This 10 Days Rwanda Uganda safari holiday involves seeing the best that Uganda and Rwanda has to offer. The tour starts in Rwanda and involves visiting several national parks in the two countries. The activities to get involved in while in the parks include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park, double gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest national park and the volcanoes national park. The tour also includes game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park, golden monkey tracking, a Kigali city tour, cultural visits to the Iby’iwacu and Batwa pygmies.
The first major national park to visit after touring the city of Kigali is Kibale National Park. Kibale is considered to be the best place to track chimpanzees in Africa. It has over 12 species of primates including night dwellers like pottos and bush babies. From Kibale, the Next destination will be Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will spot tree climbing lions, the big 4 mammals of Africa and also take part in a launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel. After Queen Elizabeth, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking and the Batwa cultural experience. From Bwindi you will for island hoping, relaxation and canoeing at the amazing Lake Bunyonyi. From Lake Bunyonyi, you will transfer to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
The Volcanoes National Park is the most visit game park in Rwanda. It is home to 30 percent of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Other than gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys and 3 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes. Your first activity is to go for the second gorilla tracking experience and then visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. The next day will be golden monkey trekking and visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. We believe that by the end of the trip, you would have had an amazing primates adventure, seen Africa’s famous wildlife and had amazing cultural encounters. If you are interested in the same tour but starting from Uganda, then check out our 10 days safari in Uganda and Rwanda package. We also have a shorter 7 Days Rwanda Uganda tour and the 14 days Uganda Rwanda safari package.
Main Activities
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes national park Rwanda
- Game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Launch cruise along the Kazinga channel
- Relaxation at the Beautiful lake Bunyonyi
- Golden monkey tracking at the volcanoes national park
- Cultural visits at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre and also with the Batwa pygmies
- Touring Kigali city and the Gisozi Genocide memorial site
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup from the airport in Kigali – Transfer to Kibale Forest national park Uganda
Our guide from Mission Africa Safaris will pick you up from the airport or hotel in Kigali Rwanda very early in the morning. He/she will brief you about the tour before beginning the long drive to Uganda. The journey takes about 6 hours and you need to set off early in order to reach in time to rest before chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest the next day. The journey is long but very eventful as you will get to see the beautiful countryside and landscapes of both Uganda and Rwanda. Lunch will be taken along the way.
Dinner and accommodation will be at Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Primates lodge (Luxury) or Chimpanzee Guest House (Mid-range and budget).
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
Wake up early and take a quick cup of coffee before heading to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for briefing. The park Rangers and Guides will let you know about the history of the park, animals what to expect from your chimpanzee tracking adventure. Chimpanzee trekking usually takes 3-5 hours after which you will return to your lodge for lunch, refreshment and relaxation. Our guide will then transfer you to Queen Elizabeth national park in the evening. The journey to Queen Elizabeth national park takes 2 hours.
Overnight and dinner will be at the Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or the Mid-range Ihamba Lodge. Those traveling on budget could use Simba safari camp.
Day 3: Morning game drive – Boat ride at the Kazinga Channel
You will set off early with packed breakfast from your hotel for an early morning game drive to spot the early risers and the nocturnal mammals going back to their dens. By 
early risers, we mean birds. Predators like hyenas, leopards and to some extent lions tend to be less active during the day. The best time to see them is very early in the morning when the sun is not yet very hot. You will spot buffaloes, hippos, leopard, lions as well as resident and migratory birds. Once you are done with the game drive, you will head back to the hotel for lunch and rest. After the rest, our guide will transfer you to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. The Channel is collection point for most of the park animals and is one of the best spots to see wildlife in Africa. It is also one of the best places to go for birding in Uganda.
Overnight and dinner will be at the Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge or the Mid-range Ihamba Lodge. Those traveling on budget could use Simba safari camp.
