This 12 day Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris combine mountain gorilla trekking, big five game drives, and water sports across two diverse countries. From Volcanoes to Murchison Falls and the Nile, each stop offers a mix of wildlife, culture, and adrenaline. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking both close-up animal experience and high-energy outdoor experiences.
Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris offer a rich blend of wildlife, culture, and outdoor excitement across two of East Africa’s most rewarding destinations. This 12-day journey takes you from the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking to the golden monkey trails of Mgahinga and the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi. You’ll explore Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions, track chimpanzees in Kibale, and witness the power of Murchison Falls. The adventure continues with rhino tracking at Ziwa and adrenaline-filled days in Jinja, including whitewater rafting and bungee jumping. Along the way, you’ll meet local communities, enjoy scenic drives, and relax on sunset cruises. Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris are designed for travelers who want more than just sightseeing they offer hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and a chance to see the region’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes. Whether it’s your first time in Africa or a return visit, this itinerary delivers a complete and memorable safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking, Dian Fossey Tomb Hike with Cultural Experience
Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga for Golden Monkeys with Adventures at Lake Bunyonyi
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park for Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions with Evening Boat
Day 5: Early Game Drive, Visit Lake Katwe and Continue to Kibale Forest
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking with a Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 7: Early Game Drive, Track Big Five with Boat Safari
Day 8: Top of the Falls and Walking Safari
Day 9: Drive to Ziwa Rhinos and Transfer to Jinja with a Visit to the Source of the Nile
Day 10: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping Over the Nile with Other Optional Water Sports
Day 11: Zip-Lining and Canopy Adventure with Sunset Boat Cruise
Day 12: Return to Kampala for Final Shopping and Departure
Your Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris start with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you'll be met by your guide for a short city tour. You’ll visit key sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets before driving north to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, enjoy Rwanda’s rolling green hills and rural charm. The region around Musanze is your overnight stop, placing you close to tomorrow’s mountain trekking. This day eases you into the pace of the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris, balancing cultural depth with scenic travel
Begin your day early with a safety briefing before heading into the forest for your gorilla trek one of the highlights of the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Trekking to find a gorilla family can take a few hours, but meeting them is deeply rewarding. After your return, enjoy lunch and continue to hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, learning about her conservation work. In the afternoon, you’ll participate in a community cultural program, gaining insight into traditional life near the park. These diverse experiences form the heart of Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris wildlife, nature, and meaningful connections
This morning, cross into Uganda and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you'll track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone of the Virunga range. This is one of the unique wildlife moments featured in Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. After the trek, drive through the hills to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes. Spend your afternoon paddling in a traditional dugout canoe, swimming, or simply relaxing by the peaceful lakeside. Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect blend of adventure and calm, giving Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris their well-rounded appeal
After breakfast, travel through southern Uganda’s scenic countryside to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to rare tree-climbing lions. Spotting one lounging in a fig tree is a defining moment on Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. In the late afternoon, join a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, hippos, and buffalo cool off at the water’s edge. The boat safari brings you close to wildlife you might miss from land. With lions above and wildlife below, this is why Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris are so rich in variety
Head out early for a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a focus on spotting predators and plains animals before the sun gets too hot. After breakfast, visit Lake Katwe to observe traditional salt mining. This stop adds cultural learning to your Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Then travel north to Kibale Forest, home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The drive takes you through scenic farmland and crater lakes, offering a peaceful transition between safari zones. The day closes as Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris move deeper into forest terrain
After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. Their calls echo through the trees, making this one of the most active and exciting days on the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. You may also see other primates and rare birdlife during the trek. After lunch, begin your long drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. The route gives you a changing view of Uganda’s landscapes from tea plantations to open grasslands. This transition day connects two powerful locations on the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris and prepares you for big game viewing ahead
Today begins with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park. Look out for lions, elephants, and giraffes in the savannah and woodlands. The open terrain increases your chances of seeing all five major species, making this a key chapter in Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. In the afternoon, join a boat safari on the Nile River, where hippos and crocodiles line the banks. Watch animals come down to drink and witness the thunderous base of Murchison Falls. This mix of land and water viewing defines the rhythm of Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris
Start the day by visiting the top of Murchison Falls. This is where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and crashes down a 43-meter drop, creating powerful spray and rainbows. It’s one of the most dramatic natural spots on the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Later, take a guided walking safari in one of the park’s designated zones, learning how to track animals on foot. This slower pace lets you notice smaller signs of life plants, prints, and sounds. The hands-on nature of this day makes Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris feel even more personal and grounded.
Leave Murchison Falls after breakfast and head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot rhino tracking, It’s a rare chance to see these endangered animals up close and safely, marking an important conservation stop on the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Continue to Jinja, where the Nile begins its long journey to Egypt. Stop at the river’s source for photos and local stories before heading to your lodge. The day blends wildlife, history, and meaningful encounters all of which form the spirit of Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris as you shift toward adrenaline-filled adventures ahead
Brace yourself for one of the most thrilling days of the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Start with white water rafting on Grade 3–5 rapids, tackling the powerful Nile with expert guides. After lunch, try bungee jumping from a platform high above the river—a pure adrenaline rush. For those seeking more, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing are available nearby. These activities give your Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris a totally different mood: fast-paced, high-energy, and unforgettable. Whether you try one or all, Jinja serves as the ideal contrast to the quieter wildlife moments from earlier days
Continue your active experience in Jinja with a zip-lining course through Mabira Forest, flying above canopies and suspension bridges. This close-up look at Uganda’s forest ecology is a fun way to stay active while exploring nature. In the afternoon, take a break before boarding a boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on the Nile. With a cool breeze and golden light, it’s a peaceful way to reflect on your Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. The mix of forest activity and calm river cruising shows how diverse the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris can be, even within one region
After breakfast, drive to Kampala for your final day of the Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. Stop at local craft shops or boutiques for souvenirs like handmade jewelry, textiles, and art. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore a local market or enjoy a relaxed meal in town. Your guide will ensure timely transfer to the airport for departure. This closing day ties together the wildlife, culture, and adventure that define Rwanda Uganda great adventure safaris. As you head home, you carry stories from forests, rivers, and savannahs that made your journey complete