30 Days Ultimate Uganda Rwanda Safari

Safari Description

The 30 Days Ultimate Uganda Rwanda Safari is the most comprehensive East African adventure for wildlife lovers, primate trackers, birdwatchers, and cultural explorers. Over one full month, you will traverse the lush rainforests, rolling savannahs, misty volcanoes, and sparkling lakes of Uganda and Rwanda. This carefully crafted itinerary blends gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Nyungwe, classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera National Parks, and cultural interactions with diverse communities.

You will also enjoy birding in Africa’s most rewarding destinations, explore the mighty River Nile at Murchison Falls, cruise along Kazinga Channel, and relax on the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu. This safari is ideal for travelers who want an in-depth experience of two of Africa’s friendliest and most biodiverse nations.

By the end of this journey, you will have covered every major highlight of Uganda and Rwanda, leaving you with lifelong memories and an authentic connection to East Africa.

Safari Highlights

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

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest (Uganda) and Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda)

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

• Boat safaris on the Nile River and Kazinga Channel

• Birding safaris across wetlands, savannahs, and forests, spotting species like the Shoebill Stork

• Cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies, Karamojong warriors, and traditional Rwandan communities

• Scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu

• Kigali city tour including the Genocide Memorial Center

• Adventurous activities like canopy walks, hikes, and nature walks

• Photography opportunities with diverse landscapes, wildlife, and people

Detailed Itinerary (30 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda

You will be welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by our safari representative. Transfer to your hotel, relax after your long flight, and enjoy the cool breeze from Lake Victoria. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba Wetland – Kampala

Morning birding in Mabamba Swamp, home to the elusive Shoebill Stork and other wetland species. Continue to Kampala for a short city tour including Kasubi Tombs and local craft markets. Overnight in Kampala.

Day 3: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls

Drive north, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to track rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic park. Overnight inside the park.

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Early game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. Afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge. Optional hike to the top of the falls.

Day 5: Murchison Falls – Budongo Forest

Morning chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, followed by a birding and primate walk. Overnight in the forest area.

Day 6: Murchison Falls – Hoima

Drive through scenic landscapes of tea plantations and local villages. Overnight in Hoima, breaking the long journey to Kibale.

Day 7: Hoima – Kibale Forest National Park

Arrive in Kibale Forest, known as the Primate Capital of the World. Evening birding walk around Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest

Spend the morning tracking chimpanzees, observing their playful behavior and learning about their social structures. Afternoon nature walk in the forest or birding in Bigodi.

Day 9: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Evening game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, and antelopes.

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Boat Safari

Morning game drive in Kasese Plains, followed by a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.

Day 11: Queen Elizabeth – Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, a deep valley often called the “Valley of the Apes.” Afternoon relaxation at the lodge with a view of the Rift Valley.

Day 12: Ishasha Sector – Tree Climbing Lions

Drive to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth to track the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Overnight in this scenic wilderness.

Day 13: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half the world’s mountain gorillas.

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi

Unforgettable day: hike into the misty forest with guides to encounter a gorilla family. Spend an hour observing them up close. Return to lodge for relaxation.

Day 15: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, transfer to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, “Place of Little Birds.” Canoe ride, birdwatching, and community visit. Overnight by the lake.

Day 16: Lake Bunyonyi – Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Afternoon golden monkey tracking or Batwa cultural experience.

Day 17: Cross to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross into Rwanda at the Cyanika border. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park, base of the gorillas.

Day 18: Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

Second gorilla trekking experience, this time in Rwanda. Opportunity to compare landscapes and habituated gorilla families.

Day 19: Volcanoes – Twin Lakes & Cultural Tour

Visit Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, explore Rwandan traditional villages, and enjoy a community cultural show.

Day 20: Volcanoes – Lake Kivu

Transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, for relaxation, swimming, or optional boat ride.

Day 21: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest

Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, famous for primates and birding.

Day 22: Nyungwe – Chimpanzee Tracking

Morning chimp trekking in Nyungwe. Afternoon canopy walk offering stunning forest views.

Day 23: Nyungwe – Birding & Waterfall Hike

Birding walk in the forest, spotting Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, and Albertine Rift endemics. Hike to Isumo waterfall.

Day 24: Nyungwe – Butare Cultural Tour

Drive to Butare (Huye), Rwanda’s cultural capital. Visit the National Museum and King’s Palace. Overnight in Butare.

Day 25: Butare – Akagera National Park

Proceed to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Evening game drive.

Day 26: Akagera – Full Day Game Drive

Enjoy a full-day safari in Akagera to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes. Optional boat trip on Lake Ihema.

Day 27: Akagera – Kigali

Morning game drive as you exit the park. Continue to Kigali for an evening at leisure.

Day 28: Kigali City Tour

Explore Kigali’s highlights: Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft villages, and cultural centers. Overnight in Kigali.

Day 29: Kigali – Return to Uganda – Lake Mburo

Cross back into Uganda. Afternoon game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, known for zebras, impalas, and birdlife.

Day 30: Lake Mburo – Entebbe Departure

Morning nature walk or boat ride on Lake Mburo. Drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight.

Inclusive in the Package

• Airport transfers in Uganda and Rwanda

• All accommodation (mid-range/luxury depending on choice) on full board

• Professional English-speaking safari guides

• All park entrance fees

• Gorilla permits (Uganda & Rwanda)

• Chimpanzee permits (Kibale & Nyungwe)

• Game drives, boat cruises, and guided nature walks

• Cultural visits and community fees

• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel

• Drinking water in the vehicle

Exclusive from the Package

• International flights

• Visas for Uganda and Rwanda

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs, drinks)

• Optional activities not included in itinerary

• Meals not specified in the program

What to Pack

• Light clothes for daytime, warm layers for evenings

• Waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• Hat, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Day backpack for treks

• Gloves and long-sleeved shirts for gorilla trekking

• Personal first aid kit and any prescription medicine

Travel Advisory

• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February (dry seasons, best for trekking and game viewing).

• Visa Requirements: Both Uganda and Rwanda visas can be obtained online or on arrival. East African Tourist Visa is highly recommended.

• Health: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis is advised. Carry COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR test (if required).

• Currency: Uganda Shillings (UGX) and Rwandan Francs (RWF). USD is widely accepted for permits and accommodation.

• Safety: Both countries are safe for tourism. Follow your guide’s instructions, especially around wildlife and during city tours.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi available in major lodges and cities, but patchy in remote areas.

✦ This 30 Days Ultimate Uganda Rwanda Safari offers a perfect blend of primates, wildlife, culture, birding, and landscapes. It is designed for travelers who want nothing short of the best African safari experience.