Day 4: Second game drive at the Ishasha sector – Transfer to Bwindi
After yesterday’s wildlife viewing experiences, you should be ready for another final game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park. This time you will go to the Ishasha 
sector which is famous around the world for tree climbing lions. Tree climbing lions are only found in Uganda, Tanzania and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The best place to see them is in Uganda. While looking out for the lions, expect to spot many other creatures – including those you might have missed out during the first game drive. After enough of the game drive, you will head for Bwindi impenetrable forest. Lunch will be taken along the way. Expect to arrive in Bwindi impenetrable forest late in the evening in time for an early rest for gorilla trekking the next day.
Dinner and overnight at the luxury Chameleon Hill Lodge or the Mid-range Bakiga Lodge. Budget travelers will stay at the Rushaga Camp.
Day 5: Gorilla tracking in Uganda – Visiting the Batwa Pygmies
Wake up very early and take breakfast. After breakfast, head to the park for briefing on gorilla tracking. The briefing takes place at 7:00am and is conducted by the head park guide or chief Ranger. It is compulsory to attend the briefing because to helps you prepare well and have all the relevant information you need during your time with the gorillas. It is also during the briefing that you will get to get the opportunity to hire a porter and be assigned a gorilla group. There are about 14 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi impenetrable forest. After the briefing, you will go into the forest to track the primates.
Gorilla trekking is challenging and involves hiking deep into the forest where you will pass through thick bushy shrubs, hills, valleys and muddy ground. The final reward is watching the gorillas for one hour in the wild. Observing a family of mountain gorillas 
in the wild is considered to be one of the best wildlife experiences. Listen to instructions from the guides while with the gorillas. After your one hour observing the gorillas is done, you should head back to the starting point to meet our guide. The Guide will take you back to hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening head out for a visit to the Batwa pygmy community. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi impenetrable forest but were driven away from the park to allow for mountain gorilla conservation. While with them, you learn about the difficulties they face adapting to a new world. The batwa will entertain you with songs, dance and storytelling.
Dinner and overnight at the luxury Chameleon Hill Lodge or the Mid-range Bakiga Lodge. Budget travelers will stay at the Rushaga Camp.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Island hopping, Relaxation and Boat ride
You will wake up early to a beautiful breakfast and be ready for a transfer to lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda
. The 29 islands in the lake are amazing as are the birds and surrounding scenery. Once you arrive, you will check in and go for boat-ride along the lake. Other activities in the lake include swimming, nature walks, cultural visits and simple relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi is free of bilharzia and crocodiles but is one of the deepest lakes in Africa. Exercise caution if you don’t know how to swim.
Dinner and accommodation at the budget Bunyonyi overland Resort or the mid-range Bunyonyi safari camp. The luxury lodge is Bunyonyi resort.
Day 7: Activities in Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to the Volcanoes national park
You will wake up and take a walk around the beautiful lake before having breakfast. The driver will take you to complete activities in lake Bunyonyi before you hit the road 
to Rwanda. The journey to Rwanda take about 4 hours and lunch will be taken along the way. Enjoy the amazing countryside and landscape of the two countries during your journey. You will notice that the local people live a modest life but are always happy. Don’t forget to take photos with the locals along the way and remember request for short stops if something catches your attention. You should reach the lodge early enough so that you rest early in preparation for gorilla trekking the next day.
Dinner and accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Iby’iwacu cultural village tour
Briefing for gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park takes place at 7:00 am and is led by park Guides. After the briefing, the gorilla groups will be allocated depending on the overall age and fitness of participants. Porters are available for hire 
should you need one. Once you are done with the briefing, the Guides and Rangers will lead you to the forest to track the gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be challenging given the mountainous terrain but the experience of observing a family of mountain gorillas should be enough to motivate everyone. Once you find the group, stay calm and do not make sudden movements. Once have taken photos and utilized the one hour allocated, the Rangers will take you back to the starting point for the certificate of completion. The Guide who will drive you back to the lodge for lunch and a rest.
Later in the evening, prepare to be taken for a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village near the Volcanoes national park. Also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, the center is the best place to experience the culture of the people of Rwanda.
