Welcome to Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly received by your Deluxe Vacations safari guide who will brief you about the exciting journey ahead before transferring you to your hotel.Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxed afternoon settling into your accommodation or simply unwind after your international flight. Kigali is renowned for its cleanliness, safety and gentle pace, making it the perfect introduction to your East African adventure.
Heaven Boutique Hotel | Meal Plan: B
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Kigali with a guided city tour, visiting some of the city’s most important landmarks. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a moving and educational insight into Rwanda’s history while highlighting the country’s extraordinary journey of reconciliation and renewal.Leaving Kigali behind, travel north through Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills towards Volcanoes National Park. Before reaching your lodge, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where local communities share traditional dances, music, storytelling and customs, offering an authentic introduction to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.Arrive at your lodge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and enjoy a relaxed evening preparing for tomorrow’s primate adventure.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
This morning, head into Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey tracking experience. These playful and endangered primates are found only within the Albertine Rift and are famous for their energetic behaviour among the bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.Later, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an impressive conservation and education centre dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas while supporting scientific research and community development. Through interactive exhibits and inspiring stories, gain a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts that have helped Rwanda become a global leader in gorilla protection.Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening surrounded by the beautiful volcanic landscape.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Following breakfast, bid farewell to Rwanda as you cross the scenic Cyanika border into southwestern Uganda. The drive offers beautiful views of terraced hillsides, traditional villages and lush countryside before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the traditions of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Guided by members of the community, discover their remarkable history, traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plants and cultural practices that once sustained their lives in the rainforest. This meaningful experience provides valuable insight into one of East Africa’s oldest indigenous communities while directly supporting local livelihoods.Afterwards, settle into your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Bwindi Forest as you prepare for tomorrow’s highly anticipated gorilla trekking adventure.
Ride 4 A Woman Guest House | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Today marks the highlight of your Uganda and Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, report to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the dense rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated mountain gorilla families.Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, your trek may take anywhere from a couple of hours to most of the day depending on the gorillas’ movements. Upon finding the family, you will spend a memorable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play and interact naturally within their forest home. Watching mountain gorillas in the wild is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences.Following your trek, continue north to the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions. If time permits, enjoy an evening game drive in search of lions resting in fig trees alongside elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and numerous bird species.
Embogo Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Enjoy breakfast before travelling through Queen Elizabeth National Park towards the northern Mweya Peninsula. This diverse protected area is celebrated for its remarkable concentration of wildlife, volcanic landscapes and over 600 recorded bird species.During the afternoon, embark on one of Africa’s finest wildlife boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel. Connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, this natural waterway supports one of the highest densities of hippos on the continent. As you cruise along its shores, watch for elephants, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards and an incredible variety of waterbirds gathering at the water’s edge.The remainder of the evening is yours to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Elephant Hab Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Rise early for a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. Explore the Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs and numerous other savannah species that call Queen Elizabeth National Park home.Later, enjoy a guided walk through the spectacular crater lakes region. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, these scenic lakes offer breathtaking viewpoints overlooking rolling hills, lush vegetation and sparkling crater waters while providing excellent opportunities for photography.After lunch, continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa. The forest protects one of Africa’s richest concentrations of primates and offers an entirely different landscape from the open savannah visited over the previous days.
Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for an exciting chimpanzee tracking excursion led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. Listen carefully for the distinctive calls echoing through the forest as you search for habituated chimpanzee communities.Once located, spend an hour observing these highly intelligent primates as they communicate, forage and interact high in the forest canopy. Kibale Forest is also home to twelve other primate species including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus and grey-cheeked mangabeys, making every forest walk rewarding.In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and community. This community-led conservation initiative offers an opportunity to learn about local traditions while supporting sustainable tourism. The wetland is also renowned for its exceptional birdlife and diverse plant species, providing a wonderful conclusion to your day in Kibale.
Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge| Meal Plan: B,L,D
Following breakfast, begin your journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive passes through changing landscapes, bustling trading centres and rural communities, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life across Uganda.Arrive in the park during the afternoon and settle into your lodge overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, relax by the pool or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while listening to the sounds of the African bush.
Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the northern savannah where the open grasslands provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Search for Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, oribi and, with a little luck, the elusive leopard.In the afternoon, enjoy a memorable boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes gather to drink, while numerous bird species thrive in this rich ecosystem. As the boat approaches the falls, witness the immense force of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging dramatically below. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls for one of Uganda’s most spectacular viewpoints. A short guided hike reveals breathtaking views of the world’s longest river forcing its way through a narrow rock cleft before crashing over the falls with tremendous power.Continue south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where white rhinos can be encountered on foot. Accompanied by experienced rangers, track these magnificent animals through the sanctuary while learning about Uganda’s successful rhino reintroduction programme and ongoing conservation efforts. Spend the evening surrounded by the peaceful environment of the sanctuary.
Ziwa Rhino Ranch | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Your final day begins with an early morning search for one of Africa’s most sought-after birds, the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, explore the wetlands surrounding Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where these remarkable birds are regularly sighted. For bird enthusiasts and photographers alike, observing a shoebill in its natural habitat is a fitting finale to an extraordinary safari.After breakfast, continue to Entebbe, enjoying lunch en route before arriving in time for your international departure flight. As your 12-day Uganda and Rwanda safari comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, iconic wildlife, rich cultures and the warm hospitality that make these two neighbouring countries among Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.We hope to welcome you back to East Africa for another carefully designed adventure with Deluxe Vacations.
