12 Days Combined Uganda Safari Tour & Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour with Wildlife Adventure – Overview

The 12 Days Combined Uganda Safari Tour & Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour Wth Wildlife Adventure is an exciting, combined safari experience starting from Kampala Uganda and ending in Kigali Rwanda.

The safari incorporates the White water rafting along World’s longest River Nile in Jinja, the White Rhino tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary, Wild game viewing in the savannah parks of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, river safari experience along River Nile and 45km long Kazinga Channel, the adventure hike to the top of the world’s powerful waterfalls – the Murchison Falls, double gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Golden Monkey tracking in Mgahinga along with beach experience on Lake Kivu and historical tour to the Gisozi genocide memorial.

12 Days Combined Uganda Safari Tour & Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour with Wildlife Adventure – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport & drive to the hotel

Day 2: Do white water rafting along the Nile in Jinja

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route

Day 4: Do morning game drive and afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Whole day drive

Day 6: Do chimpanzee trekking in the morning, afternoon Bigodi wetland walk and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7: Do morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel launch cruise

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha sector for a game drive in search of tree climbing lions

Day 9: Do gorilla trekking and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day 10: Do golden monkey tracking and transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Day 11: Do gorilla trekking and transfer to Gisenyi – Lake Kivu

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali, visit the Gisozi genocide memorial & depart

12 Days Combined Uganda Safari Tour & Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour With Wildlife Adventure – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport & drive to the hotel

Following a flight from your place of origin, you land at Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Lake Victoria – the largest tropical lake in the world where you will be welcomed by the company representative and then briefed about the country and the safari in particular.

You then transfer to the respective hotel for relaxation dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Boma Hotel / Humura Resorts
Budget / Basic: Airport Guesthouse / Banda Inn/ Nexus Resort Hotel

Day 2: Do White Water Rafting Along the Nile in Jinja

Transfer to Jinja early in the morning 80km about 2 hours’ drive from Kampala to catch up with the white-water rafting on the famous Nile River the longest on the African continent and the world at large.

You get to you rafts with the team of expert guides to traverse the speedy waters clashing the ancient rapids to produce a plume of spray and powerful waves that hit you ruthlessly after encountering you on their way.

Rafting on the Nile is a safe and adventurous encounter that qualifies to be among the active adventure vacation safari activities in Uganda.

Retreat from the day rafting experience and embark on the drive back to Kampala for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Boma Hotel / Humura Resorts
Budget / Basic: Airport Guesthouse / Banda Inn/ Nexus Resort Hotel

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route

After breakfast, you embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park 311km about 5 hours drive from Kampala – Country’s capital.

The drive takes you through the impressive landscapes of Nakasongora with impressive savannah vegetation.

You branch off at Nakitooma from the main road for 7km to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Headquarters for white Rhino tracking.

The sanctuary shelters a count of fifteen (15) southern white Rhinos which are not found anywhere else in Uganda.

Traversing the savannah stretches of Ziwa in search of the Rhoinos and then spending over one hour with them is a thrilling encounter and marks the beginning iof the Big five encounter on your safari.

Retreat from the encounter, settle for lunch at Kabalega dinner and then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.

If you are sleeping in the northern section of the park, you undertake a an evening game drive as you connect to the park for relaxation dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison
Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge

Day 4: Do Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise and Hike to The Top of The Falls

The rolling open savannah stretches of Murchison Falls National Park welcome you in this early morning to offer the true wonders of the wild.

The game drive in Murchison is a magical wonder where the herds of elephants and Buffaloes spread in the open landscape for grazing, the towering necks of the Rothschild Giraffes – the world’s tallest mammal stretching to pick the leaves of the scattered acacia, the brownish color of the antelopes including the Kobs, Oribis, Waterbucks, Jackson’s Hartebeest standing slightly above the tall savannah grassland while the Carnivores including the lions roaming in search of their delicious natural given food.

The activity lasts 3 – 4 hours after which you connect back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. You gather at Paraa Jetty in the afternoon, for the boat departing at 2pm to the bottom of the falls.

The 2 hour launch cruise on the world’s longest Nile River is very magical with possible sights of aquatics like Nile crocodiles, the Hippos, water birds like Shoebill stork along with the grazers on the banks drinking water.

You disembark from the boat upon reaching the bottom of the falls hiking along the narrow path following the course of the Nile River as it clashes its head on the ancient impermeable rocks.

The sights and sounds of the Nile River passing through a less than 7m ravine falling 43m below to what has been termed as the Devils Cauldron forming a thunderous roar marked by a trade mark rainbow. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. ‘

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison
Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Whole day drive

Following breakfast, you embark on the drive to Kibale National Park 441km about 8 – 9 hours drive. You enjoy the rich countryside landscapes Masindi, Hoima and Kagadi before approaching Kyenjojo and Fort Portal. Connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages / Ndali Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent / Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Day 6: Do Chimpanzee Trekking in the Morning, Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After early morning breakfast, embark on the memorable Chimpanzee trekking encounter in the natural habitat of primate Capital of the world – the Kibale Forest National Park.

The Park is proud of 13 primate species including the world endangered species of the Chimpanzees which have been fully habituated increasing the chance of encountering them to 90%.

The chimp trekking encounter in the primates Capital starts at Kanyanchu tourism center at 8:00am local time in the morning and the experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority Park rangers are dedicated to lead you throughout the whole rewarding processes of trekking the Chimps in their natural Habitat.

