21-Day Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Circuit

Code: NSA21UGRW25
21 DAYS - 20 NIGHTS
Category:
  • mabamba nela safaris

Description

This unforgettable 21-day safari journey through Uganda and Rwanda offers a perfect blend of wildlife, primates, culture, and scenic landscapes. Starting from the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, you’ll explore the Mabamba Swamp, experience rich cultural interactions in Moroto, and enjoy thrilling game drives in Kidepo, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Highlights include chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi. The journey concludes in Rwanda with game drives in Akagera and city exploration in Kigali, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Safari Highlights

  • Kigali Cultural Experience
  • Golden Monkey
  • Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Embark
  • Scenic Lake Bunyonyi
  • Cross-Border Adventure
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Entebbe International Airport
DEPARTURE TIME Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED
Airport transfers Accommodations
All ground transportation in a 4×4 vehicle Professional safari guide
All meals and drinks as indicated
Park entrance fees
Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
Golden monkey trekking permit (Rwanda)
NOT INCLUDED
International flights Travel insurance
Rwanda Uganda Visa fees Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (tips, beverages, laundry, souvenirs)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Pickup

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival
time, you can relax at the hotel or explore Entebbe town. Enjoy the
views of Lake Victoria and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Skyway Hotel
Meals: Dinner

2

Day 2: Visit to Mabamba Swamp

After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp for a birdwatching expedition in search of the elusive shoebill stork. Explore the swamp in a canoe, guided by expert local birders. Return to Entebbe for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Skyway Hotel
Meals: Dinner

3

Day 3: Transfer to Jinja at the Source of the Nile

Drive to Jinja, home to the source of the Nile River. En route, stop at the
Sezibwa Falls for a short nature walk (Optional). On arrival in Jinja,
take a boat ride to the actual source and explore the vibrant town.

Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Jinja Nile Resort
Budget: Bilkon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4

Day 4: Transfer to Moroto for Cultural Interaction and Community Walk

Begin your journey to Moroto, located in northeastern Uganda. Enjoy scenic views of Mount Elgon and the Karamoja plains. Upon arrival, take a
guided cultural walk with the Karamojong community and learn about
their unique customs.

Accommodation Options
Budget: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

5

Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park and Afternoon Game Drive

Depart Moroto and drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and pristine wildlife areas. Check into your lodge and head out
for an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and more.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Apoka Safari Lodge
Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

6

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Enjoy a sunrise game drive in the Narus Valley, known for high concentrations of wildlife. Later, begin the drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Kitgum and Gulu towns. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
.

7

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Start the day with a game drive in the northern sector of the park, spotting
giraffes, lions, leopards, and more. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Nile to the bottom of the falls, witnessing hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

8

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park via the Top of the Falls

Visit the top of Murchison Falls to see the Nile thunder through a narrow
gorge. Then embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest, known for its primate diversity. Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Turacco Treetops
Budget: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

9

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee trek. Watch them in their natural habitat as they play and forage. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, rich in birdlife and cultural stories.
Overnight at Turacco Treetops (Midrange)/ Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Budget)

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Turacco Treetops
Budget: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

10

Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Katwe Salt Mine

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic crater lakes. On arrival, visit Katwe Salt Mine for a guided tour of this traditional
salt extraction site. Continue to your lodge and enjoy the sunset.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Entale Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

11

Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Take a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, known for lions and Uganda
kobs. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, elephants, and abundant birdlife.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Entale Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

12

Day 12: Drive to Lake Mburo via Igongo Cultural Centre

Depart for Lake Mburo, stopping at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and a
cultural tour. Proceed to the park and enjoy a game drive or guided nature walk upon arrival.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Mihingo Lodge
Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

13

Day 13: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo, spotting zebras, elands, and impalas. Later, transfer to Bwindi, arriving in the evening for a restful night in preparation for gorilla trekking.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

14

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Visit

After an early breakfast and briefing, enter Bwindi Forest for a thrilling
gorilla trek. Spend an hour observing these gentle giants. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their forest traditions.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

15

Day 15: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Relaxation

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic lake dotted with islands. Relax by the lakeshore, go canoeing, or take a nature walk around the hills.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Bunyonyi Birdnest Resort
Budget: Byona Amagara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

16

Day 16: Transfer to Kigali and City Exploration

Cross into Rwanda and head to Kigali. Enjoy a guided city tour, visiting the
Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art centers. Check into your hotel for the night.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Hotel des Mille Collines
Budget: Kigali Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

17

Day 17: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Evening Game Drive

Drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. After checking in at your lodge, embark on an evening game drive to see elephants, giraffes, and
possibly lions.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

18

Day 18: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Explore the park’s savannah and woodland areas on a morning game drive. Later, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering great views of hippos,
crocodiles, and waterbirds.

Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

19

Day 19: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park and Relaxation

After breakfast, drive through scenic hills to Nyungwe National Park. Arrive
in the afternoon and relax at your lodge in preparation for chimpanzee trekking.

Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Budget: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

20

Day 20: Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Musanze

Start the day early with chimpanzee tracking in the dense Nyungwe Forest.
After the trek, drive north to Musanze, located near Volcanoes National
Park.

Accommodation Options
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

21

Day 21: Transfer to Kigali and Drop off at the Airport

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Kigali. Depending on your
flight time, visit a few local craft shops for souvenirs. Your guide will drop you at the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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