19 DAYS RWANDA-UGANDA SAFARI TOUR OVERVIEW

This 19-day combo tour starts at Kigali international airport in Rwanda and ends at Entebbe International airport in Uganda. This provides you with the opportunity to hike up Mount Rwenzori before embarking to tour the crater lakes found in Fort Portal. More game drive, hiking up to the top of Murchison Falls and doing a boat cruise on the Nile before transferring to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary place you can take photos of Rhinos. White water rafting and more boat cruises on the source of the Nile in Jinja City then do a city tour, visiting the parliament of Uganda in Kampala city and then end with a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary to understand and discover more about chimps.

19 Days Rwanda-Uganda Safari Destinations

1. Kigali Airport
2. Lake kivu
3. Volcanoes National Park
4. Lake Bunyonyi
5. Queen Elizabeth National Park
6. Rwenzori National park
7. Crater Lakes Fort Portal
8. Murchison National Park
9. Jinja city
10. Kampala City
11. Entebbe
12. Entebbe airport

19 DAYS RWANDA UGANDA DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival to Kigali International airport and pick up for transfer to your accommodation place

As you arrive at the Kigali international airport, a person from our staff will be waiting to meet you and take you to your pre-arranged Kigali hotel for refreshments, supper, and an overnight stay.

Meal plan: Dinner

Activities

• Pick up from airport and transfer to booked hotel

Accommodation

Luxury; Kigali Serena Hotel, Hotel des Mille Collines, Radison blu

Mid-range; Hotel chez Lando

Budget; Hotel Okapi

Day 2:  City tour, genocide memorial site and transfer to Lake Kivu

After a pleasant breakfast in the hotel on day two, you will visit the Genocide Memorial, a place of commemoration for the 250,000 victims buried in mass graves here, and also an important reminder of the unimaginable brutality of the 1994 genocide. The exhibit is both an emotional and educational experience, given that you’ll learn about Rwanda’s darkest hour in recent history. After which, go for a city drive and visit the local markets, art museums, and craft centers.

In the afternoon after having relaxed Lunch in the hotel, we embark on 98km journey to Lake Kivu which lasts for about 2 to 3 hours, check in the booked accommodation facility for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Activities

• City tour and visit to memorial genocide site
• Transfer to Lake Kivu

Accommodation

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Mid-range: Cormoran Lodge, Palm Garden Hotel

Budget: Paradise Malahide Hotel

Day 3: Boat cruise and hiking Congo Nile trail and transfer to Volcanoes National park

On day 3 of this 19 days combo tour, after an early breakfast, you will go hiking or following the Congo Nile trail which in the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for almost 2 hours, after which take a boat cruise on lake Kivu to visit and explore different Islands while spotting different species of birds along the shores of the lake. Return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation.

Late in the afternoon, after thoroughly exploring the Lake, you will depart for the Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, which is a 2-hour drive and 110 kilometres away. These mountains are linked by fertile saddles created by lava flows, are among East Africa’s most striking sights. Check into your hotel for dinner and take in the breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes before retiring to bed early.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Boat cruise
• Congo Nile trail trek
• Transfer to Volcanoes National park

Accommodation

Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Day 4: Gorilla tracking and visit to Iby’iwacu Village

On day 4, breakfast will be served at 6 a.m., followed by a transfer to park headquarters at 7 a.m. After meeting with the ranger for a pre-gorilla trekking briefing, drive to the start of the trail. Explore the park on foot in search of the gentle giants. Hike for one to six hours through dense vegetation and difficult terrain. Look out for exotic animals, birds, and plants as you hike. When you reach the gorillas, take a break and spend an hour watching them in the forest as you take the photo as many as you can. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is regarded as one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet. Return to your lodge for a nice lunch meal and some rest.

