22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari
Overview of the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Experience the ultimate 22 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari, exploring East Africa’s most iconic wildlife and cultural treasures. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, track chimpanzees in Kibale, and encounter the Big Five on thrilling game drives across Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Cruise the Nile and Kazinga Channel, hike stunning waterfalls, and visit scenic lakes including Bunyonyi and Mulehe. Immerse yourself in local cultures through Karamojong, Batwa, and Bafumbira experiences, plus Rwanda’s Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and Dian Fossey Tomb. Enjoy luxury lodges, expert guides, private safari vehicles, and unforgettable landscapes on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Short Itinerary of 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Entebbe → Jinja → Sipi Falls – Nile River boat cruise, overnight at Sipi.
Day 2: Sipi Falls hike & cultural coffee tour → Soroti overnight.
Day 3: Soroti → Kidepo Valley National Park – evening at the lodge.
Day 4: Morning & sunset game drives in Kidepo.
Day 5: Karamojong cultural tour → Gulu overnight.
Day 6: Gulu → Murchison Falls – afternoon boat cruise & sunset game drive.
Day 7: Morning game drive with bush breakfast → Hoima cultural tour.
Day 8: Hoima → Kibale Forest via crater lakes & tea plantations, overnight Fort Portal.
Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary → Kibale overnight.
Day 10: Kibale → Lake Mburo – optional horseback safari.
Day 11: Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 12: Lake Mburo → Queen Elizabeth National Park – cultural encounters en route.
Day 13: Morning game drive Kasenyi Plains → Kazinga Channel boat cruise → evening drive.
Day 14: Drive to Ishasha – see tree-climbing lions.
Day 15: Lake Bunyonyi – canoeing, birdwatching, nature walks.
Day 16: Lake Bunyonyi → Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 17: Gorilla trekking & Batwa cultural experience.
Day 18: Relax at Lake Mulehe with Virunga Mountains views.
Day 19: Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga → Bafumbira cultural tour → Kisoro overnight.
Day 20: Drive to Kigali → full city tour (Genocide Memorial, markets, culture).
Day 21: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village & Dian Fossey Tomb → Kigali overnight.
Day 22: Transfer to Kigali Airport → departure.
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Detailed Itinerary of 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Entebbe – Jinja – Sipi Falls
Pick up from Entebbe International Airport and drive to Jinja. Enjoy a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. Continue to Sipi Falls for your first night.
Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge
Day 2: Hiking Sipi Falls & Cultural Coffee Tour
Hike to Sipi Falls, taking in panoramic views. Visit the local community for a coffee tour, learning about traditional coffee cultivation. Drive to Soroti for overnight.
Accommodation: Golden Ark Hotel, Soroti
Day 3: Soroti – Kidepo Valley National Park
Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s remote wilderness. Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and over 470 bird species.
Accommodation: Adere Safari Lodge
Day 4: Morning & Sunset Game Drives in Kidepo
Morning and sunset game drives in pristine landscapes of Kidepo.
Accommodation: Adere Safari Lodge
Day 5: Karamojong Cultural Tour – Gulu
Engage with the Karamojong people, learning about homesteads, crafts, dances, and pastoral life. Drive to Gulu for overnight.
Accommodation: Boma Hotel, Gulu
Day 6: Gulu – Murchison Falls National Park
Arrive at Murchison Falls, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds. Short sunset game drive.
Accommodation: Elephant Oasis Safari Lodge
Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Hoima Cultural Tour
Morning game drive with bush breakfast, then continue to Hoima for a cultural experience.
Accommodation: Miika Eco Lodge
Day 8: Hoima – Kibale Forest National Park
Scenic drive via crater lakes and tea plantations, meeting local communities. Overnight in Fort Portal.
Accommodation: Chimpundu Safari Lodge
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest followed by a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and local cultural activities.
Accommodation: Chimpundu Safari Lodge
Day 10: Kibale – Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo with optional horseback safari.
Accommodation: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
Day 11: Walking Safari in Lake Mburo
Walking safari with armed ranger, observing zebras, giraffes, impalas, and birds while learning about tracks and flora.
