This 16 Days Uganda – DR Congo and Rwanda Safari combines wildlife, primates, culture, forests and different gorilla species. The Uganda section includes Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga. It also includes mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.
The Congo section focuses on Kahuzi-Biega National Park and its eastern lowland gorillas also called Grauer’s gorillas. The final section takes you into Rwanda through Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe adds chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and the famous canopy walkway before the trip ends in Kigali.
Note: Kahuzi-Biega is currently listed as temporarily closed to visitors. Rwanda also currently restricts entry for foreign travellers who have recently travelled through the DRC. Check both conditions before confirming this itinerary. Explore all these destinations on this 16 Days Uganda- DR Congo and Rwanda safari with Africa Adventure Safaris
Trip Highlights – 16 Days Uganda – DR Congo and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Leave Kampala for Murchison Falls National Park. Hike to the Top of the Falls.
Day 3: Game Drives and Boat Cruise along the Nile
Day 4: Leave Murchison Falls National Park for Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a Launch Trip along the Kazinga Channel
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in the Kyambura Gorge. Travel to Bwindi Forest National Park via Ishasha.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Tour
Day 9: Golden monkey trekking & batwa cultural trail
Day 10: Uganda to Bukavu, DR Congo
Day 11: Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega
Day 12: Kahuzi-Biega Forest experience and Bukavu
Day 13: Bukavu to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Day 14: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Day 15: Nyungwe Canopy walk and forest experience
Day 16: Nyungwe to Kigali and Departure
Tour Itinerary 16 Days Uganda – DR Congo and Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport our tour guide will transfer you to Hotel Africana Sheraton or similar other for your dinner and an overnight on full board basis.
Day 2: Leave Kampala for Murchison Falls National Park.
After an early morning breakfast, transfer to Murchison falls national park en route touring Ziwa rhino sanctuary for the rare rhino species in this place. Make a stop-over in Masindi for your lunch before proceeding to the Uganda’s largest national park with 3,840 sq km. A game drive towards the Paraa Safari Lodge / red Chilli Camp is so rewarding. Have your dinner and an overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Camp (FB)
Day 3: Game Drives & Boat Cruise along the Nile
After an early breakfast, undertake a game drive in the Northern sector of the park in search of elephants, giraffes, waterbucks, hippos, buffalos, lions, Uganda kobs, etc and a variety of bird species. After lunch at the lodge an afternoon boat cruise along the spectacular falls rewards you a variety of wildlife along the banks of the river drinking water along the river. You will not miss to see crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks and other antelope species, to mention but a few with a variety of water birds that make any birder to Africa impressed. The waterfalls portray a natural beauty found nowhere else in the world. The 7 meter canyon coupled with a 43 meter drop of the falls translates into a thunderous roar and a splendid rainbow in a plume of spray that leaves any tourist yearning! Have your dinner and an overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Red Chilli Camp (FB)
Day 4: Transfer to the ‘Mountains of the Moon’
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Albertine Escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in Fort Portal, at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, commonly referred to as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ for your lunch at Mountain of the Moon hotel and later proceed to Queen Elizabeth nation park en route game viewing all the way to Mweya peninsula. Have your dinner and an overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury) / institute of ecology, Mweya for mid-range & budget (FB)
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
tree-climbing lion
After a morning cup of coffee undertake a game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s Mile in anticipation of lions, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, hippos, antelope species, warthogs, etc. The Kasenyi Track is one of the most excellent game viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth np and at the same time being a birders’ haven. The savannah grassland in this place accommodates a large number of White and Abdim’s Storks in season, and lesser numbers of Wooly-necked and the spectacular Saddle-billed Stork. Raptors, too, are in great numbers with Brown Snake Eagle and Grey kestrel. Lion kills attract up to six species of vulture including Egyptian, Rupell’s Griffon and the enormous Lappet- faced. Senegal, Crowned and African Wattled Plovers are very common in the short grassland.