Visit the Ibyiwacu Village in the afternoon for a number of Rwandan cultural performances and authentic experiences, including a presentation by native Instore dancers, archery with the Bata hunters, cooking a regional specialty, Ibyiwacu translates to jewels from our heritage and home, afterwards return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Gorilla trekking
• Visit to Ibyi’ wacu village

Accommodation

Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Day 5: Golden monkey tracking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi through Katuna Border

After having a relaxed breakfast, you will converge to headquarters of Volcanoes for briefing of Golden Monkey tracking, afterwards embark 1 to 5 hours trek to Golden monkeys in the company of experienced ranger. Golden Monkeys are endemic to the volcanic mountains of the Virunga Range and typically live in the bamboo vegetation zones near the base of the volcanoes. You will be tracking them with an experienced ranger and once you find them, will have one hour to spend watching these active creatures And taking the photos for the memorable activity in life. Return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch.

In the late afternoon, we shall embark on the 2 to 3 hour drive and about 120km long journey to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda via Katuna border, upon arrival check in your hotel for dinner and overnight. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and it harbors 29 islands and a range of bird species

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Golden monkey tracking
• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi via Katuna Border

Accommodation

Luxury: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Bunyonyi view resort

Mid-range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Arcadia Cottages

Budget: Upendo Guest Home, Amasiko Homestay

Day 6:  Canoeing, bird watching and mountain hiking in Lake Bunyonyi

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will go mountain hiking or biking where you will pass through some community settlements, interact with the locals, have great views of the lakes afterwards return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go for boat canoeing to paddle a dugout boat while enjoying an excellent canoe journey. You will be able to explore some of the 29 islands, including the punishment island, where girls who became pregnant before marriage were sent to starve to death as a conviction. You will also be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Kigezi hills, terraced farmlands, traditional homesteads, and various bird species. You return to the lodge for dinner after the thrilling canoe excursion.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Canoeing and bird watching
• Mountain hiking or biking

Accommodation

Luxury: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Bunyonyi view resort

Mid-range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Arcadia Cottages

Budget: Upendo Guest Home, Amasiko Homestay

Day 7: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an having relaxed breakfast, we shall embark on drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is 6 to 7 hour drive and approximately 250km long journey from lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth park, upon arrival you will check in Lodge for Dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mazike valley Lodge

Mid-range: Bush Lodge, kasenyi safari camp, Enganzi Game lodge

Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge, Ishaisha Wilderness Camp

Activities

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 8:  Kazinga channel Boat cruise and game drive

One of Uganda’s most well-known savanna reserves, Queen Elizabeth National Park features expansive grassy hills interspersed with sparkling lakes located deep into the crater valley. Queen Elizabeth boasts some of the country’s most beautiful vistas. The park is home to a large variety of species.

On day 8, early in the morning after breakfast, you will depart for an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. An early start boosts your chances of catching the elusive nocturnal and predators before they retreat to their hideouts. Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Elephants, Uganda Kob, Warthogs, Baboons, Jackals, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, and grazing Hippos can all be seen. The game viewing will last approximately four hours before returning to your hotel for leisure and lunch.

Take a 2- to 4-hour boat ride on the 32-kilometer-long Kazinga Channel, a natural channel dividing Lake Edward and George, after lunch. Along the channel are hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and buffalos, all of which are frequent. Creatures like elephants and antelopes frequently descend to the channel to cool themselves, drink, and ingest the new grass. The Channel attracts birds like crazy! The Pied and Malachite Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Cormorants, Skimmers, Saddle-billed Stork, and Pelicans are just a few of the frequent and noticeable species. As you float past tiny fishing villages and take in the calm and quiet of this gorgeous African day, the cruise is likely one of the delights of your 19-day Rwanda Uganda safari tour. Late in the evening head back to your lodge for dinner and relaxation and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mazike valley Lodge

Mid-range: Bush Lodge, kasenyi safari camp, Enganzi Game lodge

Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge, Ishaisha Wilderness Camp

Activities

• Boat cruise on Kazinga channel
• Game drive

Day 9: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountain National Park

After having an early relaxed breakfast, you will be transferred to Rwenzori national park which is about 290km long journey from Queen Elizabeth national park and 4 to 5 hour drive. On the arrival to the Rwenzori Park you will check in your booked accommodation facility for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.

