12 Day Uganda And Rwanda Safari
Tour Overview
This 12-day Uganda and Rwanda safari is an exceptional journey for travelers who want to explore two of Africa’s most beautiful countries while meaningfully supporting local communities. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, the adventure begins with a visit to Volcanoes National Park and the inspiring Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where conservation, research, and education come together to protect mountain gorillas.
From Rwanda, you cross into Uganda and travel to the breathtaking Lake Mutanda, often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes, this peaceful lake is the perfect base for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You’ll also have time to enjoy relaxing and active experiences on and around the lake, such as canoeing, hiking, and village visits.
The journey continues to Buhoma, on the northern edge of Bwindi Forest, where wildlife encounters are complemented by cultural exchange. Here, you take part in a dance workshop and cooking class with a local women’s group, offering a warm and authentic insight into community life.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you experience classic safari highlights, including a memorable boat safari on the Kazinga Channel and a game drive across the savannah. You’ll also visit the Kyambura women’s coffee cooperative, where conservation and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand.
Your Itinerary In Brief
- Day 1: Welcome to The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda
- Day 2: Visit the Genocide Memoria and Ellen DeGeneres Campus to Lake Mutanda
- Day 3: Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas
- Day 4: Enjoy the Fairytale Lake of Mutanda
- Day 5: Cooking Class and Dance Course Buhoma
- Day 6: On to The Savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Morning Safari Via the Crater Lakes Kibale Forest
- Day 8: A Full Day of Primates in Kibale Forest
- Day 9: To Murchison Falls National Park- Falls Walk
- Day 10: Full Day Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 11: Safari and Relaxing Afternoon- On the Nile
- Day 12: Track Rhinos. Continue To Entebbe.
Your Itinerary In Details
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.
Day 2: Visit The Genocide Memoria and Ellen Degeneres Camous To Lake Mutanda
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 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.
Day 4: Enjoy The The FairyTale Lake of Mutanda
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 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.
Day 6: On To The Savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
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 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.
Day 8: A Full Day of Primates In Kibale Forest
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 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).
Day 10: Full Day Safari In Murchison Falls
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 11: Safari And Relaxing 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. 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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