8 Day Ultimate Rwanda Safari with Uganda Big Five Safari

Begin the Ultimate Rwanda safari with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The drive through Rwanda’s lush hills offers a glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and cultural charm. Settle into your lodge nestled near the park’s edge, surrounded by misty mountains and tranquil forest. This peaceful setting marks the perfect start to the Ultimate Rwanda safari, offering rest and anticipation for the adventures ahead. As the journey unfolds, the transition into Uganda big five safari territory begins to take shape, promising a seamless blend of primate encounters and classic savannah exploration. The evening is spent relaxing and preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations

Set out early for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a defining moment of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. Trek through dense forest to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an awe-inspiring experience that connects you deeply with nature. After the trek, cross into Uganda and journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and rural communities. This transition marks the beginning of the Uganda big five safari, where savannah wildlife and dramatic scenery await. The day blends primate encounters with cross-border exploration, reinforcing the richness of the Ultimate Rwanda safari and Uganda big five safari. Arrive at your lodge in time for sunset views over the park’s vast plains

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with a morning game drive through Kasenyi plains, spotting elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes key highlights of the Uganda big five safari. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer classic safari scenes that complement the earlier primate experiences of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds thrive. This combination of land and water exploration showcases the depth of the Uganda big five safari while maintaining the immersive spirit of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. The day’s wildlife encounters and scenic beauty make it a standout moment in your East African journey

Travel to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee population and lush rainforest. The forest offers another primate highlight of the Ultimate Rwanda safari, with close-up encounters during chimp trekking that deepen your connection to East Africa’s biodiversity. After the trek, explore the crater lakes region, a stunning landscape of volcanic formations and serene waters. This day bridges the primate focus of the Ultimate Rwanda safari with the broader wildlife scope of the Uganda big five safari. The contrast between forest life and tranquil lakes adds variety and richness to your journey, reinforcing the value of combining these two safari experiences

Depart Kibale and journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. The drive offers scenic views and cultural insights, setting the stage for the next chapter of the Uganda big five safari. Arrive at your lodge near the Nile River and settle in for an evening of relaxation. Murchison Falls marks a dramatic shift from forest to savannah, enhancing the diversity of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. The anticipation of game drives and river excursions builds as you prepare to explore one of Uganda’s most iconic parks. This day reinforces the seamless blend of the Ultimate Rwanda safari and Uganda big five safari across varied landscapes

Begin with a game drive across Murchison Falls National Park’s northern sector, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards core members of the Uganda big five safari. The vast savannah and riverine habitats offer classic safari scenes that complement the earlier primate-focused days of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where powerful waters crash through a narrow gorge. This dramatic setting adds natural spectacle to the Uganda big five safari while maintaining the immersive quality of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. The day’s wildlife and landscapes deliver unforgettable moments

Start with a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, offering panoramic views and a close look at the Nile’s force. Continue south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to observe Uganda’s only wild rhinos, completing the Uganda big five safari checklist. This conservation-focused experience adds depth to the Ultimate Rwanda safari, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife protection. After lunch, drive to Kampala, passing through Uganda’s heartland and vibrant towns. The day’s blend of natural wonder and conservation highlights the synergy between the Ultimate Rwanda safari and Uganda big five safari, offering a well-rounded East African adventure

Conclude your journey with an early morning visit to Mabamba Swamp, a birding hotspot near Entebbe known for the elusive shoebill stork. Glide through papyrus channels in a canoe, enjoying peaceful encounters with rare birdlife. This serene finale complements the intensity of the Uganda big five safari and the primate focus of the Ultimate Rwanda safari. After the swamp excursion, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences across two countries. The day’s quiet beauty and ecological richness reinforce the value of combining the Ultimate Rwanda safari with Uganda big five safari, leaving you with lasting memories of East Africa’s wonders