The Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Jinja, stopping at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and Mabira Forest. In Jinja, the source of the Nile at Ripon Falls awaits. Here, embark on an exhilarating white water rafting adventure, navigating through the challenging rapids under expert guidance. This thrilling experience combines adventure with the natural beauty of the Nile. Conclude your day with a relaxing stay at Gately on the Nile, Sunset Hotel, or Hotel Triangle, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse national park. En route, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Kampala. Upon arrival, be captivated by the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge. Spend your evening relaxing and dining at Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Camp, or Red Chili Camp, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty and the soothing sounds of the wilderness.

Rise early for a game drive in the park’s Northern Nile Delta circuit, a hotspot for wildlife. Look out for leopards, Jackson’s hartebeests, and large herds of Uganda Kobs. The area’s abundant wildlife also attracts lions. Bird enthusiasts will delight in sightings of rare species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill and shoebill. The day concludes with a mesmerizing boat trip on the Nile River, offering close encounters with hippos, elephants, and the grandeur of Murchison Falls. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Camp, or Red Chili Camp, providing a serene retreat in the heart of the park.

Depart from Murchison Falls and embark on an 8-hour drive to Semuliki National Park. The journey takes you through Masindi and Hoima, offering picturesque views of Lake Albert. On arrival, delve into a unique night game drive, where you might spot rare nocturnal creatures such as genet and serval cats. This experience highlights the park’s diverse wildlife, including white-tailed mongoose and various nocturnal birds. Rest at Semuliki Safari Lodge or Rwenzori Guest View House, enjoying the serene ambiance of this remote wilderness.

After breakfast, venture to the Sempaya Hot Springs, an extraordinary natural spectacle where hot water gushes from the earth at high temperatures. This geothermal marvel is surrounded by lush tropical forests, offering a unique ecological experience. Optionally, take a boat trip on Lake Albert, providing clear views of the Rwenzori Mountains and a rich birdlife, including the shoebill. The day can also include a visit to the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, home to primates and numerous bird species. Overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge, where you can unwind in the heart of nature’s splendor.

Embark on a journey to Kibale National Park, renowned for its diverse primate population. The drive offers breathtaking views of Lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, engage in an afternoon of chimpanzee tracking, an opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Alongside chimpanzees, spot other primates like the gray-cheeked mangabey and olive baboons. Overnight at Primates Lodge, Crater Valley Resort, or Mountains of the Moon Hotel, providing comfort amid the lush landscapes of Kibale.

The journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a marvel of biodiversity and landscape. Driving through the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley, you’ll witness the fusion of Lake George and Lake Edward. The park, lying at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, offers a magnificent blend of savannah, wetlands, and forest. An evening game drive in the Mweya Peninsula reveals a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species. The day also includes a visit to the salt mining town of Katwe, showcasing unique crater lakes. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or Simba Safari Lodge, where you’ll relax amidst the serene wilderness.

Begin with a morning game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats. Expect to see an array of wildlife, such as Uganda Kob, topi, and Cape buffaloes, alongside a rich birdlife, including Cassin’s gray flycatcher and black bee-eater. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an enchanting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This cruise offers an intimate experience with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds like flamingos and pelicans. The day ends with a return to Mweya Safari Lodge, a peaceful retreat after a day full of natural wonders.

Your day begins with a nature walk in the serene Maramagambo Forest. Revel in the forest’s tranquility and the symphony of bird songs. After absorbing the calm of the forest, you’ll journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures and a biodiversity hotspot. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or Lake Kitandara Lodge, nestled amidst the dense forest, offering a perfect setting to prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.

An early start leads to a lifetime experience: gorilla tracking in Bwindi. This intimate encounter allows you to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their behaviors and social structures. The trek through the forest is an adventure in itself, immersing you in the lush greenery and vibrant ecosystem of Bwindi. Post trekking, explore local trails or visit the community to engage with the culture. Your day ends at the lodge, reflecting on this profound wildlife encounter.

After breakfast in the heart of Bwindi, embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This journey is graced with rolling hills and stunning landscapes, offering a glimpse into the rural life of Rwanda. Upon arrival, the lush, green vistas of the park greet you, a haven for mountain gorillas. Spend your evening at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, enjoying the serene atmosphere and preparing for another exceptional gorilla tracking experience.

An early start in Volcanoes National Park promises an unforgettable gorilla tracking experience. Trek through the dense forest with expert guides to find these majestic creatures, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. The tracking might take a considerable part of the day, offering a deeply immersive experience in the wild. Optionally, visit Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake, for its serene beauty. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and reflection on the day’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Begin your day with an invigorating trek in search of the vibrant golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, renowned for hosting the highest number of these rare primates in Africa. Alternatively, embark on a historical hike to the final resting place of Dian Fossey, the legendary primatologist dedicated to the conservation of mountain gorillas. Later in the day, journey to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, encircled by lush, terraced hills. This picturesque lake, dotted with 29 islands, offers a serene escape. Settle in for a peaceful night at the Bunyonyi Eco Resort, where the gentle sounds of nature and the panoramic views provide a perfect end to the day.

Awake to the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, known as the ‘Place of Many Little Birds‘. Embark on a captivating boat cruise, exploring its various islands, including the historic Punishment Island. Discover the poignant stories of this island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned as a cultural sanction. In the afternoon, your adventure continues to Lake Mburo National Park, a gem with rich biodiversity, including zebras, impalas, elands, and numerous bird species. Overnight at Mihingo Lodge, an eco-friendly luxury retreat harmoniously blending into the surrounding landscape, offering an unspoiled view of the park’s diverse wildlife.

Your final day begins with an exciting game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Marvel at the ‘impalas’, unique to this region, and the elegant Burchell’s zebras grazing the savannah. Keep an eye out for elusive lions and leopards, adding thrill to your safari. The park’s wetlands also offer a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species like the African finfoot and Abyssinian ground hornbill. Conclude your journey with a tranquil boat trip, providing up-close encounters with hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Bid farewell to the wild as you return to Kampala, enriched with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s natural wonders.