18 Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Paramount Gorilla Expeditions guide. Transfer to your preferred hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. If your flight schedule permits, we offer an introductory city tour of Kampala. Explore the vibrant streets, visit the historic Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or the majestic Bahá'í Temple, offering a first glimpse into Uganda's rich cultural tapestry. Enjoy an evening of relaxation, preparing for the adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe / Serena Hotel Kampala / Lake Victoria Serena Resort (or similar)

• Meals: Dinner (Dependent on arrival time)

Depart early, heading north through Uganda's lush countryside. Your first stop is the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a flagship conservation success story. Embark on a guided rhino tracking excursion on foot, offering a rare and thrilling opportunity to observe these prehistoric-looking giants in their natural habitat. After lunch at the sanctuary, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area. The evening is spent settling into your lodge, with the sounds of the African bush as your soundtrack.

• Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Venture into the rolling savannah of the Buligi Game Track on the northern bank of the Nile for a morning game drive. This area is renowned for its high concentrations of wildlife; be on the lookout for elephants, giraff, lions, leopards, buffalo, and a variety of antelope. Return to your lodge for lunch and a brief respite. In the afternoon, embark on a breathtaking boat safari upstream on the Victoria Nile. This cruise offers an unparalleled perspective of the park, with vast pods of hippos, lurking Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife lining the banks. The climax is the dramatic approach to the base of the Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river is forced through a mere 7-meter gorge. Disembark and take a guided hike to the top of the falls to witness the thunderous spectacle from above.

• Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a more leisurely start with a guided nature walk within the park. This activity allows you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem—animal tracks, medicinal plants, bird calls, and insect life—often missed during game drives. After this immersive experience, return for breakfast before commencing the scenic transfer south. The drive itself is a cultural experience, passing through rural villages and vibrant towns. Arrive in Fort Portal, the gateway to the primate forests, in the late afternoon and check into your lodge nestled amidst tea plantations.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to our closest living relatives. After an early briefing at Kibale National Park headquarters, delve into the dense tropical rainforest for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. The forest is alive with sounds; alongside the energetic chimps, you may spot red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and a dizzying array of birdlife. Spend a magical hour observing a habituated chimp family as they feed, play, and socialize. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project famous for its rich biodiversity, including several primate species and over 200 bird species. This visit directly supports local community initiatives.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, journey further south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive offers stunning panoramic views of the fabled "Mountains of the Moon," the Rwenzori Range, weather permitting. Enter the park and traverse the diverse landscapes of crater lakes and open savannah, with excellent chances of spotting wildlife en route to your lodge. After lunch and some time to relax, embark on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains, a prime area for spotting lions, large herds of Uganda kob, and elephants.

• Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out at dawn for a morning game drive when predators are most active. Explore the network of tracks in the Kasenyi sector and the Queen’s Mile, searching for prides of lion, leopard, and large buffalo herds. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and to enjoy the lodge’s facilities. In the afternoon, partake in a classic African safari experience: a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural channel connecting Lakes George and Edward boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos and offers fantastic opportunities to see elephants, crocodiles, and an astounding variety of waterbirds at close range.

• Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we explore the remote and wild Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After a relaxed breakfast, drive south through the park, enjoying a game drive en route. The Ishasha region is famed for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in the sprawling fig trees. The afternoon is dedicated to searching for these magnificent cats and other wildlife, such as topi and buffalo, in the expansive Ishasha plains. Check into your rustic lodge near the Ishasha River for the night.

• Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Enjojo Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy one final morning game drive in Ishasha, offering another chance to find the lions or other wildlife you may have missed. Afterwards, begin the truly spectacular journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive winds through the highlands of the Kigezi region, famously known as the "Switzerland of Africa," with terraced hills and breathtaking vistas. Arrive at your lodge, often perched on the edge of the ancient forest, and feel the anticipation build for the following day's monumental encounter.

• Accommodation: Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the day of your unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast and a short drive to the park headquarters, attend a comprehensive briefing from the park rangers. Then, accompanied by your guides and trackers, you will begin your trek into the dense, mystical forest. The trek can be physically challenging but is immensely rewarding. Upon locating a habituated gorilla family, you will spend a privileged one hour in their presence—observing their interactions, witnessing the silverbacks' power, and the juveniles' playful antics. It is a profound and humbling encounter that often becomes the trip's highlight. Return to your lodge to decompress and relive the experience.

• Accommodation: Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the intensity of the previous day, travel to the serene Lake Bunyonyi ("Place of Many Little Birds"). This beautiful, bilharzia-free lake is dotted with 29 islands and surrounded by steep terraced hills. Check into your lakeside lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch with stunning views. The afternoon is at your leisure: opt for a canoe trip to nearby islands, learn about local culture on a community walk, or simply unwind and reflect on your journey so far.

• Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Overlook Resort (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Delve deeper into the beauty and history of Lake Bunyonyi. A guided boat tour will take you to several islands, each with its own story. You may visit Punishment Island, a sobering historical site, or Bushara Island, a conservation project. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, go for a swim, or embark on a hillside hike for panoramic views of the lake and the distant Virunga volcanoes. This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.

• Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Overlook Resort (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Uganda and embark on a scenic drive to the Rwandan border. After completing border formalities, continue your journey through the stunningly beautiful "Land of a Thousand Hills." The road winds through lush, terraced landscapes up to the Volcanoes National Park, the base for your next primate adventure. Check into your lodge, with the dramatic peaks of the Virunga Massif providing a breathtaking backdrop.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will seek out another of the region's unique primates: the endangered golden monkey. After a briefing at the park headquarters, trek into the bamboo forests on the slopes of the volcanoes. Watching these striking, playful, and agile monkeys as they forage and leap through the bamboo is a delightful and photogenic experience. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or explore the nearby Musanze town.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choose from a selection of enriching optional activities (additional cost applies). For a deeply moving historical experience, embark on a challenging hike to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Karisoke Research Center and her final resting place, learning about her groundbreaking conservation work. Alternatively, choose a hike to the beautiful Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), visit a local community project, or simply enjoy a day of relaxation amidst the mountain air.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend from the highlands towards Rwanda's clean and vibrant capital city, Kigali. The journey is short, allowing for a relaxed arrival. Check into your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we highly recommend a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and essential visit to understand Rwanda's past and its remarkable journey of reconciliation and renewal. The evening is free to explore the city's excellent restaurants.

• Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven / Kigali Marriott Hotel / Ubumwe Grand Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, a city known for its safety, cleanliness, and innovation. Your tour may include visits to vibrant markets like Kimironko, where you can immerse yourself in the colors and sounds of local life, the Inema Arts Center to see contemporary Rwandan art, or other cultural sites. This is also an ideal opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping for authentic Rwandan crafts, such as Imigongo art or hand-woven baskets.

• Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven / Kigali Marriott Hotel / Ubumwe Grand Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute explorations. Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in good time for your departure flight, marking the end of an extraordinary 18-day safari.

• Meals: Breakfast