Accommodation: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
Day 12: Lake Mburo – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing cultural communities and longhorn cattle.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 13: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Morning game drive across Kasenyi Plains, followed by Kazinga Channel boat cruise, ending with an evening game drive.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 14: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive to Ishasha to see tree-climbing lions, elephants, topis, and diverse birdlife.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Safari Camp
Day 15: Lake Bunyonyi
Relax at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake. Canoeing, birdwatching, ature walks.
Accommodation: Bird Nest Lake Bunyonyi Resort
Day 16: Lake Bunyonyi → Rushaga – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to Rushaga, famous for high gorilla density.
Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 17: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Spend a once-in-a-lifetime hour with mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa community.
Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 18: Lake Mulehe
Relax at Lake Mulehe with views of the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Ndere Echifuuha Resort
Day 19: Golden Monkey Trekking – Mgahinga National Park
Encounter endangered golden monkeys and enjoy a Bafumbira cultural tour.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel, Kisoro
Day 20: Drive to Kigali – City Tour
Full day Kigali city tour, visiting Genocide Memorial, markets, and cultural sites.
Accommodation: Radisson Blue Hotel, Kigali
Day 21: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village & Dian Fossey Tomb
Explore Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village with dances, drumming, storytelling, and crafts. Visit Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Center.
Accommodation: Radisson Blue Hotel, Kigali
Day 22: Departure
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
End of 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari.
Inclusions of 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
- All meals and accommodation
- Private, fully-equipped 4WD safari vehicle with charging sockets and fridge
- All listed activities.
- Full-time English-speaking guide
- Unlimited drinking water
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Exclusions of 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
- International and domestic flights (unless specified)
- Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal items, tips, and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Beverages not included in meals (alcoholic and soft drinks)
- Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis required for travel
- Any personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone/internet charges)
Best Time for the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari
The ideal time to enjoy this safari is during the dry seasons, when wildlife spotting and trekking conditions are optimal:
- December to February (Short Dry Season):
Days are sunny, trails are dry, and gorilla trekking is comfortable. Game drives are excellent for seeing lions, elephants, and other wildlife, while rivers and lakes remain scenic for boat cruises. - June to September (Long Dry Season):
Cooler mornings and sunny afternoons make wildlife photography easier. Roads are generally more accessible, enhancing long drives across Kidepo, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) may make some trails slippery and certain roads less accessible, though wildlife is still abundant and landscapes lush and green. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but dry months offer a more comfortable experience.
Things to Pack for the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime safari drives
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for mosquito protection and gorilla trekking
- Warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for unexpected rain
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and scarf/buff
- Comfortable walking shoes and sturdy hiking boots
- Swimwear for lakes and lodges with pools
- Socks and underwear for 3–4 days before laundry
Safari Essentials for the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Camera with extra batteries, memory cards, and protective gear
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Travel backpack or daypack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle
Health & Hygiene
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Insect repellent (DEET recommended)
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, biodegradable soap)
Documents & Money
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Uganda and Rwanda visas (if required)
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit/debit cards and some cash in USD
- Copies of flight tickets and accommodation confirmations
Optional Items
- Lightweight gloves and hat for gorilla trekking in cooler months
- Travel journal or notebook
- Snacks for long drives
- Small first-aid kit
- Guidebooks or wildlife identification book
Why Book the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari with Pieland Gorilla Safaris
Choosing Pieland Gorilla Safaris means choosing an unforgettable safari experience built on trust, expertise, comfort, and genuine care. With us, every detail is designed for your enjoyment and satisfaction:
Deep Local Expertise
Our guides are highly experienced professionals who know Uganda and Rwanda’s wildlife, cultures, and hidden gems inside and out — ensuring you see more, learn more, and feel safe every step of the way.
Personalized, Comfortable Safari Experience
Travel in a private, customized 4WD safari vehicle equipped with a fridge, charging sockets, and ample viewing space. Enjoy carefully chosen lodges and comfortable accommodations throughout your journey.
