10 days in Uganda and Rwanda Safari brings you up close to a sneak peak of Rwanda and a summary of what Uganda has to offer as far as tourism attractions are concerned. Right from when you touch base at Kigali International Airport, you drive through the meandering roads dotted with the beautiful hills of Rwanda, which is the little Switzerland of Africa.
Lake Bunyonyi is known for its green and lush terraced hills and is home to over 200 bird species. This trip will further lead you to the golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the chimpanzees of Budongo, the famous Murchison Falls, and crown it with the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Detailed 10 days Uganda and Rwanda itinerary
Day 1: Rwanda-Lake Bunyonyi
Arrival at Kigali International Airport in the morning, meet up with your local Shoebill Safaris guide, and proceed to Lake Bunyonyi. Afternoon hike to the Batwa People (optional activity). These people have remarkable traditional stories to tell, and most of all, their unique way of living and entertainment.
Later, relax at the lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery punctuated by the terraced landscape. Lake Bunyonyi is one place that is excluded and private for honeymooners and those who are looking for natural and undisturbed places. Dinner and overnight at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Day 2: Lake Bunyonyi-Bwindi Impenetrable Forest N.P.
After an early breakfast, check out, and we proceed for Golden Monkey tracking. After a drive to the home of the mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best known for gorilla tracking, but it also provides refuge to forest elephants (rare sightings but in the forest), chimpanzees, monkeys, and small antelopes.
When you mention Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you cannot miss several forest bird species that are restricted to the Albertine. On a good day, if you are a keen birder, be sure to record over 50 different bird species. Community tourism here is also vibrant, as are tea plantations. Dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest N.P.
After breakfast, briefing, gorilla trekking, and if time allows, an evening community walk and entertainment around the fireplace by the locals. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the forest giants that are cousins to human beings, the gorillas. This impenetrable forest is still one of the best virgin tropical rain forests in East Africa. Dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest N.P.-Queen Elizabeth NP
Breakfast and after beginning the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will drive through the Ishasha sector. Chances of sporting tree climbing lions are high. Have a moment with these tree-climbing lions as they lazy away in the trees.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its wildlife, including African cape buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, African bush elephant, African leopard, lion, and chimpanzee, to mention but a few. It is home to about 95 mammals species and over 500 bird species. Dinner and overnight at Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early cup of tea or coffee, go for the morning game drive with Lion experiential tracking to the vast park. Look out for any chances of the early hunting cats, herds of elephants, antelopes, buffalos, and many more. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and free time. After lunch, launch a cruise on the famous Kazinga channel, where you get to see schools of hippos, buffaloes’ herds, and a variety of beautiful waterbird species like jacanas, fish eagles, and pelicans along the channel. Enjoy the much-feared crocodiles as they sunbathe away and occasionally snap at the game that comes to have a drink and cool off the afternoon heat. Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP-Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Kibale Forest National Park for yet another exciting adventure. Afternoon Bigodi swamp tour. This swamp is home to about 137 species of birds. It is rich with lush vegetation such as wild palms, figs, and the dominant Polita papyrus.
Bigodi Wetland Reserve is managed by the Kibale Association for rural development and environmental protection. Possible evening visit to the crater lakes if time allows. Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 7: Kibale Forest National Park-Budongo Forest
After breakfast, proceed to Budongo Forest, the biggest mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa, as well as habitat to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. Several stopovers along the way will lead us to local community settings and tea plantations.
The forest is located at the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park and dominated by mahogany and ironwood trees. Murchison Falls NP covers 3,840 sq km and has recorded 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species. It lies 619 m at the delta and 1,292 m at Rabongo Hill. Dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge.
Day 8: Budongo Forest-Murchison Falls National Park
After a breakfast, Chimp trekking at Bundongo Forest. Meet the closest cousins of human beings, otherwise known as the Chimpanzees. Chimpanzees share 98.7% genes with humans. After trekking, proceed to the top of Murchison Falls. Enjoy the spectacular falls from the above as the thunder mightily falls downstream. Dinner and overnight at Hornbill Bush Lodge
Day 9: Murchison Falls National Park
After a rather early breakfast, we will go for a morning game drive. Catch up with elephants, giraffes, kobs, waterbucks, buffaloes, bushbucks, oribs, warthogs, hyenas, and many more. Crocodiles and a vast number of water birds. There are high chances of seeing the Shoebill stock from which our company derives its name. Enjoy these spectacular falls where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gap. There are several huge Nile crocodiles busking at the bottom of the falls. Afternoon, you’ll have a boat cruise to the bottom of the Falls. The Falls are rare and magnificent; they are one of Africa’s wonders and a must-see for everyone. Dinner and overnight at Hornbill Bush Lodge
Day 10: Murchison Falls National Park-Entebbe
After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Entebbe. Optional rhino tracking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary enroute. If time allows and considering the traffic flow, a short city tour through Kampala. Evening/night flight back home. End of 10 days of Uganda and Rwanda safaris
10 days of Uganda and Rwanda safaris include
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Gorilla permits, one per person to be paid in advance
- Driver guide allowances
- Wildlife game drives
- En-route lunches
- Ranger fees
- services of an English-speaking driver/guide
10 days Uganda and Rwanda exclude
- Air fare
- Uganda and Rwanda Visa
- Luxury drinks
- Personal laundry
- Tips to local guides
- telephone
- porter fee while trekking
- personal insurance
- buying souvenirs