15 DAYS RWANDA-UGANDA TOURS
From US$15,750 – $25,540 Per Person
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS:
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking | Chimpanzee Tracking | Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visits | Volcanoes National Parks | Dian Fossey Grave Shrine | Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Murchison Falls National Park
Overview: 15 DAYS RWANDA-UGANDA TOURS
Embark on the ultimate adventure holiday safari with the 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, a meticulously crafted journey through the natural and cultural wonders of Rwanda and Uganda. This exceptional tour features a private 4×4 vehicle and a dedicated expert guide, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours begins in the vibrant city of Kigali, where you’ll explore a rich tapestry of museums, memorials, art galleries, and shopping districts. From Kigali, travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exhilarating experience of chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking (ages 15 & over). Enjoy scenic explorations of swamps and waterfalls, and immerse yourself in bird watching and canopy walks.
Next, journey to Volcanoes National Park, one of the best places to visit for the chance to engage in the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, where you’ll encounter majestic mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys. For those up for a physical challenge, hiking Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke offers an exhilarating adventure. Delve into Rwanda’s cultural heritage with visits to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, the Dian Fossey Grave Shrine, and the Musanze Caves and Buhanga Forest.
Cross into Uganda to continue your Rwanda-Uganda Tours adventure. In Uganda, your journey begins with discovering the breathtaking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After this awe-inspiring encounter, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee populations and rich biodiversity. Conclude your Ugandan adventure at Murchison Falls National Park, where you can witness the mighty falls and enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris. From there, you have the option to drive to Kigali or Entebbe, depending on your preference.
The 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours offer the flexibility of private logistical transfers, allowing you to tailor your itinerary with additional destinations, extra nights, or bespoke activities. Ideal for couples, families (ages 15 & over), honeymooners, and solo travelers, this journey promises a comprehensive exploration of both Rwanda’s and Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures.
Package Inclusions
The 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours package offers an all-inclusive luxury experience designed to immerse you in the splendor of East Africa. This exceptional Rwanda-Uganda Tours package includes private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, accommodations at top-tier lodges, and all meals.
As part of the Rwanda-Uganda Tours, you will receive one Gorilla trekking permit and one Chimpanzee trekking permit per person. The Rwanda Gorilla permit is priced at $1500 (payable in advance), while the Uganda Gorilla permit costs $800 (payable in advance). Additionally, the Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permit is $250 (payable in advance), and the Nyungwe Chimpanzee trekking permit is $90 (payable in advance).
Enjoy en-route lunches, a Kigali city tour, and the expertise of an English-speaking driver/guide throughout your journey. Daily mineral water and a travelogue from Njagi Creative Print are also included, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable safari adventure.
Package Exclusions
The 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours package does not cover personal expenses, including airfare, visa fees, beverages, laundry services, tips for local guides, telephone charges, porter fees during trekking, personal insurance, and shopping costs. These additional expenses should be budgeted for separately by travelers.
15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours
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
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be transferred to your selected accommodation for the night: the elegant Serena Hotel, the upscale Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, or the cozy Chez Lando Hostel. Your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours commence in Kigali, Rwanda’s lively capital. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the city’s cultural landmarks, delve into its rich history, and enjoy its inviting and vibrant 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 Luxury Accommodation| Nyungwe Top View Hotel
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, stay at the Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, a luxurious retreat perched atop a hill in the Nyungwe Forest area, East Africa’s largest single forest block and Rwanda’s main water reservoir. This elegant haven offers tranquil accommodations in 12 self-contained rooms, including 4 twin and 8 queen-sized bed apartments. Each room features a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, a balcony with 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 savor wholesome meals in the dining area or al fresco on the deck. The hotel’s location provides easy access to Nyungwe Park’s diverse trails, ideal for chimpanzee spotting, birdwatching, and exploring waterfalls. The trails offer glimpses of the forest’s rich flora and fauna, including over 310 bird species and 140 types of orchids, enhancing your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours 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, located in southwestern Rwanda within the Albertine Rift eco-region, is a prime destination on the 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours. Spanning 970 square kilometers, this mid-elevation rainforest is one of Africa’s last great rainforests and serves as a crucial conservation area. It boasts a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna, including an impressive 310 bird species.