The Rwenzori Mountain is Africa’s second-tallest mountain following Mount Kilimanjaro. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park is maintained by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. At Uganda’s boundary with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is a snow-capped mountain nicknamed also as Mountains of the Moon.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge, Rwenzori International Hotel

Mid-range: Hotel Margherita, Ihamba Lakeside safari lodge

Budget: Ruboni Community Camp, Rwenzori Trekkers Hostel

Activities

• Transfer to Rwenzori Mountain National Park

Day 10: Hiking Mountain Rwenzori and nature-guided walks

Just after breakfast, join your safari driver and travel to the foothills of Mount Rwenzori. From there, begin the climb to Sine Hut, that is 2,680 meters above the ground and where you will sleep for the night. After receiving a briefing on Mount Rwenzori from park officials at the park’s headquarters, you can choose to ascend the mountain utilizing the Kilembe Trekking Route or the Rwenzori Central Circuit. The hike begins early in the morning from the valley through the tall trees of the montane forest zone as you proceed on a gradual rise with scenic views of birds as well as some primates such as the black and white Colobus monkeys, the Blue monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys. You may also hear the wild chimpanzees swinging and playing on tree branches from a distance. Flowers, bamboo thickets, mushrooms, low bushes, moss and lichen, covered vines hanging from tall trees, and other plants are abundant throughout this climb.

Depending on your level of fitness, your day climb will bring you to Sine Hut, which is located at about 2,680 meters. Here, you can relax in a wooden hut that is positioned between tall trees on a small ridge while taking in the view of the montane forest and the cool sound of the Enock Drops crashing down and over rocks as you glance. About 200 meters separate these falls from Sine Hut. In Sine Camp, you will have dinner and spend the night.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation at Sine Camp

Activities

• Climbing up the Mountain

Day 11: Descend down and drive to crater lakes in Fort portal and tour them

Rise early, have a cup of tea, and then begin your descend back from your Sine Hut. Meet your safari guide who is waiting to welcome you. We shall embark on a drive of 2 to 3 hours to crater lakes and approximately 120km long journey. Upon your arrival check in your accommodation facility for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon after lunch, you will head out for a tour on the Crater lakes, where you will be able to spot some bird species and mammals attracted to the lakes shores. The following are some of the crater lakes that are found in Fort portal with some great scenic views; Lake Kanyango, Lake Kifuruka, Lake Lugembe, Lake Murigamire, Lake Mutusi, Lake Mwamba, and Lake Mwegenyi. After the lakes excursion return back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Descend down from mountain Rwenzori
• Transfer to crater lakes region
• Excursion of the lakes

Accommodation

Luxury: Ndali lodge, Primates Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel

Mid-range: Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite, Lake Kasenda Lodge

Budget: Garaffe View Inn

Day 12: Transfer to Murchison National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, you will travel from Crater Lakes to Murchison Falls National Park for about 7 hours and more than 300 kilometers. Once you reach the park in the evening, check into a lodge for dinner and the night. The oldest, largest, and arguably the best game park in Uganda, Murchison Falls Park is home to more than 70 mammal species, comprising four of the big 5, more than 470 bird species, and breathtaking landscape.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Transfer to Murchison National Park

Accommodation

Luxury: Nile safari Lodge, Parkside safari Lodge, Paraa Safari lodge,

Mid-range: Pakuba safari Lodge

Budget: Hornbill safari lodge

Day 13: Game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Set out for an early in the morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, exploring the scenic savannah grasslands on the park’s northern section before watching the beautiful sunrise and later strolling around in search of Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Leopard, Hyena, Giraffe, and Hippos with the park’s rangers as guides.

You may also be able to see some rare bird species such as Pel’s fishing Owl, saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Ground Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, and a rare prehistoric-looking shoebill Stork. Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after many hours of fantastic game viewing.

After lunch, take a thrilling three-hour boat ride or cruise down the Nile, observing gigantic crocodiles slip beneath the waves and pods of hippo grunt and jostle. Numerous water birds were discovered before coming to a halt a small distance from the bottom of the falls. The Nile squeezes through a 7-meter-wide cleft and bursts into the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Return to your lodge for dinner and a night’s rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Game drive
• Boat cruise

Accommodation

Luxury: Nile safari Lodge, Parkside safari Lodge, Paraa Safari lodge,

Mid-range: Pakuba safari Lodge

Budget: Hornbill safari lodge

Day 14: Hiking to the top the Murchison falls and afternoon transfer to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

