HomeUganda Tours from Kigali10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

10 DAYS RWANDA UGANDA SAFARI

Ten days allows you to undertake more than just a safari and design an all-inclusive Uganda and Rwanda experience. All these countries’ highlights are yours to relish, from Rwanda’s Capital of Kigali where history and culture comes to life, to the north-western Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking tours, to furthest reaches of south-western Uganda to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Volcano climbing and gorilla treks respectively. To cap up the experience, make a stop at Lake Bunyonyi shores for a wide range of watersports and adventures before exploring Lake Mburo National Park and ending the safari in Kampala City.

Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda is one of the gorilla trekking destinations with 12 habituated families and 96 gorilla permits available each day. This destination is also a wonderful place for tracking the golden monkeys, watching numerous Albertine Rift endemic bird species, hiking the highest Virunga Mountain and learning about the legacy of Dian Fossey.

Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are also phenomenal gorilla trekking destinations, although the latter also provides opportunities of tracking the endangered golden monkeys as well as hiking the Ugandan stretch of Virunga Volcanoes. The former has the World’s highest mountain gorilla numbers and habituated gorilla families.

A trip to Lake Mburo National Park introduces travellers to the most outstanding wildlife species such as klipspringers, Roan antelopes, Defassa waterbucks, impalas, giant elands, giraffes, Defassa waterbucks and many others. For visitors interested in world-class adventures, this is the perfect place to be because travellers can book quad biking tours, wilderness cycling/biking and horseback rides in the wilderness. However for our 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari, we explore the Park through game drives and boat rides.

Lake Bunyonyi in south-western Uganda is not just the second deepest Lake in Africa but also a wonderful relaxation spot providing guided nature walks, birding tours, rides on dug-out canoes, boat cruises, swimming, zip-lining and others. However for our 12 day tour, we call undertake boat rides only.

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Rwanda: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park: Road transfer from Kigali International Airport and tour of Musanze Town.

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking tour and Gorilla Guardian’s Village tours.

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park: Golden monkey tracking tours and drive to Kisoro Town.

Day 5: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Volcano climbing and optional Batwa Cultural tour.

Day 6: Bwindi: Rushaga Gorilla Trekking experience.

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi8: Depart for the astonishing second deepest Lake in Africa

Day 8: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park and boat cruise.

Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park: Horseback ride and game drives

Day 10: Kampala City: Leave Lake Mburo National Park.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Rwanda: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Welcome to beautiful Kigali! Renowned as “Africa’s cleanest City” and the “land of a thousand hills”, the capital City of Rwanda is popular for its historical and cultural hot spots dating back to pre-colonial and genocide times. This City is home to some of the most spectacular architectural designs, rich Museums and cultures for which Rwandans have self-indulgent zeal.

When you get to Kigali International Airport, our Company representative will take you to your place of lodging, with chances of recharging from the long journey. This will be the starting point for your safari and if are still energetic, take time to stroll through the secluded boulevards with extraordinary views.

Accommodation;
  • The Retreat or Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center (luxury).
  • Ubumwe Grande Hotel or Kigali Marriott Hotel (standard).
  • Kigali Diplomat Hotel or Kingfisher Resort (basic).
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park: Road transfer from Kigali International Airport

After a hearty breakfast, you will join a spellbinding tour for the overview of Kigali City, to trace back Rwanda’s history and culture. During the three to four-hour tour, you will stop by the top genocide memorial sites including Kigali Genocide Memorial center, the Art and Craft markets and local Kimironko market among others.

After the tour of Kigali City, stop by one of the top eateries to enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by some of the finest wines. After this experience, you will start the 3 hours’ journey to popular Volcanoes National Park, checking in at a Lodge within the outskirts of this Protected Area for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation;
  • Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge for upmarket.
  • La Palme Hotel or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge for standard.
  • Hotel Muhabura or Kinigi Guesthouse for basic.
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking tour and Gorilla Guardian’s Village tours

Today you will leave the Safari Lodge early in the morning (after breakfast) and travel to the Kinigi Park Headquarters. Attend the mandatory briefing and registration that begins by 7:00am, conducted by Park Rangers and thereafter get the chance to hire porters. During the guided walk that begins at 8:00am, enjoy sights and sounds of several primates, birds and possibly butterflies while entering deep into the forest.

Spend the better part of the day interacting and photographing the Giant Apes for a maximum of one hour. Here you will learn about different gorilla behavior and after this magnificent day of discovering the forest, walk back to the Park Headquarters. Show appreciation to the trekking team (Park Rangers, guides and porters) with tips and walk or drive back to the Lodge for lunch.

The afternoon is dedicated to touring Gorilla Guardian’s Village in banana beer brewing, cultural dance performances, visiting the traditional healer, visiting the blacksmith, joining the local women in preparing an tasting local cuisines, to mention but a few. After learning about different cultural practices, board the safari vehicle to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation;
  • Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge for upmarket.
  • La Palme Hotel or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge for standard.
  • Hotel Muhabura or Kinigi Guesthouse for basic.
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park: Golden monkey tracking tours and drive to Kisoro Town

In the morning, you will have another wonderful time in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park, this time to track the endangered Golden monkeys. Begin the day with breakfast at the Lodge and meet at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing before beginning the walk through the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes. Learn about their behavior, unique physical characteristics and this takes about 2-5 hours, including the one hour of interaction. Before entering the forest, first don hiking boots, lightweight and breathable rain jacket, gardening gloves, long safari pants, long-sleeved shirts and carry enough drinking water as well as energy giving snacks. After lunch, leave for Kisoro in south-western Uganda by crossing the Cyanika Border.

