Best Of Rwanda & Uganda Wildlife & Culture
This 10-day cross-border expedition by Tarec Gorilla Safaris is the ultimate East African adventure, designed for those who want to see it all. Spanning the "Pearl of Africa" (Uganda) and the "Land of a Thousand Hills" (Rwanda), this itinerary offers a perfect balance of primate trekking, classic savanna game drives, and poignant cultural encounters.
From the thunderous Murchison Falls and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the misty gorilla sanctuaries of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, every day is a new chapter in an epic African story.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your Tarec Gorilla Safaris guide. We begin our journey north, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to track white rhinos on foot. Continue to Murchison Falls for a relaxing evening.
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Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge.
Day 2: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Start with an early game drive to spot lions, giraffes, elephants, and Cape buffalo. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of the falls, where the Nile is squeezed through a 7-meter gorge. Optionally, hike to the "Top of the Falls" for a thunderous view of the world's most powerful waterfall.
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Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest (The Primate Capital)
Enjoy a scenic full-day drive through the Albertine Rift. We pass through lush tea plantations and local homesteads in Fort Portal, arriving at the edge of the Kibale rain forest in the late afternoon.
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Overnight: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp
Enter the jungle to track wild chimpanzees. Kibale is home to 13 primate species, making it the best place in Africa for primate viewing. In the afternoon, take a community-led walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see rare birds and monkeys.
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Overnight: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, embark on a launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, along with elephants bathing on the shores.
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Overnight: Enganzi Game Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 6: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
As we head south, we transit through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions that lounge in massive fig trees. After a game drive, we continue our ascent into the Kigezi Highlands toward Bwindi.
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Overnight: Mahogany Springs / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (Uganda)
The moment of a lifetime. Trek through the dense "Impenetrable" forest to find a family of Mountain Gorillas. Spend an hour just feet away from these gentle giants before returning to the lodge for a celebratory evening.
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Overnight: Mahogany Springs / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 8: Cross Border to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Bid farewell to Uganda as we drive through the Cyanika or Katuna border into Rwanda. The scenery shifts to the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif. Spend the afternoon at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan dance and heritage.
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Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Twin Lakes
Enter Volcanoes National Park for a lively encounter with the endangered Golden Monkeys, known for their playful nature and striking orange coats. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for spectacular photography opportunities.
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Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 10: Kigali City Tour & Departure
Drive to Kigali, Africa’s cleanest city. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the country’s resilience. Enjoy a final lunch at a local restaurant before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
| Included | Excluded |
| Uganda Gorilla Permit ($800) | International Flights |
| Chimpanzee Trekking Permit | East African Tourist Visa ($100) |
| Golden Monkey Permit | Tips and Gratuities |
| 4x4 Private Safari Vehicle & Guide | Personal Travel Insurance |
| Full-board Accommodation & Meals | Alcoholic Beverages |
| All Park & Border Crossing Fees | Items of a Personal Nature |
Book Your Uganda Rwanda Safari Today
Our expert team at Tarec Gorilla Safaris is ready to tailor this journey to your specific interests. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on the memories. Contact us now by emailing to info@tarecgorillasafaris.com or calling (US): +1-643-63476374