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12-Day Uganda and Rwanda National Parks Adventure

Offered by: USD Safari Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Uganda, Rwanda ⏱ 12 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

entebbe kibale NP(chimps) kazinga channel queen elizabeth NP Bwindi impenetrable NP(gorillas) L

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

Discover the beauty of Uganda and Rwanda on a twelve-day journey through some of East Africa's most spectacular national parks. Enjoy exciting wildlife encounters, lush forests, scenic lakes, and unforgettable gorilla and primate experiences, with highlights including Lake Bunyonyi and the region's diverse wildlife. Perfect for tourists seeking nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure across two remarkable destinations.

Route

Start	entebbe (Day 1)
Day 2	kibale NP(chimps)
Day 3	kazinga channel
Day 4	queen elizabeth NP
Day 5	Bwindi impenetrable NP(gorillas)
End	L

Tour Features

Day 1:Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Kibale Forest Day 2:Chimpanzee Trekking and Optional Cultural Village Tour Day 3:Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Boat Cruise and game drive Day 4:Game Drive and Crater Lakes Visit Day 5:Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Relaxation Day 6:Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Lake Mutanda Day 7:Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Day 8:Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu Day 9:Relaxation at Lake Kivu and Boat Ride with Island Hopping Day 10:Drive to Akagera National Park Day 11:Morning Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Ride Day 12:Transfer to Kigali, Kigali City Tour, and Departure

Activities & Transportation

Route: entebbe, kibale NP(chimps), kazinga channel, queen elizabeth NP, Bwindi impenetrable NP(gorillas), L
Duration: 12 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Kibale Forest Lodge> Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Kibale Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp> Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp> Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge> located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Mutanda Lake Resort> Mid-range lodge located at Lake Mutanda (Uganda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

7

Isange Paradise Resort Budget hotel >located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

8

Isange Paradise Resort Budget hotel >located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

9

Isange Paradise Resort >Budget hotelless than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

10

Akagera Rhino Lodge> Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP (Rwanda)

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

11

Akagera Rhino Lodge Mid-range> lodge located just outside Akagera NP

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

12

No accommodation

Meals at own expense Drinks not included

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Kibale Forest

⏱Morning 🏨Kibale Forest Lodge> Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and assisted with your transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and primates. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering you scenic views of the lush Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing evening. This is a perfect opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the upcoming adventures. Don't miss the chance to savor local cuisine at your lodge and enjoy the enchanting sounds of the forest as dusk falls.

Day 2 Chimpanzee Trekking and Optional Cultural Village Tour

⏱Morning 🏨Kibale Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Today, embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest. After breakfast, you'll join a guided group to search for our closest relatives in their natural habitat. Encountering these playful primates is an unforgettable experience, lasting around 3-4 hours. After lunch, enjoy an optional cultural village tour, where you'll interact with the local communities, learn about their traditions, and possibly participate in traditional dances or crafts. Return to your accommodation for a restful evening, reflecting on the day's memorable experiences.

Day 3 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Boat Cruise and game drive

⏱Morning 🏨Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp> Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Enjoy breakfast before taking 2 - 3-hours scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can view the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, you will embark on a unique boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This channel hosts one of Africa's largest concentrations of hippos and a variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Elephants and buffalo are often seen along the banks. In the afternoon you will have an evening game drive provides chances to spot lions, leopards, and other plains animals, enhancing your wildlife viewing.

Day 4 Game Drive and Crater Lakes Visit

⏱Morning 🏨Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp> Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Begin your day early with a game drive in Kibale Forest, where you can spot various wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species. This drive typically lasts around 3-4 hours. Afterward, explore the stunning crater lakes of the region, where you can marvel at the beautiful landscapes and enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside. The scenic vistas are perfect for photography or a short nature walk. In the late afternoon, you'll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately a 2-3 hour drive, checking into your accommodation to unwind.

Day 5 Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Relaxation

⏱Morning 🏨Rushaga Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge> located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, taking approximately 3-4 hours. The route through picturesque tea plantations offers stunning views of the rolling hills. Along the way, you may stop at various viewpoints or villages to interact with locals, enhancing your cultural experience. Arriving in Bwindi, check in at your accommodation nestled within the rich biodiversity of the park. Enjoy a leisurely evening, preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking experience ahead.

Day 6 Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Lake Mutanda

⏱Morning 🏨Mutanda Lake Resort> Mid-range lodge located at Lake Mutanda (Uganda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Today is the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you'll join a guided group to search for the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Upon spotting them, spend precious moments observing their behavior up close. After this thrilling experience, return for lunch, and in the afternoon, take a tranquil visit to Lake Mutanda, where you can relax and enjoy the serene environment amidst stunning landscapes.

Day 7 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

⏱Morning 🏨Isange Paradise Resort Budget hotel >located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Post-breakfast, prepare for your transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, a journey of about 3-4 hours. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush landscapes and towering hills. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind after the journey. Use the afternoon to relax and acclimate to the new surroundings. Explore the local area and soak in Rwanda's vibrant culture. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge, reflecting on the amazing adventures you have experienced throughout your journey so far.

Day 8 Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu

⏱Morning 🏨Isange Paradise Resort Budget hotel >located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, embark on an exciting golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by experienced trackers, you'll search for these playful and endangered monkeys in their natural habitat. The trek usually lasts about 4 hours, providing ample opportunities for captivating photographs and observations of their behaviors. Following your trek, you'll transfer to Lake Kivu, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. This stunning lake is known for its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax by the lakeside, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty that surrounds you.

Day 9 Relaxation at Lake Kivu and Boat Ride with Island Hopping

⏱Morning 🏨Isange Paradise Resort >Budget hotelless than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Spend a relaxed day at Lake Kivu, an ideal setting for unwinding after your previous adventures. Enjoy the picturesque views and a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. In the late morning, you can partake in a boat ride to explore the various islands scattered across the lake. This island hopping experience allows you to visit local communities, engage with the inhabitants, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of surrounding hills. You can also partake in water activities or simply relax by the shore. Spend the evening enjoying dinner with a view of the sunset over the lake, reflecting on your journey.

Day 10 Drive to Akagera National Park

⏱Morning 🏨Akagera Rhino Lodge> Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP (Rwanda) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Following breakfast, set off for Akagera National Park, a drive that takes approximately 4-5 hours. Enjoy the rural landscapes and vibrant communities along the way. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation within the park and take time to unwind. Akagera is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, with savannahs, wetlands, and lakes. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the tranquil environment, perhaps taking a short walk or simply relaxing at the lodge while preparing for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead.

Day 11 Morning Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Ride

⏱Morning 🏨Akagera Rhino Lodge Mid-range> lodge located just outside Akagera NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Start your day with an invigorating morning game drive in Akagera National Park, early morning is the best time to spot various wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and even lions. This game drive typically lasts around 3-4 hours, offering excellent photography opportunities and breathtaking views of the park. After the drive, return for lunch at your accommodation, and later enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ihema. This peaceful experience allows you to observe hippos, birds, and other wildlife, rounding off your day with beautiful lake views and an enriching connection with nature for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead.

Day 12 Transfer to Kigali, Kigali City Tour, and Departure

⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽Meals at own expense Drinks not included

On your final day, prepare for your transfer to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, which takes about 2-3 hours. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour that highlights Kigali's rich history and culture. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the local markets, and engage with the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Experience the warmth of the Rwandan people during your tour. After the city exploration, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, reflecting on the incredible adventures and unforgettable memories created during your journey through Uganda and Rwanda.