13-Day Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife & Cultural Explorer
13-Day Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife & Cultural Explorer
Tour Overview
After that, you’ll go to Buhoma, on the north side of the Bwindi Forest. Here, you’ll take part in a traditional dance class and a cooking lesson led by local women. It’s a great way to experience Ugandan culture and meet amazing people. Then it’s off to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where exciting wildlife adventures await! You’ll enjoy a fantastic boat safari on the Kazinga Channel and a game drive to spot animals like elephants, lions, and hippos.
You’ll also visit the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative to see how local women grow and process coffee. In Kibale Forest, you’ll go on a chimpanzee trek—an unforgettable walk through the rainforest to find our closest animal cousins. You’ll also explore a nearby swamp, where you can see colorful birds and playful monkeys. Your trip ends in Kampala, Uganda’s busy and colorful capital city. You’ll visit interesting places like the Uganda Museum, the royal palaces of the Buganda Kingdom, and the famous Kasubi Tombs. On your last evening, enjoy a fun cultural show at the Ndere Center, full of dancing, music, and stories from all over Uganda.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Kigali city and learn at the Genocide Memorial
- See how people protect gorillas at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Meet mountain gorillas up close on a trek in Bwindi Forest
- Swim, kayak, and relax at beautiful Lake Mutanda
- Learn to cook and dance with local women in Buhoma
- Go on exciting safaris and a boat ride in Queen Elizabeth Park
- Walk with playful chimpanzees and explore Bigodi Swamp
- Enjoy Ugandan culture with city visits and a fun dance show
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali
When you land at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, your friendly tour guide will be waiting to welcome you. From the airport, you’ll be driven to your hotel in the heart of Kigali city. Tonight, you’ll stay at the famous Hotel des Mille Collines, known worldwide from the powerful film Hotel Rwanda. After checking in, you can relax and unwind with a refreshing drink under the sparkling African night sky before enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep to get ready for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines (Breakfast)
Day 2: Experience the Wildlife-Rich Masai Mara
This morning, you’ll meet your local guide for a fascinating city tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and diverse capital. Over the course of about five hours, you’ll discover the heart of the city, starting with a visit to the Umbumwe Grande Hotel, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kigali.
Next, you’ll stop by City Hall to learn about the city’s inspiring plans for the future. For lunch, you’ll dine at a cozy Indian vegetarian restaurant, where you’ll hear stories about the history of Asian migration to East Africa. As you explore further, you’ll see the busy city center and notice the different lifestyles between the neighborhoods on Kigali’s hilltops and those in the lower areas. At the Kandt House Museum, you’ll dive into Rwanda’s colonial past and the country’s journey to independence. Your tour concludes with a short ferry ride across a swamp, leading you to the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial Center—a place for reflection and remembrance.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines (Breakfast)
Day 3: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus - To Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, you will depart Rwanda and head towards Uganda. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a special place run by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund dedicated to mountain gorilla conservation. Situated near Volcanoes National Park, this eco-friendly campus includes three main buildings: the Research Center, the Education Center, and the Conservation Gallery. It serves as an important hub for conservation efforts, bringing together experts and visitors from around the world, all working to protect these magnificent gorillas and inspire future generations.
After this enlightening visit, continue your journey to Lake Mutanda—considered one of the most beautiful lakes in East Africa. Located in the far southwest of Uganda at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, this stunning lake is surrounded by lush rainforests that are home to endangered mountain gorillas. The lake provides an ideal base for gorilla trekking adventures in nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
In the afternoon, relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes. You can swim safely in the bilharzia-free waters or lounge on one of the three swimming jetties. For more active fun, try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing on a laser sailboat. For a traditional experience, take a peaceful canoe ride in one of the hand-carved dugout canoes. You can also enjoy a scenic motorboat trip to spot birds or simply take in the serene surroundings. Whatever you choose, the beauty and tranquility of this magical lake will captivate you.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Half Board)
Day 4: Face to face with mountain gorillas
In the morning, you will set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip—gorilla trekking. Your accommodation will provide a packed lunch to enjoy during your break. Bwindi’s ancient mountain rainforest, together with the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, is one of the world’s most important places for gorilla trekking. Though the park is relatively small, it shelters nearly half of all the wild mountain gorillas remaining on Earth. Alongside these gentle giants, the forest is home to around 120 mammal species and over 350 types of birds.
