12 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Big Five Adventure Safari Experience

By Winton Africa Safaris

12 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys Tracking, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Big Five Adventure Safari Experience in Africa. Embark on an extraordinary 12-day safari adventure across Rwanda and Uganda, offering a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary takes you through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and the wildlife-rich savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. Encounter endangered mountain gorillas, track playful chimpanzees, marvel at the Big Five, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of East Africa.

With 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and personalized service, Winton Africa Safaris ensures an unforgettable journey through two of Africa’s most diverse and captivating countries.

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari Highlights

 

12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Mountain gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 for Rwanda, USD 800 for Uganda).
  • Golden monkey tracking permit.
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit (USD 250 per person).
  • All park entry and conservation fees.
  • Guided city tours and cultural experiences.
  • Transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals as indicated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers.
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary.

Exclusions

  • International flights.
  • Rwanda and Uganda visa fees.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Laundry
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs, tips).
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Mgahinga Gorilla Uganda Safaris

Volcanoes National Park

Detailed 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Check-in at the Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by a Winton Africa Safaris representative. After introductions, you’ll transfer to your hotel in Kigali. As the capital of Rwanda, Kigali is a vibrant city with a rich history, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking scenery.

Take the evening to relax after your 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari journey, enjoy the hotel’s amenities, and prepare for the incredible adventure ahead.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 2: Half-Day Kigali City Tour and Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu

Start your day with breakfast and a half-day city tour of Kigali, exploring its historical and cultural landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering reminder of the country’s tragic past, and the Caplaki Craft Village, where you can purchase authentic Rwandan crafts.

Afterward, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by lush hills. Check into your lakeside lodge and unwind before a serene sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Enjoy the tranquil waters, captivating views, and the sight of local fishermen returning from their day’s work.

Accommodation Options:

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Morning Activities Around Gisenyi, Cultural Visit, and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Begin the day with activities around Gisenyi, including a leisurely Congo-Rwanda border walk. Marvel at the unique blend of cultures and the bustling atmosphere at the border crossing.

Next, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll gain insights into Rwandan traditions, music, and dance. Engage with the locals, try your hand at traditional crafts, and sample local delicacies.

In the evening, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a conservation center dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas. Learn about Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking work and ongoing efforts to preserve these endangered primates.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for the highlight of your trip: mountain gorilla trekking. A pre-trek briefing by park rangers will prepare you for this exhilarating 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari experience.

Accompanied by 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari expert guides, trek through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing, reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Accommodation Options:

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Volcanoes National Park

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Embark on another incredible adventure with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates, known for their striking golden fur, are a delight to observe as they leap through the bamboo forests.

After lunch, cross the border into Uganda and drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Switzerland of Africa” for its scenic beauty. Arrive in time for a relaxing evening at your lakeside lodge.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 6: Explore Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Bwindi Forest

Spend the morning exploring Lake Bunyonyi on a canoe excursion, visiting its 29 islands, each with unique stories and significance. Learn about local folklore, culture, and history from your 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari guide.

In the afternoon, transfer to Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biodiverse forests. Check into your lodge and prepare for the next day’s cultural experience.

Accommodation Options:

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Uganda Adrenaline Adventures

Day 7: Batwa Cultural Experience in Buhoma and Mid-Morning Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your day with an enriching Batwa cultural experience in Buhoma, where you’ll dive into the traditions and history of one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes. The Batwa, often referred to as the “keepers of the forest,” will share their way of life through storytelling, music, and dance. Witness demonstrations of traditional hunting and gathering techniques and learn about their medicinal uses of forest plants. This cultural interaction offers an incredible opportunity to appreciate their deep connection to the Bwindi Forest and their resilience in preserving their heritage.

After this unforgettable 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari experience, embark on a scenic mid-morning transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of the world. The journey is approximately 7 hours, passing through lush landscapes, rolling tea plantations, and charming local villages. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and unwind amidst the tranquillity of the forest surroundings.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 8: Enjoy Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest

Today promises an exhilarating encounter with some of Uganda’s most famous residents during a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing on safety and guidelines. Guided by 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari expert trackers, venture into the forest to find a habituated chimpanzee group. Witness their lively antics, social behaviours, and the mesmerizing sounds of their calls echoing through the canopy.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area teeming with biodiversity. A guided swamp walk introduces you to vibrant bird species, colourful butterflies, and other primates like colobus monkeys. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and the local community’s role in preserving this rich ecosystem.

Accommodation Options:

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Kibale Forest National Park

Day 9: Morning Scenic Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Hike to the Top and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic park. The 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari journey offers picturesque views of the Albertine Rift Valley, small towns, and vibrant farmlands.

Upon arrival, take a short but rewarding hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges 45 meters below. Feel the power of the falls as mist rises, creating rainbows in the sunlight—a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Later, embark on an evening game drive in the park’s northern sector. With luck, you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo grazing the savannah as the sun sets. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 10: Full-Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives, Nature Walk, and Boat Cruise)

Spend the entire day exploring Murchison Falls National Park, starting with a morning game drive. Traverse the park’s vast landscapes and witness diverse wildlife, including antelopes, warthogs, and large herds of elephants. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill and the rare shoebill stork.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile River, leading to the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks are teeming with wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Marvel at the falls’ sheer power from below, where the thunderous roar of the water resonates.

Conclude your 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari Day with a guided nature walk, offering a chance to connect with the park’s serene environment and learn more about its flora and fauna.

Accommodation Options:

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Murchison Falls National Park

Day 11: Morning Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for White Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Kampala City

After breakfast, depart for the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Accompanied by a 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari ranger guide, embark on a thrilling rhino tracking experience on foot. Learn about the conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing rhinos to Uganda’s national parks and watch these magnificent creatures graze peacefully in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, proceed to Kampala City, Uganda’s vibrant capital. Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring Kampala’s bustling nightlife or relaxing after the day’s adventures.

Accommodation Options:

 

Day 12: Morning Shoebill Stork Tracking on a Canoe in Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Entebbe Airport

Start your final day with an early morning visit to Mabamba Swamp, a prime birdwatching destination near Entebbe. Board a traditional canoe and paddle through the serene waterways in search of the elusive shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking bird that draws birders from around the world. Along the way, spot other waterbirds like kingfishers, herons, and jacanas.

After this tranquil experience, return to your lodge for a fresh lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home, concluding your unforgettable 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari with Winton Africa Safaris.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

Africa Wildlife Safari Experience

End of 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari

This comprehensive 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari guarantees diverse experiences, from primate encounters and cultural immersion to thrilling game drives and serene boat cruises. By choosing Winton Africa Safaris, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

For inquiries, bookings, and customizations, contact us:

 

12 Days Rwanda Uganda Adventure Safari Quotation Based on a Group of 6 Persons Sharing

Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
1 Person Sharing US$4,890 US$5,368 US$7,894
Total of 6 Persons Sharing US$29,340 US$32,208 US$47,364