Ultimate Culture & Wildlife Tour of Rwanda & Uganda - 21 Days

Day 2: Full-Day History & Culture Tour of Kigali

Join your guide for a six-hour city tour this morning and discover how Kigali evolved over the 20th century from its founding in 1907 during German colonial rule until its independence in 1962, marking the beginnings of the capital's rapid political and economic growth. You'll also get an insight into the country's darkest chapter, the Rwandan Genocide of April 1994, which saw the massacre of one million Tutsi people by Hutu militia. Throughout the tour, you'll visit memorials and sites significant to the period and learn about the country's journey to reconciliation and unity.

You'll also explore the capital's vibrant neighborhoods, such as the Nyamirambo district, dubbed the "Big Apple of Kigali," and known for its high-energy nightlife and as a creative hub filled with musicians and artists. Follow your guide through the colorful streets, stop at local markets to sample exotic fruits, and join a local artist on a walk to admire the neighborhood's colorful murals and street art. 

Then, take a break at one of the city's many traditional milk bars, where you can join locals for a refreshing milk-based beverage and a mid-morning snack to help fuel your walk up to Mount Kigali. It's an easy two-hour climb, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the cityscape below and the lush countryside. Rest your feet after the hike with an authentic Rwandan lunch, then stop for a cup of the country's high-quality coffee. End the tour with a water taxi ride along the Nyabarongo River. 

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Canopy Walk

Trade the capital city for one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests this morning as you transfer four hours southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Try to snag a window seat to look out at the rolling hills adorned with tea plantations and picturesque villages. As you approach the national park, the landscape transforms into dense rainforest, home to a wide array of flora, fauna, and wildlife, including 13 primate species. When you arrive, check into Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, nestled atop a picturesque hill overlooking Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest. 

After a refresh at the hotel, set off on a two-hour canopy walk along a suspended walkway high above the forest floor. Follow your guide across the sturdy metal bridges, swaying gently with each step as you look down at the forest teeming with life. Try to spot colorful birds flitting among the branches or colobus monkeys swinging effortlessly through the trees. Listen as your guide teaches you about the national park's conservation efforts, biodiversity, and fascinating history before returning to the hotel for a delicious dinner.

Day 4: Trek Through the National Park to Find Chimpanzees

Lace-up your best hiking shoes and prepare for a trek through the national park to find chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Set off down the trails with your knowledgeable guides as the first light of the day begins to filter through the rainforest's dense canopy. Finding the chimpanzees can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, so be sure to stretch your legs before you start.

As you walk, your guides will share their expertise, pointing out signs of chimpanzee activity, such as nests, feeding sites, and vocalizations, which serve as clues to track down these elusive creatures. When you finally find these sociable animals, stand back and watch the chimpanzees foraging, grooming, and interacting with each other. After spending some time with these incredible primates, trek back to your starting point and return to the hotel to eat and rest following your early start. 

Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Relax at Leisure

Get ready for a 6.5-hour journey across the country as you head to Akagera National Park this morning. Watch as the dense rainforest, lush greenery, and terraced fields transition into vast plains and grasslands as you approach the park. Check into Akagera Game Lodge, nestled on a ridge in the southern part of the national park overlooking Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the lodge's amenities, including its outdoor pool, lounge, and restaurant. 

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Wake up before dawn for a full-day game drive through Akagera. Jump in a safari vehicle and watch the sun slowly rise over the savanna, looking out for the park's residents as they wake up or return from a hunt. Traverse the ever-changing landscape, from vast plains to dense woodlands and shimmering lakes. You're sure to encounter a plethora of wildlife, from mighty elephants and graceful giraffes to elusive leopards and prowling lions.

Stop for a leisurely picnic lunch as the day progresses to refuel and relax amid the natural sights and sounds. When the afternoon heat starts to hit, head to the park's vast network of lakes to look for hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species cooling off by or in the water. In the evening, watch as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow across the savanna. After a full day of wildlife spotting, return to the lodge to rest and sit down for dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Cultural Village Visit

Today, you transfer five hours to your final national park in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, renowned for its high concentration of mountain gorillas. When you arrive, check into Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, which lies in the shadows of Karisimbi Mountain, one of the eight Virunga volcanoes. After refreshing, head to the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a living museum that aims to preserve and showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Rwandan people. Wander through the village to see the 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 paired with ugali, a staple side dish made from maize flour and water cooked to a dough-like consistency. Sit down to enjoy the meal paired with a delicious banana beer brewed in the village, then thank the locals for their time before returning to your lodge.

