20 days Rwanda and Uganda Experience

Day notes

Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own pace, giving you time to stretch your legs, soak in the surroundings, and get your first taste of Rwanda’s charm before the adventure begins.

Day notes

In the morning, you’ll explore Kigali, taking in the city’s vibrant streets and history, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial Museum, a moving and powerful experience that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s past.

In the afternoon, it’s time to trade the cityscape for the wilds of Akagera National Park, as you drive through the rolling countryside toward your next adventure.

Day notes

In the morning, it’s time for a game drive in Akagera National Park. With a knowledgeable guide at the wheel, you’ll ride in a 4WD safari vehicle along the park tracks, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, buffalo, and even hyenas. The early hours are perfect for spotting wildlife as they stir and move across the savannah.

In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to the water with a boat cruise on one of Akagera’s serene lakes. Drift along as the sun sets, casting golden light over the landscape, while hippos, crocodiles, and cormorants go about their business. Your guide will point out the highlights and share stories of the park’s wildlife, making this a relaxing yet unforgettable way to experience Akagera from a whole new perspective.

Day notes

Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the country’s last stronghold for savannah-adapted wildlife. The park stretches across rolling highlands, acacia-studded plains, swamp-fringed lakes, and the wetlands of the Kagera River, creating a patchwork of habitats bursting with life. Here, crocodiles and hippos wallow in the water, predators prowl the acacia groves, and elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and countless other animals roam freely across the grasslands. With hundreds of bird species and a rich variety of mammals, Akagera is a paradise for wildlife lovers and birders alike.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, just a stone’s throw from Volcanoes National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The lodge is a sanctuary in itself, with 23 private cottages, each with its own fireplace, built from sustainable local materials like bamboo. Enjoy the comforts of free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and soft drinks, and soak in the calm, forested surroundings as you prepare for your gorilla adventure.

Day notes

The morning kicks off with a Golden Monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park, a magical experience for wildlife lovers. After a quick briefing at the Kinigi park headquarters, you’ll set off through lush bamboo forests, with the Virunga Mountains as your backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful endangered golden monkeys — watch them climb trees, munch on bamboo shoots, and interact in their lively groups. It’s a chance to witness these vibrant primates in their natural playground, an adventure that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb. Trek through the forest along the paths once walked by the famous primatologist herself, taking in stunning views and the sounds of the forest. Along the way, you might spot birds, forest hogs, forest elephants, and a variety of other primates, making it both a moving and wildlife-rich experience that connects you to Rwanda’s incredible natural and scientific heritage.

Day notes

Today is a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. Sit back and enjoy the rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and charming villages that pass by as you make your way to one of Uganda’s most serene and picturesque lakes. Once you arrive, take a deep breath and soak in the stunning views, knowing a peaceful evening by the water awaits.

Day notes

This morning, it’s time to take to the waters of Lake Bunyonyi for a tranquil canoe ride. Glide across the calm lake, drift past misty islands, and watch for birds and wildlife along the way. With the serene landscape all around you, it’s the perfect way to start the day slowly and soak in the beauty of one of Uganda’s most enchanting lakes.

Day notes

Today you leave the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and drive toward Buhoma Gorilla Camp, your gateway to the misty mountains of Bwindi. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with a Batwa Experience. Meet the Batwa community, learn about their traditions, and explore the Batwa Craft Banda, where you can see their incredible handiwork and maybe even try your hand at some crafting yourself. It’s a perfect mix of culture, creativity, and connection before the gorilla adventure begins.

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a short drive of about an hour from Amasiko to the gorilla briefing point. Here, the park rangers will give you all the tips and instructions you need before stepping into the misty forest for one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Then the adventure begins: the search for the Mountain Gorillas! How long the trek lasts is anyone’s guess — it depends on the weather, how far the gorillas are, and the pace of the group. On average, expect 2 to 4 hours of hiking through the lush forest, every step bringing you closer to these magnificent, gentle giants.

Day notes

Today, after breakfast, you’ll set off for Topi Lodge, your base for exploring the famous Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, get ready for an exciting game drive, where the landscapes and wildlife of Ishasha come alive.

