10-Day Best of Rwanda and Uganda Combo Safari

On this day, you'll step foot into the breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting country. Greeted warmly by our team at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, preparing for the awe-inspiring adventures that lie ahead in the days to come. Take this time to unwind from your journey, shake off any lingering jet lag, and indulge in a delicious dinner followed by a peaceful night's stay at the Chez Lando Hotel. For early arrivals, seize the opportunity to delve into Rwanda's rich history by visiting the Presidential Museum, once home to two former Presidents. Here, gain insights into the political landscape of Rwanda. Journey through the historic commercial and residential districts, pausing at poignant sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn tribute to the tragic events of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northeast towards Musanze, situated near the Virunga Volcano range. Your destination is Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the northwestern region of Rwanda, bordered by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Upon reaching your prearranged accommodation, you can opt to unwind, preparing for the activities scheduled for the following day, or engage in additional excursions at an extra cost. Choices include a twin excursion—either a canoe trek or a visit to the cultural village, offering insights into traditional Rwandan customs. Alternatively, you may simply relax and relish the amenities of your lodging.

After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters in Kinigi. Here, you'll join fellow trekkers for golden monkeys and have a brief orientation with the ranger guide. You'll set off for the trailhead just outside the park, relishing the stunning mountain vistas along the way. The trek into the park is relatively straightforward, with the golden monkeys typically found near the park's edge in the bamboo forests. As you observe these fascinating creatures, marvel at their dexterity in plucking young bamboo leaves from the treetops, sometimes venturing into nearby potato fields.
Following an exhilarating hour with the golden monkeys, you'll return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Afterward, you'll proceed to the border, complete the necessary formalities, and continue your journey to Bwindi.

After breakfast, you'll journey to the park headquarters for a briefing led by park ranger guides, marking the commencement of your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek itself can span up to four hours or more, as you navigate through the mist-shrouded vegetation, ascending and descending the slopes in search of the elusive mountain gorillas. This immersive expedition will culminate in a face-to-face encounter with these magnificent creatures, offering a precious hour to observe their behavior and capture unforgettable moments through photography. Afterwards, dinner awaits you back at your Lodge, where you'll spend the night, basking in the memories of this remarkable experience. The thrill of observing these endangered giants is truly unparalleled. Upon returning to the lodge, you'll have the opportunity to rest and recuperate after the strenuous trek. Additionally, you can choose to visit the local Batwa community. Alternatively, you can simply continue your relaxation at the lodge.

En route from Bwindi, you'll pass through the Ishasha sector within Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Although the chance of spotting these unique lions is not guaranteed, a detour to Ishasha is certainly worthwhile! Following the Ishasha game drive, you'll continue your journey to the Mweya Peninsula of Queen Elizabeth for an enchanting boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. If time permits, you'll embark on the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, offering an afternoon of wildlife viewing. Expect sightings of crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and an array of bird species inhabiting the channel's waters. After the cruise, you'll return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

You'll rise early to enjoy breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of cape buffalos, herds of elephants, and the elusive lions and leopards, albeit challenging to spot. Upon your return to the accommodation, take some time to rest and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for a captivating boat excursion along the Kazinga Channel, linking Lakes George and Edward. Marvel at the diverse wildlife, including majestic hippos, elephants, and formidable crocodiles, among others. The water's edge also offers a plethora of bird species for avid birdwatchers. After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you'll head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. This gorge is inhabited by habituated chimpanzees as well as other primates like baboons and monkeys, alongside various bird species. The morning will be dedicated to tracking chimpanzees in this area. Following the activity, you'll return to your accommodation to check out. To reduce travel time from Queen Elizabeth to Murchison Falls National Park, you'll transfer to Hoima City for an overnight stay, as it's on the route to Murchison Falls.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before commencing your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. This park boasts iconic features such as the thundering rapids of Murchison Falls and the vast plains of Uganda's largest national park, offering opportunities to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. The abundant presence of hippos and Nile crocodiles adds to the allure of the park. In the afternoon, venture out for wildlife sightings.

After enjoying breakfast, you'll set off for an early morning safari, traversing the expansive plains of Uganda's largest National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as lions and leopards, although they can be elusive. Bird enthusiasts will also have ample opportunities to spot various bird species during the drive. Following the safari, return to your accommodation for some relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat excursion to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe more wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.

After breakfast, you'll exit Murchison Falls after enjoying its breathtaking beauty and grandeur. Following this, you'll proceed with a relatively short transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you'll engage in an hour-long rhino tracking experience on foot. Following the tracking session, you'll enjoy lunch before continuing your drive to Entebbe Airport.