26 Days Adventure Expedition Uganda & Rwanda

This 26 Days Adventure Expedition Uganda and Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines the very best of East Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. From the savannah plains teeming with big game to the misty rainforests where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees thrive, this expedition is designed for travelers who crave an immersive experience in the wild.

The safari takes you across two remarkable countries—Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” and Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You will encounter extraordinary wildlife, explore breathtaking landscapes, engage in cultural interactions, and enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventure activities such as white-water rafting, hiking, and gorilla trekking.

Over 26 days, you will visit Uganda’s iconic national parks including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Lake Mburo, and Mgahinga. Crossing into Rwanda, you will explore Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each destination offers a different flavor of adventure, ensuring that every day brings something unique and unforgettable.

This itinerary has been carefully designed to balance wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, adventure activities, and relaxation. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, your journey through Uganda and Rwanda will be nothing short of spectacular.

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

• Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, and Akagera National Park.

• The breathtaking boat cruises on the Nile River, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Kivu.

• White-water rafting on the mighty Nile in Jinja.

• Cultural interactions with the Batwa pygmies, local fishermen, and Rwandan communities.

• Scenic hikes and canopy walks in rainforests and volcanic landscapes.

• Photography opportunities in savannah, wetland, and montane ecosystems.

• Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu.

• Seamless combination of Uganda’s wildlife diversity with Rwanda’s rolling hills and vibrant culture.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by your safari guide. Transfer to your hotel for relaxation after the flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short visit to the Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Accommodation: Hotel No.5 / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Jinja – Source of the Nile & White-Water Rafting

After breakfast, transfer to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. Here, experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Nile River rapids. Alternative activities include bungee jumping, quad biking, or a boat ride to the Source of the Nile.

Accommodation: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge / Nile Porch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

A scenic drive north takes you to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route for rhino tracking. Proceed to your lodge overlooking the Nile River.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Start with a sunrise game drive on the northern banks, spotting lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the bottom of the thunderous Murchison Falls. Optionally, hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Drive southwest through scenic countryside and lush tea plantations to Kibale Forest, renowned for primates. Arrive at your lodge near the forest.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kyaninga Lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Join the morning chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birding paradise with rich community initiatives.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kyaninga Lodge

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stop at the equator for photos and continue with a game drive en route to the lodge.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 8: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains for lions, elephants, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 9: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions

Drive to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth NP, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Game drive in search of these rare predators.

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Head to Bwindi, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening for relaxation and preparation for trekking.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Join the ranger guides for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Hike through dense rainforest to encounter these gentle giants. Spend one magical hour observing their behavior and taking photographs.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic lake dotted with islands. Enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, or simply relax by the lakeside.

Accommodation: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort

Day 13: Mgahinga National Park – Golden Monkey Tracking

Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trek to see the playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forests, a unique experience.

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 14: Cross to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross the Cyanika border into Rwanda. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park, known for its gorillas and golden monkeys.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 15: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Head out for your second gorilla trekking adventure, this time in Rwanda. Enjoy another encounter with these majestic primates in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 16: Dian Fossey Hike or Golden Monkey Tracking

Option of hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and Karisoke Research Center or enjoying golden monkey trekking once again.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 17: Lake Kivu – Gisenyi

Drive to Lake Kivu for relaxation by the beautiful lake. Optional activities include boat rides, swimming, and visiting local fishing villages.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 18: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Arrive at your lodge overlooking lush forest canopies.

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 19: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, home to large troops. In the afternoon, enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest.

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 20: Waterfall Hike in Nyungwe

Take a guided hike to one of Nyungwe’s scenic waterfalls, spotting monkeys, birds, and orchids along the way.

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 21: Drive to Akagera National Park

Head to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Arrive in the afternoon for a short game drive.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Magashi Camp

Day 22: Full Day Game Drive in Akagera

Spend the day on game drives spotting elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, zebras, and hippos.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Magashi Camp

Day 23: Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Enjoy a morning boat ride on Lake Ihema, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 24: Kigali City Tour

Drive to Kigali. Enjoy a city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and cultural centers.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 25: Kigali – Relaxation and Cultural Activities

Spend the day exploring Kigali at leisure. Optional activities include culinary tours, art galleries, or visiting local communities.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 26: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Tour Inclusions

• Accommodation as per itinerary

• All meals as mentioned

• Ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• Gorilla trekking permits (Uganda & Rwanda)

• Chimpanzee tracking permits

• Park entrance fees and activities

• All boat cruises and guided walks

• Airport transfers

Tour Exclusions

• International flights

• Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)

• Optional activities not included in the itinerary

What to Pack

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Light, breathable clothing

• Rain jacket and warm sweater

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Camera and binoculars

• Daypack for treks

• Water bottle and purification tablets

• Personal medication

Travel Advisory

• Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness; permits are limited and should be booked early.

• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry.

• Malaria prevention is advised; carry prophylaxis and repellents.

• Respect cultural traditions; dress modestly in communities.

• Always follow park rules and ranger instructions for safety.