12 Day Uganda And Rwanda Safari
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$4525
Explore Uganda And Rwanda on a Single Trip
From
$4525
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Tour Overview
12 Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Adventure
This wonderful 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari is a fantastic trip if you want to explore two of the most beautiful countries in Africa and support local communities. The trip starts in Kigali (Rwanda). At Volcanoes National Park, you visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. Then you cross into Uganda and drive to Lake Mutanda, often called the most beautiful lake in Africa. From here, you go gorilla trekking and enjoy different activities on and around the lake.
The next stop is Buhoma, on the north side of the Bwindi rainforest. Here, you join a women’s group for a dance workshop and cooking class. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you enjoy a fantastic boat safari and a game drive. You also visit the Kyambura women’s coffee cooperative. In Kibale Forest, you go chimpanzee trekking and take a beautiful swamp walk, where you can see many monkeys and birds. In Murchison Falls National Park, you do two more game drives and one last boat safari. You finish with rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on foot. You travel in small groups (5–14 people) in extended Land Cruisers (maximum 7 per car). You stay in good mid-range lodges in Uganda’s most beautiful places!
Highlights
Trip highlights & Activities
- Visit Genocide Memorial Center, Kigali
- Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Sundowner boat cruise, Lake Mutanda
- Dance course, Buhoma
- Cooking class, Buhoma
- Visit Kyambura women’s coffee cooperative
- Safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat Safari, Queen Elizabeth NP (private boat)
- Swamp walk, Bigodi Swamps
- Chimpanzee trekking, Kibale Forest
- Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Rhino Tracking, Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
- Boat safari and walk 'top of the falls ', Murchison Falls NP
- Two safaris, Murchison Falls NP
Inclusions
What's included
- One gorilla trekking permit person
- One chimpanzee trekking permit per person
- Almost all excursions unless labeled as option
- All entrance fees to the national parks
- 4WD Landcruiser
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Professional English speaking guide/driver
- 24-hour support on safari
Day 1
Welcome To The Land of A Thousands Hills, Rwanda
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your tour guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel in Kigali. You’ll spend the night at the famous Hotel des Mille Collines, known from the powerful movie Hotel Rwanda. Here, you can relax with a drink under the African stars and enjoy a well-deserved night’s rest. Dinner is included.
In the morning, you’ll leave Kigali, but first visit the Genocide Memorial—a powerful and emotional place that tells the story of the 1994 Genocide through moving exhibits and personal stories. On the way to Uganda, you’ll stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, where you’ll learn about gorilla conservation at this modern, eco-friendly center near Volcanoes National Park. After crossing the border, you’ll arrive at the stunning Lake Mutanda, one of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by volcanoes and rainforest. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views, take a traditional canoe ride, and prepare for your upcoming gorilla trek. You’ll spend the night at Mutanda Lake Resort in a standard cottage, with all meals included.
Day 2
Visit The Genocide Memoria and Ellen Degeneres Camous To Lake Mutanda
Day 3
Face To Face With Mountain Gorillas
In the morning, you’ll head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip—gorilla trekking. You’ll receive a packed lunch to enjoy during a break in the forest. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, along with 120 other mammal species and 350 types of birds. On the trek, expert rangers will guide you through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family—a thrilling and emotional experience when you finally meet them face to face. For a deeper encounter, you can opt for a gorilla habituation experience, spending up to four hours with a gorilla family alongside researchers. Tonight, you’ll return to Mutanda Lake Resort in a standard cottage, with all meals included.
With three nights at the stunning Lake Mutanda, you have plenty of time to enjoy its beauty and explore the area. Spend the day hiking, swimming in the clear, bilharzia-free waters, or heading out on the lake by kayak, paddle board, sailboat, or traditional dugout canoe. For a relaxing experience, take a motorboat ride with a drink in hand as the sun sets. You can also choose exciting excursions like trekking to see the playful Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, climbing a volcano, or hiking the scenic Sabinyo Gorge, known for its breathtaking views and birdlife. Around Bwindi, enjoy nature walks, village tours, or visit the Batwa pygmies to learn about their culture. Later in the afternoon, a peaceful boat trip on Lake Mutanda offers stunning views, local life on the water, and a perfect end to the day. You'll stay at Mutanda Lake Resort in a standard cottage with full board.
