Embark on a remarkable 13-day cross-border safari that captures the very essence of East Africa’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and wildlife diversity. This thoughtfully curated journey through Uganda and Rwanda offers an immersive experience that blends adventure, discovery, and authentic connection with the people and landscapes of the region.
Your adventure begins in Entebbe, Uganda’s charming gateway town on the shores of Lake Victoria, where the warm equatorial air and vibrant birdlife offer a fitting welcome to the Pearl of Africa. From there, journey east to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda and source of the mighty River Nile. Here, feels the pulse of Africa’s longest river as you engage with the river’s energy or simply take in the beauty of this iconic landmark.
The safari continues northward into the wild expanses of Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters in a dramatic display of nature’s power. Game drives through the savannah plains and a boat cruise along the Nile provide excellent opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and the elusive shoebill stork.
Heading south, explore the verdant rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world. Trek into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees, and witness their complex social behaviours up close. The journey then takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse ecosystem, where crater lakes, open savannah, and dense forests support a wide variety of wildlife. Expect unforgettable game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Venture further into the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions, before reaching the ancient, mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, engage in one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking. The intimacy of encountering a gorilla family in their natural habitat is unmatched and deeply moving.
From Bwindi, unwind along the tranquil shores of Lake Mutanda, a stunning highland lake surrounded by volcanoes. Then, ascend to Mgahinga National Park, home to both golden monkeys and a smaller population of mountain gorillas, as well as rich Batwa cultural heritage. Cross into Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, and explore Volcanoes National Park, famous for its role in Dian Fossey’s ground-breaking work and ongoing gorilla conservation efforts.
Your journey concludes in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Reflect on the many unforgettable moments of your adventure—from thundering waterfalls and intimate primate encounters to the warmth of local communities and breathtaking landscapes.
This 13-day Uganda-Rwanda safari is more than just a holiday—it’s a journey through the heart of Africa, a celebration of biodiversity, and a tribute to the resilience and beauty of two extraordinary countries.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe Airport, Pickup and transfer to accommodation.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Nyumbu Beyond Journeys assigned English-speaking professional driver guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa.
Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation (Entebbe). Optional (extra cost): In case you have had an early landing into Uganda and you’re interested, you can take a brief tour of Entebbe or Kampala. Places to visit may include the Entebbe Botanical gardens, Buganda Royal Mile, the Gaddafi National Mosque, the Bahai Temple to mention but a few. Otherwise, you can check-in and just relax.
Day 2: Shoebill tracking in Mabamba, Drive to Jinja.
After your breakfast, you will head out to Mabamba Swamp located in Entebbe to search for the elusive shoebill stork a species, prized for its distinctive shoe-shaped bill. This guided boat tour offers breathtaking views of the surrounding papyrus reeds and a chance to spot a variety of aquatic birds.
On return, thereafter, drive off to Jinja. En route, you will drive through Mabira Forest then head to Jinja where the Nile begins its flow to the Mediterranean Sea, and on arrival in Jinja, you’ll head to the booked accommodation to enjoy lunch and rest.
Day 3: Full day White water rafting on the Nile.
After a hearty breakfast, the day unfolds with one of the most thrilling and unforgettable highlights of your journey—white water rafting on the Nile River. Located in Jinja, at the very source of the Nile, this activity offers the perfect fusion of adventure and natural beauty, making it a truly unique safari experience.
Upon arrival at the rafting base, you’ll be welcomed by a team of highly trained, professional guides who will take you through a comprehensive safety briefing. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time rafter, no prior experience is needed—just a spirit of fun and adventure. Equipped with helmets, life jackets, and paddles, you’ll be ready to take on the Nile’s mighty rapids.
The rafting route navigates through a series of Grade III to Grade V rapids, interspersed with calmer stretches where you can relax, float along with the current, and soak in the lush riverside scenery. Along the way, the roar of the rapids, the splash of cool water, and the laughter of fellow rafters create a truly invigorating experience.
Day 4: Rhino Tracking, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.
After a morning departure from Jinja, we’ll visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a conservation effort reintroducing rhino to Uganda’s wild. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy lunch on-site. Following a brief relaxation, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving by evening. After checking in to the lodge, enjoy a well-deserved rest and dinner.
Day 5: Morning game drive, & Nile delta Boat Cruise.
Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park and be on the look for wildlife including: lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. For any birder, there are quite a number of birds to sight too during the drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will head out for the Nile delta Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including Hippos and Crocodiles and several water birds. From the boat, you will return to your accommodation and relax. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Exit Murchison and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
After breakfast at your accommodation, depart right away for Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Kibale NP is popular for its primates like the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae). You will arrive at the booked accommodation, check-in and get ready to do the Bigodi swamp excursion. On return, relax and have dinner.