Accommodation;
  • Kisoro Tourist Hotel or Travellers Rest Hotel (standard).
  • Virunga Hotel and Campsite (basic).
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Volcano climbing and optional Batwa Cultural tour

After a finger-licking breakfast, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As you gain access into this magnificent safari destination, you will catch your first views of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes with densely forested slopes. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not only the home to Ugandan side of Virunga Volcanoes but the only place in the country where gold meets silver.

Climb one of the three Virunga Volcanoes (Gahinga, Sabyinyo or Muhabura) and this will take almost the entire day. Get the chance to admire a number of breathtaking natural features, animals and birds along the slopes. After an unforgettable day spend climbing the Virunga Volcano and watching different attractions, head back to the Lodge to enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation;
  • Kisoro Tourist Hotel or Travellers Rest Hotel (standard).
  • Virunga Hotel and Campsite (basic).
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Bwindi: Rushaga Gorilla Trekking experience

After getting served a hearty breakfast, the driver will pick you for the two-hour drive to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With clear skies, you will be treated to the iconic peaks of Virunga Volcanoes including the toothlike 3669-meter high Mount Sabyinyo. Back to Bwindi, it is regarded as the gorilla trekkers Paradise due to its high mountain gorilla population. On getting to the starting point, attend briefing and have the next 2-6 hours in the forest including trekking and viewing time. Have lunch at within the jungle in form of a picnic lunch and take after get checked into a Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation;
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge (luxury).
  • Chameleon Hill Lodge or Gorilla Hills Eco-Lodge Bwindi (standard).
  • Nshongi Camp or Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (basic).
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi: Depart for the astonishing second deepest Lake in Africa

Early in the morning check-out of the Lodge and take a ride to Lake Bunyonyi where you will relax and get more energized for the continuation of the safari. Drive through the winding roads while enjoying views of the rolling hills and get there by mid-morning. On arrival, embark on the boat that will cruise through the calm waters of Africa’s second deepest Lake. Stop by some of the popular Islands like Bucuranuka (upside and down), Akampene (punishment) and so many others. Unwind for the rest of the evening with sunset views, dinner and overnight at the Resort.

Accommodation;
  • Arcadia Cottages or Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi (upmarket).
  • Bunyonyi Safari Lodge or Bunyonyi Overland Resort (midrange).
  • Byoona Amagara Retreat or Bushara Island Camp (budget).
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park and boat cruise

Take the five-hour private ride to Lake Mburo National Park, via the beautiful sceneries and get to Igongo Cultural Center for Lunch. Spend the afternoon cruising through the Park’s largest Lake. Check-out the shores for Hippos and crocodiles in addition to a number of bird species. However while driving to the shores of the Lake, a number of animals especially impalas, Topis, cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, Olive baboons and vervet monkeys will be sighted. Cool off with a dip into the swimming pool and recharge with dinner at the Lodge.

Accommodation;
  • Kigambira Safari Lodge or Mihingo Lodge upmarket).
  • Leopard Rest Camp or Rwakobo Rock Lodge (standard).
  • Rwonyo Rest Camp and Bandas or Eagle’s Nest Camp.
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park: Horseback ride and game drives

Our 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari is like no other and for this day, you will have breakfast and meet at Mihingo Safari Lodge (for visitors staying in other accommodation facilities) for the briefing and start of horseback ride. Situated in western Uganda, Lake Mburo is the only National Park providing this ride and here travellers ride through the wilderness while spotting different animal species. Spot different animals especially Burchell’s zebras, Cape buffaloes, giant elands, bushbucks, Topis, duikers, impalas, warthogs, to mention but a few.

In the afternoon, board the vehicle for the game drive through Lake Mburo National Park with more sights and sounds of the animals and this goes on until evening. From here, you will drive back to your Lodge for meals and slumber.

Accommodation;
  • Kigambira Safari Lodge or Mihingo Lodge upmarket).
  • Leopard Rest Camp or Rwakobo Rock Lodge (standard).
  • Rwonyo Rest Camp and Bandas or Eagle’s Nest Camp.
Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Kampala City: Leaving Lake Mburo National Park and ending the safari to Rwanda and Uganda.

Having experienced the numerous Uganda and Rwanda highlights, you will be picked-up and driven to the Airport (Entebbe) and take a flight back home.

What’s included on our 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari?

  • Gorilla permits for Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks.
  • Volcano climbing permits.
  • Golden monkey tracking permits.
  • Relevant Government taxes.
  • Bottled water.
  • Transport by 4X4 safari vehicle.
  • Entry into the National Parks, Museums and other outstanding tourist sites.
  • 9 nights’ accommodation.
  • Meals per the itinerary.
  • Boat rides.
  • Game drives.
  • Services of a professional driver guide.
  • Fuel fees.
  • Driver allowances.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

What’s not included on our 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari

  • Visa fees.
  • Gratuities to Lodge staff, porters, waiters/waitresses, Park Rangers and the safari driver.
  • Porter fees.
  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Laundry fees.
  • Telephone calls, and many others.