Dinner and accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking – visiting Lake Burera and Ruhondo
After early morning breakfast, you will set off to the Volcanoes national park offices for another briefing about golden monkey tracking in Rwanda. Hire a porter if you wish 
and go out in search of the cute golden monkeys. You will eventually spot them on tree tops and branches with some coming down to feed on the ground. Golden monkeys are subspecies of blue monkeys and are highly endangered. They can also be tracked in Uganda but it takes only 4 hours to complete the activity in Rwanda. Once done tracking the golden monkeys, you should go back to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later in the evening, our guide will take you to visit the twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
Dinner and accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 10: Transfer to back Kigali – City Tour and Departure
This is a day of relaxation depending on your departure flight or if you will be spending the night in Kigali. Wake up at your own time, have breakfast and check out of the 
hotel as you wait for the Guide to start the 3-hour journey to Kigali. In case you didn’t tour the city of Kigali on Day 1 due to a late arrival or other time constraints, this is the day to do so. On reaching Kigali, the company Driver will take you to tour the city, the Kings palace, the genocide memorial site, artisan shops and the central market. The Kigali city tour will offer you opportunities to buy some souvenir from the local art and crafts shops. Once done with the tour, the driver will take you for lunch and then to the airport for departure or to your hotel.
End of Tour
Quote Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour cost includes: –
- A full time safari vehicle and an experienced driver/Guide
- Fuel for the entire tour
- Gorilla Permits for Rwanda and Uganda
- Drinking water and lunch while out of the hotel
- Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Golden monkey tracking permits
- Airport transfer
- Park entrance fees
- Cultural and community visits at the Gorilla Guardians Centre and to the Batwa pygmies
- A tour of Kigali city
The tour excludes: –
All flights, visas, personal costs and Insurance.
Practical Guide
For the best possible gorilla trekking experience, pack the following: –
- Good hiking shoes
- Cotton gloves
- A light raincoat
- Packed snack and drinking water
- Porters to help with heavy luggage
Other things to take into consideration: –
- Be fit enough
- Get proper hiking footwear
- Plan for abrupt rain
- Pack enough drinking water and snack from the hotel
- Come with tip for the guides and rangers. $15 is the recommended tip that can also be paid in local currency.
Important Notes
- Dinner and accommodation on arrival is not included in this itinerary but can be arranged.
- The minimal age for chimpanzee tracking is 13 years while gorilla trekking is 15 years.
- Ensure that you know the visa and inoculation requirements for crossing the Uganda/Rwanda border.
- You will be required to present a yellow fever immunization card.
Accommodation
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge: Ihamba Lodge is built on the shores of Lake George which is very close to the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a relatively new lodge in the area having been opened in 2012. Despite being new, it is already being praised for offering one of the best mid-range rooms in the area. The 
lodge is set in a beautiful hill overlooking the savanna and the Rwenzori Mountains. Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge offers 10 cottages which are interconnected using winding pathways. They are designed and built in African style but with a modern touch. Each cottage is self-contained and spacious. Every room has a verandah, mosquito nets, large beds, heating systems, hot water, a safe, blankets, a torch and a television set. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a central lounge, a large parking space, a dining hall, a viewing deck, chairs, housekeeping and laundry services.
Chameleon Hill Lodge: This luxury lodge sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful Lake Mutanda in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The lodge has ten chalets which are painted in different colors but all overlooking the expansive views of the forest and 
lake Mutanda. The chalets are decorated with hand-built local furniture but with modern finishing. All rooms are self-contained and have a wooden deck, a fireplace, and a large bed. Other amenities include a library, a restaurant and central lounge with a fireplace. The meals are prepared using spices grown from the hotel garden. The hotel has a professional chef who prepares both local and international cuisines. Vegetarians will not be left out because the lodge grows its own spices.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge: Da Vinci is one of the best mid-range lodges around the volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It may be considered a mid-range lodge but don’t let that fool you. The lodge has 5 cottages offering high quality services in a beautiful and natural setting. The cottages are self-contained and provide great privacy to guests. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers single, double and triple beds. Each cottage has a hot/cold shower, a private bathroom, hair dryers, bottled water, a working desk and a sitting room. Staff are very experienced in dealing with international guests and do so with a smile. Both international and local meals are prepared and served with local fruits.