Birdwatchers will delight in spotting rare and striking species such as white-headed wood hoopoes, paradise flycatchers, purple-breasted sunbirds, 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 a must-visit highlight of your luxury safari adventure.
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 Luxury Accommodations: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodges
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, enjoy a stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, conveniently located near Volcanoes National Park, just 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport and 10 minutes from the park headquarters. This lodge offers 23 self-contained private cottages, each with a cozy fireplace and built from environmentally friendly bamboo, providing both comfort and stunning views of Mount Sabyinyo and the Virunga mountains. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its support for the local community and cultural exchange through performances by a local dancing troupe, enriching your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours with an authentic Rwandan experience.
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, a natural gem spanning Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, is celebrated for its exceptional wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. In Rwanda, this 160-square-kilometer reserve, also known as Parc National des Volcans, encompasses diverse habitats including evergreen and bamboo forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, tranquil lakes, rugged volcanoes, and cultivated foothills.
The park is famed for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which roam the region in search of bamboo shoots, wild celery, nettles, and fruit. As part of the 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, visitors have the unique opportunity to embark on guided treks to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
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
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, consider staying at Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, a mid-range lodge conveniently located near the Rushaga gorilla trailhead in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Situated 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, offering stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mutanda.
The Rushaga sector, renowned for its numerous gorilla families and its proximity to the Nkuringo area, provides exceptional tracking opportunities. The lodge boasts breathtaking views of the Kigezi hills, Virunga volcanoes, and the lush Bwindi forest canopy. It features well-maintained, comfortable accommodations, along with a bar and restaurant offering a variety of local and international cuisine, enhancing your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley, is renowned for its mist-covered hills and ancient rainforest, dating 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 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, alongside 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi is also a sanctuary for around 200 butterfly species, including eight Albertine Rift endemics, and numerous reptiles. The nearby towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget campsites, and provide various dining and craft shopping options. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local cultures of the Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy communities through cultural performances, workshops, and village walks, making Bwindi a rich and diverse destination for any safari 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
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, stay at Elephant Hab Lodge, a luxurious retreat on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Nestled in the scenic Kyambura Gorge, the lodge is just a 10-minute drive from the chimpanzee tracking point and is set within an area frequented by grazing elephants. Guests can enjoy views of these majestic creatures from the beautiful infinity pool or their private cottage balconies. The lodge, designed with wood, canvas, and grass-thatched roofs, offers a harmonious blend with its natural surroundings. Accommodations range from single to family-sized cottages, providing some of the finest lodgings near the park. While velvet monkeys may delight in your presence during meals, remember not to feed them.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda between Lakes Albert and Gorge, and intersected by the Kazinga Channel, is a prime 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 remarkable biodiversity. It boasts 618 bird species—one of the highest diversities in the world—and is home to 10 primate species, including chimpanzees, and 95 mammals, featuring big game and the unique tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector.
Visitors can explore diverse attractions such as the Kazinga Channel, known for its hippos and Nile crocodiles, the expansive Kasenyi Plains, and the lush Kyambura Gorge, which offers rewarding chimpanzee tracking. The Mweya Peninsula provides excellent game viewing, while the Lake Katwe Salt Works and Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes offer fascinating insights into local traditions and stunning panoramic views. Accessible by a 6.5-hour drive from Kampala or by charter flight, the park offers a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to budget campsites. For optimal experiences, plan your Rwanda-Uganda Safari during the dry seasons from January to February or June to September, with peak safari time occurring between June and September.
