Extraordinary East Africa
Explore Rwanda and Uganda’s outstanding natural beauty, hospitality, and rare mountain gorillas on this expansive East African itinerary.
Overview
Known for their outstanding natural beauty, incredible hospitality, and the rare mountain gorillas, Rwanda and Uganda are two of the must-see countries in East Africa. Over this expansive itinerary, you’ll see firsthand what makes them so special
Trip Highlights
- Learn about the powerful history of Rwanda in Kibuye at the Nyange Parish Genocide Memorial
- Enjoy fresh Rwandan coffee on a coffee tour near the shores of Lake Kivu
- Visit Mgahinga National Park to track golden monkeys and visit the indigenous Batwa people on a community walk.
- Put on your boots and grab a sturdy walking stick for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla tracking
- Witness lions climbing trees and lounging on branches in one of the few regions in Africa where this behavior can be observed
- Enjoy a hike on the Kirembe Trail in Rwenzori Mountains, home to the 3rd tallest peak in Africa
Information
Trip Info
Kibale National Park
Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.
Murchison Falls National Park
Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.
Rwenzori Mountains
Trek through the fabled Mountains of the Moon for stunning scenery and challenging climbs.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Walk with rhinos and learn about conservation efforts in Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Walk among ancient trees and primates in Rwanda’s largest rainforest.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Hike to see gorillas and monkeys in a lush volcanic landscape.
Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August
During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.
Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November
This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.
Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda
In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May.
For Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s northernmost park, wildlife viewing is better from September through May – the area’s dry season – as animals head for reliable water sources. From April through August, there is still a decent amount of wildlife and it’s the best period of the year for birding.
Dry Season In Rwanda – June to September
The weather during these is typically characterized by warm and sunny days, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F). These periods are considered excellent for visiting Rwanda’s national parks, such as Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, as the dry conditions offer better visibility and ease of exploration. July’s rainfall is the lowest at just 11mm (0.4”), with June (19mm / 0.7”) and August (31mm / 1.2”) just a touch higher.
Wet Season In Rwanda – October to May
The rainfall and temperature remain relatively constant in Rwanda due to its position on the equator. Rainfall averages at least 77mm (3”) a month during this period, with a high in April of 154mm (6.1”). Afternoon temperatures are usually around 27°C/81°F, though they drop in popular regions like Nyungwe (21°C/70°F) and Volcanoes National Park (16°C/61°F).
Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Rwanda
In Rwanda, game viewing in Volcanoes/Nyungwe is excellent December through March and June through October. It is good in November, and fair in April and May.
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Day 1-Arrival in Kigali
- Kigali
Arrival in Kigali and transfer to your accommodation.
- Chez Lando
Day 2-3 Kigali - Nyungwe Forest
- Nyungwe Forest
On the way to Nyungwe Forest we will stop in the town of Butare (Huye) where we will visit the National Museum of Rwanda for an insight into the cultural heritage of this fascinating country. After breakfast, we visit a tea plantation including an opportunity to try your hand at picking tea. Afterwards, we visit the tea factory. Optional activities can be booked, such as primate walk and bird watching, as well as various walks. Nyungwe also has a community centre called “Banda Community Village”, where you can try different food, basket weaving and banana beer. If time does not allow this visit or if beer production is not taking place, similar activities can be carried out in Uganda.
- Top View Hill Hotel
Kibuye
- Kibuye
This morning we drive to Kibuye and visit Nyange church, a new church built as a memorial to the 3,000 people killed here when the original church was destroyed during the genocide. In the afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Kivu where we’ll see the huge colony of fruit bats that form great clouds in the sky, and Amahoro Island, the island of peace. For our second day, we visit the L’Esperance children’s orphanage and village. The whole day will be dedicated to this visit.
- Bethanie Hotel
Gisenyi - Kibuye
- Kibuye
After breakfast, we drive to Gisenyi. Visit a fishing village, enjoy a bath in the hot springs and visit the coffee island where you can see the whole coffee production process – and taste the coffee, of course! Later, there will be time to relax in the lodge or enjoy a walk along the shores of Lake Kivu.