Day 4
Enjoy The The FairyTale Lake of Mutanda
Day 5
Cooking Class And Dance Course Buhoma
Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive along red-sand roads through tea plantations, crater lakes, rainforests, and mountain villages as you head north to Buhoma. Here, you’ll stay at Ride 4 a Woman, a heartwarming community project that empowers local women through training and employment. Your stay includes a lively Kiga dance workshop where you’ll learn traditional Ugandan rhythms and a hands-on cooking class using fresh garden ingredients to prepare local dishes like matoke, G-nut sauce, and roasted goat. In the evening, you’ll share the meal around a campfire with the women and their families—a truly authentic cultural experience. Accommodation is simple, full board included.
Today, you’ll journey from the lush mountains of Bwindi to the golden savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative to learn about local coffee-making and meet the inspiring women behind the project. In the afternoon, enjoy a private boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of the trip’s highlights. You’ll see large groups of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a stunning variety of birds—all from the comfort of your own small boat, which offers a more intimate and flexible experience. Queen Elizabeth NP is rich in wildlife and scenic beauty, with lakes, volcanic craters, and the lush Kyambura Gorge. Tonight, you’ll stay at Bush Lodge in a Banda, with all meals included.
Day 6
On To The Savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7
Morning Safari Via The Crater Lakes Kibale Forest
This morning begins with a thrilling safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you might spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and more, all set against misty savannahs and crater lakes. After the game drive, you’ll travel through tea plantations and scenic landscapes to Kibale Forest. Your lodge, Turaco Treetops, is nestled on the edge of the rainforest and offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and even a swimming pool. In the afternoon, you can relax or take an optional forest walk through the lodge’s private land, where you may encounter monkeys, birds, and ancient trees. You'll stay in a semi-luxury cottage with full board.
Today is all about primates and birdlife in the lush Kibale Forest. In the morning, you’ll go on an exciting chimpanzee trek, following signs like calls and footprints to find these fascinating apes in the wild. After a relaxing lunch at the lodge, your afternoon takes you to Bigodi Swamp for a nature walk where you can spot various monkey species and the striking great blue turaco. These two activities may be swapped depending on permit availability.
Day 8
A Full Day of Primates In Kibale Forest
Day 9
To Murchison Falls National Park- Falls Walk
Today you’ll travel from the rainforests of Kibale to the wide savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park, passing rolling hills, lakes, and tea plantations. Upon arrival, you'll visit the top of the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge—an awe-inspiring sight. After a scenic walk around the falls, you’ll continue to your lodge overlooking the Nile, the perfect spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the sounds of nature. You’ll stay at Murchison River Lodge (Full Board).
Today you’ll fully enjoy the stunning wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park. In the morning, you’ll go on a safari across the savannah to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, and many other animals, starting early to catch the fresh sunrise. In the afternoon, you’ll take a private boat safari on the Nile, cruising quietly past hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and elephants coming to drink, all the way to the base of the impressive 40-meter Murchison Falls. Staying again at Murchison River Lodge (Full Board).
Day 10
Full Day Safari In Murchison Falls
Day 11
Safari AndRelaxing Afternoon- On The Nile
This morning, you’ll enjoy one last exciting safari through Murchison Falls National Park, with a chance to spot any animals you may have missed. After the safari, return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon—whether by the pool, reading on the veranda, or enjoying a cool drink while taking in the stunning views. You’ll stay again at Murchison River Lodge (Full Board).
Day 12
Track Rhinos In The Nearby Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Continue To Entebbe.
A smooth, newly surfaced road will take you to Entebbe, with a highly recommended stop halfway at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you can experience the unique thrill of tracking white rhinos on foot—the only place in Uganda to do so. The trek lasts about an hour, after which you’ll continue your journey to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
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"Wonderful Safari Experience"
My husband and I just finished this tour with Andrew Yaweh as our guide. We had an amazing experience. Saw so many animals and learned so much about Uganda from Andrew. The gorilla trekking was an unbelievable unique and rewarding experience to be so close to these amazing animals. Andrew was an expert driver and fun companion. He made sure we saw so many animals and special parts of this amazing country as well as engaging in great conversations!
Susan M
"Tailored Perfection!"
The Greenway Nature Tours team attentively to our preferences and crafted a bespoke Uganda Rwanda itinerary that exceeded our wildest dreams. From securing coveted reservations to arranging private tours, they went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we enjoyed a seamless and truly unforgettable journey. We can't wait to plan our next adventure with them!
flombergdeb from USA
CEOApple"A Dream Come True!"
Booking our Africa safari vacation through this travel agency was the best decision we made! From start to finish, they took care of every detail, ensuring our trip was stress-free and unforgettable. Thanks to their expertise, we experienced destinations we never would have discovered on our own. We're already planning our next adventure with them!
Mercel From USA
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