13-DAY RWANDA & UGANDA AFRICAN SAFARIS
From US$14,250 – $21,580 Per Person
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS:
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking | Chimpanzee Tracking | Volcanoes National Parks | Dian Fossey Grave Shrine | Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village | Uganda Gorilla Trekking | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kibale Forest National Park
Overview: 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris
13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris, a meticulously designed journey through the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Rwanda and Uganda. This exceptional tour includes a private 4×4 vehicle and a dedicated expert guide, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1-2: Kigali, Rwanda | Begin your journey in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Explore its rich history through museums, memorials, and art galleries, and enjoy shopping in bustling districts.
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest National Park | Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park for thrilling chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking (ages 15 & over). Experience the lush forest on canopy walks, explore scenic swamps and waterfalls, and indulge in bird watching.
Day 4-5: Volcanoes National Park | Next, head to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Encounter majestic mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys. For the adventurous, consider hiking Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke. Immerse yourself in local culture with visits to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, the Dian Fossey Grave Shrine, and the Musanze Caves and Buhanga Forest.
Day 7-8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda | Cross into Uganda and continue your adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain gorilla encounters.
Day 9-10: Queen Elizabeth National Park | Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 11-12: Kibale Forest National Park | Conclude your safari in Kibale Forest National Park. From here, choose to drive to Kigali or Entebbe based on your preference.
Customization Options: Our 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris offers flexible logistical transfers, allowing you to customize your itinerary with additional destinations, extra nights, or bespoke activities. Perfect for couples, families (ages 15 & over), honeymooners, and solo travelers, this journey promises an in-depth exploration of both Rwanda and Uganda’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Package Inclusions
The 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience, featuring private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle and stays at top-tier lodges with all meals provided. The package includes essential permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with one permit per person for each activity. Specifically, Rwanda Gorilla permits are $1500, Uganda Gorilla permits are $800, the Uganda Chimpanzee permit is $250, and the Nyungwe Chimpanzee permit is $90, all payable in advance.
In addition to the permits, your Uganda African safaris includes a Kigali city tour, daily mineral water, and the expertise of an English-speaking driver/guide. You’ll also receive a travelogue from Njagi Creative Print to commemorate your adventure. This carefully crafted package ensures a seamless, immersive, and unforgettable journey through the natural wonders and cultural highlights of Rwanda and Uganda.
Package Exclusions
The 13 Days Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris package does not include personal expenses such as airfare, visa fees, beverages, laundry services, tips for local guides, telephone charges, porter fees during trekking, personal insurance, and shopping costs. Travelers should budget separately for these additional expenses.
13-DAY RWANDA & UGANDA AFRICAN SAFARIS
Day-To-Day Program
Day 1: Arrival Transfer From Kigali International Airport (KGL)
- Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury), Park Inn By Radisson Kigali (Upmarket) Chez Lando Hotel (Midrange)
- Optional Tour Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House, The Dancing Pots, Caplaki Handicrafts Cooperative, Art Galleries – Inema, Ivuka & Niyo
- Meal Plan: Dinner
On Day 1, you will arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) and be transferred to your chosen accommodation: the elegant Serena Hotel, the upscale Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, or the cozy Chez Lando Hostel. Your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, where you can explore cultural landmarks, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Drive To Nyungwe National Park From Kigali International Airport
- Optional Activities: Swamp and waterfall hikes, bird and canopy walks
- Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange), Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A Featured Accommodation| Nyungwe Top View Hotel
On Day 2 of your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safari, you’ll stay at the luxuriousNyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched on a hill in Nyungwe Forest, East Africa’s largest forest block and Rwanda’s primary water source. This elegant retreat offers 12 self-contained rooms, including 4 twin and 8 queen-sized apartments, each with a cozy sitting area, fireplace, and a balcony showcasing stunning views of Nyungwe National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, tea plantations, Lake Kivu, and the surrounding volcanoes and Idjwi Island.
Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the verandah and dine on wholesome meals either in the dining area or al fresco on the deck. The hotel’s prime location offers easy access to Nyungwe Park’s diverse trails, perfect for chimpanzee spotting, birdwatching, and exploring waterfalls. Discover the forest’s rich flora and fauna, including over 310 bird species and 140 types of orchids, enriching your safari experience.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking or Canopy Walk
- Included Activities: Chimpanzee tracking at 07:30 hours
Optional Activities: Swamp and waterfall hikes, bird and canopy walks - Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Midrange), Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park, situated in southwestern Rwanda within the Albertine Rift eco-region, is a key highlight of the 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris. Spanning 970 square kilometers, this mid-elevation rainforest is one of Africa’s last great rainforests and a crucial conservation area. It boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including 310 bird species.
Birdwatchers will be particularly excited by the chance to see rare species such as white-headed wood hoopoes, paradise flycatchers, Ruwenzori turacos, and red-collared mountain babblers. The park’s lush woodlands and vibrant ecosystem offer a stunning backdrop for exploration, making Nyungwe National Park an essential part of your luxury safari experience.
Day 4: Transfer From Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park
- Optional Activities: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour & Dian Fossey Grave Shrine Tour, Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke Hike, Musanze Caves & Buhanga Forest Tour
- Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury), Virunga Lodge (Upmarket) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Garden Place Hotel (Standard), Muhabura Hotel (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Accommodations: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodges
During your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris, you’ll stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, ideally situated just 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport and 10 minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters. This eco-friendly lodge features 23 self-contained cottages, each with a cozy fireplace and constructed from sustainable bamboo, offering breathtaking views of Mount Sabyinyo and the Virunga mountains. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is dedicated to sustainability and supports the local community, enhancing your safari experience with cultural performances by a local dancing troupe and an authentic Rwandan ambiance.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park
- Included Activities: One gorilla trek
- Optional Activities: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour & Dian Fossey Grave Shrine Tour, Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke Hike, Musanze Caves & Buhanga Forest Tour
- Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury), Virunga Lodge (Upmarket) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Garden Place Hotel (Standard), Muhabura Hotel (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, spanning Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, is renowned for its spectacular wildlife and diverse landscapes. In Rwanda, this 160-square-kilometer reserve, also known as Parc National des Volcans, offers a range of habitats from evergreen and bamboo forests to tropical rainforests, grasslands, serene lakes, and rugged volcanoes. The park is famed for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which visitors can observe up close during guided treks. This immersive experience allows you to witness these majestic primates in their natural environment as they forage for bamboo shoots, wild celery, nettles, and fruit.
Beyond gorilla trekking on your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris in Volcanoes National Park. The Park offers a variety of enriching activities. You can explore the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to gain insight into local traditions and community life, or visit the Dian Fossey Grave Shrine to learn about the pioneering conservationist’s work with gorillas. For those seeking adventure, hiking Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke provides stunning views and a challenging trek. These activities combine to create a comprehensive experience, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural depth of the park.
Day 6: Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Optional Activities: Community Tour
- Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Upmarket) Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Chameleon Hill (Standard), Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
During your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris, consider staying at Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, a comfortable mid-range accommodation located near the Rushaga gorilla trailhead in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Positioned 6 kilometers west of Nyanamo Trading Centre in Kisoro District, the lodge is easily accessible from Entebbe or Kampala via a scenic flight to Kisoro. From its location, guests enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mutanda.
The Rushaga sector, known for its numerous gorilla families and proximity to the Nkuringo area, offers exceptional tracking opportunities. The lodge provides breathtaking vistas of the Kigezi hills, Virunga volcanoes, and the lush Bwindi forest canopy. Featuring well-maintained, comfortable accommodations along with a bar and restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge enhances your safari experience with both relaxation and scenic beauty.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley, is famed for its mist-covered hills and ancient rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years. This biologically rich forest is home to nearly 400 plant species and approximately 459 mountain gorillas, representing about half of the world’s population. Visitors on Uganda African Safaris can track several habituated gorilla groups, with tourism beginning with the Mubare group in April 1993. The park’s rugged terrain also supports 120 mammal species, including baboons, chimpanzees, elephants, and antelopes, as well as 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi is a sanctuary for around 200 butterfly species, including eight Albertine Rift endemics, and numerous reptiles. Nearby towns such as Buhoma and Nkuringo offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget campsites, along with dining and craft shopping options. Visitors can also engage with the local cultures of the Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy communities through cultural performances, workshops, and village walks, making Bwindi a diverse and enriching destination for any Uganda African Safaris adventure.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Inclusive Activities: Gorilla Trekking Permit per Person
- Optional Activities: Birding, Nature Walks and Community walks
- Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Upmarket) Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Chameleon Hill (Standard), Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Optional Activities: Lion-viewing, Scenic Views, Boat Cruising, Chimpanzee Trekking, The Shoebill Swamp, Volcanic Explosion Craters Around Queen Elizabeth Park, Primates & Bird Watching In Maramagambo Forest
- Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Midrange), Elephant Hab Lodge (Standard),Enganzi Lodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
On your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safari, experience luxury at Elephant Hab Lodge, a stunning retreat situated on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Located in the picturesque Kyambura Gorge, the lodge is just a 10-minute drive from the chimpanzee tracking point and set in an area often visited by grazing elephants.
Guests can enjoy views of these majestic animals from the infinity pool or their private cottage balconies. The lodge’s design, featuring wood, canvas, and grass-thatched roofs, seamlessly blends with the natural environment. Offering accommodations from single to family-sized cottages, Elephant Hab Lodge provides some of the finest lodging options near the park. While dining, you might spot velvet monkeys in the vicinity, but please remember not to feed them.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated in western Uganda between Lakes Albert and George and intersected by the Kazinga Channel, is a premier destination for any Rwanda-Uganda Safari.
Named in honor of the Queen of England following her 1954 visit, the park spans 700 square miles and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It features 618 bird species—one of the highest diversities in the world—and is home to 10 primate species, including chimpanzees, as well as 95 mammal species, including big game and the unique tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector.
Visitors on Uganda African Safaris can explore a variety of attractions, including the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos and Nile crocodiles, the expansive Kasenyi Plains, and the lush Kyambura Gorge, known for rewarding chimpanzee tracking. The Mweya Peninsula offers excellent game viewing, while the Lake Katwe Salt Works and Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes provide fascinating insights into local traditions and breathtaking panoramic views.
The park is accessible by a 6.5-hour drive from Kampala or by charter flight and offers a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to budget campsites. For the best experience, plan your safari during the dry seasons from January to February or June to September, with peak safari time between June and September.
Day 9-10: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Included Activities: Game Drives
- Optional Activities: Lion-viewing, Scenic Views, Boat Cruising, Chimpanzee Trekking, The Shoebill Swamp, Volcanic Explosion Craters Around Queen Elizabeth Park, Primates & Bird Watching In Maramagambo Forest
- Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Midrange), Elephant Hab Lodge (Standard),Enganzi Lodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest
- Optional Activities: Cultural & Community Tours, Evening Forest Walks, Birdwatching Safaris, and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
- Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Ndali Lodge (Midrange), Primate Lodge (Standard), Kibale Forest Camp (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
During your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris, enjoy a stay at Ndali Lodge in Kibale National Park, where a range of engaging activities awaits. Explore the stunning crater lake with hiking or jogging trails, or take a refreshing swim, following safety guidelines.
The lodge also offers kayak and paddle boat rentals for a leisurely exploration of the lake. Ndali Lodge serves as an excellent base for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale Forest, which is home to over 375 bird species and 70 mammals, including 12 primate varieties.
The area’s volcanic history has created picturesque crater lakes, and nearby attractions include Muhoma Falls, Ndali Farm’s banana and vanilla plantations, and a birding tour at Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary with Njagi Safaris, enhancing your Uganda African Safaris experience.
Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale Forest National Park.
As part of your 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris, experience an exciting chimpanzee tracking safari in Kibale National Park.
Treks start at either 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. and last 2 to 3 hours along easy to moderate trails, led by experienced guides. You will be assigned to one of five habituated chimpanzee groups, including the Kanyawara community or the large family of 200 individuals studied by the Kibale Chimpanzee Project.
Each day, only 24 permits are issued across 3 groups, with a maximum of 6 to 8 members per group. Before setting out, you’ll attend an orientation session to understand the guidelines for interacting with the chimps. Once located, you’ll have 60 minutes to observe their natural behaviors, such as foraging, grooming, and social interactions, enhancing your Uganda African Safaris adventure.
Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Included Activity: Chimpanzee Tracking with a Permit per Person.
- Optional Activities: Cultural & Community Tours, Evening Forest Walks, Birdwatching Safaris, and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
- Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Ndali Lodge (Midrange), Primate Lodge (Standard), Kibale Forest Camp (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, based on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your unforgettable 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris.
INQUIRE OR REQUEST FOR A SAFARI QUOTE
FAQs on 13-Day Rwanda & Uganda African Safaris
SAFARI TOUR EXTENSIONS
Check out Our Safari Tour Extensions: Enhance your holiday in Africa by exploring our Uganda & Rwanda Safari Add-Ons. Safaris you might be interested in.
