14-Day Big 5 Safari & Gorilla Trekking – Uganda & Rwanda
This 14-day adventure safari takes you through the best of Uganda and Rwanda, blending thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to witnessing the Big Five in Uganda’s premier national parks, this journey promises an unforgettable safari experience.
The adventure begins in Entebbe, Uganda, and concludes in Kigali, Rwanda, offering an immersive exploration of East Africa’s most iconic destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda!
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a safari briefing and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Boma Guest House | Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Trekking Stop
After breakfast, drive northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking experience. After lunch in Masindi, continue to your lodge, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you may spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and more. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. A short hike to the top of the falls provides a spectacular view of the Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Depart Murchison Falls and travel to Kibale National Park, passing through scenic tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional villages. Arrive at your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops | Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Join expert trackers for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,400 chimpanzees and other primates like red-tailed monkeys and colobus monkeys. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you’ll find a variety of birds and butterflies.
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops | Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the stunning Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, embark on an evening game drive for a chance to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. Later in the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and over 550 bird species.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel to Ishasha, a sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy game drives searching for these unique predators and other wildlife, before relaxing at your lodge in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge | Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After a final morning game drive in Ishasha, continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing through the scenic Kigezi Highlands. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort | Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, hike through Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants before returning to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort | Meals: Full Board
Day 11: Transfer to Rwanda – Gisenyi & Lake Kivu
Cross the border into Rwanda, stopping at the Dian Fossey Museum for insights into gorilla conservation efforts. Continue to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, for a peaceful evening by the water.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide | Meals: Full Board
Day 12: Relax & Optional Activities at Lake Kivu
Spend a relaxed day at Lake Kivu, choosing from optional activities such as swimming, a boat ride, or simply sunbathing by the shore. The lake’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide | Meals: Full Board
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour
Travel to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for a city tour featuring visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Butare Museum, and local markets. If time permits, explore artisan shops before checking in at your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Urban by City Blue | Meals: Full Board
Day 14: Departure – Flight from Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Uganda & Rwanda adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Includes
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- Accommodation (based on per-person sharing)
- Park entrance fees
- Boat cruises & game drives
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person
- Bottled mineral water
Tour Excludes
• International flights & visas
• Travel insurance
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (drinks, tips, calls, etc.)
• Optional activities