Your adventure begins with the prehistoric majesty of the shoebill stork at Mabamba bay, Into the misty forests of Uganda, you step gently among the great apes—sharing their ancient ecosystem. The thrill of spotting the Big Five on sweeping savannahs follows, each sighting a reminder of Africa’s untamed spirit.
Beyond wildlife, the journey opens to community encounters: tasting banana beer. Crossing into Rwanda, the volcanic slopes welcome you with playful golden monkeys and the legacy of Dian Fossey at the Karisoke Research Centre. On Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest and most storied lake, you join fishermen in their singing boats, casting nets for sambaza fish—a delicacy shared under the stars.
Finally, the journey closes in Kigali, one of Africa’s greenest cities.
Destinations: Rwanda & Uganda
Duration: 14 nights/15 days
Day 1: Arrival & Shoebill Adventure
Arrival in Entebbe-Depending on flight time, settle in and refresh.
Excursion to Mabamba Swamp-Glide through papyrus channels in a canoe, guided by local guide who were once fishermen who know the shoebill’s secret haunts. Spot the majestic shoebill stork—Uganda’s most sought-after bird, with its massive shoe-shaped bill and ancient aura.
For keen birders a Ugandan birding adventure is never whole until you’ve stood face-to-face with the shoebill of Mabamba—an encounter with a living relic of prehistory.
Overnight in Entebbe: Rest at a lakeside lodge, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Accommodations: Airport guest house.
Day 2: Rhino Tracking & Mighty Falls
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park- Journey north through Uganda’s heartland. Have Stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Track the endangered white rhinos on foot, guided by expert rangers. This is the only place in Uganda together with recently introduced rhinos in Ajai game reserve where you can see rhinos in the wild, making it an essential stop.
There is no Big Five safari in Uganda that is complete without visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Later Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park-Continue to Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Visit the Top of the Falls: Hike to the thunderous viewpoint where the Nile squeezes through a 7‑meter gorge before plunging 45 meters—an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park: Rest in the wilderness, calmed by the sounds of the river and savanna.
Accommodation: Pakuba safari lodge.
Day 3: Safari & Nile Cruise (Savanna Sunrise & Nile Secrets)
In the Early Morning Game Drive- Rise with the sun for a classic African safari. Traverse the grasslands in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and more. The cool dawn hours are the best time to spot predators on the move.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile- Drift along the legendary River Nile, where hippos wallow, crocodiles bask, and elephants come to drink. The birdlife is spectacular—kingfishers, bee-eaters, and fish eagles soaring above.
Note that this combination of land and water exploration offers a complete Murchison experience—wildlife from every angle.
Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park: Relax at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 4: Journey to Kibale & Bigodi Traditions
Transfer to Kibale National Park-Drive through Uganda’s scenic countryside, with a lunch stop in Hoima or Fort Portal town. Reach the primate capital by evening, ready for a cultural immersion.
Bigodi Community Swamp Walk-Explore lush wetlands guided by locals, spotting diverse birdlife and learning about community conservation.
Banana Brewery Experience-Step into tradition—discover how banana brewing knowledge has been passed down through generations.
Note that Brewing is more than a drink; it’s a heritage. In local culture, people gather around banana beer for ceremonies, storytelling, and dance, celebrating community bonds.
Overnight in Kibale National Park: Rest near the forest, anticipating chimpanzee tracking tomorrow.
Accommodations: Kibaale Forest Lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Morning Chimpanzee Tracking at Kanyanchu: Venture into the dense rainforest with expert guides to meet our closest cousins. Kibale is home to the largest concentration of primates in Africa, and the chimpanzees here share 98.2% of our DNA—a living mirror of ourselves.
This is one of the key highlights of visiting Kibale National Park. Watching chimps swing through the canopy, forage, and interact socially is an unforgettable encounter—one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.
Have an afternoon Leisure- Relax at your lodge or explore the forest edges for more birdlife and primates.
Accommodation– Kibale Forest Lodge, nestled near the forest for an immersive stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park-Into the Medley of Wonders
Journey through Uganda’s rolling landscapes toward one of Africa’s most diverse reserves.
On arrival, head straight into the savanna for a sunset safari. Expect elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and—on lucky days—the elusive leopard.
Queen Elizabeth is often called “The Medley of Wonders” for its astonishing variety. After tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa, this park gives you the chance to complete the Big Five experience. On a fortunate day, you may tick off all five—each photograph telling a story worth sharing.
Queen is a Birding Paradise-With over 630 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is a dream for bird watchers, from vibrant bee-eaters to majestic raptors.
The Ishasha region is home to Uganda’s iconic tree-climbing lions, resting in fig trees as they scan the plains for topis.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Settle into your lodge, surrounded by the medley of sounds from the wild.
Accommodations: Engiri game lodge.
Day 6: Early morning Game drive and boat cruise and Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Journey through Uganda’s rolling landscapes toward one of Africa’s most diverse reserves.
Evening Game Drive: On arrival, head straight into the savanna for a sunset safari. Expect elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and—on lucky days—the elusive leopard.
Queen Elizabeth is often called “The Medley of Wonders” for its astonishing variety. After tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa, this park gives you the chance to complete the Big Five experience. On a fortunate day, you may tick off all five—each photograph telling a story worth sharing.
