Wildlife, Mountain Gorillas, Culture & Conservation – The Ultimate East African Journey
Two Countries. One Incredible Adventure. Memories That Will Last Forever.
Some journeys simply take you from one destination to another. This one transforms the way you see Africa.
Imagine watching elephants emerge from the morning mist, cruising alongside hundreds of hippos on the legendary Kazinga Channel, tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the emerald forests of Rwanda, standing where world-renowned conservationist Dian Fossey dedicated her life to protecting these magnificent primates, and immersing yourself in the rich cultures that make Uganda and Rwanda among Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Our 10-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari has been thoughtfully designed for travellers seeking far more than an ordinary vacation. It combines spectacular wildlife encounters, unforgettable gorilla trekking, authentic cultural experiences, breath-taking landscapes, and inspiring conservation stories into one seamless cross-border adventure.
From Uganda’s wildlife-rich savannahs to Rwanda’s mist-covered volcanic mountains, every day reveals another unforgettable chapter of East Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong dream, celebrating a special milestone, or simply seeking Africa’s finest safari experience, this journey promises memories you’ll treasure forever.
Safari Highlights
- Warm airport welcome in Entebbe
- Guided Kampala City Tour
- Scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside
- Equator experience and Mpambire Drum Village visit
- Extensive wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Exciting game drives across the Kasenyi Plains
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Scenic cross-border journey into Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Authentic Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
- Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke Research Centre Trek
- Kigali City Tour
- Departure from Kigali International Airport
Your Safari Journey
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda – Arrival in Entebbe & Kampala City Experience
Your unforgettable East African safari begins the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our dedicated safari guide will be waiting to welcome you.
After a comfortable transfer to Kampala, discover Uganda’s vibrant capital through a guided city tour showcasing its fascinating history, culture, and heritage. Visit the historic Naggalabi Coronation Site, explore the royal traditions at Mengo Palace, learn about Uganda’s remarkable past at the Uganda Museum, visit the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, and browse colorful craft markets filled with locally handcrafted treasures.
As the day comes to an end, settle into your carefully selected hotel and prepare for the adventures that await.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Kampala Serena Hotel
- Sheraton Kampala Hotel
- Imperial Royale Hotel
Mid-range
- Hotel Africana
- Hotel Shangri-La
- Hotel Triangle
Budget
- Holiday Express Hotel
- Namirembe Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, leave the city behind and travel toward western Uganda, where breath-taking landscapes unfold with every mile.
Pause at the famous Equator, where you can stand in both hemispheres simultaneously before continuing to Mpambire Drum Village, where skilled local artisans demonstrate the centuries-old art of traditional drum making. The scenic drive continues through rolling hills, tea plantations, and picturesque villages before arriving at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destination. Relax at your safari lodge while surrounded by magnificent views of the African wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
Mid-range
- Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
- Albertine Safari Camp
Budget
- Simba Safari Camp
- Mweya Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Discover the Beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy a leisurely day exploring one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Surrounded by sweeping savannahs, volcanic crater lakes, wetlands, forests, and dramatic mountain backdrops, you’ll have opportunities to observe elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, baboons, and countless bird species around your lodge and nearby wildlife areas.
This relaxed day allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the park before tomorrow’s exciting safari adventures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Sunrise Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Today delivers the classic African safari experience. Rise early and venture onto the famous Kasenyi Plains, where predators are most active during the cool morning hours. Accompanied by your experienced guide, search for lions, elusive leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, Uganda kobs, giant forest hogs, and numerous antelope species roaming freely across the golden savannah. After lunch, enjoy one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife experiences—a relaxing cruise along the legendary Kazinga Channel.
