10-Day Uganda & Rwanda – Gorillas, Wildlife & Volcanoes

Your adventure with Wildhorn Africa begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your private guide. The first stop is the shores of Lake Victoria, where you’ll embark on a shoebill excursion. Starting with a motorboat ride, you’ll then switch to a traditional community canoe that takes you deeper into the swamp in search of the remarkable shoebill—a prehistoric-looking bird found in only a few corners of Africa.

After this unique experience, the journey continues in a comfortable safari Land Cruiser, fully equipped for road travel and even featuring in-car tablets with movies for the drive. You’ll then arrive at Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary, check in at your lodge, and unwind. With rhinos often grazing nearby, you may even enjoy close-up encounters right from the comfort of your accommodation.

With Wildhorn Africa, your morning begins with a thrilling game drive in search of the remaining members of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The park’s rich diversity also offers excellent chances to spot giraffes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, hyenas, and playful warthogs roaming the savannah.

In the afternoon, you’ll set out on a boat safari along the legendary River Nile, the longest river in the world. Cruising upstream, you’ll journey to the base of Murchison Falls, often described as the most powerful waterfall on earth. Here, the mighty Nile is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters with breathtaking intensity. Along the way, keep your camera ready for hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants that gather along the riverbanks.

With Wildhorn Africa, your day begins with one last game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. Early mornings are especially rewarding, offering great chances to spot hyenas and other wildlife, so be sure to have your camera ready.

Before leaving the park, you’ll visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge in a breathtaking display of power, spray, and thunderous sound—one of Africa’s most dramatic natural wonders.

From there, the journey takes you south toward Kibale, with the scenery transforming from open savannah to rolling hills covered in lush tea plantations. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge and relax after the day’s travels.

With Wildhorn Africa, your day begins with a choice of enriching experiences around Kibale:

• Chimpanzee Tracking – Venture into the tropical forest with expert guides to track our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Watch them swing through the trees, interact in their natural environment, and listen to their thrilling calls echoing through the forest.

• Tea Plantation Visit – Discover the journey of Uganda’s tea from leaf to cup. Walk through the lush fields, meet the pickers, and even try harvesting fresh leaves yourself.

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk – Enjoy a guided community-run tour that blends nature with culture. Learn about medicinal plants, traditional coffee making, banana beer and gin brewing, and explore local crafts.

• Crater Lake Hike – Take a scenic hike through rolling terrain leading to serene volcanic lakes, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

After your chosen activity, you’ll continue your adventure on to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the next stage of the safari.

With Wildhorn Africa, your day begins early with an exhilarating morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the first light of dawn spreads across the savannah, the landscape stirs with life—elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing peacefully in the golden glow. The possibility of spotting lions or elusive leopards heightens the excitement, making the drive an unforgettable safari experience.

After lunch, you’ll set out on a relaxing boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife hotspots. As you glide along the water, you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, and an impressive array of birdlife—from the regal African fish eagle to the vibrant kingfisher. Elephants and buffaloes often gather at the shoreline, offering spectacular close-up photographic opportunities.

With Wildhorn Africa, your morning begins with an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kalinzu Forest, a beautiful reserve renowned for its thriving chimpanzee population. Guided by experienced trackers, you’ll follow the calls and movements of a chimpanzee group and, once located, spend up to an hour watching them in their natural habitat. This raw and authentic encounter offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives and complex behaviors of these fascinating primates.

Later, you’ll set off on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, dense forests, and vibrant rural villages along the way.

With Wildhorn Africa, today brings one of the most remarkable experiences of your journey—a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Following a short briefing, you’ll venture into the dense forest with your guide to track a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you’ll spend an extraordinary hour watching them up close—observing their playful behavior, family interactions, and gentle movements through the trees. It is the ultimate highlight of any Ugandan safari, an encounter that stays with you for a lifetime.

After this unforgettable trek, your adventure continues to the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque destination perfect for relaxation.

With Wildhorn Africa, your day begins at the serene Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most peaceful and scenic destinations. Encircled by terraced hills and sprinkled with 29 small islands, it provides the perfect backdrop for a calm and reflective morning.

Later, you’ll set off on a picturesque drive across Rwanda’s countryside, heading toward Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge near the park, relax, and prepare for the extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure that lies ahead.

With Wildhorn Africa, your final day in Volcanoes National Park presents two remarkable options.

You may choose to track the lively Golden Monkeys, instantly recognizable by their striking orange-gold fur and playful behavior. Found in only a handful of places worldwide, these rare primates move in energetic troops through the lush Virunga Mountains—a true delight for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Alternatively, you can embark on a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, a deeply moving journey into the forest that leads to the resting place of the world-renowned primatologist. Along the trail, you’ll gain insight into her groundbreaking conservation work and the enduring legacy she left in protecting mountain gorillas.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin your scenic drive to Kigali, where your guide will either drop you at the airport for your departure or at your chosen hotel, marking the close of your unforgettable safari adventure.