With over 630 bird species, Queen Elizabeth is a dream for bird watchers, from vibrant bee-eaters to majestic raptors.
Accommodations: Engiri game lodge.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth national Park– Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge.
Evening Game Drive + Night Safari: Explore the savanna by day and night, spotting zebras, giraffes, and nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Hyenas Lodge or Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
Day 9: Lake Mburo – Lake Bunyonyi
You will have a Morning Nature Walk, Guided walk in Lake Mburo, moving at everyone’s pace across its flat terrain—perfect for all ages.
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” and have an evening relaxation by the lakeside.
Accommodation: Itambira Island Seeds of hope Lodge
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Bwindi Heritage Site
Embark on the Canoe Ride- Glide across Lake Bunyonyi, visit the historic Punishment Island, and enjoy the tranquil scenery. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Day 11: Gorilla Tracking & Batwa Cultural Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Begin with early morning registration at the Visitor Information Center. This is the Big Day—the highlight of your safari. Trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforest to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants, a moment that connects you deeply with nature.
Optional Batwa Cultural Experience: No safari in Bwindi is complete without meeting the Batwa, the forest’s indigenous people. Visiting them creates a meaningful impact on their livelihood. Before Bwindi was gazetted for gorilla conservation, the Batwa lived freely in the forest, relying on it for food, medicine, and shelter. When the government reallocated the forest for tourism and conservation, their way of life changed completely, leaving them vulnerable. Through cultural performances, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional forest skills, you’ll learn how they once thrived in harmony with nature. By participating, you directly support their community and help preserve their heritage.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Day 12: Bwindi – Volcanoes National Park via Chanika Border
Scenic Cross‑Border Drive: Depart Bwindi and drive through Kisoro Town, a region rich in authentic Bufumbira culture. This district sits at the crossroads of two borders, where communities from Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo intermarry and share traditions. Along the way, observe daily life—locals crossing borders for family visits, market errands, and trade—offering a genuine glimpse into East Africa’s interconnected heritage.
Arrival in Musanze & Visit to Karisoke Research Center- a living legacy of the Dian Fossey Museum. This Center honors the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas and tragically lost her life alongside her beloved gorilla, Digit, while resisting poachers. By donating to Karisoke, you directly support ongoing conservation and research efforts, helping sustain Fossey’s mission to safeguard the mountain gorillas of the Virunga range.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking & Gorilla Guardians Cultural Experience
Morning Golden Monkey Tracking: Begin the day with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Volcanoes and neighboring Mgahinga—both at the edge of the Virunga volcanic range—are the only parks where you can track golden monkeys in their natural bamboo forests. Each guest is assigned to a group based on age and fitness level, ensuring that the experience is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. As you move through the forest, watch these playful primates leap between bamboo stems, their golden fur shining in the morning light.
Afternoon Visit to Gorilla Guardians (formerly Iby’iwacu Cultural Village): In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s iconic cultural experience. This initiative was founded by a seasoned conservationist who sought to provide alternative livelihoods for reformed poachers. Through projects such as goat rearing and the creation of a cultural village, former poachers now demonstrate traditional dances, music, and crafts—portraying how the Batwa once lived in the forest. By participating, you directly and indirectly support these reformed communities and contribute to sustainable conservation.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 14: Lake Kivu Escape & Cultural Immersion
Transfer to Lake Kivu — a breathtaking expanse straddling Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a surface area of 2,700 km² and depths plunging to 648 meters, this lake empties into the River Ruzizi, flowing south into Lake Tanganyika. Lake Kivu is one of the three lakes in the world that undergo limnic eruptions and its surface contain methane gas.
On our boat cruise on this lake, we have – Methane Gas Rig Visit: Approach the futuristic rigs harvesting this hidden energy, a fascinating blend of nature and technology
Napoleon Island Excursion: Step ashore on an island shaped like Napoleon’s hat, home to colonies of fruit bats and sweeping views
Sambaza Fishing Experience: Join local fishermen in their traditional “singing boats,” where rhythmic chants guide the nets — a cultural spectacle unique to Lake Kivu
Accommodation: Kivu Paradise Resort or Kivu Paradise Marahide
Day 15: Kigali City Tour & Departure
Early transfer to Kigali, Afternoon visits: Kigali Genocide Memorial, historical sites, and local markets for souvenirs.
Accommodation: Eagle View Lodge, Kigali (day use if needed).
Depending on flight schedule, transfer to Kigali International Airport.
End of Trip – Depart with long‑lasting memories of Uganda and Rwanda’s beauty.
Activities
- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi.
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes.
- Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi.
- Cultural immersion with Batwa and Iby’iwacu communities.
- Kigali city and heritage tour
- All Park Entrance fees
- Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Boat cruise experience
- All game drives
- Golden monkey tracking
- Lake Kivu -Sambaza and Boat cruise experience
What’s Included
- Gorilla tracking permit (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale Forest)
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English‑speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Park entrance fees and community visits
What’s Not Included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)
- Optional activities (Batwa cultural visit, Bigodi Swamp Walk)
Fitness Level: Gorilla tracking points has high-altitude terrain with steep slopes and boggy trails, especially challenging during the dry season when paths can be uneven and dusty. Physical fitness is definitely important because gorilla treks can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla families are located that day.