During the trek, you’ll carefully navigate through the thick forest undergrowth, guided by experienced rangers from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA). They will track signs of gorilla presence—droppings, nests, broken bamboo stems, and snapped twigs—that reveal you are getting closer to a gorilla family. When you finally come face to face with a massive silverback gorilla calmly watching over his family, you will understand why this moment is so deeply moving and unforgettable. It is an encounter that stays with you for a lifetime.
Optional Experience: Gorilla Habituation Day
For a truly unique adventure, Greenway Nature Tours offers the chance to join a small group of just four people on a special Gorilla Habituation Day. Instead of a brief trek, you’ll spend up to four hours with a gorilla family, accompanying researchers as they gradually habituate the gorillas to human presence. This rare opportunity provides an extraordinary and intimate insight into gorilla behavior and conservation efforts.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 5: Enjoy the fairytale lake of Mutanda!
Since you will be staying three nights by the stunning Lake Mutanda, today is yours to relax and enjoy everything this magical place has to offer. Whether you want to hike through the lush surroundings, swim in the crystal-clear lake, play on the water, or even climb a nearby volcano, there’s plenty to fill your day. In the afternoon, a peaceful boat cruise is included, complete with snacks and drinks, perfect for soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Optional Excursions Around Bwindi & Lake Mutanda
This green and vibrant region offers a variety of exciting activities to suit all interests. Around Lake Mutanda, you can try fun water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. A sundowner tour on a motorboat, with a refreshing drink in hand, is highly recommended for a relaxing and scenic experience.
In nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, adventurous visitors can hike the Virunga volcanoes or go trekking to see the rare Golden Monkeys. Around Bwindi, beyond gorilla trekking, you can enjoy beautiful forest walks, visit the indigenous Batwa pygmy communities, or take a village tour to experience local culture.
If you have special interests, our travel specialists are ready to help plan your perfect activities. You can arrange what to book in advance and decide what to explore once you’re on site.
Water Sports at Lake Mutanda (Optional)
From your base at Mutanda Lake Resort, take full advantage of the lake’s clean, bilharzia-free waters. Swim freely or relax on one of the three swimming jetties. For more active fun, use the stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or the laser sailboat. For a more traditional experience, paddle a dugout canoe carved from a single tree. You can also take a motorboat trip to watch birds or simply enjoy the peaceful lake views, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand. Whatever you choose, the calm and beauty of this fairytale lake will leave you refreshed and inspired.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga (Optional)
Embark on a trek to find the rare and playful Golden Monkeys living in several habituated groups within Mgahinga National Park. The trek takes you to the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, where you can spend an hour with these lively monkeys as they jump, swing, and play through the forest—a real treat for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Sabinyo Gorge Trekking, Mgahinga (Optional)
For a memorable hiking experience, explore the Sabinyo Gorge in southwest Mgahinga National Park. This trail leads you through lush vegetation and moss-covered ground, offering a great sense of the height of Mount Sabinyo. The trek ends with stunning views of the volcano peaks and is considered one of the best bird-watching spots in the area. The walk lasts about 4 to 5 hours and offers chances to see reptiles, various bird species, and if you’re lucky, even the rare golden meerkats.
Sunset Boat Trip on Lake Mutanda
In the afternoon, enjoy a magical sunset boat trip across Lake Mutanda. Glide past peaceful islands and take a refreshing swim in the calm waters. Along the way, you might see local fishermen casting their nets or children paddling by in traditional dugout canoes carved from hollowed-out tree trunks. This tranquil journey offers a perfect moment to connect with nature and local life.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 6: Cooking course & dance course Buhoma
Today’s route is truly scenic and rich with variety. You’ll travel along red sand roads winding past majestic mountains, peaceful crater lakes, rolling hills, vibrant tea plantations, dense rainforests, and charming African villages as you head north to Buhoma, on the edge of Bwindi Forest.
Here, you’ll stay at Ride 4 a Woman, an inspiring social enterprise that not only offers visitors a unique travel experience but also empowers vulnerable women in the local community. Through skill-building and employment opportunities, this initiative helps women gain economic independence, which is key to sustainable development.
Your day includes two special activities designed to immerse you in local culture: a dance workshop and a cooking class.
