20-Day Uganda- Rwanda Wildlife, Gorilla & Primates Safari

Price

Duration

20 Days

Language

English

Tour Summary

This 20- day Uganda- Rwanda safari takes you on an extraordinary journey across the two countries, combining wildlife viewing, rhino tracking, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, cultural experiences, boat cruises, and scenic landscapes. The journey covers some of Uganda and Rwanda’s most remarkable destinations, from the northern wilderness of Kidepo Valley to the lush forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park and the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu. This journey starts from Entebbe and Ends in Kigali.

Day 1: Arrival Entebbe international airport and Overnight

Upon arrival, our professional safari driver guide will pick you from Entebbe International airport and transfer you to your booked hotel for overnight

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Main Destination: Entebbe

Drive time: Approximately 10-15 Minutes

Budget: Mowicribs Hotel and Spa/Via Via Hotel Entebbe
Mid-range: Boma Hotel Entebbe/Karibu Guesthouse/
Luxury: Entebbe Forest Lodge/No.5 Boutique Hotel Entebbe/Protea By Marriot Entebbe

Day 2: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Morning:

Your professional safari driver guide will pick you from your hotel and depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, enjoying the stunning views with several stops Along the way, you will see local communities, farms, roadside markets, and villages that provide an introduction to everyday life in Uganda.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you will enjoy guided rhino tracking experience by accompanied by an experienced ranger and return at the lodge for Lunch.

Evening: You will spend the rest of your evening at the lodge appreciating the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Main Destination: Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours

Budget: Ziwa Guest House
Mid-range: Amuka Safari Lodge
Luxury: Ziwa Rhino Ranch Luxury Chalet

Day 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kidepo Valley National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart to Kidepo Valley National Park and continue north through Gulu city for lunch. The journey takes you through rural Uganda, with opportunities to observe traditional homesteads, agricultural landscapes, trading centres, and local communities.

Afternoon:

Arrive in Kidepo Valley National Park check in at the lodge for relaxation and depart for sunset game drive for chances of wildlife viewing

Evening:

Return to your Lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening. Dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park

Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Budget: Apoka Rest Camp/ Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Mid-range: Adere safari Lodge/ Mara safari Lodge
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Day 4: Kidepo Valley National Park – Narus Valley Game Drive

Morning:

After breakfast, depart for a sunrise game drive through the Narus Valley, one of Kidepo’s prime wildlife areas. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, lions, and other wildlife. The early hours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals are most active.

Afternoon:

Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out for another game drive. Explore the open savannah plains and seasonal valleys while enjoying the dramatic backdrop of Kidepo’s Mount Morungole.

Evening:

Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the savannah. Enjoy dinner around the camp and relax under the peaceful wilderness atmosphere

Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5: Game drive and IK Cultural Experience

Morning:

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast followed by a short game drive or nature experience around the park. This provides another opportunity to observe wildlife and appreciate Kidepo’s unique landscapes.

Afternoon:

Visit IK community for an authentic cultural experience. Learn about traditional ways of life, cattle keeping, local architecture, customs, music, dance, and the importance of cattle within the community.

Evening:

Return to the lodge and enjoy the sunset over the wilderness. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 4.

Day 6: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Kidepo for Murchison Falls National Park. This is a scenic journey through northern Uganda, providing an opportunity to see the changing landscapes and communities along the route.

Afternoon:

You will check in at the lodge in Murchison Falls National Park in time for lunch. After lunch you will relax at the lodge appreciating Savannah.

Evening Session: You will set off for a sunset game drive for chances of spotting wildlife and later return at your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Murchison falls National Park

Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Budget: Red Chili Safari lodge/Fort Murchison Lodge

Mid Range: Pakuba safari Lodge/Sambiya Safari lodge/Twiga safari Lodge

Luxury: Nile Safari lodge/ Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe safari lodge/Anyadwe House

Day 7: Murchison Falls – Game Drive and bottom of falls cruise and visit the top of the falls

Morning

After an early morning cup of coffee, you will be transferred to the Northern section of the park which is popularly known as Paraa for your morning game drive.  Paraa comes from a local dialect of the Luo community which means a place of Hippos. In deed this game drive will provide you with an opportunity to spot wild game that may include, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos and if you are lucky you will spot cats such as lions and leopards.

Afternoon

You will return to the lodge for a lunch break before you proceed to the pier for your two hour boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls where you will be able to spot several schools of Hippos as well as be able to witness how the River Nile water squeezes itself in a narrow gorge only to later explode out giving you an experience of a lifetime.

Evening/ Accommodation

You will later transfer to the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight

Main Destination: Murchison falls National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 6

Day 8: Morning delta cruise and afternoon game drive

Morning:

After breakfast, depart for Paraa Jetty and board the boat for a Nile Delta cruise. Cruise downstream through the calm waters and papyrus channels toward the Lake Albert Delta. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a variety of water birds, with the rare shoebill stork being one of the major highlights

Afternoon:

Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax after the morning cruise. The afternoon break also allows you to prepare for the evening wildlife experience.

Evening:

You will head out for an evening game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. As temperatures cool, search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, antelopes and, with luck, lions and other predators becoming active. Enjoy the sunset over the savannah before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Murchison falls National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 6

Day 9: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, embark on your vehicle and bid farewell to Murchison falls National Park and transfer to Kibale National Park.

Afternoon:

You will have several stops along the way for photography, tea plantations and have lunch in Fort Portal and later proceed to Kibale National Park

Evening:

You will spend the rest of the evening at leisure and relaxation.

Main Destination: Kibale National Park

Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/ Kibale Forest Lodge/Bweza Kibale Lodge/Kibale Forest Camp

Mid Range: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge/Kibale Tourist safari Lodge/Crater safari Lodge/

Luxury: Primate Lodge/Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort/ Ndali Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland

Morning/Briefing:

After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park Headquarters for briefing on the Dos and Don’ts of Chimpanzee trekking. You will be divided into small groups of six people headed by one guide who will then move with you into the forest to find one of the Chimpanzee families. Chimpanzees live in communities of between 50-250 individuals but usually break-up into small parties during the day to reduce competition on food. They will then recollect in the evening to build their nests.

Trekking and Observation:

Once you find the Chimps, you will be allowed to spend one hour with the Chimps before returning to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon:

After lunch, you head out for wetland walk in the nearby Bigodi Village. Kibale National Park is popular for 13 recorded primates’ species and several bird species.

Evening:

You will then return to the Hotel, relax, have dinner and overnight to end your day.

Accommodation: Same as Day 9

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Kibale toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through crater landscapes, rolling hills, villages, and agricultural areas.

Afternoon:

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park you will have hot lunch at the lodge followed by relaxation and later depart to the Kasenyi Plains for an afternoon game drive. Look for Uganda kob, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, lions and leopards luckly.

Evening Session: Return to your lodge and enjoy dinner while surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Budget: Bush Lodge/Enshama Game Lodge/Acacia Wilderness Lodge

Mid Range: Buffalo safari lodge/ Elephant Hab Lodge/ Park View safari lodge/Adverk safari Lodge

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge/ Kyambura Gorge Lodge/ Honey Bear Bush Camp/The River station

Day 12: Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Morning

This morning you will head back to the Plains of Kasenyi for yet another morning Game drive to try and find what you could have missed during the previous Game drive, you will have an opportunity of seeing the morning raisers while on this game drive

Afternoon

You will drive to the lodge for hot lunch and after lunch, will head to the jetty along Kazinga channel for the afternoon boat cruise. This cruise offers you chances of viewing animals like: hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and many species of water birds.

Evening/Accommodation

You will return at the lodge and spend the evening at leisure followed by dinner and overnight at the lodge

Accommodation: Same as Day 11.

Day 13: Kasenyi – Ishasha Sector southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a game drive en route as you explore the less-developed southern wilderness.

Afternoon:

You will have hot lunch at the lodge and Continue exploring Ishasha, famous for its large fig trees and the possibility of seeing tree-climbing lions resting in the fig trees. Other wildlife may include elephants, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kob, and various antelopes.

Evening:

Return at your lodge, enjoy the peaceful wilderness atmosphere, have dinner, and relax.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

Budget: Topi Lodge
Mid-range: Ishasha Jungle Lodge/ Enjojo Lodge
Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 14: Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning:

You will enjoy a morning game drive in Ishasha before leaving the park. This provides one more opportunity to encounter wildlife in the beautiful southern sector.

Afternoon:

Drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. Enjoy views of terraced hills, villages, farms, and lush vegetation. You will have lunch en route and proceed your journey to Bwindi.

Evening:

Arrive at your lodge and check in. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking, including what to carry and what to expect. Dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Meal Plan: Full board

Accommodation

Budget Lodge: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge/ Bakiga Lodge

Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/ Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/ Kiho Lodge

Drive time: 3-4 hours.

Day 15: Bwindi – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Morning/Briefing: After your early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to the Park Headquarters for briefing and joining others for briefing before heading into the forest for your golden Monkey trek. This trek can last for between 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the location of these golden monkeys on that particular day.