Day 7: Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Primate Encounters and Savannah Landscapes
Begin your day with an early breakfast, then proceed to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters, where you’ll be welcomed by park rangers for a pre-trek briefing. This informative session covers the rules and guidelines for responsible trekking, ensuring your safety and the protection of the chimpanzees and their habitat.
Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you’ll set off on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in the heart of Kibale Forest—one of Africa’s most renowned primate destinations. This lush tropical rainforest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus.
As you follow the calls and movements of the chimpanzees through the forest trails, the thrill of the search is only matched by the excitement of the moment you find them. Once located, you’ll spend one extraordinary hour in their presence, observing their behaviour, social interactions, vocalizations, and unique personalities. It’s an intimate and emotional experience that offers deep insight into our closest wild relatives.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest before continuing your journey. In the early afternoon, depart Kibale and drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic route that offers glimpses of crater lakes, tea plantations, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon entering the park, enjoy a brief game drive as you head towards your lodge, with opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the occasional big cat. You’ll also embark on the Explosion Crater Drive, a stunning route that showcases Queen Elizabeth’s dramatic volcanic landscape, with panoramic views over crater lakes and the savannah stretching below.
Arrive at your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park by evening. After check-in, take time to unwind, enjoy dinner, and relax as the sun sets over the savannah. The sights and sounds of the wild will lull you into a peaceful night’s rest, with the promise of more thrilling encounters ahead.
Day 8: Morning game drive, afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive along the Kasenyi plains and be on the look for lions, leopard (hard to spot), herds of elephants, buffalos among others. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes, George and Edward.
During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds at the shores. Spend the evening relaxed in the park, enjoying the sun as it goes down as you sip your drinks (Sundowner experience).
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In Search of Tree-Climbing Lions and a Journey into the Highlands. After an early breakfast, depart your lodge and set off on a scenic drive through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, heading toward the remote and wildlife-rich Ishasha Sector. This area is world-renowned for its rare and iconic tree-climbing lions, a unique behaviour observed in only a few places in Africa.
As you traverse the open savannah and fig tree-studded landscapes of Ishasha, your guide will lead a game drive in search of these elusive predators. With a 70% chance of spotting them—especially during the cooler hours of the morning—there’s hope of witnessing lions draped lazily across branches or silently surveying the plains below in search of prey. Whether perched high above or hidden in the tall grasses, a sighting of these majestic animals is always a highlight and a photographer’s dream.
Beyond the lions, the Ishasha plains are also home to abundant wildlife, including topi, Uganda kob, buffalo, elephants, and an impressive variety of birdlife. The region’s relative remoteness and fewer visitor numbers make for a peaceful and authentic safari experience.
After your game drive, continue the journey southward, gradually ascending into the lush, mountainous landscapes of southwestern Uganda. The drive takes you through rural communities, terraced hills, and mist-covered valleys as you approach one of Africa’s most enchanting wildernesses: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon or early evening. After check-in, enjoy time to relax and soak in the serenity of your surroundings—dense rainforest, cool mountain air, and the quiet anticipation of the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience that awaits.
Dinner will be served at the lodge, offering a chance to unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventure deep into the heart of Bwindi’s ancient forest.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience – Transfer to Lake Mulehe
A Day of Deep Connection with Nature and Culture
Begin your day with an early breakfast, filled with anticipation for one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on earth—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters where you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. This includes important guidelines on gorilla trekking etiquette, safety, and conservation practices designed to protect both visitors and the endangered gorillas.
Accompanied by an expert ranger guide, you will enter the dense, ancient rainforest of Bwindi, often described as one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. The terrain is steep, lush, and interwoven with animal trails that will lead you in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family. Trekking time can vary from a short walk to a more demanding hike, depending on the gorillas’ movement, but every step is part of the adventure.
Upon locating a gorilla group, you will be granted one precious hour in their presence—an experience that is humbling, awe-inspiring, and deeply moving. Watch as the gorillas interact, feed, and communicate in their natural habitat. The presence of the silverback, the playful juveniles, and the nurturing mothers will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
Following the trek, and after a short rest, you will have the opportunity to meet the Batwa people—the original forest dwellers of the Bwindi region. These indigenous hunter-gatherers, often referred to as the “Guardians of the Forest,” will share their rich cultural heritage through song, dance, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional forest survival skills. This visit not only adds cultural depth to your journey but also supports ongoing community empowerment and conservation education.
After this enriching experience, return to your lodge for lunch and check out. In the afternoon, begin your scenic drive to Lake Mulehe, a hidden gem nestled between Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. The journey winds through lush highlands and terraced hills, offering stunning views along the way.
Arrive at your lakeside accommodation in time to relax and take in the serene beauty of your surroundings. Lake Mulehe is known for its calm, reflective waters and panoramic vistas of the Virunga volcanoes. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance, perhaps with a gentle canoe ride or a quiet walk along the shoreline.