Kiga Dance Workshop
Join the women of Ride 4 a Woman for the lively Kiga Dance workshop. Experience the vibrant rhythms and colorful movements of traditional Kiga dance. It’s a joyful and hands-on way to connect with the local community and feel the deep cultural traditions that bind them together.
Cooking Class at Ride 4 a Woman
In this cooking session, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe. Begin by gathering fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden before stepping into the kitchen with the chef. You’ll make classic dishes such as Matoke (steamed plantains), peanut (G-nut) sauce, roasted goat meat, and local greens like Skumawiki (spinach). You’ll also prepare Imonda, a homemade drink made from sorghum, millet, honey, and water.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal around the campfire with the women and families you’ve cooked alongside, sharing stories and laughter under the African sky.
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman (Half board)
Day 6: Cooking course & dance course Buhoma
Today’s route is truly scenic and rich with variety. You’ll travel along red sand roads winding past majestic mountains, peaceful crater lakes, rolling hills, vibrant tea plantations, dense rainforests, and charming African villages as you head north to Buhoma, on the edge of Bwindi Forest.
Here, you’ll stay at Ride 4 a Woman, an inspiring social enterprise that not only offers visitors a unique travel experience but also empowers vulnerable women in the local community. Through skill-building and employment opportunities, this initiative helps women gain economic independence, which is key to sustainable development.
Your day includes two special activities designed to immerse you in local culture: a dance workshop and a cooking class.
Kiga Dance Workshop
Join the women of Ride 4 a Woman for the lively Kiga Dance workshop. Experience the vibrant rhythms and colorful movements of traditional Kiga dance. It’s a joyful and hands-on way to connect with the local community and feel the deep cultural traditions that bind them together.
Cooking Class at Ride 4 a Woman
In this cooking session, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe. Begin by gathering fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden before stepping into the kitchen with the chef. You’ll make classic dishes such as Matoke (steamed plantains), peanut (G-nut) sauce, roasted goat meat, and local greens like Skumawiki (spinach). You’ll also prepare Imonda, a homemade drink made from sorghum, millet, honey, and water.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal around the campfire with the women and families you’ve cooked alongside, sharing stories and laughter under the African sky.
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman (Half board)
Day 7: On to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth; Visit Women’s Coffee Cooperative
Today, you’ll journey from the lush, green mountains of Bwindi to the wide, golden savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you’ll drive through the park itself, keeping your eyes open for a variety of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha resting in the branches along the roadside!
Upon arriving in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll visit the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative, where you’ll get a firsthand look at local coffee production and the inspiring women behind this community project. Afterward, you’ll check into your comfortable lodge and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 square kilometers in Uganda’s beautiful Rift Valley. It is bordered by the towering Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. At the heart of the park flows the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lakes Edward and George, famous for excellent boat safaris.
West of the Kazinga Channel, you’ll find an extraordinary landscape dotted with volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gorge cuts deeply through the savannah here, sheltering a rare rainforest where chimpanzees roam freely. The park is home to a rich variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, topi, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many others. Bird lovers will delight in spotting over 600 bird species across this diverse ecosystem.
Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative
Immerse yourself in Ugandan culture with a visit to the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative. Set among lush greenery and filled with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee, this cooperative offers a unique and heartwarming experience. Meet the passionate women behind the project, hear their stories, and enjoy a taste of locally produced coffee — a perfect way to connect with the warmth and hospitality of the community.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge (Full Board)
Day 8: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is dedicated entirely to experiencing the incredible nature of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the morning, you’ll join a safari guided by one of the park’s expert researchers or biologists. With the help of a tracking device, your guide can locate different lion prides and, if you’re lucky, even elusive leopards. This specialized knowledge means you may venture off the usual safari tracks, giving you a unique and thrilling wildlife encounter. After a break for lunch and some relaxation at your lodge, the afternoon brings one of Africa’s most spectacular experiences—a private boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, both teeming with wildlife.
Predator Tracking Safari – Morning
Your morning safari focuses on tracking predators such as lions and leopards, offering a rare chance to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, often in places other visitors don’t reach.