In the afternoon, after lunch, undertake a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a natural magnet for waterbirds and, the Mweya peninsula, acts as a migrant trap for the Albertine Rift Endemics. Along the channel you will see birds such as Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, African Open-billed Stork, Black rake, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Common Squacco Heron, White-faced Whistling and Knob-billed Ducks, African Fish Eagle, Spur-winged and African Wattled Plovers, Water Thick Knee, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Malachite, and Yellow-backed Weaver, etc. Have a dinner and an overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (C) or Mweya Hostel (B)
Day 6 : Chimpanzee Tracking in the Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast transfer to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. This gorge is 16 km along the Rift Valley and 100 metres deep. The game rangers will provide you with walking sticks after a briefing and then escort you to the forested canyon – the Kyambura Gorge for chimp tracking. After the chimp trek, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP via the Ishasha Southern Sector of QENP in search of tree-climbing lions. Arrive in Bwindi at Buhoma for your late lunch at Bwindi Gorilla Resort. Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Gorilla Resort / Nkuringo Lodge /Buhoma Community (FB)
Day 7: The Mountain Gorillas Trekking
Early, after a heavy breakfast, walk to the Buhoma Park Headquarters for a briefing from the park rangers before undertaking gorilla trekking at 8.30 am local time.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest np is a habitat to 326 gorillas, almost a half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Currently there are four habituated gorilla families: the Mubare (M) Group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback), the Habinyanja (H) Group (18 gorillas, 1 silverback), the Rushegura (R) Group (10 gorillas, 1 silverback) and the Nkuringo (N) Group (19 gorillas, 2 silverbacks). Gorilla tracking is a unique activity that marks the highlight for any tourist to Uganda. An hour spent in the jungle with the gorillas in the playful and interactive mood is worth the scarce dollars! After the primates trek return to the lodge for your lunch. You can arrange to transfer to Kabale via the magnificent terrain commonly referred to as “The Switzerland of Africa”. Have a dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages ( FB)
Day 8 : The Lake Bunyonyi Tour
After breakfast undertake a boat cruise to the Islands on the lake as you enjoy the prolific birding experience. This is why the lake is called in the local language ‘Bunyonyi’ to refer to the enormous bird population in the area. A cultural dance by the Bakiga can be arranged for you. Take off time to enjoy a community walk so as to acquaint yourself with the culture and traditional practices of the Bakiga – Banyangezi. This community is so receptive with a high sense of hospitality. You can buy a lot of handicrafts for yourself that are unique to this place. In the afternoon enjoy a scenic drive to Mgahinga as you witness views
Day 9: Golden Monkeys tracking & Batwa cultural tour
You will have breakfast and go for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Spend an hour with these endangered primates in the jungle. Later on, you will visit the batwa cultural communities to experience their traditions, norms and customs
Day 10: Uganda to Bukavu, DR Congo
Leave southwestern Uganda and travel towards eastern DR Congo. The journey involves border formalities and can take much of the day. The exact travel time depends on the border crossing, road conditions and immigration procedures. Continue towards Bukavu, a lakeside city on the southern shore of Lake Kivu. Spend some time near Lake Kivu and observe local fishing activities. The lake provides a peaceful contrast to the busy city. After checking into your hotel, take time to rest. If conditions allow, enjoy a short guided walk around a suitable section of the lakeshore.
Bukavu is a lakeside city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It lies on the southern shore of Lake Kivu and serves as a gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The city has a busy urban setting while the surrounding area quickly changes into hills, forests and lakeshore landscapes. Accommodation options include Hotel Elizabeth (luxury) and Hotel Horizon (mid-range).
Day 11: Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega
Eastern Lowland gorillas
When the park is open to visitors, begin the day early. Drive towards the park headquarters at Tshivanga. The journey from central Bukavu is roughly one hour depending on road conditions. After registration and briefing, begin your trek into the rainforest.
The main attraction is the eastern lowland gorilla also known as Grauer’s gorilla. These gorillas differ from the mountain gorillas seen in Bwindi. They are larger-bodied and live in the lowland and montane forests of eastern DRC. The trek can involve difficult forest terrain. The length depends on where the gorilla group is located that day. Once you find the gorillas, follow the park’s viewing rules and ranger instructions. Look beyond the gorillas as you walk. The forest contains birds, butterflies, orchids, ferns and other plants. Return to Bukavu after the trek.
