14 Days Rwanda & Uganda
Summary
We’ll trace the Nile at Jinja, hike Sipi Falls, explore remote Kidepo, cruise the Nile at Murchison, track chimpanzees in Kibale, enjoy Big Five safaris in Queen Elizabeth, trek gorillas in Bwindi, relax at Lake Bunyonyi, and conclude in Kigali. Along the way, we weave in cultural encounters, coffee tours, crater lakes, and village visits, ensuring a balance of adventure, primates, and authentic East African life.
Popular Wildlife
Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
I welcome you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Depending on arrival time, we enjoy a short orientation of Entebbe, visiting the botanical gardens or strolling along Lake Victoria’s shores. Evening relaxation at your lodge allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Lodges: Mid-range: Boma Guest House | High-end: Hotel NO.5
Drive time: Airport to Entebbe city – 30 minutes
Day 2: Entebbe to Jinja (Source of the Nile)
We drive east to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Along the way, we pass sugarcane plantations and bustling roadside towns. Afternoon boat ride to the source of the Nile reveals where the world’s longest river begins. Optional rafting, kayaking, or quad biking add adrenaline. Evening relaxation by the river.
Lodges: Mid-range: The River Club | High-end: Wildwaters Lodge
Drive time: Entebbe to Jinja – 3–4 hours
Day 3: Jinja to Sipi Falls
We head north to Sipi Falls, nestled on Mt. Elgon’s slopes. Afternoon hike takes us to three cascading waterfalls, each offering breathtaking views. A coffee tour with local farmers reveals traditional growing and roasting methods. Evening relaxation with views of the valley.
Lodges: Heritage Sipi Lodge
Drive time: Jinja to Sipi: 4–5 hours
Day 4: Sipi to Kidepo Valley NP
We drive north to Kidepo, Uganda’s most remote park. The journey passes through Karamoja, a region rich in culture and tradition. Evening relaxation at lodge overlooking vast savannah, with wildlife often visible from your veranda.
Lodges: Mid-range: Kidepo Savannah Lodge | High-end: Apoka Safari Lodge
Drive time: Sipi to Kidepo: 7–8 hours
Day 5: Full‑Day Safari in Kidepo
Game drives reveal lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. We explore Narus Valley, known for dense wildlife, and visit local Karamojong communities to learn about their pastoral lifestyle. Evening storytelling by lodge staff adds cultural depth.
Lodges: Mid-range: Kidepo Savannah Lodge | High-end: Apoka Safari Lodge
Drive time: Lodge to Game circuits: 30–45 minutes
Day 6: Kidepo to Murchison Falls NP
We transfer west to Murchison Falls NP, Uganda’s largest park. The drive passes through Gulu, offering glimpses of northern Uganda’s resilience. Evening relaxation by the Nile River, with hippos often heard nearby.
Lodges: Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge | High-end: Nile Safari Lodge
Drive time: Kidepo to Murchison 7–8 hours
Day 7: Safari & Nile Boat Cruise
Morning game drive across Murchison’s savannah reveals giraffes, lions, elephants, and hartebeest. Afternoon boat cruise along the Nile showcases hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, ending at the base of the falls. Evening relaxation with views of the river.
Lodges: Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge | High-end: Nile Safari Lodge
Drive time: Lodge to Game circuits: 30–45 minutes
Day 8: Murchison to Kibale Forest
We drive south via Hoima to Kibale Forest. Stops at roadside villages and crater lakes enrich the journey. Evening relaxation at lodge surrounded by rainforest, preparing for chimpanzee tracking.
Lodges: Mid-range: Turaco Treetops | High-end: Ndali Lodge
Drive time: Murchison to Kibale: 6–7 hours
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
At dawn, we track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, listening to their calls echoing through ancient trees. Afternoon Bigodi swamp walk offers birdlife, butterflies, and cultural encounters with local guides. Evening relaxation at lodge.
Lodges: Mid-range: Turaco Treetops | High-end: Ndali Lodge
Drive time: Lodge to Trailhead: 30–45 minutes
Day 10: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP
We transfer south to Queen Elizabeth NP, stopping at crater lakes and tea plantations. Afternoon game drive across Kasenyi plains reveals lions, elephants, and kob antelope. Evening relaxation with views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Lodges: Mid-range: Aardvark Safari Lodge | High-end: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Drive time: Kibale to Queen: 3–4 hours
Day 11: Queen Elizabeth Safari & Boat Cruise
Morning game drive reveals lions, elephants, and buffalo. Afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga Channel showcases hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Optional visit to nearby fishing villages adds cultural flavor.
Lodges: Mid-range: Aardvark Safari Lodge | High-end: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Drive time: Kibale to Queen: 3–4 hours
Day 12: Queen to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
We drive south via Ishasha, famous for tree‑climbing lions, then continue to Bwindi. Evening relaxation at lodge surrounded by rainforest.
Lodges: Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma| High-end: Gorilla Forest Lodge
Drive time: Queen to Bwindi: 4–5 hours
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Morning gorilla trek in Bwindi’s rainforest. Afternoon transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic lake. Canoe ride reveals islands and birdlife. Evening relaxation with views of the water.
Lodges: Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma| High-end: Gorilla Forest Lodge
Drive time: Bwindi to Bunyonyi: 2–3 hours
Day 14: Kigali Departure
We drive across the border into Rwanda, arriving in Kigali. Depending on flight time, we enjoy a short city tour, visiting craft markets or art galleries before departure.