The trek exposes you to stunning flora, other primate species including black and white colobus monkey and birds before meeting face to face with the chimps.

The Chimpanzees will lure you in a state of amazement as they swing through the branches, make pant hooting calls, play with each other, and imitate your body language along with other features that will make your one full hour with them a memorable experience of its own.

The activity can last 2 – 5 hours after which you transfer to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary for an afternoon wetland walk.

The Sanctuary is noted to be the most successful community tourism initiative in the whole of Uganda with a blend of culture and wetland conservation where a range of primates including Black and White colobus, the Swamp dwelling Sitatunga antelope and 138 species of birds are known to thrive.

The walk can last 2 hours after which you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park 157km about 2 – 3 hours drive enjoying the impressive views of Rwenzori Mountains en route. Check in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge
Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 7: Do Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise

You wake up early in the morning and embark on the extensive game drive in the Savannah plains of Kasenyi where the magical possible sights of a range of wild game are high.

The activity commences at 7am if you slept outside park and can start earlier for those who would sleep inside.

The game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park presents opportunities for exploring a range of wild game including the Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Side stripped Jackals, the Uganda Kobs, the defassa waterbuck, the Bushbuck among other species.

The park features a count of over 600 bird species making it the number one in Uganda in terms of the bird species count.

The game drive lasts 3 – 4 hours after which you retreat to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you gather at Mweya jetty for the 45km long Kazinga Channel boat cruise departing at 2pm.

The cruise lasts 2 hours and offers possibilities of exploring the aquatic species like Nile crocodiles and Hippos, the range of game drinking on the channel side and the birds as well.

The evening game drive along the channel track is impressive as well and is ideal for the sun set wildlife views in the savannah. Retire for overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages / Timber Cabins @Marafiki Lodge

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector for a Game Drive in Search of Tree Climbing Lions

Embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south west of Uganda – the remarkable home of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

You undertake a game drive en route in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions along with other wild game.

The Savannah stretches of Ishasha feature a range of fig trees that have low lying branches making it suitable for the lion’s to climb.

The drive in Ishasha sector offers you chances of exploring them and other wild game like Elephants, Water bucks, Topis among others after which you proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp

Day 9: Do Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After breakfast, you gather at the respective gorilla trekking region for briefing starting at 8am. The gorilla families are allocated and the briefing is made accordingly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Rangers after which you embark on the trek in the jungle in search of these gentle giants.

The trekking encounter takes you through the steep densely forested hills of Bwindi, deep valleys and natural flowing streams while being entertained by the magical jungle sounds including the enchanting bird songs.

You are in the company of an armed ranger guide who extends a complete themed interpretation of the various features that you come across.

You eventually encounter the critically endangered apes thriving in their natural habitat and it will be a lifetime wonder to explore them as they forage, play, socialise and make a range of sounds and signs.

This direct viewing lasts for one hour after which you retreat from the activity. The whole trekking duration in Bwindi can last between 2 – 8 hours depending on how far the gorilla family allocated has moved.

You transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with impressive sightseeing in Kigezi Highlands arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Travellers Rest Kisoro
Budget / Basic: Amajambere iwacu Community Camp

Day 10: Do Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

After breakfast, you embark on the golden Monkey tracking departing at 8am from Ntebeko visitor centre.

The Golden Monkeys are among the endangered species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list and are known to thrive to thrive in the Virunga massif and the Gishwati Forest National Park in Rwanda.

The golden monkey track lasts 4 hours and involves trekking through the verdant jungle on the slopes of Mount Gahinga including the Bamboo forest where the golden monkeys commonly dwell.

You retreat from the trek and embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda through the Chanika border.

The sights of the Virunga Mountain landscape which is a chain of eight Volcanic Mountains are magical to explore. Arrive in Ruhengeri in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel

Day 11: Do Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Gisenyi – Lake Kivu

You gather at Kinigi to catch up with gorilla family allocation and briefing starting at 8am. The earlier arrival offers you chances of viewing the traditional Kinyarwanda performances at the site and enjoying the warm cup of the Rwandan coffee.

After briefing, you embark on the hike through the jungle of Volcanoes whose vegetation is comparably shorter to that of Bwindi and thus has better viewing opportunities.

Apart from the group which dwells on the higher layers of Mount Karisimbi, most of the gorilla families in Rwanda are on lower slopes thus easier to trek.

The gorilla viewing lasts for one hour while the entire trek can last 2 – 8 hours depending on the gorilla movements.

Retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Gisenyi Lake Kivu 110km about 2 hours drive. The evening relaxation at Lake Kivu can include swimming, sun bathing, engaging in beach sports, boat cruise among others before dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Serena Hotel Lake Kivu
Midrange / Standard: Water Front Hotel Lake Kivu
Budget / Basic: Paladis Malahide

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial & Depart

Take a relaxed breakfast at the lodge amidst the fresh air from Lake Kivu after which you embark on the transfer to Kigali 358km about 3 hours drive.

The scenic views of the Rwandan Countryside including the rolling hills that form the background of her dub as the land of a thousand hills will excite you along the way.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you embark on the tour to the Gisozi genocide memorial to explore in detail the tragic 1994 Rwandan genocide where a count of 800,000 people is known to have lost their lives. You can then depart with a late evening flight if you have one.

End of safari of the 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)