12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure

The 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure offers a rich and well-balanced East African journey. This safari combines primate trekking, classic wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters. Moreover, it connects Uganda and Rwanda in one smooth and rewarding holiday. Therefore, travelers experience diversity, adventure, and comfort within a single itinerary. Throughout the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure, you will track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In addition, you will search for chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Furthermore, you will explore open savannah parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Akagera National Park. Each destination adds a unique highlight to your journey.

This itinerary blends forest treks with game drives and boat cruises. As a result, every day feels fresh and exciting. You will travel through rolling hills, crater lakes, and local villages. Meanwhile, you will meet welcoming communities and learn about their traditions. The 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure suits travelers who want both primates and big game in one trip. It also allows enough time to relax between activities. Tanzania Uganda Safaris carefully plans every detail of the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure. We secure permits, arrange comfortable lodges, and provide expert guides. Consequently, you travel with ease and confidence. Most importantly, this safari creates meaningful moments with Africa’s rare wildlife and vibrant cultures.

Detailed: 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Your 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure begins in Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Tanzania Uganda Safaris guide welcomes you warmly. Shortly after, you receive a detailed safari briefing. If time allows, you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This visit offers deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Afterwards, you explore local craft markets and art centers. You interact with artisans and learn about Rwandan culture. Later, you transfer to your hotel for relaxation. This first evening allows you to rest after your flight. Meanwhile, you prepare for the adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines / Kigali Serena Hotel
• Meals: Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water (other drinks at own cost)

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive

On day two of the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure, you drive to Akagera National Park. The journey reveals Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Along the way, you pass through rolling hills and small villages. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you head out for an evening game drive. You search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. Lions and leopards also roam the plains. As the sun sets, wildlife becomes more active. Therefore, this game drive offers rewarding sightings.

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

The 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure continues with an early morning game drive. Predators often hunt during cooler hours. You may spot lions tracking prey. Later, you return for breakfast. In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Hippos gather in large groups. Crocodiles rest along the shoreline. In addition, many bird species thrive in this wetland area. This boat cruise adds variety and relaxation to your safari. Consequently, you enjoy both land and water wildlife experiences.

• Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you depart for Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills. Terraced farms create beautiful patterns across the slopes. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge near the park. In the afternoon, you may visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, local guides share traditional dances and stories. This cultural visit enriches your 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure.

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, you attend a briefing for golden monkey trekking. Then, you enter the bamboo forest with experienced guides. Golden monkeys move quickly and play energetically. You enjoy one hour observing them closely. Their bright fur shines beautifully in the forest light. Later, you return to the lodge for lunch. Afterwards, you cross into Uganda and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The forested hills create a peaceful setting.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This day marks a major highlight of the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure. After an early breakfast, you attend a briefing at the park headquarters. Soon after, you begin your trek into the forest. The hike may take several hours. However, the excitement grows with every step. Eventually, you encounter a mountain gorilla family. You spend one unforgettable hour observing them. You watch them feed, groom, and play. The silverback leads his group calmly. This intimate encounter defines the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes through the Ishasha sector. You may spot tree-climbing lions along the way. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge and relax. Later, you enjoy an evening game drive across the savannah plains.

• Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 8: Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Another exciting day unfolds during the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure. Early morning brings a game drive in search of predators and herbivores. In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Hippos crowd the water. Elephants gather near the banks. Numerous birds thrive in this rich ecosystem.

• Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you travel to Kibale Forest. The drive passes through scenic countryside and tea plantations. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge. You relax and prepare for chimpanzee tracking the next day.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge Kibale
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi Community Visit

After breakfast, you attend a chimpanzee tracking briefing. Then, you enter the forest with skilled guides. You listen for chimp calls and follow fresh signs. Eventually, you observe them feeding and interacting. This lively experience adds depth to the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure. Later, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Community guides share conservation stories and local traditions.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge Kibale
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi. The journey reveals terraced hills and winding roads. Upon arrival, you check into your lakeside lodge. In the afternoon, you may enjoy a canoe ride or relax by the water. Lake Bunyonyi offers calm surroundings and beautiful scenery. Therefore, it provides the perfect place to unwind.

• Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort / BirdNest Resort
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali – Departure

The final day of the 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure begins with breakfast by the lake. Afterwards, you transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local markets for souvenirs. Later, your guide drops you at the airport. Your unforgettable 12-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Adventure concludes here.

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinks: Bottled water in vehicle

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
• Golden monkey trekking permit (Rwanda)
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• All park entrance fees
• Game drives and boat cruises
• Professional English-speaking guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
• 11 nights accommodation
• Meals as indicated
• Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks