinations African Gorilla. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city tour of Kigali, including visits to local craft markets and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali before departing for Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border. The scenic drive takes you through beautiful hills, rural communities, and breathtaking countryside.
Arrive in the evening at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Drive Time: 5–6 Hours
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, hike through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and sharing your trekking experiences.
Activity Highlight:
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Today features one of Uganda’s most exclusive wildlife encounters, the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Unlike regular trekking, this experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family alongside researchers, conservationists, and trackers.
You will gain deeper insights into gorilla behavior, feeding patterns, social interactions, and conservation efforts.
Activity Highlight:
- Gorilla Habituation Experience
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park through the famous Ishasha sector.
Look out for the park’s renowned tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Activity Highlight:
- Tree-Climbing Lion Search
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains.
Wildlife sightings may include:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Uganda Kobs
- Hyenas
- Warthogs
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species.
Activity Highlights:
- Game Drive
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, travel north to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa.
Enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural villages along the way.
Upon arrival, relax at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee adventure.
Drive Time: 3–4 Hours
Overnight: Kibale National Park
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Following breakfast, head to the forest headquarters for a briefing before entering the rainforest to track chimpanzees.
Observe these fascinating primates as they move through the forest canopy and interact within their communities.
Later, enjoy a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for birds, monkeys, and community conservation projects.
Activity Highlights:
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Bigodi Wetland Walk
Overnight: Kibale
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, taking a canoe ride, or exploring some of the area’s beautiful islands.
Activity Highlights:
- Canoeing
- Nature Viewing
- Relaxation
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 10: Return to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi before departing for Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy lunch or last-minute shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Drive Time: 4–5 Hours
What is Included in the Safari price?
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Gorilla Habituation Permit
- Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
- All park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Airport transfers
Why Book with Destinations African Gorilla?
Destinations African Gorilla specializes in tailor-made gorilla safaris, wildlife adventures, and cultural experiences across Uganda and Rwanda. With experienced guides, carefully selected lodges, and personalized service, the company ensures an exceptional safari experience from arrival to departure.
This 10-day Rwanda and Uganda safari offers the perfect combination of gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, chimpanzee encounters, classic game viewing, and stunning landscapes, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife adventures in Africa.