Day 8: Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Since Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its gorilla population, you can't leave without going on a trek to see them. 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 magnificent 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 return to the park's entrance along the same path when it's time. After a day in the forest, return to the lodge to relax. Grab a drink at the bar before sitting down for dinner in the rock-cut dining room adorned with prehistoric cave paintings. 

Day 9: Transfer to Kigali, Relax at Leisure

After meeting the residents of Volcanoes National Park, return to Kigali on a 2.5-hour transfer. When you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Relax at the hotel's pool or venture out to explore more of the capital. You could spend the day hopping from museum to museum, starting at the Rwanda Art Museum, housed in the former residence of President Habyarimana. Step inside to admire the diverse collection of contemporary and traditional Rwandan artwork, ranging from colorful paintings and sculptures to intricate crafts and textiles.

Continue to the Kandt House Museum to learn about Rwanda's colonial era in the former home of Richard Kandt, a German explorer. Wander through the well-preserved rooms full of traditional artifacts and photographs depicting the country's development and complex history. End your visit with a walk through the lush gardens featuring native plants and flowers. In the evening, head to one of Kigali's rooftop bars, such as Pili Pili or Rooftop Rendezvous, to enjoy dinner and a drink overlooking the city.

Day 10: Fly to Entebbe (Uganda), Transfer to Kampala

Say goodbye to Rwanda this morning as you head to the airport to catch a one-hour flight to Entebbe, a vibrant city in central Uganda nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer one hour to your hotel in the capital, Kampala. Refresh and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace, or join a tour of 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. Those who want a little adventure can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the beach from the water. Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform from golden yellows to fiery oranges and soft pinks while you enjoy a cold beer or juice. When darkness starts to fall, return to your hotel in Kampala.

Day 11: Guided Tour of Kampala

Set off on a full-day tour of the capital this morning, starting at the Uganda Museum. Step inside to discover the diverse collection of traditional artifacts, archaeological exhibits, and ethnographic displays providing insight into Ugandan history. Next, follow your guide as you jump on a boda-boda, 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 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 palace, 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 12: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park 

Leave the city behind as you set off on a four-hour transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, the country's oldest and largest national park. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see the endangered 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, a luxury lodge within the park overlooking the Nile River. Leave your bags behind and trek to the top of the park's namesake, Murchison Falls. Although the hike is entirely uphill and takes one to two hours, the view at the end will be well worth the effort as you look down at the Nile, thundering through a narrow gorge and plunging into the churning waters below. Enjoy panoramic views of the falls and surrounding landscape before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 13: Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up just before dawn this morning to set off on a game drive, which starts with the compelling sight of the sun rising over the park. The cooler morning temperatures bring heightened activity, so it's a great time to 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, such as the African fish eagle or rare shoebill stork. When it starts to get too hot out for you and the animals, return to the lodge to rest after your early start and sit down for lunch.

In the evening, venture out on another game drive in search of the nocturnal wildlife that comes out to play. Traverse the park's diverse habitats and watch the sun slowly set over the savanna, illuminating the animals in a soft glow. If you didn't see lions earlier, you have a better chance now as they start to stir and set off on their nightly prowl for food. You may also spot smaller nocturnal creatures, like African civets, bushbabies, or porcupines, foraging for food. After a few hours exploring the park, return to the lodge in time for dinner. 

Day 14: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, 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 your driver's route, settle into the luxury Kyambura Gorge Lodge on the edge of the national park and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Unwind at the on-site spa, swim in the pool overlooking the park and the Rwenzori Mountains, then sit down for a delicious dinner.

Day 15: Morning Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Water Safari

Wake up before dawn for another memorable game drive while the sun rises over the vast savanna. This gives you a chance to spot nocturnal animals, like hyenas and leopards, as they wind down from their nighttime activities, as well as 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. Head to the wildlife-rich Kasenyi sector and marvel at the grazing zebras, giraffes, and giant forest hogs, the largest wild pig in Africa.

In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise down the Kazinga, which is 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 exploring the park by safari vehicle and boat, head back to the lodge for the night.