After a leisurely breakfast, take a hike to the top of Murchison Falls to view the world’s most powerful waterfalls from a unique perspective and observe the magical waterfalls. The hike provides the best view of Murchison Falls and incredible photo opportunities. When you reach the summit, your driver will be waiting for you, and you will then be transferred to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive for approximately two hours to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Check into the lodge before embarking on a 2-hour rhino tracking adventure on foot with an expert local ranger guide. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only place where you’re able to track, see, photograph, and film Rhinos in their natural habitat, after the activity, you’ll return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Hiking to the top of the falls
• Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Rhino tracking

Accommodation

Luxury: Guest House Two Ensuite Rooms

Mid-range: Ziwa Rhino campsite

Day 15: Transfer to Jinja city

After having a relaxed breakfast, you will be transferred from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Jinja City via Masindi, Luwero, Lugala then to Jinja on about 4 hour drive of approximately 250km long Journey. Upon arrival check in your hotel for dinner, evening relaxation and overnight

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Transfer to Jinja city

Accommodation

Luxury: The Heaven hotel, Signature Hotel Apartments, Nile Valley, Living Waters Resort.

Mid-range: Surgious Guest House

Budget: Backpackers Lodge

Day 16: Do white rafting, sport fishing, and visit the source of the River Nile

After your breakfast, you can go white water rafting, which is a popular activity along the Nile, the world’s longest river, where you’re able to enjoy the water rapids. Swimming is also ideal because the water is calm and clear. There are many bird species to see while savoring the activity, as well as the scenery along the Nile is breathtaking.

Throughout this exercise, you will spend your morning bouncing over, through and beneath the water. Before seeing the Source of the Nile as well as where John Speke found the area currently known as the Source of the Nile, you will then stop for lunch at the Sunset Hotel. One can get directly to the point where Lake Victoria and the Nile meet by boat on the Nile. Many photography chances will present themselves to you, from flowers to the Nile and its fisherman. After the activity return to your hotel for dinner, relaxation and overnight

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• White water rafting
• Boat cruise

Accommodation

Luxury: The Heaven hotel, Signature Hotel Apartments, Nile Valley, Living Waters Resort.

Mid-range: Surgious Guest House

Budget: Backpackers Lodge

Day 17: Drive to Kampala City and do a city tour then late in the evening transfer to Entebbe

After having a relaxed breakfast, embark on the drive to Kampala city along Jinja to Kampala highway which is 84km and takes about 2 hours. In the afternoon having lunch you will go for a city tour to visit local markets, purchase different local products, interact with the local people learn their various ways of life and traditions. Get a peek at the culture and history that make up this interesting country by strolling around the city center and stopping at the Uganda Parliament, the National Theatre, Namirembe Church, the Kasubi Tombs, which depict the Ganda Civilization, and the Baha’i Temple., later in the evening you will be driven to Entebbe town to check in your hotel for dinner and overnight

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• City tour
• Transfer to Entebbe town

Accommodation

Luxury: Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel

Mid-range: Ngamba Island Tented Camp, Boma Hotel

Budget:  Fair Way hotel and Spa, Karibu Guest House

Day 18: Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

After having relaxed breakfast, you will take a short drive from Entebbe town to the pier to board your afternoon boat excursion to Ngamba Island, which is 23 kilometers away on a lake Victoria island. After crossing the equator and arriving at Ngamba for an interesting and informative discussion about chimpanzees, this hour-long boat ride will expose you to a variety of birds. During the discussion, you will see orphaned chimpanzees feeding before heading back to Entebbe Main Land for the night. Because they are unable to repatriate to their ancestral habitats, abandoned and rehabilitated chimpanzees are placed on Ngamba Island, which serves as their new home. Discover further about chimpanzees as well as how to safeguard them by becoming one of the fortunate few. In the evening return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

• Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Accommodation

Luxury: Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel

Mid-range: Ngamba Island Tented Camp, Boma Hotel

Budget:  Fair Way hotel and Spa, Karibu Guest House

Day 19: Transfer to Entebbe airport and departure

You will be transported to the airport for your scheduled flight home at the time of your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Activities

• Transfer to Entebbe International Airport