- Ubumwe Hotel
Gisenyi -Volcanoes National Park
- Kibuye
We will drive from Gisenyi to the home of the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park. There is also the possibility of a visit to see banana & sorghum beer production in Musanze, on the way to the national park. Today you can climb a volcano or visit the tomb of Dian Fossey. There are several ways to enjoy Kinigi’s cultural entertainment.
- Muhabura Hotel
Volcanoes National Park -Lake Mulehe (UG)
- Lake Mulehe, Uganda
We say farewell to Rwanda and drive across the border to Lake Mutanda in Uganda. With the Virunga volcano as its backdrop, this is certainly a spot for some great scenic photos. A boat tour is possible. On your second day, we’ll have a very early breakfast, then go into Mgahinga National Park for Golden Monkey tracking, and you will be humbled by these primates of the Virunga Ranges. In the afternoon visit the indigenous Batwa people on a community walk
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Lake Mulehe (UG) -Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Mulehe, Uganda
We’ll drive for a couple of hours to Lake Bunyonyi where you will have time to relax, take a nature walk, enjoy watching the abundant birdlife or maybe wander through the local market at Rutinda where many people still bring their produce by canoe. You could even try your hand at paddling a traditional dugout canoe or go swimming in the hippo, croc and bilharzia-free waters.
- Bird Nest
Lake Bunyonyi- -Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
The wonder visit to Kiyebe village day! Today you will visit Kiyebe, the complete wonder village. This is perhaps one of the most remote, and traditional village in Uganda. It is the only village with no access through by road as its main rough mountainous road only stops at the small trading centre called mukyogo a name originating from the only community elephant pond in Uganda. You can plant your own tree, collect honey from the beehive and then if you want, enjoy local and national beers with the villagers. You will also have great local food that is fresh and organic and the dancing and singing of this community is nothing you can even imagine. It’s impossible to miss a visit to this village. On your next day, it’s time to put your boots on and grab a sturdy walking stick, today is a once in a lifetime experience: Gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travel experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the gorillas are.
- Gorilla Mist Camp
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Ishasha
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Ishasha, one of the few regions in Africa where lions can be spotted climbing trees and lounging on branches. Therefore, make sure that during the game drive you are not only looking out over the savannah, but also have your eyes focused up in the trees!
- Enjojo Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today we get up early and continue our search for the tree climbing lions. After breakfast, we drive to the northern part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. If time permits, we can also visit Katwe Salt Lake. On our second day, you will go for the Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
- Bush Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park -Rwenzori Mountains - Fort Portal
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive to the Ruwenzori Mountains for a one-day hike. On the Kilembe Trail you get an insight into the flora and fauna of this unique mountain range. After, we drive to Fort Portal for the night.
- Rwenzori View Guest House
Fort Portal - Semuliki National Park - Kibale National Park
- Kibale National Park, Uganda
As we negotiate the twists and turns of the road, the landscape changes, eventually opening out into a magnificent view across Semuliki National Park. After visiting the park and the hot springs, we drive to Kibale National Park. The next day, you will be hiking off the beaten track, through the jungle in search of chimpanzees. Once you find them, it will be a fascinating experience as you watch them play, feed and swing through the trees, which is highly entertaining. Primate and bird watching will be the highlights of the afternoon walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Kibale Forest Camp
Kibale National Park - Murchison Falls National Park
- Kibale National Park, Uganda
We continue to Murchison National Park, home to buffalo and elephants as well as gentle, graceful giraffes. With a bit of luck, we’ll also see lions and leopards on our evening game drive.
Our next day here starts with an early morning game drive and a relaxing afternoon boat ride along the Victoria Nile River where you will encounter animals gathering on the riverbanks and an abundance of crocodiles and hippos. The boat will take you close to bottom of the thundering Murchison waterfall, where the powerful river Nile forces its way through a gap only 7 metres wide and over 43 metres high.
Then on our final morning, we’ll start the day with another boat trip, this time heading the other way to explore the Nile delta. Keep your eyes peeled for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork. An afternoon game drive follows.
- Fort Murchison
Murchison Falls National Park - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
We start the day with a morning game drive before heading to Ziwa Sanctuary for an afternoon walk with the rhinos or relaxation around the lodge.
- Amuka Lodge
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Entebbe
- Entebbe, Uganda
After breakfast, we set out on a rhino tracking expedition. This special experience brings you very close to the rhinos, and you will be able to learn about the steps being taken to protect this endangered species. After, we head to Entebbe.
