Epic Uganda & Rwanda Adventure: Entebbe to Kigali - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe (Uganda), Guided City Tour

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

This morning, set off on a five-hour transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in the country. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see the white rhino up close. Meet your knowledgeable guide and head out on a rhino-tracking expedition. Learn more about these magnificent creatures and discover how the sanctuary plays a pivotal role in reintroducing and protecting this endangered species. 

After you've had some time with the rhinos, enjoy a delicious lunch at Amuka Lodge, nestled within the sanctuary's lush surroundings. Once you've finished eating, jump back in the car and continue your drive to the national park, passing through traditional villages and expansive farmlands. When you arrive, check into the lodge and settle in for the night.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Start your day off right with a game drive through the park to see the wildlife that calls this vast protected area home. Jump in your safari vehicle and navigate the rugged terrain as anticipation builds with each turn. Look out for elephants moving through the grasslands or giraffes grazing on acacia leaves. If you're lucky, you may spot lions prowling across the savanna to find their prey. Don't forget to look to the skies, as there are over 451 species of birds to see in the park as well.

Explore the park from the water next as you board a boat and cruise along the Nile Delta. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare shoebill stork on the shores as you continue the cruise to the park's namesake, Murchison Falls. The thunderous roar of the rushing waters surrounded by lush greenery and sheer cliffs will greet you when you reach the bottom. If there's time, you can set off on a 45-minute hike to the top to see the falls up close and watch as the water cascades into the Nile. After an action-packed morning, return to your lodge for a delicious lunch, then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park, Primate Capital of the World

Trade one national park for another this morning as you set off on a 4.5-hour transfer southwest to Kibale National Park, known as the "Primate Capital of the World" for its 13 species of primates. As you drive, the landscape will change to rolling hills and dense forests, creating a striking contrast to the open plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Stop for a delicious lunch before you reach the lodge, where you can settle in and relax after the long drive. 

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trek, Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary

Set an early alarm, as this morning, you'll meet your guide at 7 am to track chimpanzees through the forest. After a safety briefing, lace up your best hiking boots and head into the trees to find the chimps. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to four hours, depending on where they nested the night before, but be patient, as the reward will be worth the wait. While you walk, you may also see other primates, like the red-tailed monkey, so keep your eyes peeled. When you finally find the chimpanzees, watch as they swing effortlessly from tree to tree or groom each other on the forest floor. 

After an hour with these curious creatures, trek back to the ranger station and get ready for a visit to the nearby Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Walk along the boardwalk, passing from swamps and marshes to grasslands and tropical rainforests. Look out for birds like the iconic great blue turaco or the elusive papyrus gonolek. The wetlands are also a haven for primates, so you may spot more chimpanzees or colobus monkeys. Once you've explored the wetlands, return to your lodge to rest and enjoy the rest of the afternoon by the pool.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Visit Lake Katwe

This morning, head to your final destination in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Break up the three-hour transfer with a stop at the equator to stand on the symbolic line and take pictures. If the weather allows it, you'll also drive through volcanic craters to see lakes that were formed over 10,000 years ago. When you arrive at the park, leave your bags at the lodge, then venture out to Lake Katwe to learn about the salt mining hub that's been supporting the local Katwe community since the 16th century.

Watch as workers complete the meticulous and arduous process of salt harvesting, then walk among the salt flats to admire the geometric patterns formed in the drying sun. In the afternoon, visit another Indigenous community at a traditional village nestled within the park. Stroll through the village and meet with the locals to learn about their daily routines, traditional practices, and thatched-roof homes. Enter a homestead and watch as the residents prepare a traditional meal. After sharing the delicious food, return to your lodge in the park to relax.

Day 7: Game Drive to See the Big Five & Tree-Climbing Lions

Explore more of Queen Elizabeth National Park today with a game drive in the wildlife-heavy Kasenyi sector. Jump in the safari car and drive across the savanna in search of the Big Five, which includes lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. This is one of the best places in the country to see lions, as they prey on the abundant population of Ugandan kob. You may also see Africa's largest pig, the giant forest hog, or the elusive leopard if you're lucky.

Day 8: Transfer to Musanze (Rwanda), Land of a Thousand Hills

Leave the rolling savannas and wildlife-rich expanses of Queen Elizabeth National Park behind as you set off on a 4.5-hour transfer into Rwanda, also known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Stop at a village along the way to see the traditional mud homes and meet the friendly locals before continuing to the border. Depending on the time of day, you may also have the chance to spot monkeys, buffalo, or even elephants along the road, so don't forget to look out the windows throughout the drive. 

After crossing the border, the scenery evolves into lush hills and terraced slopes as you wind through the scenic Virunga Mountains. Your destination is Musanze (Ruhengeri), the largest city in northern Uganda and a popular gateway to nearby Volcanoes National Park. Check into your hotel, and venture out to explore a bit on your own. Head into town to browse the many markets full of crafts, textiles, souvenirs, and delicious street food. If the street food doesn't fill you up, visit one of the local or international restaurants and cafés nearby for dinner.

