12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Ultimate Wildlife Adventure

The 12 days Uganda Rwanda safari is the ultimate cross-border primate and wildlife journey in East Africa. This comprehensive Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari combines the best of both countries — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Nyungwe, golden monkey encounters, game drives, boat cruises, and rich cultural experiences.

Designed for serious wildlife enthusiasts, this 12 days Uganda and Rwanda safari delivers an in-depth exploration of East Africa’s most iconic primates and landscapes.

From the misty rainforests of Uganda’s Bwindi to the dramatic Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda, this itinerary offers unparalleled variety, high success rates, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you are a first-time safari traveler, a primate enthusiast, a photographer, or a couple celebrating a honeymoon, the 12 days Uganda Rwanda primates safari provides the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and conservation impact.

Why Choose This 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari?

Uganda and Rwanda together protect over 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

This safari allows you to trek gorillas in two different countries, track chimpanzees in two distinct forests, and enjoy golden monkeys, big game, and scenic beauty.

The 12 days Uganda Rwanda safari is expertly paced to avoid exhaustion while maximizing wildlife encounters. You benefit from seamless border transfers, professional cross-border guides, and handpicked lodges.

This itinerary is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Pearl of Africa and the Land of a Thousand Hills in a single journey.

Tour Highlights of the 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park (Uganda)
• Game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)
• Cultural visits and Kigali city tour
• Scenic drives through stunning highlands and volcanic landscapes

Brief Itinerary: 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
• Day 2-3: Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee tracking
• Day 4-5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game drives & boat cruise
• Day 6-7: Bwindi – Gorilla trekking
• Day 8-10: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla & Golden Monkey trekking
• Day 11-12: Nyungwe – Chimpanzee tracking, Canopy Walk & Kigali departure

Detailed Itinerary: 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda

Your 12 days Uganda Rwanda safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. You are warmly welcomed by your Maranatha Tours & Travel driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Relax after your flight, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Serena Kampala Hotel (Luxury) / Acacia Lodge (Mid-range) / Speke Hotel (Budget)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, drive westward to Kibale National Park (approximately 7 hours). Enjoy scenic views of the countryside, tea plantations, and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge near the forest.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Luxury) / Primate Lodge (Mid-range) / Chimpanzee Guest House (Budget)

Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Early morning briefing followed by chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. This park is known as the primate capital of Africa. Spend time observing habituated chimpanzees and up to 12 other primate species. In the afternoon, enjoy a forest walk or community visit.

Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3–4 hours). Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, spotting elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and lions.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kyambura Game Lodge (Mid-range)

Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive followed by a relaxing afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise — one of the best places in Uganda to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds up close.

Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector, where you may spot tree-climbing lions. Arrive at your lodge near the forest and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs (Luxury) / Silverback Lodge (Mid-range) / Buhoma Community Bandas (Budget)

Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highlight in Uganda — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After briefing, trek into the dense forest to spend one magical hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross the Uganda-Rwanda border (Cyanika or Muhabura) and drive to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda — another unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.

Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking

Morning golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful, endangered primates offer a lively and photogenic experience. Afternoon at leisure with volcano views.

Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Drive south to Nyungwe National Park. En-route, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury) / Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Mid-range)

Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking, Canopy Walk & Return to Kigali

Early chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, followed by the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk. In the afternoon, drive back to Kigali for a short city tour before your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari