A 14-day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s wildlife and natural beauty, combining gorilla trekking experiences with other activities like chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and cultural visits.
This itinerary typically includes gorilla trekking in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, along with opportunities to see chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll also experience boat cruises, birding, and potentially golden monkey tracking. The trip often starts in either Kampala/Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda) and concludes in the opposite city.
Day 1: Pick-up and start the Kigali City Tour
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options.
It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.
Destination: Kigali City
Accommodation: Onomo Hotel Kigali (Mid-Range), Kigali Marriott Hotel (Up Market)
Activities: Kigali City & Cultural Tour Experience
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 2: Drive to Musanze (Ruhengeri) in Volcanoes National Park
Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The centre is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide. The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realise that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.
Drive to Volcanoes National Park
The bustling city of Musanze, also referred to as Ruhengeri, is situated in northwest Rwanda. Musanze is the hub of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking tourism route, offering many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It serves as the gateway to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park and is encircled by a number of attractions including the towering Mount Karisimbi, one of five impressive volcanoes in the park; the bat-filled Musanze Caves; and the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo – set against a spectacular backdrop of rolling green hills. Musanze is known as one of the best places in East Africa to track mountain gorillas and visitors flock here to view these majestic mountain apes.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Up Market)
Activities: Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum Cultural Tour Experience & Drive to Volcanoes, Visit Dian Fossey Grave Yard
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by the 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you home stay with the community and become part of their family
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Up Market)
Activities: Go gorilla tracking in Volcanoes and visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers Golden monkey trekking. This unique experience allows guests in groups of up to eight to look for and discover golden monkeys within their natural habitat.
The monkeys are incredibly active and enjoy showing off for the tourists and researchers that they encounter daily. The monkeys can be found closer to the base of the volcano and enjoy eating the bamboo vegetation in the area.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located in south-western Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.
The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other draw cards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of birds to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Go golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes and transfer to Bwindi Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours).
A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Go gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest and visit Batwa Cultural Village
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 6: Transfer to Ishasha Sector, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife, and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching – make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Mid-Range), Ishasha Jungle Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth Park & Explore the Tree Climbing Lions
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 7: Adventure in the Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kazinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge.
At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Mweya Safari Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic game drives, boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 8: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth takes place in the open grasslands of Kasenyi in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is a primary game viewing area due to the variety of wildlife, which includes antelopes, elephants, buffalo, and lions. Visitors will be accompanied by an experienced 14-day Rwanda Uganda Safari guide, able to track down these animals.
Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat
Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat is a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Passengers may encounter herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Mweya Safari Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic game drives, boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 9: Morning Game Drive, Visit the Twin Lakes, and Drive to Kibale National Park
Straddling Uganda’s lush equatorial rainforest, Fort Portal is a strikingly designated tourism city of Uganda that rests in the Western Region of the country, northwest of the bustling city of Mbarara. Perched at an elevation of around 1500 metres, Fort Portal offers sublime scenery with views over the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes, as well as flourishing landscapes, with it being a verdant tea-growing area.
This friendly town’s central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the scenic surrounding landscapes. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can track the chimps in the magical Kibale Forest National Park, explore the enchanting Crater Lakes or enjoy the delightful hot springs and dynamic central African wildlife of Semuliki National Park. Don’t miss the culturally significant Kabarole Main Mosque.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic game drives, and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought-after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. You’re 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided 14-day Rwanda Uganda Safari tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder’s paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there, including the crowd-pleasing Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white Colobus, red Colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk in Kibale National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelopes, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Nile Safari Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 12: Full Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park
The Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive takes place in the Murchison Falls National Park. The main areas of the drive are the Delta, Buligi Peninsula, and the southern section, which is known as the heart of Murchison. The Delta allows visitors an opportunity to see Lions, while the triangle of grassland in the Buligi Peninsula provides an opportunity to see elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and giraffes.
This grassland is bound by the Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert, with the Albert Nile flowing out of it. Lions, leopards, and waterbirds, along with hippos, can also be spotted here. Much of the southern part is populated with dense bush and forest, where lions and giraffes can also be seen.
Murchison Falls Boat Trip
Launches run from Paraa to the base of the falls. The three-hour return journey is for many a highlight of a trip to Murchison. Along the river there are thousands of hippos, enormous crocodiles, amazing bird life a possible sighting of the rare shoebill.
A boat trip from Paraa to the Delta, where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert, offers excellent game viewing and birding opportunities and takes about five hours.
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Nile Safari Lodge (Up Market)
Activities: Scenic game drives, boat cruise on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 13: Hike to the Top and White Rhino Tracking in Ziwa
Murchison Falls National Park Hiking to the Top of the falls is a leisurely 45-minute hike to the top of the falls, exposing participants to Mother Nature’s wondrous gorge, also known as the devil’s cauldron. The rejuvenating activity takes participants along a trail which overlooks spectacular views of the Nile and the landscape of Murchison Falls National Park while offering amazing bird watching opportunities.
After bidding farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park, your 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari journey continues to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a haven for the critically endangered white rhinoceros. Here, you’ll embark on a captivating white rhino tracking expedition, accompanied by experienced 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari guides, as you traverse the sanctuary’s vast expanse of savannah and woodland habitats. Keep your cameras ready to capture the awe-inspiring sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, observing their graceful movements and majestic presence.
Important to Know
Spend an unforgettable hour and a half immersed in the company of these gentle giants, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Following this remarkable experience, indulge in a leisurely lunch before commencing your journey back to Kampala, reflecting on the unforgettable memories and encounters that have defined your Ugandan safari adventure.
Destination: Kampala City or Entebbe
Activity: White Rhino Tracking & Drive to Kampala
Accommodation: Nkima Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (Up Market)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 14: Go Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Airport
Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba
Resting on the edge of Lake Victoria in Uganda, Mabamba Swamp is a prime wetland birding site that spans a massive 16,500 hectares. It forms part of the list of Wetlands of International Importance. Featuring a network of marsh-filled waterways, this magnificent wetland provides the ideal habitat for the most sought-after bird in Uganda – the shoebill, as well as 260 other bird species.
Visitors can enjoy a shoebill boat tour, meet the local fishermen and sample an array of locally grown fresh fruit. Other species to look out for include: blue swallow, papyrus gonolek, pigmy goose, swamp flycatcher, white-winged warbler, and many more. Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the beautiful sunset over Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
Destination: Entebbe Airport
Activity: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba & Drive to Entebbe Airport for Departure
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water
End of 14 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari