16 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Adventure Safari

This immersive Rwanda and Uganda safari combines unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, classic African wildlife safaris, rich cultural encounters, and exciting adventure activities. From the rolling hills of Rwanda to Uganda’s iconic national parks, this journey offers the ultimate East African exploration for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional city orientation drive to get a first glimpse of Rwanda’s clean, vibrant capital.

Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel (Budget) / Haven Boutique Hotel (Mid-range)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Lunch and dinner are optional depending on arrival time.

Day 2: Kigali – Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

After breakfast, depart Kigali and begin a scenic cross-border journey into southwestern Uganda. Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and rural countryside along the way. Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic and tranquil lakes, surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with small islands.

Accommodation: Birdnest Bunyonyi (Mid-range) / Paradise Eco Hub (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi – Leisure Day

Spend the day relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its calm waters and stunning scenery. Optional activities include canoeing, guided village walks, swimming, birdwatching, or simply unwinding while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Birdnest Bunyonyi (Mid-range) / Paradise Eco Hub (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The short but scenic journey passes through rural villages and forested landscapes. Arrive at your lodge near the Rushaga sector for rest and preparation for the gorilla trek.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) / Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Bwindi (Rushaga Sector)

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, hiking through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Upon encountering the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and a community walk.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) / Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Bwindi – Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

After breakfast, drive north to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive upon arrival, searching for lions resting in fig trees, along with elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species.

Accommodation: Embogo Lodge (Mid-range) / Topi Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning before continuing to the central sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. The park is known for its savannah plains, crater lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife.

Accommodation: Marafiki Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Pumba Safari Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive, offering chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife—one of the highlights of any Uganda wildlife safari.

Accommodation: Marafiki Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Pumba Safari Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth – Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, travel to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. The scenic drive passes crater lakes, tea plantations, and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and relax amidst forest surroundings.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge (Mid-range) / Little Monkey Camp (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Experience

In the morning, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. Observe chimpanzees and other primates as they move through the forest canopy.

In the afternoon, participate in a traditional beer-making experience with the local community, offering cultural insight into daily village life.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge (Mid-range) / Little Monkey Camp (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Kibale – Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The journey offers changing landscapes and rural scenery with an en-route lunch. Arrive in the park in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Murchison Giraffe Camp or Hornbill Bush Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 12: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Enjoy an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, spotting giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeests, and Uganda kob.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, encountering hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Murchison Giraffe Camp or Hornbill Bush Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 13: Top of the Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge with dramatic force. Continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be tracked on foot.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Lodge Guest Rooms
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 14: Rhino Trekking – Jinja

Enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Afterward, drive to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital and the source of the River Nile.

Accommodation: Home on the Nile (Mid-range) / Brisk Hotel Triangle (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 15: Jinja Adventures

This day is dedicated to optional adventure activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, horseback riding, sunset cruises, or a relaxed boat ride at the source of the Nile. Activities can be customized based on interest and fitness level.

Accommodation: Home on the Nile (Mid-range) / Brisk Hotel Triangle (Budget)
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 16: Jinja – Entebbe (Departure)

After breakfast, begin your drive to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation and meals as outlined in the itinerary

• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• Services of an English-speaking professional tour guide

• All airport and inter-park transfers

• Bottled drinking water during drives and transfers

• AMREF emergency evacuation insurance

Exclusions

• International flights

• East Africa visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities

• Optional activities and meals not specified

Please Note

This itinerary is a sample program and can be customized to suit individual travel preferences. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are subject to availability and should be booked well in advance. Changes may occur due to weather conditions, road access, or park regulations. By confirming this safari, guests accept Feather Trail Safaris’ terms and conditions. Get a Free Quotation!