Trek and observation: Once you find the golden monkeys, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them while observing their behaviour, taking photographs before you return to the Park

Afternoon: You will embark on your vehicle and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Cyanika border, upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and have time to relax and prepare for your upcoming gorilla trekking experience. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 13.

Day 16: Bwindi – Volcanoes National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive toward Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Kisoro highlands crossing Uganda-Rwanda border well knwn as Cyanika border.

Evening/Afternoon: You will visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience to learn about local traditions, culture, music, dance, and community life. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park

Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Budget : Le bambou Gorilla Lodge/Isange Paradise

Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Lodge/ Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury: Bishop House/ One And Only Volcanoes Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 17: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes

Morning/Briefing: After your early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to the Park Headquarters for briefing and joining others for briefing before heading into the forest for your golden Monkey trek. This trek can last for between 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the location of these golden monkeys on that particular day.

Trek and observation: Once you find the golden monkeys, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them while observing their behaviour, taking photographs before you return to the Park

Afternoon/Evening: You will return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight

Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park

Day 18: Volcanoes National Park- Lake Kivu

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park for Lake Kivu, upon arrival you will check in at the lodge for relaxation

Afternoon:

You will have lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure

Main Destination: Lake Kivu

Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

Budget : Kivu Nest Hotel/Inzu Lodge

Mid-Range: Kivu Paradise Resort/Paradise Malahinde/ Emeraude Kivu Resort

Luxury: Kivu Serena Hotel/Kivu Mantis Marina Bay

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 19: Canoeing and afternoon relaxation

Morning:

You will enjoy a morning Canoe ride on Lake Kivu and later return to the lodge for relaxation and swimming.

Afternoon/ Evening: Spend a relaxing evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Lake Kivu, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 18.

Day 20: Lake Kivu- Kigali

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and begin the journey toward Kigali enjoying a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.

Afternoon:

Upon arrival in Kigali you will have lunch and later explore Rwanda’s city, visit Kigali Genocide memorial, Kimirongo Market, Hotel Rwanda.

Evening:

You will have diner in Kigali and transfer to Kigali international airport to catch up for your flight. This marks the end of your 20-day Uganda- Rwanda Wildlife, Gorilla & Primates Safari.

Main Destination: Kigali

Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours

Day 1: Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Day 2: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kidepo Valley National Park

Day 4: Kidepo Valley National Park – Narus Valley Game Drive

Day 5: Game drive and IK Cultural Experience

Day 6: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park

Day 7: Murchison Falls – Game Drive and bottom of falls cruise and visit the top of the falls

Day 8: Morning delta cruise and game drive

Day 9: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 12: Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Day 13: Kasenyi – Ishasha Sector southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 14: Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 15: Bwindi – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 16: Bwindi – Volcanoes National Park

Day 17: Golden Monkey trekking In Volcanoes

Day 18: Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation

Day 19: Canoeing and trlaxation

Day 20: Transfer to Kigali for city tour and drop off to end the tour

Cost Includes
  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Park entry fees/ game drives
  • English speaking guide
  • 4WD safari van and fuel
  • Bottled drinkig water
  • All meals at the lodge

 

Cost Excludes
  • Air tickets
  • Lide Insurance
  • Optional activities not included in itinerary
  • Tipping
  • Personal expenses

Permits

  • Gorilla Permit:
    • Non-residents: USD 800
    • Foreign residents: USD 700
    • Rest of Africa: USD 500
    • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000
  • Chimpanzee Permit:
    • Foreign non-residents: USD 300
    • Foreign residents: USD 250
  • Golden Monkey Permit:
    • Non-residents: USD 100
    • Foreign residents: USD 50
    • East African Citizens: UGX 40,000

Permits include park entry, ranger services, and primate encounters.

Transport

  • Optional flight to Bwindi; road travel recommended for scenic value and cost efficiency.
  • 4×4 safari POP UP vehicles with AC and professional driver-guide.

Gorilla Trekking Regions

Bwindi has four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo. Lodges selected according to permits.

Activities Covered

  • Gorilla trekking (Bwindi)
  • Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk (Kibale)
  • Golden Monkey trekking (Mgahinga)
  • Game drives & boat cruises (Kidepo, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls)
  • Rhino tracking (Ziwa)
  • Nature walk 

Extra Costs

Uganda Visa (USD 50), tipping, drinks, and personal expenses.

Best Time to Go

Dry seasons: June–Sept & Dec–Feb.
Permits recommended 2–6 months in advance. Gorilla sightings remain 99% even in rainy season.

What to Pack

  • Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts (neutral)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves
  • Hat, insect repellent, sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera + extra batteries
  • Passport & travel documents

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