Private Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel – Afternoon
The Kazinga Channel is renowned for its rich concentration of wildlife. On this private boat safari, you’ll see countless hippos lounging in the water, giant crocodiles resting along the banks, and herds of buffalo bathing in the shallows. Keep an eye out for flocks of colorful birds and, if you’re lucky, a family of elephants spraying water and playing nearby. Taking this cruise on a small, private boat means you’ll get closer to the animals than on larger, crowded boats. You control the pace of your trip and can enjoy this intimate wildlife adventure exclusively with your family or group, making it a truly special experience.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge (Full Board)
Day 9: Morning Safari - Crater Lakes Route to Kibale Forest
Start your day early with a thrilling morning safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises and morning mist blankets the savannah, you’ll listen to the sounds of the wild awakening. Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot lions lounging in the grass, majestic elephants roaming, or even elusive leopards stealthily moving through the trees. After this exciting safari, you’ll drive through scenic landscapes dotted with tea plantations and sparkling crater lakes on your way to Kibale Forest. Along the route, enjoy a delicious lunch before arriving at your lodge—a peaceful retreat nestled in a vibrant world of monkeys and birds. With a stunning view and a refreshing swimming pool, your lodge offers the perfect place to relax and soak in the sounds of the rainforest. You can also take a leisurely walk through the nearby forest, immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.
Jeep Safari in Queen Elizabeth – Morning
Following an early breakfast, embark on your jeep safari just as the African wilderness comes alive. The misty morning air is filled with the calls of birds and wildlife, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for spotting the park’s famous animals.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s richest primate habitats, home to 13 different species of monkeys. Among them are the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, diademed monkey, mangabey, and the tiny galago. Situated at about 1,300 meters above sea level, this protected rainforest is surrounded by lush tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. Beyond primates, the forest and nearby Bigodi swamp also host a remarkable variety of birdlife.
Optional: Forest Walk at Turaco Treetops
Turaco Treetops spans 13 hectares of rich rainforest bordering Kibale Forest National Park, offering immediate access to nature. On this gentle forest walk, you’ll traverse rainforest and wetlands while encountering six primate species including Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey, L’Hoëst Monkey, Mantled Mangabey, and Vervet Monkey. Follow the trails over wooden walkways and through forest paths, stepping into the giant footprints left by forest elephants. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the Giant Turaco, Lady Ross’ Turaco, Grey-eared Hornbill, Senegal Kingfisher, and Brown-headed Dwarf Kingfisher. The walk is easy and lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, perfect for all fitness levels.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops -Standard Cottage (Half Board)
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today, you’ll focus on the incredible primates that call this lush rainforest home. In the morning, embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure, where you’ll track and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. After your trek, return to your lodge for a hearty and relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, explore the community-run Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a rich swamp area where you can spot a variety of tropical birds and different species of monkeys. This peaceful walk offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the diversity of wildlife.
Day 11: Relaxed Breakfast & Transfer to Kampala
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before beginning your journey to Kampala, the vibrant capital city of Uganda. In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Kampala, where you’ll check in to the elegant Kampala Serena Hotel.
Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel – Superior Room
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Kampala City Tour & Ndere Troupe Cultural Performance
Today, explore the cultural heart of Uganda. Start at the Uganda Museum, showcasing the country’s history and traditions. Visit Nakasero Market, full of fresh produce and local crafts. Then head to the Buganda Kingdom, visiting the royal palace, the Royal Mile, the Kabaka Lake, and the Parliament (Lukiiko). Continue to the Kasubi Tombs, the sacred burial site of Buganda kings. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant performance by the Ndere Troupe at Ndere Cultural Centre. The show includes traditional music, dances, drumming, and storytelling from across Uganda. It’s a beautiful way to end your cultural journey.
Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel – Superior Room
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, you’ll check out and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. Your unforgettable journey through Rwanda and Uganda comes to an end, filled with memories of wildlife, culture, and warm hospitality.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What Is Included
- Transfer to your hotel in Kigali on arrival day
- Transfer from Rwanda to Bwindi
- Transfer to Entebbe Airport on departure day
- 2 nights accommodation in Rwanda and 1o nights’ accommodation in Uganda
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary (starting with diner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day).
- A single-entry gorilla trekking permit per person
- All ground transportation in a safari Landcruiser.
- English speaking driver guide.
- Park fees and driver guide fees.
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- 24/7 office support.
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