18-Days Uganda Rwanda Group Safari: Wildlife, Culture, Adventure

Where to go: Ambesoli National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mahale Mountain National Park, Murchison Falls, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Country: Rwanda, Tanzania

Activities: Air Balloon Safaris, Big Five safaris, Birdwatching, Boat safaris, Bush camping, Chimpanzee tracking, Game Drives

18 Days Uganda Rwanda Group Safari

Embark on an 18-day adventure through Uganda and Rwanda, exploring diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. This safari takes you from the bustling cities to the tranquil wilderness, offering unforgettable experiences such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives. Below is a detailed itinerary of your journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda - Arrival in Entebbe Your safari adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. If time allows, you can explore the nearby Botanical Gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Overnight in Entebbe You will spend your first night in a comfortable hotel in Entebbe, ready to embark on your adventure the following day.

Day 2: Entebbe City Tour and Drive to Jinja

Discover Entebbe and Transfer to Jinja Begin your day with a city tour of Entebbe. Visit key sites such as the Uganda Reptile Village and the Entebbe Crafts Village. After the city tour, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Jinja, known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Overnight in Jinja Arrive in Jinja in the late afternoon and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely evening by the banks of the River Nile, the world's longest river.

Day 3: Activities in Jinja

Adventure Day in Jinja Jinja offers a variety of thrilling activities. You can choose to go white-water rafting on the Nile, enjoy a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, or take a walk along the riverbanks. For the more adventurous, bungee jumping is also an option. Overnight in Jinja After a day full of excitement, return to your lodge for a restful night.

Day 4: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Visit the Top of the Falls

Journey to Murchison Falls Today, you'll depart Jinja and head towards Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you'll have the opportunity to track rhinos on foot. Afterward, continue to the park and visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful spectacle. Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park Spend the night in a lodge within the park, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Explore Murchison Falls National Park Set out for a full-day game drive in the park. Murchison Falls is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and many more. The park's vast savannahs and riverine woodlands provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park Return to your lodge for another night in the park.

Day 6: Boat Safari and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Nile River Boat Safari In the morning, take a boat safari on the Nile River. This cruise offers the chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species up close. After the boat safari, you'll embark on a journey to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. Overnight in Kibale National Park Arrive in Kibale and check into your lodge. Rest up for an exciting day of chimpanzee tracking tomorrow.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Today is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll trek through the dense forest to find these intelligent primates. Kibale is home to one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in Africa. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This swampy area is a haven for birdlife and other wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to experience the local ecosystem. Overnight in Kibale National Park After a day of primate encounters, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise

Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park After breakfast, you'll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most popular and diverse national parks. Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park Spend the night in a lodge within the park, ready for another day of exploration.

Day 9: Full-Day Game Drive in Ishasha Sector

Explore the Ishasha Sector The Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Spend the day on a game drive in this unique area, where you may also encounter other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park Return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxing night.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Morning Safari and Journey to Bwindi Start your day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before departing for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorilla population. Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon and check into your lodge, surrounded by lush forest.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking. After a briefing by the park rangers, you'll set off into the forest to track a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending time with these magnificent creatures is truly unforgettable. Batwa Cultural Experience In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture of the Batwa people, one of the oldest indigenous tribes in Africa. Learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy cultural performances. Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest After an incredible day, return to your lodge for a peaceful night.

Day 12: Cross into Rwanda and Golden Monkey Tracking

Cross into Rwanda and Golden Monkey Tracking After breakfast, you'll cross the border into Rwanda. Your first activity in Rwanda will be tracking the playful and endangered golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These primates are known for their striking golden fur and lively behaviour. Overnight in Volcanoes National Park Spend the night in a lodge near Volcanoes National Park, ready for more exploration the next day.

Day 13: Visit to Musanze Caves and Cultural Village Tour

Discover the Musanze Caves Today, you'll visit the Musanze Caves, a network of ancient caves formed by volcanic activity. The caves are a significant part of Rwanda's natural history and offer an intriguing exploration experience. Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village Tour In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural tour at Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where you'll learn about the traditions and customs of the Rwandan people. The village offers interactive experiences such as traditional dances, drumming, and storytelling. Overnight in Volcanoes National Park Return to your lodge for a restful night.

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Kivu

Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu Today, you'll take a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. The lake is known for its stunning views, serene waters, and the picturesque towns along its shores. Relax by the Lake Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in Lake Kivu Overnight at a lakeside lodge, taking in the peaceful ambiance of Lake Kivu.

Day 15: Boat Ride on Lake Kivu and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Explore Lake Kivu by Boat In the morning, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu, where you can explore the islands and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Afterward, you'll transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot. Overnight in Nyungwe Forest Arrive in Nyungwe Forest in the evening and settle into your accommodation, ready for a day of adventure tomorrow.

Day 16: Canopy Walk and Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Canopy Walk Adventure Start your day with a thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. The canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the forest and is a great way to observe the diverse birdlife and flora from above. Nature Walk In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the forest. Nyungwe is home to numerous primate species, including the L'Hoest's monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey, as well as a wide variety of birds and plants. Overnight in Nyungwe Forest After a day of exploration, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 17: Transfer to Kigali and City Tour

Journey to Kigali Today, you'll leave Nyungwe Forest and transfer to Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a city tour, visiting key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Presidential Palace Museum, and local markets. Overnight in Kigali Spend your final night in Kigali, reflecting on the incredible experiences of your safari.

Day 18: Departure from Kigali

Farewell to Rwanda On the last day of your safari, you'll have some free time to explore Kigali at your leisure before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 18-day Uganda Rwanda Group Safari, a journey filled with unforgettable memories and breathtaking encounters with nature. Safe Travels! We hope you had an amazing experience and wish you safe travels as you head home.