Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

13 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour

Discover the heart of East Africa on this 13-day adventure blending culture, nature, and wildlife. Begin in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, exploring Kigali's rich history and hike Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park and unwind on Lake Kivu. Cross into Uganda for exhilarating wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a chimpanzee trek in Kalinzu, and a serene boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Experience the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters that make this journey a perfect blend of adventure and discover

What do I need to bring?

Essentials

Clothing

Lightweight, quick-dry shirts and pants
Waterproof jacket, warm layers, hiking boots, and a hat

Accessories: Daypack, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, trekking poles, and a flashlight

Toiletries: Sunscreen, insect repellent, travel toiletries, personal medication, and a first aid kit.

Documents: Passport, visas, vaccination certificates and local currency

Trekking Essentials: Gloves, long socks, waterproof gaiters, and a camera (no flash)

Optional: Binoculars, snacks, power bank, and a journal

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Booking in advance

Can be booked until last minute

Live tour guide

English

Duration

13 days

Categories

Adventure, Day trips and excursions, Arts / culture, Cultural and theme tours, Hiking, Tailor made, Family friendly, Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Isange Paradise Resort

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Lodge outside the Volcanoes National Pak

Bweza Gorilla Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

All Meals Included

Hotel at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi

Acaccia Wilderness Mweya

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Queens Elizabeth National Park

Acaccia Wilderness Mweya

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Queens Elizabeth National Park

Bweza Kibale Logde

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Kibale National Park

Pakuba

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Murchison Park

Pakuba

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Murchison Park

Nile Bridge Cottages

All Meals Included

Hotel near the Source of the Nile

Nile Bridge Cottages

All Meals Included

Hotel near the Source of the Nile

Papyrus Guesthouse

All Meals Included

Lodge near Entebbe International Airport

Papyrus Guesthouse

All Meals Included

Lodge near Entebbe International Airport

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

Parking fees
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals

Exclusions

International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Day 1 : Kigali Genocide memorial tour and tranfer to Musanze

begin your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a guided historical tour and reflection. Later, continue with a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you’ll learn about gorilla conservation and research efforts in Rwanda. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic transfer to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 : Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for a guided Golden Monkey trekking experience. Hike through the bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains in search of these playful and endangered primates. Enjoy time observing and photographing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, transfer to the Cyanika border and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, preparing for your upcoming gorilla adventure. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Day 3 : Trek Gorillas and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accompanied by expert rangers, hike through dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once found, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After the trek, transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” where you will unwind, enjoy scenic views, and relax at your lakeside lodge. Dinner and overnight stay by the tranquil waters.

Day 4 : Transfer to Queen Elizabeth.

After breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through rolling hills, crater lakes, and rural countryside. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by relaxation as you take in the sweeping savannah views.

Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy an evening game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the park, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 5 : Morning Game drive and Boatride on Kazinga Channel

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife is most active. Traverse the savannah plains in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and a variety of bird species as the sun rises over the park.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway, linking Lake Edward and Lake George, offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa, with large pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife gathering along the shores.

Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 6 : Transfer to Kibale and afternoon Chimp Trek

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey north toward Kibale National Park, enjoying scenic views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural landscapes along the way. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and short relaxation.

In the afternoon, head to the forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by expert rangers, track the playful chimpanzees through the tropical rainforest and spend time observing their social interactions, calls, and movements in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 7 : Transfer to Murchison Falls National park

After breakfast, depart Kibale and begin your scenic journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. Enjoy picturesque countryside views, traditional homesteads, and expansive landscapes along the way, with en-route lunch.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the adventures ahead. Depending on arrival time, you may visit the top of the falls to witness the mighty Nile River forcefully squeezing through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below.

Dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness.

Day 8 : Guided Gamedrive, Boat ride on the nile and hike fo the fall

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park across the northern savannah plains. Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species as the wilderness comes alive.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the legendary Nile River toward the base of the falls. Along the riverbanks, spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.

Later, embark on a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters below—an unforgettable and powerful sight.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9 : Trek Rhinos and transfer to Jinja

After an early breakfast, proceed to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on-foot rhino tracking experience. Accompanied by experienced rangers, walk through the sanctuary to observe white rhinos up close in their natural habitat while learning about Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts.

After the trek, continue your journey east toward Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge near the banks of the legendary Nile River, preparing for the next day’s experiences.

Dinner and overnight stay in Jinja.

Day 10 : White water Rafting

After breakfast, head to the banks of the mighty Nile River for an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure in Jinja. Following a safety briefing by professional guides, set off to navigate thrilling rapids, powerful waves, and calmer stretches of water surrounded by beautiful river scenery.

Whether you choose a full-day or half-day experience, this adventure offers both adrenaline and unforgettable moments on one of the world’s most iconic rivers. After rafting, relax and celebrate your achievement before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11 : Transfer to Entebbe

Today we leave the wilds behind and travel towards Entebbe, enjoying a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, there are opportunities to spot local wildlife, visit small towns, and capture memorable photographs of rolling landscapes. Upon arrival in Entebbe, check into your lodge or hotel, relax, and enjoy some leisure time, preparing for the next experiences on your journey.

Day 12 : Mabamba Swamps – Shoebill Bird Watching Adventure

Wake up early for a magical journey to the Mabamba Swamps, one of Uganda’s most iconic birding destinations. Glide quietly through the tranquil waters in traditional dugout canoes, surrounded by lush papyrus reeds and the gentle morning mist. Your main goal is to spot the legendary shoebill stork, an extraordinary and rare bird that captivates every visitor. Along the way, enjoy sightings of other waterbirds, vibrant wildlife, and the serene beauty of this unique wetland ecosystem.

Day 13 : Transfer to EBB airport

Today marks the conclusion of your incredible Ugandan adventure. After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer from your lodge or hotel in Entebbe to Entebbe International Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences you’ve enjoyed over the past 13 days. Our team ensures a smooth and timely transfer, giving you a relaxing end to your journey as you prepare for your onward flight.

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