Topi Lodge is perfectly situated at the edge of Ishasha, just a short distance from the Southern Gate. The lodge offers spacious cottages with furnished verandas, cozy beds with mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms, along with a restaurant and solar power to keep things comfortable and eco-friendly.

Ishasha is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions, a truly unique sight. Here, lions lounge on the candelabra trees with wide branches, soaking up the sun from above the savannah. While lions in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara are also known to climb trees, spotting them there is much trickier — in Ishasha, these incredible cats are easier to find, making this game drive a rare and unforgettable experience.

Day notes

Today you’ll journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a drive of about 4 to 5 hours that winds through misty mountains and rolling hills before opening up onto the vast plains of the park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a game drive through the southern Ishasha sector, keeping your eyes peeled for the park’s most famous residents — the legendary tree-climbing lions, lounging lazily in the branches above the savannah. It’s a scenic and thrilling introduction to one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife regions.

Day notes

The day begins bright and early with a morning game drive, when the savannah is still waking up and the chances of spotting lions and other early risers are at their best. Keep your eyes wide — the park is home to several prides, and the thrill of seeing these majestic predators in action is unmatched.

Around 2 PM, it’s time to switch from wheels to water with a three-hour boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. Drift past hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of waterbirds while soaking in the stunning scenery. After this serene and wildlife-filled cruise, you’ll head to Bush Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day notes

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Kibale Forest National Park, a journey through lush landscapes and rolling hills. Once you arrive at the lodge, get ready for the highlight of the afternoon: the Chimpanzee trek at 1:00 PM. Step into the dense rainforest, listen carefully for the calls echoing through the trees, and follow your guide as you track these playful, mischievous primates in their natural habitat — an experience that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable.

Day notes

Today is a travel day from Kibale to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of about 5 to 7 hours, depending on the road conditions. Along the way, sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery — rolling hills, lush countryside, and glimpses of village life make the drive a scenic adventure in itself.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, ready to check in, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing dinner, recharging for the wildlife adventures that lie ahead.

Day notes

The day starts early, and you can even take your packed breakfast in the vehicle as you set off. After crossing the mighty Nile, it’s time to spot some wildlife! Murchison Falls is home to the largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes in Uganda, along with many other large mammals. In the delta, you’ll likely see herds grazing peacefully — and if you’re lucky, maybe even some predators like lions or leopards sneaking around.

The morning game drive wraps up around 11 AM, after which you’ll cross the Nile once more and have time to enjoy lunch and get ready for a boat ride on the legendary Nile — a chance to see the park from a whole new perspective!

Day notes

Today is a big travel day! You’ll leave the thundering Murchison Falls behind and make your way far north to one of Uganda’s most remote and stunning parks: Kidepo Valley National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through Gulu and Kitgum, stopping for lunch and a chance to stretch your legs. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, ready to unwind and soak in the wild beauty of this extraordinary corner of Uganda.

Day notes

Since Kidepo wakes up almost an hour earlier than the rest of Uganda, we’ll rise with the sun at 6:00 AM. After a warm cup of coffee or tea, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the park entrance, only 8 km from Buffalo Base.

Once inside, get ready to spot all kinds of wildlife while taking in the stunning scenery that makes Kidepo so special. Lunch can be enjoyed back at the lodge or as a packed meal right in the park. And because one game drive is never enough, the adventure continues with another afternoon drive, giving you even more chances to catch a glimpse of this wild wonderland.

Day notes

Today, it’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to the Churchill Courts Hotel Limited. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and get ready to arrive, check in, and relax at your next stop on this Ugandan adventure.

Day notes

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where the real adventure begins with an on-foot rhino trek. Feel the excitement as you walk through the sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Kampala, ready to unwind and reflect on a day full of wildlife and adventure.

Day notes

It’s your last day in Uganda! After a final breakfast and a few last moments to soak in the memories, your guide will drop you at Entebbe Airport for your flight home. Time to say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa — for now!