The Only 2 Weeks Uganda And Rwanda Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

A Complete 2 Weeks Uganda And Rwanda Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the group guesthouse. A transfer from Entebbe Airport is provided.

Upon reaching Entebbe, the guide or an agent from the local agency will be there to greet you. You will be given a ride to the nearby motel.

Day 2: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino trek and continue to Murchison Falls National Park.

We leave, driving north, after breakfast. On our way to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, we will drive via Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Just before lunchtime, we reach the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. At least nine more rhino calves have been born on this private reserve’s 7,000 acres since its establishment in 2004 with six rhinos. Collaborating with locals, the refuge hopes to protect rhinos and bolster the reintroduction effort. At the moment, this is the sole location in Uganda where rhinos may be found. Tragically, in 1982, they were hunted and poached to extinction in Uganda. The rhinos’ protection in the sanctuary is a top priority for the anti-poaching squad, who monitor them around the clock. The Southern White Rhinos will be visible on a foot journey when we arrive. On the day of our visit, our knowledgeable guides will lead us into the jungle to find the rhinos. These incredible, endangered creatures are on display for everybody to see in their own environment. Impressive and thrilling; what a way to kick off the journey! After our afternoon at the park, we hit the road again, this time heading north to the National Park of Murchison Falls. Park of Murchison Falls Overnight

Estimated travel time: 4 hours from Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls.

Day 3: A full day at Murchison Falls National Park. Morning game drive and afternoon boat ride.

In order to maximise the likelihood of seeing wildlife on our morning game drive in the park, we have breakfast early. Located in one of Uganda’s oldest and most well-known parks, Murchison Falls National Park is home to the world-famous waterfalls formed as the Nile River winds its way down a tight canyon. The park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, waterbucks, topi, lions, and antelopes (including the Uganda Kob). From vast savannah grasslands to the delta, our game drive takes us through tranquil and picturesque scenery. We take it easy during the midday heat before taking a three-hour boat ride down the Nile to the beautiful Murchison Falls in the afternoon. We anticipate seeing buffalo, giraffes, and elephants along the riverbanks, as well as hippos, a variety of water birds, and the Nile crocodile in the river itself. While out on the water this afternoon, we could even spot the endangered shoe-billed stork. Our return to the lodge is scheduled for late afternoon. Spend the night in the park surrounding Murchison Falls.

Day 4: Transfer southwest to Kibale National Park. Overnight at guest farm near Fort Portal.

We will be driving through the Rift Valley Escarpment in Uganda on our way to Kibale National Park today, which is a long transfer. As we continue southwest, parallel to Lake Albert, much of our journey will be along savannahs and through smaller parks and reserves. We go through a patchwork of rural communities, each with its own unique colour palette—from the brightly coloured clothing of the locals to the diverse shades of green and brown found in the verdant farms and forests we traverse. As we go along this road, we’ll pass numerous roadside markets where we may buy local produce, chat with locals, and experience life in Uganda. Among the most significant forms of farming are banana and tea plantations. We check into our accommodations in Fort Portal, the final hamlet before Kibale National Park. The guest farm where we are staying has bungalows that are completely independent, and it is located outside of town in a really tranquil area. A family of grey vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and a plethora of birds call the miniature rain forest in the gardens home. While here, we may unwind for the afternoon, swim in the pool, and then stroll in the forest for a little before enjoying some pre-dinner cocktails while gazing at the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The night spent outside Fort Portal.

Time spent driving: about eight hours

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

We have an early breakfast and then make the brief journey south through scenic terrain, with a series of breathtaking crater lakes as our backdrop. Our entry point to Kibale Forest National Park, a sanctuary for about a dozen primate species, is the Kanyancu Reception Centre, which is only 30 kilometres (20 miles) away. Here you can find galagos, red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and more. But the hundreds of chimpanzees are what really make Kibale a must-visit. A two- or three-hour guided walk through the woodland will begin after a briefing. In most cases, you may find the chimpanzees munching on fruit from atop one of the enormous fig trees. In addition to an abundance of birds and butterflies, Kibale Forest is home to a sizable population of elephants. We spend the afternoon exploring the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of monkey species as well as occasional visits from the neighbouring Kibale Chimpanzee. The Great Blue Turaco, a bird known for its brilliant blue and yellow plumage, black moustache, and yellow beak, is one of the many bird species that call this place home. We are planning to visit the neighbourhood this afternoon, if time permits. We stop at a school and have conversations with the locals as we stroll around a village. After that, we will return to the hotel close to Fort Portal. The night spent outside Fort Portal.

Day 6: Cross over the Equator and drive to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Evening game drive.

We go to Queen Elizabeth National Park after crossing the Equator, where we pause to take pictures at the sign. We begin our two-night stay at the lodge upon our arrival in the afternoon, after which we go on a game drive.

The drive should take around two or three hours.

Day 7: Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Morning game drive, afternoon boat trip.

In order to go on a game drive in the park, we need to get up early today. By exploring different areas of the park, we hope to spot a wide variety of animals, including the park’s most famous residents: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, topi, waterbuck, gigantic forest hogs, and Uganda kobs. Following a lunch break, we will embark on a motor launch excursion down the Kazinga/Mweya Channel, a natural canal connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This will provide us with an unparalleled opportunity to observe the abundant bird and animal species up close. Elephants, crocodiles, and hippos will all be making personal appearances. Legend has it that it is home to more hippos than any other place on Earth! Pelicans, saddlebill storks, fish eagles, African skimmers, and the crowned crane—the national bird of Uganda—are among the bird species. It was an incredible event, and it may have been the best part of the entire journey. Our next stop is back at the lodge. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, spend the night.

Day 8: Transfer to Ishasha to see the famous tree climbing lions. Overnight in a nearby hotel.

Our journey to the park’s southernmost region begins after breakfast, when we check out of the lodge. Ishasha, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions, is our destination now. One of the two lion groups that does this daily is in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. No one knows for sure why they do it, although it’s easier to spot them in the trees than in the grass, so maybe it’s to escape the tsetse flies on the ground or to escape the heat and find a breeze. In the afternoons, you can see them dozing off on the branches or gazing out at the grazing Kob on the plains. Such majestic and lovely wild creatures are lions. They exude an air of elegance and mystery; perhaps we will be able to spot them among the trees. Nearby, we have checked into a hotel. Ishasha, spend the night.

Not including the journey to the game, the drive should take around three hours.

Day 9: Travelling south we arrive at Lake Bunyonyi – one of the loveliest places in Uganda.

‘Place with numerous little birds’ is the literal translation of Lake Bunyonyi, which the locals know as the most picturesque spot in all of Uganda. We travel through an area characterised by numerous agricultural terraces that encircle the highlands of Uganda. “Switzerland of Africa” is the name given to this region. There is no lake in Africa that is deeper than this one. Depending on our rest stops, we may have some downtime at our lodgings. Guests can unwind in style at these first-rate lodgings, which feature a swimming pool with a view of the lake. We are excited to begin our gorilla tracking tomorrow from this location. Bunyonyi overnight.

About three to four hours of driving time

Day 10: The big day – Mountain Gorilla Tracking. Awesome.

Many things these days are said to be “once in a lifetime experiences,” but I’m telling you, today is going to be one of them. One of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on the planet must be tracking mountain gorillas. You may anticipate a challenging day with a hike that lasts anywhere from two to six hours, but the payoff is substantial. An hour can fly by when we find the gorillas and settle in to quietly observe them. Accompanied by knowledgeable rangers, we will be led to the gorillas and given information about them and the other wildlife. Your guide will take you to the spot where the gorilla family was last seen, and from there you can follow them as they forage in the forest. Because these gorillas don’t stick to trails, the landscape may be quite challenging. Of course, it can be an entirely new experience; we simply want to be ready for the worst case scenario, which includes the possibility of rain and mud; these gorillas might not be very helpful. Do yourself a favour and wear long trousers, gloves and sleeves. If you anticipate a lengthy trek, it is wise to bring food and drink. Once we locate our gorillas, we will have one hour to spend with them. As they lay in the sun, brushing each other and munching on bamboo, gorillas are noticeably less noisy than chimps. An enchanted journey. Bunyonyi overnight.