Kahuzi-Biega is located in eastern DRC near Bukavu. It protects part of the Congo Basin rainforest and the Albertine Rift. The park is particularly known for eastern lowland gorillas, also called Grauer’s gorillas. The official park information describes it as the only place where visitors can observe wild eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. The park also supports many other forest species and is an important conservation area. Accommodation options include Hotel Elizabeth (luxury) and Hotel Horizon (mid-range).
Day 12: Kahuzi-Biega Forest experience and Bukavu
Spend a second day in the Kahuzi-Biega area if the park has reopened and activities are available. Rather than repeating the gorilla trek, take a guided forest or biodiversity experience. Kahuzi-Biega protects a large section of the Albertine Rift and contains many rare and endemic species. The park’s conservation work also involves communities living around the forest. A community experience can provide a better understanding of how local livelihoods connect with the protected area.
Alternatively, If local conditions allow, take a guided boat trip on Lake Kivu. Enjoy views of the surrounding hills and lakeside communities. You can also visit a local market or craft workshop. You also use this day as a rest day in Bukavu. Accommodation options include Hotel Elizabeth (luxury) and Hotel Horizon (mid-range).
Day 13: Bukavu to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Leave Bukavu early and travel towards the Rwanda border. The route follows the Lake Kivu region towards Ruzizi and Rusizi. Complete the border procedures before continuing into Rwanda. Allow several hours for this transfer because border formalities can affect the schedule.
After entering Rwanda, continue towards Nyungwe National Park. The scenery changes as you move from the lakeside environment into Rwanda’s green hills. Tea plantations appear as you approach Nyungwe. These plantations create a striking contrast with the dense rainforest. Arrive at your lodge in the evening. Nyungwe National Park protects a large montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda. The forest supports chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, birds, butterflies, orchids and many tree species. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, or Gisakura Guesthouse.
2026 Entry Restriction
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health currently states that foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through the DRC within the previous 30 days will be denied entry to Rwanda. This means this Congo-to-Rwanda section cannot currently be confirmed for foreign travellers. The route should only be used after Rwanda officially removes or changes this restriction.
Day 14: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
chimpanzees
Wake up early and travel to the chimpanzee tracking centre. After the briefing, enter Nyungwe’s rainforest. Chimpanzee tracking normally starts early because the animals are active in the morning. Walk through the forest while looking for chimpanzees and other primates. You may encounter blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and black and white colobus. The forest also contains many birds, butterflies, orchids and ancient trees. The trek can be challenging because of steep and muddy sections. Once you locate the chimpanzees, follow the guide’s instructions. Return to your lodge after the trek. Spend the afternoon relaxing or taking a short nature walk. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Gisakura Guesthouse.
Day 15: Nyungwe Canopy walk and forest experience
After breakfast, take a guided walk towards the Nyungwe canopy walkway. The walkway is suspended high above the forest and provides views across the treetops. The current Visit Rwanda information places the walkway at about 160 metres long and 70 metres above the forest floor. Look for birds, butterflies, orchids and primates moving through the canopy. The walk to the bridge also provides an opportunity to explore the forest floor.
Later continue with a forest nature walk. Take the Igishigishigi Trail if conditions and time allow. The trail passes through thick vegetation before reaching the canopy walkway. Your guide can explain medicinal plants, tree species, forest ecology, and local conservation efforts. Afterwards, visit a nearby tea plantation. Learn how tea is grown, harvested, and prepared. Return to your lodge for your final night in Nyungwe. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Gisakura Guesthouse.
Day 16: Nyungwe to Kigali and Departure
Have breakfast before starting the journey to Kigali. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours. The road passes through Rwanda’s rolling hills, farms, villages and small towns. If your flight is late, stop in Huye or Nyanza. In Huye, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum. In Nyanza, visit the King’s Palace for an introduction to Rwanda’s royal history. Continue to Kigali after the cultural stop. Depending on your flight time, take a short city tour. Possible stops include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, art galleries or a local restaurant. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Included in this tour package – 16 Days Uganda – DR Congo and Rwanda Safari
- Gorilla Permit.
- Chimpanzee viewing Permits
- Cultural entertainment
- Park Ranger Fees
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Full Board Accommodation (2 nights) and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
- Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
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