Experience the best of East Africa on this 14-day Rwanda and Uganda safari, an unforgettable journey through two of the continent’s most breathtaking and diverse countries. This adventure blends mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, cultural encounters, and lake excursions creating a truly immersive safari experience.
Starting from the vibrant capital of Kigali, you will explore Rwanda’s rolling hills, trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and relax along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu before crossing into Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.”
In Uganda, encounter the rare mountain gorillas of Bwindi, visit the Batwa pygmy community, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and track playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Every day offers a new landscape, a new adventure, and a new story to tell.
This itinerary is ideal for couples, small groups, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an enriching blend of luxury, nature, and authentic African culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Luxland Africa Vacations and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax or take a short orientation tour of the city.
Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Hotel chez Land (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Full Day of Leisure and Relaxation in Kigali
After breakfast, spend the day unwinding at your hotel, enjoying Kigali’s peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, or a refreshing swim. If you wish, optional activities such as local market visits or art galleries can be arranged.
Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Hotel chez Land (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hours)
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of 1994, and continue to Kimironko Market, where local artisans sell colorful crafts, baskets, and fabrics. After lunch, drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside toward Volcanoes National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the evening views of the Virunga Volcano ranges.
Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Experience
Start your morning early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a Golden Monkey trekking experience. These endangered primates, known for their golden-orange fur, live in bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. The trek is shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking, but equally rewarding. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers and local residents showcase Rwandan traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and crafts.
Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Boat Trip on Lake Kivu & Coffee Experience
After breakfast, travel to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great freshwater lakes. Enjoy a morning boat trip to explore the lake’s islands, birdlife, and fishing villages. Continue to Kimbiri Coffee Plantation for a hands-on coffee experience from bean to cup. Later in the day, drive south toward Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda’s oldest rainforest, with lunch en route.
Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Paradise Kivu (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Kivu to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (5 hours)
After breakfast, depart Rwanda via the Cyanika or Katuna border, entering Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.” Drive through stunning mountain scenery and terraced hillsides en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight at Gorilla Heights Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family and begin your trek through thick rainforest accompanied by park rangers. Once you find your assigned gorilla group, you will have one full hour to observe and photograph them a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few travelers ever forget. Later, return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection.
Overnight at Gorilla Heights Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Batwa Cultural Trail & Coffee Tour
Begin your day with the Batwa Trail Experience, a cultural encounter with the forest’s original inhabitants the Batwa pygmies. Learn about their ancient survival skills, hunting techniques, music, and traditional herbal medicine. In the afternoon, take part in a coffee experience at a local farm near Bwindi. Join farmers in harvesting, roasting, grinding, and tasting freshly brewed Ugandan coffee straight from the source.
Overnight at Gorilla Heights Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – The Lake of a Thousand Islands
After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its breathtaking scenery and 29 small islands scattered across calm waters. Take a boat cruise to explore the islands and enjoy panoramic views of terraced hills and local communities.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeside or kayaking on the tranquil waters.
Overnight at Birdnest Resort (Luxury)
Overnight at Bunyonyi Rock Resort (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (6 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. On the way, watch out for elephants, buffaloes, topis, and antelopes grazing in the savannah plains. Arrive in the evening and check in to your lodge overlooking the park or the Kazinga Channel.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you may spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, and Uganda kobs. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers incredible views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds such as pelicans and kingfishers.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, drive north to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Upon arrival, check in and have lunch before heading for your chimpanzee trekking experience. During the trek, expect to see other primates like the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabey.
Overnight at Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Turacco treetops (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Kibale – Kampala with Cultural Stop at Igongo Centre
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kampala. Stop at Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara for a fascinating look at the traditions of the Ankole and Bahima people.
Later, visit the Uganda Equator for photos and local crafts before continuing to your hotel in Kampala for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:
Overnight at Kampala Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Latitude 0° Degree Hotel (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Kampala – Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, if time allows, enjoy a brief shopping tour in Kampala’s craft markets before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
- All airport transfers and ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- One Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
- One Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale)
- Golden Monkey permit (Volcanoes NP)
- Park entrance fees
- Cultural experiences (Batwa, Iby’Iwacu Village, Igongo Centre)
- Boat cruises (Kazinga Channel & Lake Kivu)
- Community tours and coffee experiences
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- International flights
- Visa fees (Uganda & Rwanda)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks, laundry, and phone calls