Our 18 days Uganda safari uniquely hand-crafted journey takes you through some of Rwanda and Uganda’s top spots to see these gentle giants, including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park. You also get to track down other primates, like chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and the rare golden monkey in Mgahinga. And the unforgettable experiences don’t stop there. Set out on boat cruises and thrilling game drives the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy many cultural activities, such as hiking to Diane Fossey’s grave, visiting Milles Collines Hotel, made famous by the film, Hotel Rwanda and interacting with members of local community-based initiatives.
The adventure rhythm on top of this incredible journey is the accommodation properties you’ll be staying in throughout your safari. Expect world-class service, friendly staff, fine dining, state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, modern rooms and every creature comfort you would need on an East African safari getaway.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Entebbe town for an overnight stay. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a brief city tour or a peaceful walk along Lake Victoria’s shores. Dinner and overnight at Entebbe Airport Hotel.
Day 2: Rhino tracking & Visit to the Top of the falls
After breakfast, drive north to the famous Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the rhinos that are protected in the sanctuary. Later, after lunch, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest protected wildlife area in Uganda, covering 3,840 sq. km. Climb to the top of the falls to admire its natural beauty. This is where one of the wonders of the Nile lies. You will see the Nile snaking through a narrow gorge that is 7 meters long and over a kilometer wide and falling below with a thunderous roar, forming a spray of water flanked by a breathtaking rainbow. Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Game Drives & Nile Delta Cruise
On this day, you will have a tasty breakfast and go for a game drive. The guide will take you to the best places to see animals. You will definitely enjoy the wild nature of Uganda by taking the best pictures that will be unforgettable during this safari. You will have the pleasure of seeing lions, lionesses and their cubs as well as other wild animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes grazing in the savannah. Return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and a restful afternoon. In the evening, return to the jungle for a game drive to increase the number of wild animal sightings.
Day 4: Transfer game drive to Kibale National Park
Early breakfast at the lodge and drive to Kibale Forest. The magnificent scenery of this countryside will make the journey more exciting and enjoyable. Lunch en route at Fort Portal town and continue your drive admiring the Rwenzori Range. Check in at your lodge. You can take a guided walk in the Bigodi wetland which is home to many species of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Visit to the Bigodi wetlands
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, the starting point for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Following a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, set out into the rich tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, home to the largest diversity and density of primates in Africa. As you track the lively chimpanzees, you may also encounter red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and other fascinating primates, along with an incredible array of bird species and forest flora. Witnessing the chimps in their natural habitat—playing, grooming, or foraging—is an unforgettable highlight of the safari.
After returning to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and rest, your afternoon takes you to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project. Here, you will walk through lush swamps and boardwalk trails teeming with birdlife, including the iconic Great Blue Turaco, as well as butterflies and smaller mammals. The experience also offers insight into the strong link between local communities and conservation efforts.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Kibale’s forests.
Day 6: Visit Ndali Crater Lakes, Queen Elizabeth Park
In Uganda, Kibale region is one of the most charming places, known for its various primates and numerous crater lakes. In the morning, you will check out of the lodge and have breakfast before heading out to visit the numerous crater lakes scattered around the area. Lunch at Ndali Lodge, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will arrive in the evening. Delicious dinner and overnight rest at the lodge.
Day 7: Safari, excursion in the Kazinga channel
Enjoy your breakfast and go for a game drive through Kasenyi track and other tracks where you will have the chance to spot different species of wildlife like lions, elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes and if you are lucky leopards as well as amazing and beautiful bird species. Queen Elizabeth Park features a diversity of Ugandan ecosystems such as savannah, wetlands, lakes, forests and over 600 species of birds that live in the park.
The scenery is therefore spectacular with crater lakes like Nyamunuka and various shrubs and forests. Later return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon you will take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of the most memorable experiences in the park. This is one of the most memorable experiences in the park. You will have the pleasure of observing different water birds and their sweet sounds, as well as animals such as hippos, African crocodiles, waterbucks, buffaloes and many more. After experiencing the real wilderness, return to the lodge for a night’s rest and dinner.
Day 8: Chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorges and transfer to Lake Mburo Park
Early breakfast at the lodge and drive to the Kyambura Gorge to track the chimpanzees. Man’s closest “cousins” (chimpanzees) live and roam in the thick forest on the banks of the gorge. Chimpanzee tracking involves climbing up and down the banks of the gorge. In addition to chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge is a favorite haunt of flamingos, lesser flamingos and great egrets. Return to the staging area where you will meet your driver and depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Check in at the lodge and prepare for a night game drive in the park, in search of the elusive leopards and other nocturnal species.
Day 9: Walk and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A morning walk in the park is planned after breakfast at the lodge. Apart from the landscapes and floral scents, you will be able to spot many animals like zebras, impalas, warthogs and antelopes grazing in the savannah. You will then depart for the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a lunch stop in Kabale town. Check in at the lodge on arrival.
Day 10: Mountain Gorilla tracking, community walk in Bwindi
After a cup of tea, you proceed to the park headquarters with your guide, for a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of being in the park with the gorillas. Then, departure for a gorilla trek through the rainforest. The trek can last 2 hours or up to 6 hours, which entirely depends on the location or even the movements of these gentle giants. Trekkers are only allowed one hour of walking with the gorillas. Make sure to bring a packed lunch, enough water, sturdy shoes, cameras without flash, raincoats, walking poles for those who are not fit. Then return to your lodge and relax. In the evening, you will take a community walk where you will visit the Batwa, an indigenous group who have lived in the forest for many years, and watch their traditional dances. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga & relaxing on Lake Mutanda
After breakfast depart for an opportunity to venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search of the magnificent mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking is a captivating and life-changing experience. Spending time with these gentle giants and watching them interact within their natural habitat is an unforgettable encounter. Golden Monkeys are a little harder to track down, but there’s no better feeling of accomplishment than when you finally spot these sprightly endangered creatures as they leap from tree to tree.