Day 16: Transfer to Kibale National Park, Half-Day Chimpanzee Trek

Today, you head to your final reserve, the Kibale National Park, in the center of Uganda's pristine rainforest. On the two-hour transfer, watch the rolling savannas, rural villages, and picturesque farmland transition into lush greenery and dense forests. Check into Kyaninga Lodge, a luxury lodge perched atop a crater lake with panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

After refreshing, set off on a trek to look for the national park's most famous residents, chimpanzees. Start at the visitor's center to complete a safety briefing, then follow your guides down one of the nearby trails. Traverse the rugged terrain and dense vegetation until you find a group of these sociable creatures. Watch them swing effortlessly through the trees, groom each other, and care for any babies in the group. After observing these playful creatures up close for an hour, return to the visitor's center and return to your lodge for dinner.

Day 17: Full-Day Chimpanzee Trek

Spend another day with the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, starting again at the visitor's center at 7:00 am. Go over the proper etiquette of interacting with the chimpanzees, learn about the forest's delicate ecosystem, and then go to the trails. Weave through the dense foliage and towering trees, trying to spot signs of the chimpanzees on the hunt for food. On the way, you may spot other primates, such as the playful red-tailed monkeys or black-and-white colobus monkeys.

If you hear bird calls, look up at the trees to try and spot the park's resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue turaco, African fish eagle, or palm-nut vulture. When you find the chimpanzees, spend one hour watching their playful antics before returning to the lodge to relax by the pool. From the deck, watch the sunset over Lake Kyaninga, then sit down for an African or international dinner al fresco.

Day 18: Transfer to Kampala, Self-Guided City Tour of the Capital

Wave goodbye to the park this morning and return to Kampala on a five-hour transfer. There's plenty to see as you wind through the lush countryside and pass rural settlements and villagers on their daily routines. Eventually, the bustling capital will emerge on the horizon. Check into your hotel and enjoy its amenities for the rest of the day, or venture out to explore the area under your own steam. A good place to start is the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Royal Tombs, housing the remains of four Buganda kings.

The tombs are an architectural masterpiece, showcasing traditional Ganda craftsmanship and a great way to learn more about the burial practices and ceremonies of the Buganda people. When you're done, hop on a boda-boda to weave through the traffic and return to the center to explore the Bagala Craft Market. Browse the stalls brimming with traditional crafts, cultural artifacts, and colorful art. In the evening, head to the Kololo district for dinner, an upscale area known for its diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife. 

Day 19: Transfer to Jinja, Boat Tour to the Source of the Nile 

After a restful night in Kampala, hit the road again for a two-hour transfer to Jinja, better known as the "Source of the Nile," as it's the point where the world's longest river begins its journey northward. After refreshing at your lodge, venture out on a two-hour boat tour across Lake Victoria to the Nile's starting point.

As you cruise, listen to your guide share insights about the Nile, including its history and importance in African culture. When you reach the spot where the lake transforms into a powerful river, you'll have the opportunity to sample water from both life-sustaining sources. After taking in panoramic views of both bodies of water, return to the shore and return to your lodge. 

Day 20: Morning at Leisure in Jinja, Transfer to Kampala

Your penultimate day in Uganda is yours to spend as you wish. There are plenty of activities in Jinja to choose from, depending on your interests. Thrill seekers may enjoy activities like whitewater rafting, jet boating on the Nile, bungee jumping from a 144-foot (44 m) tall tower, or mountain biking through the countryside. If you want a more relaxed day, you can visit some of the city's landmarks, starting at the Mahatma Gandhi Monument, erected to pay homage to Gandhi's visit in 1913, when he advocated for the rights of Indian laborers brought in by the British to work on the construction of the Uganda Railway.

Head to the city center next to stroll down the streets lined with colonial-era buildings, remnants of its past as a British outpost. Pop in and out of the bustling markets filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. If you're feeling adventurous, try fried or roasted grasshoppers, a local delicacy. Those who just want a sweet treat can enjoy mandazi, a fried doughnut flavored with coconut or spices. In the evening, return to Kampala on a two-hour transfer and settle into your hotel.

Day 21: Visit the Chimpanzees of Ngamba Island, Depart

After three weeks of exploring Rwanda and Uganda, your journey comes to a close today. Before you leave, head to the pier for a boat tour to the nearby Ngamba Island, renowned for its chimpanzee sanctuary. Disembark and head to the Ngamba 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, where you can meet your driver and transfer one hour to the airport in Entebbe in time for your flight home. Safe travels!