28 Days Grand Safari Uganda & Rwanda

Tour Description

This extraordinary 28-day grand safari through Uganda and Rwanda is the ultimate journey for those seeking a complete East African adventure. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park to birdwatching in lush wetlands, game drives across savannah plains, chimpanzee tracking in rainforests, cultural interactions with local communities, and a relaxing end by the lakeshores—this itinerary is designed for explorers who wish to see it all.

Over the course of nearly a month, you will journey across two breathtaking countries, combining iconic wildlife encounters with authentic cultural experiences. You’ll stand face-to-face with the mountain gorillas, witness the Big Five in action, glide along rivers teeming with hippos, marvel at over 1,000 bird species, and immerse yourself in the warmth of African hospitality.

If you are looking for a slow-paced yet fully immersive adventure that captures the heart of East Africa, this 28 Days Grand Safari Uganda & Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Safari Highlights

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

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe Forest.

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

• Boat cruises on the Nile, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Kivu.

• Birding expeditions across wetlands, forests, and savannahs.

• Cultural experiences with Batwa, Karamojong, and Rwandan communities.

• Hiking and nature walks in scenic landscapes including Sipi Falls and Nyungwe Canopy Walk.

• Photography opportunities in prime wildlife and cultural settings.

• Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu’s tranquil shores.

28 Days Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your guide welcomes you. Transfer to your lodge overlooking Lake Victoria. Relax and prepare for your safari.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Hotel

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls

Drive north, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino walk. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Evening game drive.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive in the northern sector—elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffaloes. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the Murchison Falls, followed by a hike to the top.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

Journey to remote Kidepo Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes and unspoiled wildlife encounters.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 5: Game Drive & Karamojong Cultural Visit

Full-day exploration of Kidepo Valley. Visit local Karamojong communities for a cultural exchange.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 6: Kidepo – Moroto

Morning game drive then drive to Moroto, home of the Tepeth and Karamojong peoples. Evening cultural tour.
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

Day 7: Moroto – Sipi Falls

Travel to the slopes of Mount Elgon and enjoy hikes around Sipi Falls.
Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge

Day 8: Sipi Falls – Jinja

Drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. Optional activities include white-water rafting, quad biking, or horse riding along the Nile.
Accommodation: Nile River Lodge

Day 9: Jinja – Kampala

Leisurely morning then drive to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city. Evening city tour.
Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel

Day 10: Kampala – Kibale Forest National Park

Drive west to Kibale, the primate capital of East Africa. Evening birding walk.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Morning chimpanzee tracking. Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding and primate viewing.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 12: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Evening game drive in Kasenyi plains.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 13: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Morning game drive—expect lions, elephants, and leopards. Afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel with thousands of hippos and birds.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 14: Ishasha – Tree Climbing Lions

Drive to the Ishasha sector famous for tree-climbing lions. Game drive en route.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 15: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Transfer to Bwindi in preparation for gorilla trekking. Evening cultural performance by Batwa communities.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

Day 16: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Spend an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

Day 17: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the “Switzerland of Africa.” Canoe ride and relaxation.
Accommodation: BirdNest Resort

Day 18: Lake Bunyonyi – Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Cross into Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 19: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Second gorilla trekking adventure, different terrain and gorilla family group.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 20: Golden Monkey Trekking

Morning trek to see the endangered golden monkeys. Afternoon visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 21: Volcanoes – Lake Kivu

Drive to Lake Kivu, relax on the shores, optional boat ride.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 22: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Drive to Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 23: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Guided chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Afternoon canopy walk through the treetops.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 24: Birding & Waterfall Hike

Full day birdwatching and nature hikes to Nyungwe waterfalls.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 25: Nyungwe – Kigali

Drive to Kigali. City tour including the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 26: Kigali – Akagera National Park

Transfer to Akagera, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Evening game drive.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 27: Akagera Safari Experience

Morning game drive for lions, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 28: Departure from Kigali

Morning at leisure, then transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Uganda and Rwanda.

• 27 nights’ accommodation in midrange/luxury lodges.

• All meals as indicated.

• All park entry fees and permits (including gorilla & chimpanzee permits).

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.

• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.

• All scheduled game drives, boat cruises, and cultural visits.

• Drinking water in the vehicle.

Safari Exclusions

• International flights.

• Rwanda and Uganda entry visas.

• Travel and medical insurance.

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone calls, bar bills).

• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

What to Pack

• Lightweight clothes for day; warm clothes for cool evenings.

• Sturdy hiking boots (essential for gorilla trekking).

• Rain jacket and waterproof backpack.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent.

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Personal medications.

• Travel adapter for charging devices.

Travel Advisory

• Gorilla trekking permits must be booked well in advance.

• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.

• Malaria prophylaxis recommended.

• Carry both cash (USD) and a credit card.

• Respect local customs and communities.

• Always follow ranger and guide instructions during treks.

• Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is mandatory.