On your next day, we will drive to Mabamba swamp to search for the shy, prehistoric-looking shoebill. In the afternoon we will return to Entebbe and explore the birdlife along the shores of Lake Victoria.
For the last day of your Ugandan tour we’ll spend it in Entebbe and the surrounding area. After a farewell dinner (maybe some famous Lake Victoria grilled fish) and drinks, we will drop you at the airport for your flight home. As your plane takes off, we hope you are already starting to plan your next African safari adventure.
- Gorilla Neighbor Guest House
The Beauty of Africa
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Details
Trip Details
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- AMREF Flying Doctor Service
- Meals as per your chosen meal plan
- Insurance border crossing
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4WD custom-built safari vehicle and fuel
- Gorilla permit ($800/pp)
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses (laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
Prices
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2 pax based on a double room $15,035/person
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4 pax based on 2 double rooms $11,167/person
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6 pax based on 3 double rooms $9,878/person
Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.
Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.
For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Inquire About This Tour
All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences.
Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.
For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
What Our Guests Say
Ralph_K_CH2024-01-27Uganda by Kikooko - a unique experience Uganda's tourist potential is vast and to a large degree unspoilt. Kikooko as a whole and our tour guide Alex in particular gave us a truly unforgettable insight into the wonders of this amazing country. We were treated as friends and got to see the amazing variety of flora and fauna, enjoyed great places to stay and eat and, above all, experienced the friendliness of the Ugandan people. Every detail of our journey was perfectly planned and organized, and Alex displayed his passion for his profession and the country. Great experience, excellent service, passionate people!
Seaside405468183362024-01-13Safari Company with heart and soul I met the founder of Kikooko at the travel fair in Zurich and told him about my dreams of Uganda and the Gorillas. He arranged a wonderful overland journey for me that was filled with activities around wildlife and culture. The driver-guide was friendly and professional, his knowledge and helpfulness great. I could just relax and feel safe and comfortable allover the country. Also traveling alone as a woman was no problem at all. People in Uganda are friendly and openhearted. Most of the lodges that were chosen for me were situated at beautiful spots and with delicous food. I can highly recommand KIKOOKO as a professional, trustworthy Safari Company with heart and soul. January 24 / Claudia FauserDenise S.2023-12-18Es gab so vieles zu entdecken und Neues zu lernen. Es war Abenteuer pur! Die Reiseplanung mit Warren erfolgte per Mail. Die geplante Reise dauerte 3,5 Wochen und beinhaltete eine Rundreise von Entebbe zum Kidepo Valley National Park, zu den Gorillas im Bwindi Impenetrable Park bis zum Queen Elizabeth Park und zurück nach Entebbe. Auf Wünsche und Änderungen gingen das Kikooko Team immer ein und machten diverse Abklärungen. Die ganze Planung ging sehr gut und nicht stressig auf. Das Programm war voll mit sehr schönen Abenteuern und Begegnungen, sowohl mit den Tieren als auch mit den Menschen und ihren Kulturen. Die Menschen sind sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Sehr beeindruckend fand ich, dass immer sehr freundlich gegrüsst und zugewunken wurde! Kinder riefen und winkten am Strassenrand, teilweise rannten sie uns nach. In diesen 3 Wochen versuchte ich einzelne Wörter zu lernen, da war Ivan ein guter Lehrer, aber es ist eine sehr schwierige Sprache! Ich lernte sehr viel über dieses Land. Während der Reise fühlte