Seamless Planning & Support
We handle every aspect of your safari — from airport pickup to park permits, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural encounters — so you can focus on making memories, not logistics.
Authentic Cultural Connections
Experience real community interactions, from Karamojong cultural tours to Batwa and Bafumbira experiences, and Rwanda’s rich heritage — making your safari more meaningful and impactful.
Safety & Responsible Travel
Your safety is our priority. We follow ethical wildlife practices, partner with trusted lodges, and provide expert guidance for every activity — including gorilla trekking and game drives.
Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Adventures
From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Big Five game drives, scenic boat cruises, and cultural immersions — we craft journeys that stay with you forever.
Frequently Asked Questions About 22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari
What is the best time to go on the Uganda & Rwanda Safari?
The best time is during the dry seasons: December–February and June–September, when roads are accessible and gorilla trekking is most comfortable.
Is gorilla trekking in Bwindi included in the safari?
Yes, the safari includes Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking with permits and guided visits.
Do I need a visa for Uganda and Rwanda?
Most travelers require visas; we can guide you on how to obtain Uganda and Rwanda visas before travel.
What is the difficulty level of gorilla trekking?
Trekking can range from moderate to challenging. Our guides tailor the experience to your fitness level for comfort and safety.
Are chimpanzee trekking permits included?
Yes, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is included along with Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary visits.
Will I see the Big Five on this safari?
Yes, the safari includes Big Five game drives in Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
What type of vehicle is used for safari drives?
A private, fully-equipped 4WD safari vehicle with charging sockets and a fridge is provided.
Is this safari family-friendly?
Yes, families can enjoy wildlife viewing, cultural tours, and boat cruises. Gorilla trekking is suitable for children over 15.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 470 bird species.
Are meals included in the safari?
Yes, all meals during the safari are included, tailored to local and international tastes.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, luxury and midrange lodges are included throughout the safari.
What cultural experiences are included?
The safari includes Karamojong, Batwa, Bafumbira, and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visits and Rwanda heritage tours.
Do I need travel insurance for the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Yes, travel and medical insurance is recommended but not included.
Are flights included in the safari package?
No, international and domestic flights are not included unless specified.
Do I need vaccinations before traveling?
Yes, vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.
Can I customize this safari itinerary?
Yes, Pieland Gorilla Safaris offers flexible options for personalizing your safari experience.
Is the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Yes, safety is prioritized with experienced guides, secure vehicles, and ethical wildlife practices.
What is the average group size?
The safari is fully private, usually for 2–6 travelers, but larger groups can be accommodated.
Are drinks includedin the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Drinks are not included, except drinking water provided in the safari vehicle.
Can I go gorilla trekking during the rainy season?
Yes, trekking is possible year-round, but trails are more comfortable during the dry season.
What clothing should I pack on the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, long sleeves for trekking, hiking boots, hat, raincoat, and layers for cool mornings.
Is photography allowed during gorilla trekking?
Yes, photography is allowed, but no flash is permitted to protect the gorillas.
Will I see tree-climbing lions on the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Yes, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP is famous for tree-climbing lions.
Are there boat cruises included on the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Yes, the safari includes a Nile River cruise, Kazinga Channel cruise, and Murchison Falls cruise.
How many gorilla families can I visit?
The safari visits one gorilla family per trekking permit, typically for one hour in their natural habitat.
Are tips included in the 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
No, tips for guides, lodge staff, and porters are optional and at your discretion.
Can I combine this safari with other destinations?
Yes, optional extensions to Zanzibar, Serengeti, or Victoria Falls can be arranged.
What languages do guides speak?
All safari guides are English-speaking and knowledgeable about wildlife and culture.
Are these safaris eco-friendly?
Yes, Pieland Gorilla Safaris promotes responsible tourism, supporting conservation and local communities.
How do I book this 22 Days Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
You can book directly on our website, via email, or WhatsApp, securing permits, lodges, and guides for your Uganda & Rwanda adventure.
Contact Us to inquire about 22 Days Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari