A 12-day Uganda Rwanda

Overview

A 12-day safari through Uganda and Rwanda with Kyooma Gorilla Safaris promises breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. This post captures the essence of both countries, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and city tour 

After a morning breakfast at your hotel while on your 12-day tour. Go for a city tour in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, and visit many places, including the genocide memorial Centre, which last week was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Visit Ibyiwacu cultural village and continue to Mgahinga 

After breakfast, transfer from Rwanda, Mgahinga will be transferred through the Katuna border en route. Visit this place that offers you the chance to explore and experience the authentic traditional rural culture of Rwandans and provides the opportunity to meet local people. While in the comfort of their homes, you have the taste of their cultures and different cultures. 

Day 3: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Lake Mutanda and continue to Bwindi

Head for the briefing at the park offices after morning tea or coffee, and then head out to start the search for these beautiful primates that are rare. The experience will last for about 4 hours or less. You will be allocated in the presence of the primates and watch them play as they. Feed on bamboo shoots, and you will notice golden monkeys as they tend to come closer to you. And an afternoon visit, a noon visit to Lake Mutanda. You will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise or ride on a traditional canoe to explore this great lake. It has a unique history that a local guide is always happy to share with you.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking and cultural tour.

Wake up at 6:00 am for a warm cup of African coffee and prepare for your long-awaited trek. At 7:00 am, hike to the visitor’s briefing area, which is a few minutes’ drive from your place of accommodation. Meet with the head ranger and other visitors for a general briefing on the do’s and don’ts while conducting this memorable trek.  The trek may become strenuous, depending on the weather and how far the gorillas have moved. But the epic one-hour encounter with a habituated family is truly refreshing. 

Day 6:Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, go on a road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Which is the second largest national park in the country, spanning over 1,978 sq.km, and is the most visited national park.

Day 7: Game drive and boat cruise

Take an early game drive, where you will be able to spot lions, spotted hyenas, jackals, leopards, elephants, and buffalos, among others.  The boat cruise rewards you with sightings of rich schools of hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species like African fish eagles, grey-headed kingfishers, among others. 

Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Central Tropical Forest and transfer to Kibale National Park and Amabere G’anyinamwiru caves exploration

Have breakfast and proceed for an adventurous chimpanzee trekking experience in Kalinzu Central Forest. Chimpanzees are very vocal, and their location can be identified by following their hoots and distant cries. In case they are quiet, their footprints (in mud) and poop can help you to locate them. Once you locate them, you will be able to watch them play, breastfeed, mate, rest, and even fight. The chimpanzees in Kalinzu Central Tropical Forest have a remarkable habit of coming down from the trees each time they see visitors. This allows for great photos from a close distance.  After the visit, go back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9: Morning community/swamp walks in Bigodi wetland. Tour the crater lakes of Fort Portal.

Early morning, after breakfast, you will head for a swamp walk in the Bigodi wetland. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary harbors numerous species of butterflies, iconic birds such as the great blue Turacos, small animals like squirrels, primates like olive baboons, and Vervet monkeys. Colobus monkeys, and mammals like the swamp dweller – the Sitatunga antelope, Etc. Depending on how long this will take, you will return to your lodge for lunch. After lunch, you may decide to relax at the lodge or take a leisurely walk within the nearby crater lakes.

Day 10: Kibale National Park to Murchison Falls National Park

Transfer from Kibale National Park in western Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey taking 5-6 hours. Murchison Falls National Park covers an area of 3,893Km². This particular park sits on the shore of Lake Albert in northwest Uganda. In the evening. You will head for a sunset game drive; expect to encounter numerous games, including elephants, Rothschild giraffes, wild cats, birds, etc. 

Day 11: Game drive and boat cruise on the Nile

An early game drive in the northern sector is a savannah covered with beautiful trees such as whistling acacia, Kigelia Africana, and Borassus palm, among others. Expect to spot animals like lions, leopards, herds of buffalos, hippos, giraffes, and antelopes like waterbucks and bushbucks, among others.

12-day: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport and stop over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Have your breakfast from the hotel and embark on a journey back to Entebbe, with a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking on foot. This is one of Uganda’s big five wildlife mammals. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private, non-profit animal sanctuary in Uganda. It proudly harbors Uganda`s endangered Rhinos. On arrival, you will be briefed and, thereafter, begin a rewarding on-foot Rhino tracking Experience and continue to Entebbe airport for your departure flight.