ich mich immer sehr gut aufgehoben und sicher. Allein als Frau zu reisen, ist kein Problem. Ivan war ein sehr guter Guide, weiss sehr viel über die Tierwelt und schätzt Situationen gut und sicher ein. Er hat einen sehr angenehmen Fahrstil und umsorgte mich sehr. Ich konnte mir für die Fotografie sehr viel Zeit nehmen und ging immer auf meine Bedürfnisse ein. Lodges: die verschiedenen Lodges waren gut ausgestattet und sauber. WLAN war vorhanden, aber war tw. sehr langsam, je nach Wetter. Bei Dunkelheit wurde man in gewissen Lodges, dort wo Grosstiere wie Nashörner, Hippos, Elefanten oder Löwen zu Hause sind, zur Sicherheit ins Zimmer begleitet. Auto: es ist ein stabiles Auto und hatte diverse schwierige Strassen gut gemeistert (natürlich auch mit den perfekten Fahrkünsten von Ivan!). Ivan hatte es immer sehr sauber gehalten und geputzt. Das Dach liess sich anheben, damit man einen sehr guten Rundumblick hatte und perfekt fotografieren konnte. WLAN wurde kostenlos angeboten, was ich so noch nie gesehen habe. Gerade bei längeren Fahrten konnte man zu Hause ein Update geben und ein paar "Bilderkostproben" im Status hochladen. Handy laden im Auto ist mit Ladekabel und Adapter möglich! Wasser ist jederzeit abfüllbar im Auto parat, dazu wurde am Anfang der Reise von Warren eine Wasserflasche geschenkt, was ein super sinnvolles Geschenk und Erinnerung ist. Süssgetränke, Bier usw. ist alles da. Geld: Schilling lässt sich bei der Ankunft wechseln und Ivan schaut auch, wo der beste Kurs ist. 200 Dollar habe ich gewechselt, aber es ist kein Problem, mit Dollar, Euro oder sogar mit CHF zu bezahlen. Kreditkarten kann leider nur an wenigen Orten verwendet werden. Für jede Leistung von Guides usw. sollte man Trinkgeld gegeben. Es gibt keine ungefähre Definition, wie viel man mindestens geben sollte, denn man gibt, was man möchte. Wenn man sehr zufrieden ist, dann gibt man entsprechend. Das macht es sehr schwierig. Fotografie: die Stromversorgung in den Lodges waren immer gut und alle Geräte konnten problemlos mit dem entsprechenden Adapter geladen werden. Mein 3-Beinstativ habe ich nie gebraucht, da ich sehr gut mit dem Einbein im Auto und auch sonst fotografiert habe und sehr gute Ergebnisse hatte mit dem Teleobjektiv. Gorillatracking: ein 4h Besuch lohnt sich SEHR! Die Zeit zählt ab dann, wenn die Gorillas entdeckt wurde. Da sollte definitiv nicht gespart werden! Erst erwachen sie, gehen fressen und dann ist Chillen angesagt. Das braucht seine Zeit und ich hätte bereut, wenn ich nach 1h wieder hätte gehen müssen. Es war ein unglaubliches Erlebnis!!! Der Silberrücken streifte langsam und dicht an mir vorbei, 180kg geballte Ladung Muskeln! Ja doch, ich hatte etwas wacklige Beine. Die Guides gehen jeden Tag zu den Gorillas und kennen jeden Einzelnen und "kommunizieren" laufend mit dem Silberrücken und er antwortet darauf. Faszinierend! Es gibt keinen Weg im Wald, nur sehr anstrengende und steile Hänge mit sehr vielen Büschen und Stolperfallen. Gamaschen empfehle ich sehr einzupacken. Bei den Schimpansen habe ich es nicht angezogen und hatte dann einige sehr grosse Ameisen unter meinem Shirt und anderen Orten. Sie sind extrem schnell und können ganz schön kneifen, sind aber nicht giftig. Da die Gorillas auf 2200 m Höhe zu Hause sind, wird es gegen Abend/ Nacht kühl. Regenzeit: es ist nicht wie in der Schweiz, wo es Tagelang regnet. Meistens gab es einen 15 min Regenguss und dann kam wieder die Sonne oder es regnete in der Nacht immer wieder. Der Regen war warm. Tiere und Landschaft: einfach sensationell - das muss man gesehen haben! The Big 5 und noch sehr viel mehr durfte ich sehen! Unbeschreiblich schöne Landschaften, von Savanne, Buschlandschaft bis zum Wald. Highlight: alles! Ich komme wieder!
Robert S2023-12-15Must visit Absolutely epic! Everything exceeded expectations! Came for the Gorillas and they very much delivered. Coordinated by Warren and guided/driven by Alex, they went above to deliver a trip of a lifetime
John S2023-12-15Gorilla adventure of a lifetime Brilliant trip everything was better than expected, I came hoping to see gorillas and they exceeded expectations as did every day. I couldn't recommend the team more highly.
