10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife, Culture and Birding Tour
Ten private days connect Uganda’s Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth with Lake Bunyonyi, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Kigali.
About this tour
This ten-day private route crosses from Uganda into Rwanda, combining savannah wildlife, water-based activities, primate tracking and cultural stops. It begins at Lake Mburo National Park with a game drive and boat ride, then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the Kazinga Channel and a morning wildlife drive. Chimpanzee tracking is planned in Kyabura Gorge before the journey turns south through the Ishasha sector.
Lake Bunyonyi adds a canoe outing and a Batwa community visit before the border crossing into Rwanda. Around Kinigi, the programme includes mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. A later hike visits the Karisoke area associated with Dian Fossey’s gorilla research, followed by time at Lake Kivu. Kigali provides the final city and memorial visits before the airport transfer.
Christopher adapts the route to guest interests, permit availability, accommodation choices and current operating conditions. Named wildlife and birds are possible observations rather than guaranteed sightings. Dates, the final sequence, accommodation, selected activities and price are confirmed through a personalized proposal.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park
Leave Kampala for Lake Mburo National Park, pausing at the Equator for photographs. A game drive on arrival can reveal zebra, impala, Uganda kob and other wildlife. Later, explore the lake by boat for hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and waterbirds.
Day 2
From Lake Mburo to the Kazinga Channel
Start with a nature walk and game drive while leaving Lake Mburo. Continue across the Ankole landscape to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding and watching for wildlife during the approach. An afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel focuses on hippos, reptiles and waterbirds.
Day 3
Queen Elizabeth wildlife and Kyabura chimpanzees
Use the early morning for a game drive in search of possible lions, leopards, bushbuck, hyenas and other savannah wildlife. After a break, travel to Kyabura Gorge for guided chimpanzee tracking and the chance to observe other primates.
Day 4
Ishasha route to Lake Bunyonyi
Drive south toward Lake Bunyonyi through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions and birds are possible. Continue through Kabale to the selected accommodation near the lake.
Day 5
Lake Bunyonyi canoe and Batwa cultural visit
Explore the Lake Bunyonyi area on a cultural walk that includes a Batwa community visit. A canoe trip provides views of the lake’s islands and surrounding terraced hills before returning to the confirmed accommodation.
Day 6
Cross into Rwanda and continue to Kinigi
Travel to the border, complete the crossing formalities and continue into Rwanda. The road then leads to Kinigi, with a planned visit to a genocide memorial before the overnight stay.
Day 7
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Report to the park headquarters for an early briefing and begin the guided mountain gorilla trek. The search may last two to six hours according to gorilla movements and trail conditions. After the regulated viewing period, return to the lodge to rest.
Day 8
Karisoke area and Lake Kivu
Hike in the Karisoke area associated with Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla research and conservation work. In the afternoon, continue to Lake Kivu at Gisenyi for a boat trip, views across the lake and time by the shore.
Day 9
Kigali city and memorial visits
Transfer to Kigali for a city programme that includes the genocide memorial centre, markets and a museum. The exact order of visits is coordinated with current opening conditions and the confirmed hotel.
Day 10
Departure from Kigali
After breakfast, transfer to Kanombe International Airport for the onward flight. Timing is arranged around the confirmed departure schedule.
Locations & map
- Kampala - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Mburo National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Bunyonyi - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kigali - Rwanda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; dates and itinerary are customized to the guest’s interests, available time and travel preferences
Price: Price on request
Included
- All meals - Included in the customized package.
- Airport pickup and drop-off - Arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Park entry fees - Entry fees for parks in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser transport with fuel - Ground transport and fuel are included.
- Professional guide services - Professional guiding is included throughout the confirmed program.
- Boat cruises - Boat cruises named in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits when requested - These permits are included when selected by the guest and named in the personalized proposal.
Not included
- International flights and visas - Travellers arrange international flights and entry requirements.
- Travel and medical insurance - Travellers arrange suitable cover for the selected activities.
- Personal expenses, tips and unselected options - Any activity, permit or service not named in the personalized proposal is excluded.
Transport & stays
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel, plus boat cruises wher Ground transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel is included. Boat cruises are included where they form part of the customized itinerary. | Meet: Kampala airport, hotel or another agreed starting point | Pickup: Airport pickup and drop-off are included; the exact meeting details follow the guest’s flight and accommodation arrangements.
Accommodations
- Rwakobo Rock or Kigarama Wilderness Lodge (days 1-2) Suggested mid-range options
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge (day 3) Suggested mid-range options
- BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort or Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi (days 4-5) Suggested mid-range options
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Does this tour cross an international border?
Yes. The route travels from Uganda into Rwanda. Guests are responsible for the passport, visa and entry requirements that apply to their nationality and travel dates.
Are primate permits automatically included?
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits can be included when requested, but availability and cost must be confirmed for the selected dates before booking.
Can the accommodation and daily programme change?
Yes. Christopher prepares the final route around current conditions, permits, guest interests and accommodation preference. The confirmed proposal lists the agreed properties, activities and price.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.