As the sun sets behind the rolling hills, you’ll settle into the calm and comfort of your lodge—reflecting on a day filled with extraordinary wildlife encounters and meaningful cultural exchange in the heart of Uganda’s wild frontier.
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga – Cross into Rwanda – Cultural Experience at Iby’iwacu Village
A Day of Rare Wildlife Encounters and Vibrant Cultural Exchange
Begin your morning with an early breakfast before departing for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but exceptionally scenic park, located at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, you will receive a detailed briefing from the ranger guides in preparation for an exciting trek to see the endangered golden monkeys.
Accompanied by expert trackers, you’ll venture into the lush montane and bamboo forests of Mgahinga in search of these fast-moving, playful primates. Endemic to the Albertine Rift and found only in the Virunga range, golden monkeys are known for their striking orange-gold coats and social behavior. As you trek through the forest, listen for their high-pitched calls and keep your camera ready to capture them leaping between bamboo branches or foraging on the forest floor. Once located, you’ll have up to one hour to observe them in their natural habitat, an experience that is both lively and unforgettable.
Following your trek, return to the lodge for check-out and begin your cross-border transfer into Rwanda. This seamless journey offers stunning views of terraced hills and volcanic peaks as you transition from Uganda’s southwestern highlands to Rwanda’s Northern Province—home to the majestic Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive in Rwanda in time for lunch at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, where you can relax and take in the spectacular views of the Virunga volcano chain. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Rwandan people with a visit to the renowned Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
This vibrant community-based tourism initiative offers a powerful and respectful insight into traditional Rwandan culture. Former poachers have become proud custodians of their heritage, sharing age-old customs, music, dance, hunting techniques, and storytelling. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in drumming sessions, try traditional crafts, and even witness a mock king’s coronation ceremony. The experience is deeply engaging, educational, and helps support local livelihoods and conservation efforts.
Return to your lodge in the early evening. As the sun dips behind the Virunga mountains, enjoy dinner and settle into a peaceful night’s rest—carrying with you the memories of a day that beautifully blends rare wildlife encounters with authentic cultural immersion across two remarkable nations.
Day 12: Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave & Visit to the Dina Fossey Gorilla fund Ellen’s Denegres Campus
A Tribute to Conservation Legacy in the Heart of the Virunga’s
After breakfast, set out for a deeply moving and scenic guided hike to Dian Fossey’s grave, located in the forested slopes between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park. This memorable experience combines natural beauty, light adventure, and historical reflection, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Mountains.
The trail begins with a gentle ascent through bamboo and Hagenia-hypericum forest zones, accompanied by a professional ranger guide who will interpret the landscape and point out native flora and fauna along the way. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys, colorful bird species, and other forest wildlife that may cross your path during the trek.
After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, you will reach the Dian Fossey tomb and Karisoke Research Camp site. Nestled deep in the forest, this serene location is the final resting place of the famed primatologist and several of the gorillas she studied and loved—most notably Digit, whose death inspired global conservation action. The site provides a profound moment of reflection on Fossey’s fearless dedication to mountain gorilla conservation, her groundbreaking scientific work, and the legacy that continues to shape primate research and protection today.
After paying respects at the grave and taking in the panoramic views of the Virunga landscape, descend back down to the trailhead and return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, proceed to the nearby Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus—a modern and inspiring center for gorilla conservation, education, and research. This world-class facility offers insight into the ongoing scientific efforts to protect mountain gorillas and supports the surrounding communities through education and innovation. Here, you may explore interactive exhibits, conservation labs, and learning spaces, all while witnessing the living legacy of Dian Fossey’s vision brought to life through modern science and sustainability.
Following your visit, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether relaxing at the lodge, walking through nearby villages, or simply taking in the beauty of the volcanoes, this day stands as a powerful tribute to the guardians of the gorillas—past and present.
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali, Kigali city tour to Departure flight.
Enjoy your breakfast, and drive to Kigali city for a short tour, including a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a powerful experience, offering a somber reflection on the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The memorial center features exhibit, artifacts, and personal testimonies that recount the tragic events and honor the victims. Visitors can pay respects at the mass graves, which hold the remains of over 250,000 individuals, and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience. The tour serves as a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives and a celebration of the country’s journey towards healing and reconciliation. Lunch will be served in Kigali City, then later drive to the airport to catch your flight back home.
INCLUDED
Ground transportation.
Applicable park entrance, activity fees.
1 assigned English-speaking professional driver-guide.
Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800).
Bottled water while on safari.
Meals as specified and accommodation
All airport/hotel pick-ups and drops offs.
Activities as stipulated (except those stated as optional
NOT INCLUDED
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Phone calls and bar bills.
Personal/travel insurance.
Driver guide’s gratuity (recommended).
All Other Services of a personal nature (e.g. LAUNDRY, Flight ticket(s).
Entry visa into Uganda
All kinds of drinks except water.
Any activity stated as “OPTIONAL