Adam P2023-12-15Come with high expectations, and expect them to be surpassed! This was the most amazing 7 days. From the second we landed we were treated to an unforgettable visit. The staff from the company were so accommodating and made sure that everything we did was perfect. There is honestly nothing I would change about my trip.
YvAnLi2023-10-23....a lifetime expierience.... Wir haben Kikooko Africa Safaris auf einer Ferienmesse im Februar 23 kennengelernt. Danach haben wir eine Offerte angefordert, worin wir unsere Wünsche geäussert haben. Auf diese Wünsche wurde super eingegangen und nach einigen Mail/WhatsApp Wechseln mit dem Geschäftsteilhaber entstand unsere Reise. Denoch zögerten wir zuerst ein bisschen- da wir niemanden kannen, der schon mit Kikooko gereist wäre- haben dann aber dank den ausgezeichneten Rückmeldungen und Reaktionen auf Fragen unsererseits, beschlossen, Kikooko zu vertrauen. Der Kontakt zu Warren blieb bis zu unserer Reise hervorragend. Wann immer eine Frage auftauchte, bekam ich sie prompt beantwortet. Wir wurden auch bezüglich der Gorillatrekking Permits usw immer auf dem Laufenden gehalten. Dann endlich Start der Reise. Wir wurden vom Flughafen abgeholt und gleich von einem sehr angenehmen, vertrauenserweckenden Guide in Empfang genommen. Am nächsten Tag kam Warren sogar selber noch vorbei, um uns zu begrüssen. Wir wurden am ersten Tag perfekt ausgerüstet- mit einer LifeStraw Flasche , einem Notfalltelefon und einem Kästchen, mit welchem wir immer gratis WLAN hatten. Chris, unser Guide war einfach perfekt. Er hat unsere Reise einfach super organisiert, an alles gedacht und uns immer vorzu informiert. Zudem wusste er einfach alles über Land, Leute, Vegetation und Tiere- was auf immer wir fragten- Chris wusste eine Antwort. Zudem war seine Gesellschaft äusserst angenehm- ein richtig toller Mensch. Wir haben uns in seiner Gesellschaft immer gut aufgehoben und sicher gefühlt. Die Strassen waren nicht immer einfach zu befahren- entweder wegen Schlamm, Pfützen, Löchern oder wegen viel Verkehr, Tieren oder Menschen. Chris hat uns überallhin sicher geführt. Zudem ist er schon auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen, bevor wir sie geäusster haben - so kam es uns jedenfalls vor... Unsere Camps und Lodgen waren alle wunderschön-nicht nur die gehobeneren, sondern auch die einfacheren. Die Tiervielfalt in Uganda unglaublich- an viele Tiere kann man ganz nahe heran. Die Menschen sind offen, fröhlich und freundlich, die Landschaft unglaublich grün und vielfältig. Ganz spezielle und unglaubliche Erlebnisse waren natürlich das Gorillatrekking und Schimpansentrekking. Ein weiteres unvergessliches Erlebnis war der Besuch eines Dorfes- abseits jeglichen Tourismuses. Es war eine absolut unvergessliche Reise- einfach perfekt von A-Z. Vielen Dank Kikooko African Safaris- wir werden euch jederzeit und allen uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen- und gerne wiederkommen um eine weitere Reise mit Chris zu unternehmen.... Das schwierigste wird nun für mich, die vielen vielen vielen tollen Fotos so auszusortieren, dass ich ein Fotobuch machen kann..... :-)
Sally D2023-10-23Beautiful Uganda An exceptional company that goes above and beyond to guarantee you have an excellent time in Uganda. Highly recommend!
Mick K2023-10-22Een bijzonder bedrijf met de de beste gidsen What an amazing group of people at this company. They are very proud of their beautiful country and realy want you to feel welcome. They go the extra mile to let you get in touch with the local customs and communities.
Ollie R2023-10-15The only team to book for your Uganda trip Incredible experience from the moment we were picked up from the airport by Alex and Godfried. The team were always professional, reassuring and kind. They are a business that truly cares for its customers and they are right in what they say, arrive as strangers, leave as friends. Highly recommended!
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