18-Day Immersive Scheduled Safari Experiences in Uganda and Rwanda

There will be breakfast and then we embark on a transfer to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a successful conservation effort that was set to save the near-extinct rhino population in Uganda. Today, visitors to Uganda have a chance to encounter rhinos thanks to this effort. Once in Zziwa, in the company of the assigned armed ranger-guide(s), we will proceed for this up-close experience with this member of the African big 5 family. Besides wildlife sighting, you simply get to breathe in the pristine fresh air and soak in wonderful scenery. After the rhino tracking, we will enjoy lunch and then, head to Gulu City. After the Joseph Kony’s rebels were forced out of Northern Uganda, a giant was awakened. Gulu City is what we are talking about. Gulu is bustling town/city in this once war-ravaged region. As you will witness, the beauty of life here plays from dawn to dusk – extending deep into the night. You get the sense of people who have moved past their pain and just want to enjoy life (the best they can). Enjoy your time and later overnight at the booked Hotel.

Accommodation: (Boma Hotel Gulu-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 6 hours

Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park. Tucked in the pristine North-East of the country, Kidepo awaits you with some of Africa’s most captivating sceneries of unique valleys and plains, unspoiled wilderness and a plethora of wildlife that welcomes you. It is right here that you will get the true feeling of being in the true African wilderness. We will arrive in time for some rest and lunch before going out for game viewing in the Narus Valley. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland. It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of Buffaloes, elephants, many Zebras, antelope species and the lions, the elusive leopards. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah-En suite Tent-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hours.

Today we will enjoy one of Uganda’s premier wildlife experiences. Our day will start with a quick breakfast or have it (breakfast) packed and head to the field, the Narus Valley. With open plains that allows for easy sighting, permanent water sources that draws large congregation of wildlife, we anticipate plenty. In this 3 to 4 hours’ experience, keep the eyes peeled for wildlife sighting opportunity. You (visitors) stand the chance to spot lions, elephants, massive buffalo herds, and the elusive leopards, among others. After a satisfying encounter, we will return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community, cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people and have an insight on their way of life and beliefs. They are closely related to the Maasai of Kenya and share a rich, deeply communal culture centered around cattle and ancestral traditions. From this insightful experience, we will get back to the facility to freshen up, enjoy dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah-En suite Tent-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a 

This morning we will have breakfast and then move out to explore the African savannah on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger-guide, you will venture along dry river beds, over rocky outcrops and through bush land to track the resident wildlife. If you end up in Kidepo River Valley, a stroll on its wide bed of white sand or in the borassus palm forest which feels like an oasis in the Sahara, is a fascinating attraction. Later (afternoon session), we shall return to the Narus Valley for more African wildlife encounters. Return for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah-En suite Tent-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 

We will enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and thereafter, embark on a transfer to the Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison Falls, the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. Then surely, the concentration of hippos and the Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. We hope to reach with some time to rest and then at about 3 or 4pm, we can move out for wildlife sightings till about 6:30/7pm. Return to the accommodation for dinner and the overnight.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 6-7 hours.

Today you will have a full packed game viewing opportunity in the park. Murchison Falls NP is a home to different wildlife species such as; Buffalos, Jackson hartebeests, elephants, Lions, Giraffes, leopards, Hyenas, among others. They are widely spread all over the Savannah grasslands, grazing or hunting for prey. These make the park’s landscape so amazing for game viewing/game driving. *To avoid the long drive back to the lodge, we can proceed to Red Chilli and enjoy hot lunch there. After the lunch, we can move back for the second leg of our game viewing. After a satisfying day’s encounter, we shall head back to the lodge to freshen up – awaiting dinner and the overnight stay. #Optional (extra cost 35$ pp): If interested, you may consider the 11am boat trip upstream towards the falls. Common sightings along the banks are: Hippos, crocodiles and a few bird species.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 25-30 minutes to/from the gate

We will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Murchison Falls.  From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax. #Optional: As a way of stretching legs, you may consider a stop in Hoima and possibly, get into the market to catch a glimpse of life there. You may buy some fresh fruits and enjoy along in the next leg of the journey.

Accommodation: (Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.

Today is one special day that will see us get up-close with human’s closest relation with the wild. Our day will start with a quick breakfast and then we shall head the briefing. All treks start with a safety and conduct briefing at the Kanyanchu headquarters and thereafter, you will begin the walk/trek through the lush tropical rainforest guided by experienced rangers who locate the chimps by their vocalizations and nests. While looking for chimpanzees, you may also spot other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour in their presence. From the chimps, return to the facility to gain some rest. Later (around 3 or 4pm), move out to visit the Bigodi community to experience the local lifestyle. *Expect the banana beer, coffee roasting & tasting. If interested in nature, go for the Bigodi wetland excursion. A 2-3 hours guided tour of a remarkable conservation area, situated right at edge of the well-known Kibale National Park. The walk here offers an intimate, immersive community-led experience spotting primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, along with birds like the Great-blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek to mention but a few. Finally, return to the facility to freshen up and rest.

Accommodation: (Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

As you may have realized, every day brings us something different. Today, our next stop is the Ndali Vanilla Estate. Read (some more). While visiting a vanilla farm, you will learn how the Vanilla is taken care of, right from planting, weeding, up to how it is harvested and processed. The visit also provides a chance to meet and interact with the real native Batooro and Bakiga locals as you see them busy in the farm yard. Crown your visit by buying some on the farm products that will remind you of the great time you have had. From Ndali, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we will proceed for game viewing in search of wildlife such as lions, leopards, herds of elephants, buffalos, among others.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 2 hours.

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains – a vast savannah space in the Queen Elizabeth National Park known for high wildlife densities including lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, and Uganda kobs. The area offers exceptional game drives, birding, and scenic photography, with opportunities to see leopards too. After a satisfactory sighting, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the cruise, you get to enjoy an up-close view of large Hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and numerous bird species, including the African Skimmer. From the boat ride, we shall return to the facility to freshen up and stay at leisure, enjoying the facility’s service.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a

Today we shall grab a quick breakfast pack and then, proceed for another morning game drive – along the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. From Kasenyi, continue to the Ishasha sector – famously known for its tree-climbing lion population. The chance of spotting these lions stands at about 60-70% but sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get the chance to spot the lions up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and unforgettable. Beyond lions, you can easily spot some elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs. From Ishasha, you will continue to the accommodation at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check in your accommodation, relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience tomorrow.

Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 5-6 hours.

Have breakfast, pick up the lunch box and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from the Park Authority) on the dos and don’ts during gorilla trekking, including assigning participants to a group. The actual trek into the forest begins at 8am in the company of your ranger-guide(s) and other participants assigned. The high altitude here combined with steep, rugged (sometimes muddy) terrain makes gorilla trekking physically demanding but rewarding. One moment you’re descending, and the next, you are ascending to a higher elevation. The time taken (3-8 hours) vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. At the end of the trek, you will be awarded a certificate of completion that you can keep as a reminder of this lifetime experience. Return to the accommodation, and rest after a strenuous trek. #Optional (extra cost): In case you finished early and the body is willing to go out again; you can discuss with your guide and see what possibilities are there then make a choice.

Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp-Budget level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: N/a.

We will enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then, check out and transfer to Cyanika Border Post where you will be received by our Rwanda-based Tour Driver who will be taking over from his Uganda counterpart. You will transfer closer to Volcanoes National Park – a premier destination spanning northwestern Rwanda, offering world-renowned mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey viewing across five dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Depending on interest, visit Dian Fossey Museum in Musanze or explore twin lakes on a boat tour. The Museum features interactive, informative exhibits on mountain gorilla conservation, a 360-degree theater, and a replica of Dian Fossey’s forest cabin. Alternatively, the twin lakes boat tour offers a more relaxing, tranquil excursion as you enjoy breathtaking landscapes, complimented by a symphony of birdlife and an alluring backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.  

Accommodation: (La Palme Hotel-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.

Golden monkeys trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. These rare monkey species are also listed as endangered and Volcanoes NP has habituated groups that are available for trekking by visitors. The exercise starts with a short briefing from the park ranger at the RDB Office. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek the golden monkeys through the rainforest of the volcanoes NP. Return to the accommodation for some rest and lunch. Later, move to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (now often called the Gorilla Guardian’s Village) is a top-rated, community-driven cultural experience located near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It offers tourists a unique opportunity to engage with local, formerly poaching communities, featuring activities like becoming “king” for a day, traditional dance performances, banana brewing, and archery. 

Accommodation: (La Palme Hotel-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 25 minutes to briefing point.

After a relaxed breakfast at the facility, you will embark on a drive to Gisenyi, where you will check in at your reserved hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you will proceed to Lake Kivu. Framed by the lush, terraced hills of the Albertine Rift, it is celebrated for its deep emerald waters, safe swimming (no hippos or crocodiles), and the scenic towns of Rubavu and Karongi. Exploring this lake by boat offers a tranquil and breathtaking experience allowing you to take in the views of the surrounding hills observe diverse bird species and witness captivating sunsets. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Gisenyi.

Accommodation: (Palm Beach Resort–Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 1 hour’s drive.

After a relaxed breakfast at the facility, you will embark on a drive to Cyimbiri. Cyimbiri is a prominent coffee-producing area located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, renowned for offering authentic “crop-to-cup” coffee experiences along the Congo Nile Trail. This tour typically covers the entire coffee production chain, from harvesting and sorting (depending on the season) to washing, drying, and traditional roasting. Visitors can participate in farm activities and roast coffee using traditional methods over an open fire. The experience culminates in brewing and tasting fresh, locally produced Arabica coffee. After a very well-spent time in the coffee plantation, head to the accommodation and relax.

Accommodation: (Cormoran Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 1 hour’s drive.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then check out. Transfer from Lake Kivu to Kigali. Explore Kigali City on foot like a local. The excursion in Kigali includes visiting a local market and a craft shop where you can buy souvenirs to take with you. Schedule your flight out for 20:00 or later so that we have ample time in Kigali. Thank you for choosing and travelling with us (Home to Africa).

Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Transfer Time: Approx. 2 hours.