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16 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Length

16 Days

Destination

Uganda/Rwanda

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Contact Bird Uganda Safaris

Our team is ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Fill out the form below, call us directly, reach us via WhatsApp, or schedule a convenient video consultation.

Contact Bird Uganda Safaris

Our team is ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Fill out the form below, call us directly, reach us via WhatsApp, or schedule a convenient video consultation.

Main Trip Activity

Mountain gorilla trekking, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Chimpanzee tracking, Big Five wildlife, Rhino tracking, Boat cruises, Tree-climbing lions, Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi and Kigali city tour

Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees, Big Five Wildlife and Culture

This 16-day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, classic Big Five game drives, scenic boat cruises, and relaxing moments by Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu.

Designed for travelers seeking a deep and authentic African experience, this itinerary blends wildlife, primates, culture, and breathtaking scenery across Uganda and Rwanda.

Tour Highlights

Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Uganda and Rwanda)

Experience two unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. Bwindi Impenetrable Natioal park offers a raw, dense jungle encounter, while Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides easier terrain and scenic Virunga views. Spending one magical hour with a gorilla family is deeply emotional and life-changing.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Known as the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale Forest offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience in Africa. Watch chimps feed, groom, and communicate in their natural habitat.

Big Five and Tree-Climbing Lions

Enjoy classic African game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, with chances to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and Uganda kobs. The Ishasha sector is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

Boat Safaris

Cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls and the Kazinga Channel, home to dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Lakes & Relaxation

Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake, and later relax on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes.

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TREE CLIMBING LIONS

Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe / Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for rest and overnight.

Accommodation: Luxury / Mid-range / Budget
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on-foot rhino tracking experience. This stop completes Uganda’s Big Five experience. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Kabalega Wilderness / Red Chilli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Enjoy an early morning game drive across the savannah plains, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, followed by a hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park

Travel south-west to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species. Enjoy scenic countryside views and tea plantations along the way.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge / Kibale Safari Lodge / Chimpanzee Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Walk

Morning chimpanzee tracking after a briefing at park headquarters. Spend one hour observing chimps in the wild. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, famous for birds and primates.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Kasese with views of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon).

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Park View Lodge / Mweya Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Morning game drive in the crater lakes region, followed by an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing spots.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Sector

Transfer to Ishasha, famous for tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive searching for lions resting in fig trees.

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Jungle Lodge / River Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing local villages and terraced hills. Prepare for gorilla trekking.

Accommodation: Gorilla Resort / Silverback Lodge / Buhoma Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Early breakfast, then briefing before mountain gorilla trekking. Trek through dense forest until you find a gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing them.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi

Transfer to scenic Lake Bunyonyi. Relax by the lake or enjoy a peaceful canoe ride.

Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Bunyonyi Safari Lodge / Overland Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi – Rwanda Border – Volcanoes National Park

Cross into Rwanda and drive to the Volcanoes region near Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation: Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou / Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda OR Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

Choose between gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a Dian Fossey Tomb hike, learning about her legacy in gorilla conservation.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Volcanoes – Lake Kivu

Drive to Lake Kivu, stopping at lakeside towns. Relax by the beach and enjoy stunning sunset views.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena / Paradise Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Full Day Relaxation at Lake Kivu

A full leisure day at Gisenyi Beach. Optional boat rides and swimming.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Lake Kivu – Kigali City – Departure

Drive to Kigali, enjoy a short city tour if time allows, then transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast
End of Safari

What's Included

  • Gorilla permits (Uganda & Rwanda)
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale)
  • All park entrance fees
  • 4WD safari vehicle with fuel
  • English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • Game drives and boat cruises
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa
  • Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Lake Kivu visit
  • Kigali city tour
  • Full board accommodation (15 nights)
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottled drinking water

What's Excluded

  • International flights & visas
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Personal expenses & tips

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FAQs – 16 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Africa?

Yes. This itinerary is well-paced and guided, making it ideal for first-time safari travelers.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Moderate. Fitness helps, but porters are available, and treks vary in length.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking?

June–September and December–February are the best dry seasons.

Can this safari be customised?

Yes. Accommodation, activities, and travel pace can be tailored.

Is this safari suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Private and small-group options are available.

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