Ultimate Culture & Wildlife Tour of Uganda & Rwanda - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe (Uganda), Half-Day Tour of Kampala

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and set off on a one-hour transfer to the capital city of Kampala. On the way, look out at Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and admire the country's natural beauty. When you arrive, refresh at your hotel, then set off on a guided tour of the city, starting at the Uganda Museum. Step inside to discover the diverse collection of traditional artifacts, archaeological exhibits, and ethnographic displays providing insight into Ugandan customs, beliefs, and practices. 

Next, follow your guide as you jump on a boda-boda, a bicycle or motorcycle taxi, to weave through traffic and sample local street food, like a rolex, a chapati roll filled with eggs, tomatoes, and onions. Your culinary journey continues at a nearby restaurant as you sit down to try luwombo, a traditional dish of meat, peanuts, and beans wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf. After lunch, head to the Ndere Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in the country's rich culture with spirited dances, rhythmic drumming, and colorful costumes.

Learn more about Uganda's history at Kabaka's Palace, the official residence of the Buganda tribe's king since 1885. Although you can't enter the opulent building, your guide will share stories of the royal family as you admire the opulent gates, lush gardens, and traditional thatched roof structures. End your tour at a local craft market to witness the skill of local artists offering distinct souvenirs you can take home to commemorate your trip.

Day 2: Day Trip to Mityana to Visit the Entanda Initiative

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park 

Say goodbye to Kampala this morning as you set off on a four-hour transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, the oldest and largest national park in the country. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in the country where you can see the majestic white rhino up close in their natural habitat. Follow your knowledgeable guide on a walking safari through the sanctuary and learn about its conservation efforts. When you find the rhinos, observe them from afar before sitting down for a delicious lunch at Amuka Lodge, nestled within the sanctuary's lush surroundings.

After eating, jump back in the car and continue your drive to Paraa Safari Lodge within the national park, where you can relax until this evening's game drive. When it's time, hop in a safari vehicle with your guide as they navigate the park, looking out for the nocturnal wildlife that wakes up when darkness falls. You may see lions start to stir, setting out in search of their evening meal or grey-crowned cranes returning to their roosts. Listen as your guide teaches you about the park's wildlife and their behaviors, then return to the lodge for the night.

Day 4: Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls Cruise & Hike

Get ready for an early wake-up call to set off on a game drive at sunrise. Watch as the park awakens around you as you venture into the cool dawn. The cooler morning temperatures bring heightened activity among the animals, so keep an eye out for the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Don't forget to look up, as you may spot some of the park's 451 bird species flying overhead as well. Another highlight of the drive is seeing the magnificent Murchison Falls themselves, where the Nile River plunges down 147 feet (45 m).

You'll get up close and personal with the falls this afternoon as you board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Look out for hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun on the shore until you reach the bottom of the cascade, where you can disembark and trek to the top. Although the 1.5-hour hike can be challenging, you'll be rewarded at the summit with panoramic views of the falls while the cool mist surrounds you. After an action-packed day of discovering the park's wildlife and namesake waterfall, return to the lodge to relax.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Trade one national park for another today as you transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George. Drive through rural landscapes and small towns, making regular stops to stretch your legs and eat as you head south toward the equatorial belt. After the seven to nine-hour drive, depending on the route your driver takes, settle into Mweya Safari Lodge and refresh.

When it's time, jump on a boat and cruise down the Kazing Channel, fed by streams from the Rwenzori Mountains and connects the two lakes surrounding the park. As you cruise, marvel at herds of elephants bathing in the channel, crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore, and the park's large concentrations of hippos. The area is also a birdwatcher's paradise, as there are over 58 species to spot, such as African shoebills, black bee eaters, and pink-backed pelicans. After the cruise and long drive, head back to the lodge for the night.

Day 6: Morning & Night Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up before dawn for another memorable game drive while the sun rises over the vast savanna. This gives you the chance to spot nocturnal animals, like hyenas and leopards, as they wind down from their nighttime activities, and wildlife that's typically elusive during the heat of the day, such as the famous tree-climbing lions that like to perch high in the branches of fig trees to sleep. Follow the Ishasha River to find hippos and crocodiles along the banks before returning to the lodge to relax by the pool.

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala, Experience the City's Nightlife

Spend your last day in Uganda, returning to the vibrant capital through a constantly changing landscape, from the lush countryside dotted with small villages to rolling hills and agricultural lands. Stop at local markets to stretch your legs and pick up snacks to break up the six- to seven-hour drive. When you arrive, you can stay in and enjoy the resort's amenities or venture out to experience the city's nightlife if you're ready to get back to the hustle and bustle. Head to the lively Kololo district to visit one of the many bars, clubs, or lounges, ending your night on a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Day 8: Fly to Kigali (Rwanda), Visit the Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village

Bid farewell to Uganda this morning as you return to Entebbe International Airport to catch a 50-minute flight to Kigali, Rwanda's capital. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can refresh. Then, venture out to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a living museum nestled near Volcanoes National Park that aims to preserve and showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Rwandan people. Wander through the village to see the traditional thatched-roof huts, witness lively dances, and engage with local artisans practicing age-old crafts. 

You also have the chance to listen to stories about the daily life, rituals, and customs of Rwanda's various ethnic groups so you can appreciate the country's rich culture and history. When it's time to eat, step inside a villager's kitchen and help prepare authentic dishes like brochettes, grilled meat skewers, paired with ugali, a staple side dish made from maize flour and water and cooked to a dough-like consistency. Sit down to enjoy the meal with the villagers, then thank them for their time before returning to your hotel in the city.

Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Relax at Leisure

After a restful night in the capital, set off on a 2.5-hour transfer to Volcanoes National Park, renowned for its high concentration of mountain gorillas. Settle into your accommodation, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You could relax by the pool, set off on a hike through the park, or visit the nearby twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. When you arrive, admire the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush hills and terraced slopes.

Then, hop in a boat and cruise across the lake for a stunning view of the Virunga Mountains. After the boat tour, wander through the small fishing villages dotting the shores to catch a glimpse of local life and traditional fishing practices. When you're ready, return to your lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner al fresco surrounded by the sounds of the forest, then unwind by the firepit as you gaze up at the sky full of stars, uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 10: Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

The highlight of any visit to Volcanoes National Park is a gorilla trek, which is what you'll be doing today. Meet your guide, learn about trekking etiquette and the park's conservation efforts, and then set off down the muddy path through the dense forest to look for a family of gorillas. The trek's duration varies, from a few hours to most of the day, depending on how long it takes to find these majestic creatures.

When you finally spot them, stand back and watch them go about their daily lives—feeding, playing, and resting—in their natural habitat. Conservation protocols allow you to spend one hour with these incredible creatures, so when it's time, return to the park's entrance along the same path. After a day in the forest, return to the lodge to relax by the pool and enjoy another delicious dinner al fresco.

Day 11: Transfer to Kigali, Half-Day City Tour

After meeting the residents of Volcanoes National Park, return to Kigali on a 2.5-hour transfer. Refresh at your hotel, then set off on a six-hour city tour, starting in the Nyamirambo neighborhood, a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Follow your guide through the bustling streets lined with colorful buildings, stopping at local markets to taste exotic fruits and shop for handmade souvenirs. Then, meet a local artist who will take you on a walk to admire the neighborhood's colorful murals and street art.

Walk up the nearby Mount Kigali next. Despite it's name, the mountain is more of a hill, so it's an easy climb. When you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the cityscape below and the lush countryside. Rwanda is known for producing high-quality coffee, so you can take a break after the hike in a local café to try a cup for yourself. End the tour at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a somber reminder of the one million Tutsi people that were slaughtered here by the Hutu majority in 1994. Pay your respects to the victims, then head back to your hotel.

Day 12: Fly to Entebbe (Uganda), Visit a Chimpanzee Sanctuary 

After four days in Rwanda, it's time to return to Uganda to explore the picturesque town of Entebbe, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. Leave your bags behind and venture out to explore the area on your own. You could take a boat tour to the nearby Ngamba Island, renowned for its chimpanzee sanctuary. Disembark and head to the Ngama Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to meet the knowledgeable staff, learn about the ongoing conservation efforts, and meet the curious chimpanzees up close during their feeding time. 

The sanctuary is home to over 50 chimps that were orphaned or rescued from poachers, circuses, and wildlife traffickers. Learn about each animal's story while you observe their playful antics and intriguing social dynamics. When you're done at the sanctuary, wander around the island, enjoying panoramic views of the lake, before returning to the mainland. In the evening, head to the town center, lined with local and international restaurants, to find somewhere for dinner.

Day 13: Guided Walking Tour of Entebbe

Join your local guide for a five-hour walking tour around Entebbe. Start at the Entebbe Crafts Village, where you can watch local artisans craft handmade goods such as wooden sculptures, woven textiles, intricate jewelry, and colorful paintings. Next, head to a local market to try traditional dishes, tropical fruits, or Ugandan coffee. Continue to St. John's Church, an Anglican church built in the 19th century. Admire the Gothic-inspired exterior and stained glass windows, then step inside for a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation.

Leave the village behind in the afternoon to wander through the picturesque Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to a diverse range of exotic plant species. Follow the manicured path through the garden and keep an eye out for the playful monkeys or colorful birds that call this sanctuary home. End your tour at a nearby public beach overlooking Lake Victoria. Sit on the sand and look out at local fishermen casting their nets while the sun begins to slowly set.

Day 14: Visit Kasenyi Fish Landing Site & White Sands Beach, Depart

Start your final day in Uganda with a visit to the Kasenyi Fish Landing Site, just 30 minutes outside the city. Here, you can sample delicious, freshly fried fish as you observe locals gathering, selling, and cooking fresh fish and produce. After enjoying a delicious meal, return to Entebbe to relax on White Sands Beach. Soak up the sun on the fine white sand, swim in the refreshing water, and listen to the palm trees sway. Just keep an eye on the clock, so you can make it back to the hotel to meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!