A Uganda Rwanda safari holiday that combines both Uganda and Rwanda offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty and wildlife of East Africa, especially with the famous gorilla trekking experience. The highlight of this kind of self-drive safari will be the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
You will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, terraced hillsides and the Virunga Volcanoes as you travel between Uganda and Rwanda. For those interested in more wildlife experiences, the golden monkeys are a unique attraction in Rwanda and visiting Dian Fossey’s tomb gives insight into the conservation efforts for gorillas.
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer rich cultural experiences from visits to local communities to exploring Kigali’s history. Here is how I enjoyed my Uganda-Rwanda safari holiday with my friend with a suitable rented 4×4 rooftop tent car in Kigali and I managed to explore both Uganda and Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, we were welcomed by a company guide from 4×4 rooftop tent car who transferred us to Green Valley Guest House – Entebbe for dinner and overnight stay.
The following morning after having our breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we were transferred to Murchison Falls National Park with a scenic drive to the park and lunch en route. We had an en-route visit to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino trekking and the experience was highly rewarding. After the trekking, we continued with our journey to Murchison Falls National Park and on arrival we drove straight to the top of Murchison falls. A remarkable sight and sound of the Nile crushing through a narrow gorge is one of the world wonders. We later descended, and drove towards Murchison Falls National Park and we had interesting and amazing wilderness overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp for our dinner and overnight stay.
Woke up for early morning game drive anticipating and we were able to spot a variety of animals like buffaloes, elephants, lions and several antelope species. Later returned to our lodge for breakfast and lunch and in the afternoon went for a boat cruise up to the bottom of the falls and here we spotted Hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of migratory birds along the banks of Albert Nile. Returned to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
In the morning, we had our breakfast and then transferred to Kibale Forest National Park with a relaxed drive through the verdant country side enjoying views of the crop plantations and the rift valley escarpment. Kibale National Park is renowned for its extraordinary primate diversity and the Kanyanchu Primate Walk stands as the park’s flagship experience. It is a home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees as well as the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. There are about 13 species of primates in Kibale National Park. On arrival, we just checked-in at Kyaninga Lodge for lunch and spent the rest of the day at relaxation.
We woke up to the beautiful sounds of bird species, took breakfast and headed to Kanyanchu for briefing from the park warden about guidelines followed while trekking chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest. Chimpanzee trekking is an adventurous activity where you can see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the briefing, we were divided into small groups of 6 members and then we were led by the ranger into the forest to start the trek. When we located the chimpanzee family allocated to us, we were given only one hour to stay with these primates in their natural habitat. We took photographs and videos we showed people back home. Later met with the driver and returned to the lodge for lunch. Other primates we spotted include the grey checked mangabeys, L’Hoest, red-tailed, the vervet monkeys among others. In the afternoon, we went for a nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary mainly to spot bird species and we spotted species such as the beautiful blue turaco, Papyrus gonolek, Red-headed blue bill, Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Yellow-billed barbet among others. In the evening, we returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
The following morning, we transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park famously known for the rare tree climbing lions. On arrival, we went for a morning game drive to the northern sector (Kasenyi) where we got an opportunity to encounter with cats including leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, water bucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, hyenas and lions on a lucky day. After the game drive, we went for a check-in at Enganzi lodge for lunch and relaxation. After lunch, we went for a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel giving us an opportunity to see varieties of wildlife including migratory and Albertine endemic birds and mammals such as hippos, elephants, buffaloes and some antelope species among others. We had our dinner and overnight stay at Tembo Safari Lodge.
In the morning after a relaxed breakfast, we set off for a game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions and luckily enough we spotted them. We proceeded with our journey through the rolling beautiful hills of Kigezi to Bwindi National Park. Bwindi National Park is famously known for housing half of the world’s mountain gorillas. On arrival, we just checked in at Bwindi Lodge for lunch and spent the rest of hours resting and preparing for the next day’s amazing experience while waiting for dinner.
Next morning after having breakfast, we headed to the park headquarters with our packed lunch for a briefing about the dos and don’ts followed during gorilla trekking. Here, each group of 8 members was allocated to a gorilla family and upon finding the gorilla family, we were allowed only one hour in the natural habitat while watching these giant’s behaviours and also taking photos. Returned to the lodge for lunch and in the evening, we visited the Batwa village. These people narrated for us on how they used to survive while they were still staying in the village. They told us that they used to hunt, gather fruits so that they can survive. We later returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
This day was for transferring to Rwanda across the Chanika border to Volcanoes National Park. Having necessary documentation ensures a smooth border crossing and we all had the requirements permitting us to cross. This park is renowned for its mountain gorilla population and stunning landscapes featuring the Virunga Mountains. On arrival, we explored the park’s beauty and the surrounding mountains and later drove at Muhabura Camp for some snacks and then relaxed as we were waiting for dinner.
In the morning after having our breakfast, we headed to the park headquarters for a briefing on how to handle the gorillas in their habitat. The gorilla trekking steps were same as the first gorilla trekking experience in Uganda though here we trekked a different gorilla family. After the trek, we returned to the lodge. In the evening, we paid a visit to Dian Fossey’s Grave.
The hike to Dian Fossey’s grave is a relatively challenging one and it took us around 2-3 hours to reach the site since the trail to the grave was steep and muddy. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and she dedicated her life to the study and protection of mountain gorillas and her work continues to inspire conservation efforts in the region. The grave is located in Karisoke Research Center.
A local guide accompanied us throughout the trek. These guides are well-informed about the history of Dian Fossey, the gorillas she studied and the conservation efforts in the area. They shared with us the detailed stories about Dian’s work, life and the tragic circumstances of her death.
Fossey is buried next to her favourite Gorilla Digit who was tragically killed by poachers just as she was. Her tombstone is marked with a simple and respectful plaque which commemorates her incredible contribution to the conservation of mountain gorillas. In the evening, we returned to the lodge for dinner and sleepovers. giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
The following day, we drove to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savanna park. On arrival, we checked-in at Ruzizi Tented lodge for lunch and relaxation and later in the evening went for a game drive and spotted a variety of animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes among others. Returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
In the morning, we again went for another game drive in Akagera National Park and we spotted a variety of wildlife species. Came back to the camp for breakfast, relaxation and lunch. After lunch, we went for a boat safari on Lake Ihema and this gave us an opportunity of seeing a variety of hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds.
On our second last day in Rwanda, we visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and this gave us a chance of understanding Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people. We also explored local markets and craft centers and experienced the vibrant culture of Rwanda. we enjoyed our farewell dinner in Kigali with traditional Rwandan cuisine at the Heaven Fusion Restaurant. On the final day of our self-drive holiday in Uganda and Rwanda, we had a relaxed breakfast and then went for a scenic drive around the Kigali city before we caught up with our flight back home.