Day 11: Drive to the border and cross into Rwanda, continue to Ruhengeri and Kinigi.

We are leaving Uganda and entering Rwanda today. The border is about an hour away by car. An renowned statue of a family of three gorillas flanks the words “We warmly welcome you” on Rwanda’s first sign, which is visible after passing the paperwork. ‘Land of Thousand Hills’ is a popular nickname for Rwanda. As we press on with our journey today, the scenery is quite breathtaking. Ruhengeri/Musanze, the town we’re heading to, is about another hour away, and then we’ll continue on to Kinigi, the town after that. Virunga Volcanoes National Park is accessed through this region. A picturesque backdrop to this African hamlet can be found in the thickly forested highlands. We can spend the afternoon at a market, where the stalls are brightly coloured, and maybe pick up some souvenirs. Kinigi Overnight

Drive Time: About two to three hours

Day 12: Options today. Gorilla Tracking, Dian Fossey tombs, Golden monkeys or Mt Bisoke. Drive to Gisenyi.

One of our choices today is to go gorilla tracking again, which will cost more and require an additional permission (for more information on this, see “spending money”). A 120 km2 section of the Virunga Conservation Area is Volcanoes National Park. About three hundred and eighty mountain gorillas call this region home. Paths might range from three to eight hours in length. Once more, we are escorted by skilled trackers as we ascend into the bamboo zone, where the terrain may be challenging—sometimes steep, muddy, and requiring us to crawl or bend over vegetation. The tombs of renowned gorilla researcher Dian Fossey are an option if we’d like to see anything new today. This hike should take around two hours. Going to view habituated golden monkeys is another nature option; it’s a unique and exciting sight. While this tracking experience is comparable to that of gorillas, the terrain is typically somewhat easier. The golden monkeys, in contrast to the families of gorillas, are active and restless when we locate them in the trees. Mount Bisoke (3711 m) is a possible walk if we’re in a particularly enthusiastic mood. It will take about 6-8 hours of trekking on this steep and perhaps muddy climb. Even though the peak is frequently shrouded in clouds, it offers breathtaking vistas and a crater lake at its peak. There will be an extra charge for all of today’s optional activities. Due to high demand, gorilla tracking on this particular day must be reserved in advance. Make sure to reserve in advance to avoid any disappointment. We will make the one- or two-hour journey on Lake Kivu to Gisenyi in the afternoon. Our last night in Rwanda will be spent in this charming town, which is both historically significant and aesthetically pleasing. Sleeping close to Gisenyi.

About three hours of driving time

Day 13: Lake Kivu, Gisenyi and the singing fishermen.

This stunning location is ours to explore for the day. We can go on a boat excursion or maybe even launch kayaks into the water. As they paddle out onto the lake in their charming boats, the fishermen set sail in the late afternoon, serenading themselves with song. Being on the sea during their performance is an unforgettable experience. We can go into Gisenyi, a town beside the lake, during the day. The market is a great place to pick up some Rwandan specialities like coffee and tea, which would make great souvenirs.

Day 14: Transfer to Kigali, city tour. Depart from Kigali Airport.

Proceed to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, via transfer (about 3–4 hours). As we go around this vibrant city, our guide fills us in on Rwanda’s history, from its turbulent past to the present day, illuminating the country’s turbulent past. The lovely metropolis spans four mountains and the valleys that connect them. We have the Genocide Museum among us. We will be transferring to Kigali Airport later on.

End of the 2 Weeks Uganda And Rwanda Itinerary 

Inclusions

• A professional and qualified wildlife guide
• Uganda Gorilla tracking permit
• Specialist Gorilla tracking guide and team
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Entebbe Airport transfer
• Single timed transfer in Kigali
• All accommodation as described
• Meals as described in the Meal Plan
• Park Fees
• Transfers in 4WD vehicle with pop-up roof for game drives

Inclusions

• Travel insurance
• Ugandan and Rwanda Visa
• Optional activities in Virunga
• Optional Rwanda Gorilla permit in Virunga
• Tips for local staff
• Departure tax if applicable
• Miscellaneous expenses – drinks and souvenirs etc