Later transfer for lake mutanda for a relaxing rest of the day and a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda. The Mutanda region is a place you can visit and never forget and even if you stay longer, you will probably never draw from the views. The lake overlooks the Virunga mountain ranges and their spectacular appearance is undeniable. Upon arrival, you will check in at the lodge.
Day 12: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast at Lake Mutanda, bid farewell to Uganda’s serene highlands as you cross the border into Rwanda, heading toward the legendary Volcanoes National Park. The scenic journey unfolds across rolling hills and terraced farmlands, offering breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes that straddle the Rwanda–Uganda–DR Congo border. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxed lunch with views of the dramatic volcanic landscape.
In the afternoon, set out for a cultural immersion at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a vibrant initiative that preserves and showcases Rwanda’s rich traditions. Here, former poachers have been re-integrated into conservation efforts, transforming their skills into storytelling, dance, drumming, and traditional crafts. Visitors are invited to join in the dances, try out a bow and arrow, learn about herbal medicine, or step inside a replica king’s palace to better understand Rwanda’s heritage. This interactive encounter provides a meaningful perspective on the harmony between culture and conservation in the region.
Return to your lodge in time for dinner and an overnight stay, resting at the foothills of the volcanoes in anticipation of the adventures to come.
Day 13: Hike to the Diane Fossey Grave, Lake Kivu
Wake up very early for breakfast and depart for Volcanoes National Park headquarters to check in and be briefed on the Dian Fossey Grave hike activity. Climb to the starting point of the trek with your guides.
History buffs, animal lovers and conservationists alike will love hiking through the park to visit the Diane Fossey Grave, as well as her former Karisoke Research Center. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of the incredible life of Diane Fossey and her unwavering passion for gorillas, but you’ll also be rewarded with wonderful views of Volcanoes National Park. On your return, you’ll stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund before heading to th destination.
After finding the hike, return to the starting point where you will meet your driver to continue to the Lake Kivu region to rest in the afternoon and evening.
Day 14: Nyungwe National Park, Canopy Walk
After breakfast, depart your lodge and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s famed rolling hills en route to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and a true biodiversity hotspot. On arrival, check in at your lodge and savor a leisurely lunch while taking in the lush, mountainous surroundings that define this pristine region.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, one of the park’s most thrilling experiences. Suspended high above the forest floor on a series of hanging bridges, this walk offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, mist-shrouded hills, and a unique perspective of the park’s extraordinary ecosystem. As you traverse the walkway, keep your eyes open for a variety of primates moving through the treetops, vibrant butterflies, and numerous bird species, including some of the Albertine Rift endemics that make Nyungwe a world-class birding destination.
Return to your lodge in the evening to unwind and enjoy dinner, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.
Day 15: Visit the Nyanza Kings Palace & Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, depart your lodge for a cultural journey to Nyanza, the historic heart of Rwanda’s monarchy. Here, you will visit the King’s Palace (Rwesero Palace), a beautifully reconstructed traditional royal residence that offers a fascinating insight into Rwanda’s regal heritage. Explore the palace grounds, traditional huts, and ceremonial spaces, learning about the life of the Rwandan kings, their customs, and the cultural traditions that shaped the nation. Knowledgeable guides will bring the history to life with stories of royal ceremonies, ancient crafts, and local governance practices.
Day 16: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast in Kigali, depart the city for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah and wetland reserve, known for its remarkable biodiversity and classic East African wildlife. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and rural landscapes, offering glimpses of local life along the way.
Upon arrival at the park, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. In the afternoon, you can unwind at the lodge or take a brief orientation drive to familiarize yourself with the park’s terrain and wildlife. Akagera, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and numerous bird species, sets the stage for thrilling safari experiences in the days ahead. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your lodge, immersed in the peaceful wilderness of Akagera National Park.
Day 17: Game drive safari, boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Begin the day with an early breakfast at Akagera Game Lodge before setting off on a morning game drive through the savannah landscapes of Akagera National Park. With the soft golden light of dawn, wildlife is at its most active, offering excellent opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope species, and perhaps predators such as lions, hyenas, or leopards. The three-hour drive takes you across varied terrain of open grasslands, rolling hills, and acacia woodlands, all set against a backdrop of stunning scenery along Rwanda’s eastern frontier.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before continuing the adventure with an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park. As you glide across the calm waters, keep an eye out for pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a rich diversity of waterbirds, including the rare shoebill stork and African fish eagle. The cruise offers a serene yet thrilling perspective on the park’s wildlife, perfectly complementing the morning’s game drive.
In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, with the option of enjoying the lodge’s vantage points for additional game viewing as the sun sets over Akagera.
Day 18: Return to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the wilderness of Akagera National Park as you journey back to Kigali, Rwanda’s lively and cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, embark on a guided Kigali City Tour, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the country’s history, resilience, and vibrant present. Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn yet powerful tribute to Rwanda’s past and an important place of reflection and remembrance. You will also explore bustling local markets, contemporary art galleries, and craft centers, where talented artisans showcase Rwanda’s creativity through textiles, woodwork, and beadwork.
If time permits, you may sample Kigali’s dynamic culinary scene, enjoying traditional flavors or modern fusions before preparing for your departure. Later, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your East African safari journey with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
End of 18 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari