10-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla and Chimp Trekking & Big 5 Safari
Day 1: Lake Victoria Boat & Search for the Dinosaur
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your private guide.
You’ll head to the shores of Lake Victoria for a shoebill trek, where you’ll first board a motorboat, then switch to a local community canoe to reach the heart of the swamp. Here, you’ll search for the legendary shoebill — a rare, dinosaur-like bird found only in a few parts of Africa.
After the trek, you’ll continue your journey in a safari Land Cruiser, comfortably equipped for road travel. You’ll arrive at Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary, check in to your lodge, and relax — rhinos often roam close to the accommodation, offering close encounters right from your doorstep.
Driving Time: 3-4 hours
Day 2: Rhino Trekking on Foot at Ziwa Sanctuary and Top of The Falls
Start your day with a rare and unforgettable experience — tracking rhinos on foot in the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. This guided walking experience, led by expert rangers, allows you to approach these endangered giants safely and observe them at close range in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. Before heading to the lodge, make a stop at the top of Murchison Falls — the world’s most powerful waterfall. It’s a breathtaking sight and the perfect welcome to the park!
Transfer time: 3 hours
Day 3: Safari and Nile Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive through the vast savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours are the best time to witness predators returning from the hunt and herbivores grazing in the soft golden light. Wildlife is incredibly diverse here, with chances of seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and many other animals.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile, the longest river in the world, heading upstream to the base of Murchison Falls — the most powerful waterfall on the planet. Watch as the entire Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge before crashing 43 meters down with incredible force. Along the way, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks.
After, continue on another exciting sunset safari game drive!
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Scenic Drive to the Forests of Kibale
Start the day with a final drive through Murchison Falls National Park. The early morning hours offer some of the best chances to spot wildlife like hyenas and other elusive animals — so keep your eyes (and camera) ready.
From there, head south toward Kibale Forest, with the scenery shifting dramatically along the way. The open savannah gradually gives way to vibrant green hills and lush tea plantations, painting a picture of Uganda’s diverse beauty. Check in at your lodge and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Driving Time: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Vanilla Plantation & High Altitude Coffee Experience
Start your day with a visit to a local vanilla plantation, where you’ll discover the full journey of one of Uganda’s most prized crops. Walk among the vine-draped shade trees as you learn how vanilla is carefully hand-pollinated, nurtured, and harvested. Your hosts will show you the slow, meticulous curing process that gives Ugandan vanilla its deep aroma and rich flavour, and you’ll gain insight into how this delicate crop supports local farmers and communities.
Then we’ll head to one of the most picturesque regions of Uganda — the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains, known for producing some of the country’s finest high-altitude coffee. Visit a local coffee roaster to learn every step of the journey — from planting the seed to drying, roasting, and finally savoring a fresh cup.
Later, take a short hike through the hills to see how coffee grows in its natural setting, passing through local communities along the way for a glimpse into everyday life in this beautiful mountain region.
Transfer time: 2 hours
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
Start your morning with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and elusive leopards, often seen lounging in the shade.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds animals coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife.
In the evening, rest in your lodge or continue with a sunset game drive.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest and to Bwindi
This morning, head for a chimpanzee trekking experience at Kalinzu Forest. With the help of experienced local guides, you’ll track a chimp group and, once found, spend up to one hour observing their behavior in the wild. It’s a raw, unfiltered wildlife experience that gives real insight into how these primates live.
After, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and rural villages along the way.
Transfer time: 4 hours
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest
Today you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places in Uganda.
Transfer time: 1-2 hours
Day 9: Islands of Lake Bunyonyi and Drive to Rwanda
Start your day at Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful and serene spots in Uganda. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 small islands, this lake is Africa’s second deepest — and completely free of crocodiles and hippos, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. Here you will embark on a boat adventure to explore some of these islands, taking in the stunning scenery and getting a glimpse of local life along the lakeshore.
Afterward, cross the border into Rwanda and continue your journey to Volcanoes National Park.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today’s adventure offers an unforgettable experience in Volcanoes National Park. You will track the vibrant and energetic Golden Monkeys, known for their striking orange-gold coats and playful nature. Found only in a few places in the world, these rare primates leap through the lush greenery of the Virunga Mountains in large, lively troops—making for an incredible sight and a dream for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.
After the excursion, you will head to Kigali, arriving in the early evening.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Private Safari Cost
The price of each safari depends on the number of travelers, trip duration, and accommodation type. Below you can see approximate prices for each category.
Budget Friendly
For 2: $3,690 per person
For 4: $2,840 per person
Mid Range
For 2: $4,140 per person
For 4: $3,260 per person
Luxury Safari
For 2: $5,040 per person
For 4: $4,220 per person