Day 9: Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park, Visit a Local Village

Get ready for an early wake-up call, as you'll meet your guide in Volcanoes National Park at 7 am for a briefing on today's gorilla trek. After learning about the gorilla's behavior and trekking etiquette, set off into the forest to find these peaceful, endangered animals. Ascend through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains, weave through dense vegetation, and traverse varying terrains to find the gorilla family. When they come into sight, stand back and watch these incredible primates in their natural habitat for an hour before returning along the same path.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a community-driven initiative that offers visitors an authentic experience of Rwandan heritage. As you enter, you'll be welcomed by traditional dances, rhythmic drumming, and warm hospitality. Stroll through the village to learn about the villagers' daily lives and watch as they weave baskets, practice traditional medicine, or make banana beer, which you can sample. Learn how to cook traditional Rwandan food with some of the residents, then sit down to enjoy it as a group to end your visit.

Day 10: Follow Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

A visit to Volcanoes National Park wouldn't be complete without a sighting of the rare golden monkey, so this morning, you set off on a trek to find these small primates. This is an endangered species, so the park uses funds from the guided trek to raise awareness and improve conservation efforts. After a safety and trek etiquette briefing, follow your guide quickly through the bamboo forest to try to keep up with these agile monkeys who are constantly on the move in search of food.

While you walk, listen as your guide shares valuable insights about golden monkeys, their habitat, and the park's ongoing conservation efforts to protect them from extinction. When you finally find the two habituated troops of monkeys, totaling about 80 members, you'll have one hour to spend with them. Watch as they forage for food or swing from tree to tree, putting on an acrobatic display. After an hour, trek back along the same path and return to your lodge to relax for the rest of the day. 

Day 11: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Chimpanzee Trek

Leave the Virunga Mountains behind this morning and join your driver for the 4.5-hour transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The drive takes you through the heart of the country, so grab a window seat to see the rolling hills, traditional villages, and terraced fields passing by. As you get closer, the volcanic slopes will change to lush tea plantations and dense forests until you finally reach the canopy of ancient trees in the Nyungwe Forest.

After settling into your lodge, head out on a chimpanzee trek through the rainforest. Follow your guide along the winding trails, listening for the telltale rustling of leaves and branches to find these majestic primates. With over 500 chimpanzees in the park, you shouldn't struggle to find a family swinging from branch to branch. When you do, stop and observe their fascinating behavior as they interact with each other, forage for food, and play in the trees. After an hour, trek back to your lodge to rest. 

Day 12: Canopy Walk, Butare National Museum, Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast, set off on a two-hour canopy walk to see the park from a completely new perspective—suspended high above the forest floor. Follow the winding trail, crossing sturdy suspension bridges and platforms to traverse the treetops. As you walk, take in the panoramic view of the vast forest punctuated by towering trees and dense canopy. This also brings you closer to the park's diverse birdlife, so keep an eye on the trees to see colorful species like hornbills or turacos.

When you complete the adrenaline-filled journey, return to the lodge to grab your bags, then set off on a four-hour transfer to Rwanda's capital, Kigali. Break up the drive with a stop at the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about the country's rich heritage and traditions. Browse the extensive collection of artifacts, traditional crafts, and historic relics before grabbing lunch in the city. Once you arrive in Kigali, check into your hotel, then venture out for dinner. Head to the Kiyovu district to discover the mix of mid-range and upscale restaurants and cafés serving local and international cuisine. 

Day 13: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Nyamirambo

Spend your penultimate day in Rwanda discovering the capital, starting at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a somber yet essential stop to commemorate the victims of the 1994 genocide. Learn more about the approximately one million Tutsi people that were slaughtered here by the Hutu majority over a span of 100 days, and pay your respects to the victims before continuing to the colorful neighborhood of Nyamirambo, nestled in the hills. Enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape, revealing a tapestry of bustling streets, colorful rooftops, and green hills.

Then, pop into some of the local markets to browse the array of handmade goods and delicious street food. After a traditional Rwandan lunch, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Return to the hotel to rest or head to the 1000 Hills Distillery, founded by American expats in 2014, to tour the property. Learn about the spirits the distillery makes and sample favorites like spiced rum and macadamia liqueur. End the evening with some tapas at the distillery's restaurant paired with your favorite spirit. 

Day 14: Depart Kigali

Your African adventure comes to a close today. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have a bit more time to explore. Don't miss Kimironko Market, one of the largest markets in the city, to browse the array of produce, spices, fabrics, and handmade crafts. Haggle for some unique souvenirs to take home or get one last taste of fresh Rwandan fruits before meeting your driver back at the hotel for your transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight home!

More Great Uganda Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Uganda? Check out these other Uganda itineraries, explore different ways to spend two weeks in Uganda, or discover the best time to visit Uganda.