10-Day Uganda & Rwanda - Gorillas, Wildlife & Volcanoes

Lake Victoria Adventure & Search for the Dinosaur

Day 1Lake Victoria Adventure & Search for the Dinosaur Lake Victoria Adventure & Search for the Dinosaur Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your private guide. You'll head to the shores of Lake Victoria for a shoebill trek, where you’ll first board a motorboat. Then, you'll switch to a local community canoe to reach the heart of the swamp. Here, you’ll search for the legendary shoebill — a rare, dinosaur-like bird found only in a few parts of Africa. After the trek, you'll continue your journey in a safari Land Cruiser, comfortably equipped for road travel and fitted with tablets offering movies for the drive. You'll arrive at Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary, check in to your lodge, and relax — rhinos often roam close to the accommodation, offering close encounters right from your doorstep. Main Destination: Mabamba Swamp (Uganda) Best Time To Go August to September and December to February (Best for spotting shoebill) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - Guest House Budget guest house located in Ziwa Rhino Ranch (Uganda) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 2Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary You'll start your day with a rare and unforgettable experience — tracking rhinos on foot in the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. This guided walking experience, led by expert rangers, allows you to approach these endangered giants safely and observe them at close range in their natural environment. After the trek, you'll continue your journey north to Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. As you drive through the savannah, keep your eyes open — wildlife like giraffes, elephants, and antelopes are often seen even before you reach the lodge. Main Destination: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (Uganda) Best Time To Go June to August and December to February (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather Accommodation: Ikorom Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge in Pakwach (Town, Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Game Drive and River Nile Safari

Day 3Morning Game Drive and River Nile Safari Morning Game Drive and River Nile Safari You'll start your day with a morning game drive as you search for the rest of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Wildlife is very diverse here, with good chances of spotting giraffes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, hyenas, and warthogs. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a boat safari along the Nile, the longest river in the world, heading upstream to the base of Murchison Falls — the most powerful waterfall on the planet. You'll watch as the entire Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge before crashing 43 meters down with incredible force. Along the way, you'll enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks. Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda) Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures) Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon GiraffeCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant Show more LeopardOccasional White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Ikorom Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Murchison Falls NP (Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hyenas and the World's Most Powerful Waterfall

Day 4Hyenas and the World's Most Powerful Waterfall Hyenas and the World's Most Powerful Waterfall You'll start the day with a final drive through Murchison Falls National Park. Early morning offers great chances to spot hyenas and other wildlife, so keep your camera ready. Your last stop in the park is the top of Murchison Falls — where the entire Nile surges through a 7-meter gap in the rock. The sound, the spray, and the sheer force make this one of Africa’s most dramatic natural sights. From here, you'll head south toward Kibale. The landscape shifts quickly — from dry savannah to lush hills blanketed in tea plantations. You'll check in at the lodge and rest after the journey. Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda) Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge Mid-range guest house just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) +2 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibale Adventure

Day 5Kibale Adventure Kibale Adventure You'll start your day by choosing one of several enriching experiences around Kibale: You'll visit a local tea plantation. You'll discover how Uganda’s tea is grown and processed. Walk through the fields, meet the pickers, and even try harvesting leaves yourself. You'll have a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run project offers more than nature. You'll learn about traditional coffee making, medicinal plants, local crafts, and how banana beer and gin are brewed. You'll hike to nearby crater lakes. A scenic walk through lush terrain leading to serene volcanic lakes with stunning views. After your chosen activity, you'll continue your adventure to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain) Wildlife in Kibale NP ChimpanzeeCommon ElephantOccasional BuffaloOccasional LionVery Rare LeopardVery Rare HippoRare Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Safari Game Drive & Kazinga Boat Safari

Day 6Safari Game Drive & Kazinga Boat Safari Safari Game Drive & Kazinga Boat Safari Wake up early for an exhilarating morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises, watch the savannah come alive with elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing in the golden light. The thrill of possibly encountering lions or leopards adds an element of anticipation, making this safari a truly unforgettable experience. After lunch, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Glide through the water, witnessing massive pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and a stunning variety of birdlife, from majestic African fish eagles to playful kingfishers. Elephants and buffaloes often gather at the water’s edge, providing fantastic opportunities for close-up photography. Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant LeopardOccasional Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals incl

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Day 7Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest This morning, you’ll start with chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest, a scenic reserve known for its wild chimpanzee population. With the help of experienced local guides, you’ll track a chimp group and, once found, spend up to one hour observing their behavior in the wild. It's a raw, unfiltered wildlife experience that gives real insight into how these primates live. After embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and rural villages along the way. Main Destination: Kalinzu Forest Reserve (Chimps) Best Time To Go January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (But it’s seldom busy) Best Weather Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge Budget lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 8Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today, you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, you'll set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment. This is the highlight of any trip to Uganda and an experience that leaves a lasting impression. After the trek, you will continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone CheetahNone BuffaloNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Itambira Island Resort Mid-range hotel located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Bunyonyi & Journey to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Day 9Lake Bunyonyi & Journey to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Lake Bunyonyi & Journey to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda You'll start your day at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most tranquil and picturesque locations. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, it offers the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful morning. Afterward, you'll continue your journey to Volcanoes National Park, a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. You'll arrive at your lodge near the park, where you can relax and settle in, preparing for the incredible experience that awaits. Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) Accommodation: La Palme Hotel Mid-range hotel in Ruhengeri (City, Rwanda) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike

Day 10Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike Today’s adventure offers two unforgettable experiences in Volcanoes National Park. You can choose to track the vibrant and energetic Golden Monkeys, known for their striking orange-gold coats and playful nature. Found only in a few places in the world, these rare primates leap through the lush greenery of the Virunga Mountains in large, lively troops—making for an incredible sight and a dream for photographers and wildlife lovers alike. Alternatively, you may opt for a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, a powerful and moving journey through the forest to the resting place of the legendary primatologist. Along the way, you'll learn about her tireless work to protect mountain gorillas and the legacy she left behind in these misty mountains. Afterwards, you'll begin your drive to Kigali, where your guide will drop you off at the airport or your selected hotel, wrapping up your unforgettable adventure. Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier) High Season June to September (Permits are scarce) Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot) Wildlife in Volcanoes NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeNone ElephantRare BuffaloRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone Show more GiraffeNone LionNone LeopardNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drink