This natural waterway supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and offers exceptional close-up sightings of Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, monitor lizards, and hundreds of colorful bird species gathering along the shoreline. Return to your lodge as the African sun paints the landscape in spectacular golden hues.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: More Wildlife Encounters & Relaxation
Spend another rewarding day exploring different regions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Every game drive offers something new. Perhaps you’ll witness elephants grazing peacefully across the plains, buffaloes gathering in impressive herds, or predators quietly stalking their prey through the tall grasses. Between wildlife excursions, relax at your lodge while taking in panoramic views of one of East Africa’s richest ecosystems. This slower pace allows you to truly connect with nature before your journey continues into Rwanda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Cross into Rwanda – Gateway to the Virunga Mountains
Following breakfast, begin your scenic journey into Rwanda, affectionately known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Travel through breath-taking mountain landscapes before arriving in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world’s most celebrated populations of endangered mountain gorillas. As the majestic Virunga Volcanoes rise before you, anticipation builds for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spend the evening relaxing in the comfort of your lodge while surrounded by magnificent volcanic scenery.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range
- Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking – The Experience of a Lifetime
Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for.Following an early breakfast, join expert park rangers for a detailed briefing before entering the ancient rainforest in search of one of Volcanoes National Park’s habituated gorilla families. The journey through bamboo forests and lush vegetation is filled with excitement as experienced trackers follow fresh signs left by the gorillas. Then comes the unforgettable encounter.
Standing quietly in the presence of wild mountain gorillas is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. Observe a powerful silverback guarding his family, playful juveniles tumbling through the forest, and mothers gently caring for their infants.For one precious hour, you’ll witness their remarkable social bonds, intelligence, and peaceful nature. It is an experience that changes perspectives and creates memories that last a lifetime. Return to your lodge for a well-earned evening of relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Culture, Conservation & the Legacy of Dian Fossey
Today offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s people and its remarkable conservation success. Begin with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities proudly share their traditions through music, dance, storytelling, traditional medicine, farming practices, and authentic village life. Later, embark on the inspiring Dian Fossey Tomb Trek, following forest trails to the former Karisoke Research Centre.
Learn about the extraordinary dedication of the pioneering primatologist whose tireless work transformed global mountain gorilla conservation and helped secure the future of these remarkable animals. This is more than a hike—it’s a journey into one of wildlife conservation’s greatest success stories.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Discover Kigali – Africa’s Cleanest Capital
After breakfast, travel to Kigali for a guided city tour. Discover the city’s remarkable history and inspiring transformation with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, museums, local neighbourhoods, and colourful artisan markets where you can purchase beautifully handcrafted souvenirs. Kigali’s cleanliness, safety, hospitality, and modern atmosphere consistently surprise visitors, providing the perfect conclusion to your East African adventure.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Kigali Serena Hotel
- Manor Hotel
Mid-range
- Hôtel des Mille Collines
- Novotel Kigali
Budget
- Hotel Isimbi
- Bethanie Guest House
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: Departure from Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private transfer to Kigali International Airport. As your journey comes to an end, you’ll leave with far more than photographs. You’ll carry unforgettable memories of Africa’s extraordinary wildlife, life-changing encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, meaningful cultural connections, inspiring conservation stories, and breathtaking landscapes that few travelers are fortunate enough to experience. Your adventure may end today, but the memories will remain with you forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up in Entebbe
- Airport drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the safari
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Nine nights’ accommodation
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Dian Fossey Tomb Trek
- Guided Kampala City Tour
- Guided Kigali City Tour
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees where applicable
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Why Choose This Safari?
This safari has been created for travelers who want to experience the very best of Uganda and Rwanda in one unforgettable journey. It combines thrilling wildlife safaris, intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, meaningful cultural experiences, and inspiring conservation history—all while traveling in comfort with experienced guides who know these destinations intimately.
From sunrise game drives across the African savannah to quiet moments in the presence of mountain gorillas, every experience has been carefully selected to create a safari that is authentic, immersive, and deeply memorable.
If you’re looking for a journey that goes beyond sightseeing and leaves you with stories you’ll tell for a lifetime, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.