10 Days Rwanda Wildlife, Uganda Gorillas and Chimps Safari

Major destinations: Akagera National Park, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Lake Mburo National Park

10 Days tour to explore Rwanda and Uganda: you will visit Akagera and Queen Elizabeth national park for wildlife viewing with a chance to see wildlife including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, waterbucks, lions, leopards, crocodiles and hippos among others. The trek in the impenetrable forest – Bwindi is a life changing experience that takes you closer to the endangered mountain gorillas while that in Kalinzu to the playful chimpanzees.

Brief Safari Schedule

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
  • Day 2: City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
  • Day 3: Full day in Akagera National Park
  • Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi
  • Day 5: Gorilla trekking
  • Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 7: Full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
  • Day 9: Morning activities and nature walk
  • Day 10: Morning game drive and transfer to Entebbe

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed by our driver/guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. He will give a briefing of the tour and later allow you to settle in and relax.

Day 2: City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, you will visit Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the history of Rwanda and the horibble genocide that led to loss of thousands of lives. Yet also learn about how fast the country has healed and developed after the genocide. Later, embark on your journey to Akagera National Park where you will arrive in time for lunch. Check in at the lodge and later go for the afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you will see crocodiles, hippos and different bird species. Drive to the lodge for dinner and the overnight stay.

Day 3: Full day Akagera safari

You will have a full day to explore Akagera National Park, and the day starts with an early morning breakfast, then pack your lunch and start the game drive. In the middle of the game drive, you will have a break for a picnic lunch and proceed with the drive. You have chances to see various wildlife such as buffalos, zebras, giraffes, lions, elephants, and many others. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi

Most of the time of this day will be spent on the road transferring from Akagera National Park, cross the border to Uganda and proceed to Bwindi for your next stay. You will have an enroute lunch, drive via Mirama hills and arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or evening depending on the time of depature from Akagera.

Dinner and overnight at your booked lodge in Bwindi.

Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

An early morning breakfast will be followed by a transfer to Bwindi park headquarters for briefing. Embark on the trek with the experienced trekkers from the park, leading you to search for the allocated gorilla family. The trek duration is unpredictable but can last anything from 2-8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you have spotted them, you will spend a memorable 1 hour in their presence, take photos for this unforgettable experience and learn about their behavior. After the trek, you will return to the park offices for your trekking certificates, proceed to the lodge.

You can go for a community walk in the evening and later have your dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

You will have breakfast at leisure, check out and embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It will take you via Ishasha where you have chances to see the tree climbing lions. Proceed to your lodge, check in, refresh, have dinner and relax.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

A full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It will start with a morning game drive where you will drive to Kasenyi plains to search for animals such as lions, leopards, and elephants. Antelopes, buffaloes and warthogs are commonly spotted here. Scenic viewing at Bunyampaka. Return to the lodge, have lunch and head out for the afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga channel. Wildlife mostly seen during the launch trip include elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles and various bird species.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Half day adventure in Kalinzu forest, a guided chimpanzee trekking excursion to search for chimps. The forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will trek and once you find the chimps, you will have a maximum of one hour with them before exiting the forest and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 9: Horseback riding and nature walk

You have a full day to explore Lake Mburo National Park starting with a horseback ride around specific areas of the park. It is an enjoyable experience to watch zebras, giraffes, and the beautiful scenery while riding on the horse. In the evening, you will go for a nature walk and explore more of Mburo on foot. This will be a guided nature walk taking you close to fascinating wildlife like zebras, giraffes and waterbucks.

Return to the lodge for dinner and the overnight stay.

Day 10: Explore Lake Mburo safari and drive to Entebbe for departure flight

You will have breakfast and a short game drive before embarking on a journey to Entebbe. You will have a short break at Kayabwe for the water experience and photos at the equator.

Tour Includes

  • Ground Transport
  • An English speaking, experienced professional safari guide
  • Park entry fees
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
  • Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
  • Drinking water during travel

Tour Excludes

  • Visa and air ticket fares
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuity
  • Optional activities
  • Items of personal nature
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