18-Day Self-Drive Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 18-day self-drive adventure through Uganda and Rwanda, combining breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. This tour includes gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and game drives, with accommodations tailored to your budget: low-cost, mid-range, or luxury.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and collect your fully equipped 4×4 vehicle. Spend the evening relaxing or explore Entebbe’s highlights, such as the Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Entebbe Backpackers Hostel
  • Mid: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
  • Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Proceed to the park, visiting the iconic top of the falls for stunning views of the Nile.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Start the day with a game drive on the Buligi Game Tracks, where you can spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, followed by an optional hike to the top.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 4: Drive to Kibale National Park
Travel through the lush countryside to Kibale National Park, known for its dense rainforest and high population of primates. En route, pass tea plantations and enjoy the scenic beauty of western Uganda.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
  • Mid: Isunga Lodge
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, witnessing their behavior up close. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided walk, where you’ll encounter exotic birds, butterflies, and primates.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
  • Mid: Isunga Lodge
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping at the equator for photos. Relax in the evening and take in views of the Rwenzori Mountains or the crater lakes.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid: Enganzi Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Embark on an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll see lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid: Enganzi Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 8: Explore Ishasha Sector and Drive to Bwindi
Visit the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
  • Mid: Buhoma Lodge
  • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Spend the day trekking through Bwindi’s dense forest to encounter a family of mountain gorillas. Witness their behavior and enjoy an hour in their presence, an unforgettable experience.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
  • Mid: Buhoma Lodge
  • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene beauty and numerous islands. Enjoy activities like canoeing, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the lakeshore.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Byoona Amagara
  • Mid: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
  • Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi

Day 11: Relax and Explore Lake Bunyonyi
Spend the day exploring Lake Bunyonyi’s islands or hiking the surrounding hills. Engage in cultural experiences by visiting local communities or enjoy optional activities like zip-lining.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Byoona Amagara
  • Mid: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
  • Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi

Day 12: Drive to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Cross into Rwanda and head to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the picturesque drive, and settle into your lodge near the park, ready for the next day’s activities.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: La Palme Hotel
  • Mid: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, enjoying the lush landscapes and up-close encounters with these majestic creatures. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the local area.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: La Palme Hotel
  • Mid: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 14: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Visits
Track golden monkeys in the park and visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a glimpse into Rwanda’s traditions and heritage.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: La Palme Hotel
  • Mid: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 15: Drive to Lake Kivu
Travel to Lake Kivu, a tranquil paradise on Rwanda’s western border. Relax by the lakeshore, swim, or take a boat trip to explore nearby islands.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Paradise Malahide
  • Mid: Cormoran Lodge
  • Luxury: Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 16: Explore Lake Kivu
Spend the day enjoying Lake Kivu’s activities, including kayaking, cycling, or visiting local coffee plantations. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Paradise Malahide
  • Mid: Cormoran Lodge
  • Luxury: Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 17: Drive to Kigali
Head to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and enjoy local markets or craft shops for souvenirs.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
  • Mid: Heaven Boutique Hotel
  • Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 18: Departure from Kigali
Spend your final day exploring Kigali or relaxing at your hotel. Return your vehicle before heading to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
  • Mid: Heaven Boutique Hotel
  • Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

This 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari promises an extraordinary journey, combining wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and the freedom of self-driving. With tailored accommodations, it suits every traveler’s needs.