Day 9: 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 10: 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
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, your stay at Ndali Lodge in Kibale National Park offers a range of engaging activities. Enjoy hiking or jogging around the stunning crater lake, or take a refreshing swim, depending on safety guidelines. The lodge provides kayak and paddle boat rentals for a leisurely exploration of the lake. Use Ndali Lodge as your base for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale Forest, where you can also spot over 375 bird species and 70 mammals, including 12 primate varieties. The area’s volcanic past has created beautiful 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.
Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale Forest National Park.
As part of your 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, embark on a chimpanzee tracking safari in Kibale National Park. These treks, which start at 8 a.m. or 2 p.m., are guided and take 2 to 3 hours along easy to moderate trails. You will be assigned to one of five habituated chimpanzee groups, including the Kanyawara community and the large family with 200 individuals studied by the Kibale Chimpanzee Project.
Each day, only 24 permits are issued for 3 groups, with a maximum of 6 to 8 members per group. Before setting out, you’ll attend an orientation session to learn the guidelines for interacting with the chimps. Once located, you’ll spend 60 minutes observing their natural behaviors, such as foraging, grooming, and social interactions.
Day 11: 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 12: Transfer Murchison Falls National Park From Kibale Forest
- Included Activities: Day game drives, birdwatching, Nile River boating safari and hike to the top of the falls
- Optional Activities: Fishing excursion, Nile Delta boating safari and chimpanzee trek at Budongo Forest.
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange), Twiga Safari Lodge (Standard), Budongo Ecolodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge, a favorite mid-range choice on our 15-Day Rwanda-Uganda Tour, is situated on the east bank of the Albert Nile, just a short distance from the Tangi Gate of Murchison Falls National Park. This three-star lodge, a modern take on the former state lodge once visited by Idi Amin, offers a comfortable and practical stay with scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can relax in the lodge’s outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the fully stocked bar, or simply gaze out from their rooms, which all feature excellent views of the Albert Nile. While Pakuba offers great value with its 32 Double/Twin rooms and 4 Family rooms, and the chance to spot wildlife like leopards and giraffes, those seeking a more intimate or characterful experience might prefer the luxury lodges featured in the tour.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park, a key highlight of our Rwanda-Uganda Tours, is part of the expansive Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), which includes other significant reserves like Budongo Forest Reserve, Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserve, and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. Established as a game reserve in 1926 and later designated a national park in 1952, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s first and largest park, covering 3,840 square kilometers (1,483 square miles).
During your visit, a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile offers the chance to see hippos and crocodiles, along with other wildlife such as elephants, buffalos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and various antelope species. On safari game drives, watch for lions, leopards, hyenas, and the elusive patas monkey in the savannah grasslands. This diverse wilderness promises an unforgettable wildlife experience on your Rwanda-Uganda Tour.
Day 13-14: Murchison Falls National Park
- Included Activities: Day game drives, birdwatching, Nile River boating safari and hike to the top of the falls
- Optional Activities: Fishing excursion, Nile Delta boating safari and chimpanzee trek at Budongo Forest.
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange), Twiga Safari Lodge (Standard), Budongo Ecolodge (Budget)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, a highlight of our 15 Days Rwanda-Uganda Tours, is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park, located in the northwest of the country, 285 kilometers from Kampala. Spanning diverse landscapes including woodlands, riverine forests, and savannahs, the park was established as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and offers visitors the chance to see 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. It’s an ideal starting point for a southwestern safari circuit, or ending destination after Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Lake Mburo National Park.
The park is renowned for its impressive wildlife, including four of the “Big Five”: elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards, although leopards are rarely seen. The Nile attracts a variety of animals such as hippos, crocodiles, hartebeests, and waterbucks.
Murchison Falls is also famous for chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo forests, where you can find over 600 chimpanzees, along with red-tailed and blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus. Birdwatchers will delight in the 451 bird species, including the shoebill stork and grey-crowned crane. The park also supports a significant population of critically endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, with about 50% of Uganda’s population residing here.
Day 15: 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 15-Day Rwanda-Uganda Tour.
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