13 Days Classic Rwanda Uganda Safari Adventure
13 Days Classic Rwanda Uganda Safari Adventure From Uganda’s Rolling Savannah to Rwanda’s Emerald Peaks
Discover the wild heart of East Africa on this 13-day classic safari that journeys through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and hidden gems before concluding in the serene beauty of Rwanda. This immersive adventure begins in the compact savannahs of Lake Mburo, winds through primate-rich rainforests, climbs the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, and reaches its peak with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest before heading into the land of a thousand hills—Rwanda.
Perfect for travelers seeking a balanced blend of game drives, hiking, primate encounters, and cultural immersion, this Uganda-Rwanda safari offers unforgettable moments in unspoiled landscapes.
13 Days Classic Rwanda Uganda Safari Adventure Highlights
Game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Exploration of the Rwenzori Mountains foothills
Kazinga Channel boat safari
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Batwa and local community cultural interactions
Scenic transit through Matanda and borderlands
Golden monkey tracking or cultural experiences in Rwanda
Luxury and boutique eco-lodge accommodations
13 Days Classic Rwanda Uganda Safari Adventure Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional safari guide for a briefing before heading southwest to Lake Mburo National Park. This scenic drive takes you through rolling countryside and past the equator. After arriving, enjoy an evening game drive or a boat ride on Lake Mburo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Rwakobo Rock
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Begin the day with a morning walking safari or game drive in Lake Mburo, known for its zebras, impalas, topis, and elands. After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your forest lodge surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the region.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Today offers an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. With expert rangers, venture deep into the forest and spend time observing a habituated group of chimps. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birding paradise and an excellent place to spot colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Rwenzori Mountains – Foothill Exploration
After breakfast, head toward the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Spend the day exploring the foothills, visiting local villages, or hiking short nature trails. The Rwenzoris offer incredible scenery and a cooler climate—a refreshing contrast to the tropical lowlands.
Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge / Sandton Hotel Kasese
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Rwenzori Cultural and Nature Hike – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a morning cultural visit or nature walk, then continue south into Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich park. Arrive in time for a sunset game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, elephants, and Uganda kobs.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Enganzi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Start with a sunrise game drive in search of lions, leopards, buffaloes, and more. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a narrow waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. This is a fantastic opportunity for photography and close wildlife observation.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Enganzi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in this remote and scenic area before continuing to your lodge in northern Bwindi. Arrive by late afternoon and relax with views over the forested valleys.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the highlight of your journey: mountain gorilla trekking. After a morning briefing, enter the dense jungle with a professional tracker to find a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on location, but the reward is unforgettable—spending an hour with the world’s largest primates in their natural home.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Batwa Cultural Encounter – Transfer to Matanda
After a relaxed morning, visit the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle, music, and survival techniques. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Matanda, a less-traveled area with panoramic views of Uganda’s highlands and cross-border cultures. It’s a beautiful transitional zone before entering Rwanda.
Accommodation: Matanda Eco Retreat / Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Cross into Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, cross the Uganda–Rwanda border and journey to Volcanoes National Park, home of the Rwandan gorillas. The drive showcases Rwanda’s iconic terraced hills, volcanoes, and warm hospitality. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the shadows of the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking or Optional Gorilla Trek
This morning, go in search of golden monkeys, playful and endangered primates found only in the Virunga forests. If you prefer, a second gorilla trekking permit can be arranged. In the afternoon, visit a local community or relax at the lodge.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Cultural Village Experience or Dian Fossey Hike
Explore Rwanda’s culture with a guided village walk or visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Center. Alternatively, hike to the Dian Fossey Research Center, the final resting place of the famous primatologist who helped save Rwanda’s gorillas. Return to your lodge for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. If time allows, take a short city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Final Thoughts
This 13-day classic Uganda–Rwanda safari is a breathtaking journey across two of Africa’s most ecologically and culturally rich nations. From savannah plains and tropical forests to misty mountains and vibrant villages, you’ll experience a safari that goes beyond the expected—connecting you with wildlife, landscapes, and people in a deeply personal way.
Whether you’re seeking mountain gorillas, Rwenzori hikes, or moments of peaceful reflection in Rwanda, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of comfort, exploration, and authenticity.