Rwanda & Uganda - 9-day Deluxe Pearl of Africa Safari - Tailored Driven

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Rwanda & Uganda – 9-day Deluxe Pearl of Africa Safari – Tailored Driven

9 days / 8 nights
Kigali • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park • Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park • Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park • Kibale Forest National Park

Country

Rwanda, Uganda

Duration

9 days

Highlights

Kigali

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

+2 destinations

Rated 4.9/5

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Rwanda & Uganda – 9-day Deluxe Pearl of Africa Safari – Tailored Driven

From $9,430
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Includes

Light aircraft flight Kasese - Entebbe
7 nights' accommodation on all-inclusive basis
1 night accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
Private 4x4 vehicle (Landcruiser) with experienced English-speaking driver-guide
All the excursions and activities mentioned
1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
1 Chimpanzee tracking per person
Drinking water in the vehicle (1 litre per person per day)
AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
Government taxes
Park/Forest Fees

Excludes

International flights
Drinks and meals not mentioned 
Optional activities
Day-use room or extra night in Entebbe on the last night
Gratuities - recommended is US$ 10 per person per day for the guide and the same amount for all hotel staff together
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax, park fees and forced fuel supplements

Itinerary

Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali sits among rolling hills at the heart of East Africa, offering a remarkably clean, green and orderly urban landscape. The city blends contemporary development with a strong cultural identity, where polished avenues give way to lively neighbourhood markets and hillside communities. Visitors can explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful insight into the country’s history, browse vibrant crafts at Kimironko Market, or enjoy a growing café culture shaped by locally grown coffee. Panoramic viewpoints reveal soft, undulating hills under wide skies, while the hum of motorbikes and the scent of roasted coffee define the city’s everyday atmosphere. Kigali also serves as a gateway to Rwanda’s national parks and unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters, making it both a meaningful stop and a base for wider exploration.
Kigali
Kigali
Kigali
Kigali
Kigali
Kigali
+3
  • Heaven Boutique Hotel

    Day 1 - 2

    Heaven Boutique Hotel sits on a quiet residential road in the heart of Kigali, just steps from the city centre and its cultural attractions. Its rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy meals at Heaven Restaurant, where international dishes incorporate local flavours and ingredients from an onsite organic garden. Leisure facilities include rejuvenating wellness treatments, salt water pool, private yoga sessions, and community fitness classes, offering a relaxing environment for unwinding after exploring the city.
    Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 1

Day Notes:

Upon arrival as per your international flight details, clear immigration, collect your luggage with assistance from our airport support who will lead you to arrivals to meet our representative and driver and transfer to the hotel driving for approximately 10 minutes upon exiting the airport.

  • Meet & Greet

  • Transfer from Kigali International Airport [KGL] to Heaven Boutique Hotel

  • Check-in to Heaven Boutique Hotel

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
+13
  • Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

    Day 2 - 4

    Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge sits at a 7000-ft (2,161 meters) altitude on a magnificent ridge with stunning views across the rugged landscapes and beyond to the Virunga Volcanoes chain.
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
    +8

Day 2

Day Notes:

Depart Kigali and travel over Cyanika border. Have lunch in Kisoro and meet the walking safari guides for your next activity. 

Join our walking safari guide in Kisoro Town for a community walk, canoeing excursion on Lake Mutanda, and nature hike through communities & cultivated garden trails. It is an immersive walking adventure connecting you with the local people and environments.

Settle in a local dugout canoe and the lake with possible sightings of a few bird species and admiring the surrounding views. Guests can decide on ground for guides to plan the stopping point. Meet the vehicle and drive to Nkuringo for lunch (30 min drive) or have a picnic lunch instead and continue walking to Rubuguri junction (approximately 2 hours), meet the vehicle and drive to Nkuringo for 30 mins.

Transfer time: ~5-6 hours

  • Check-out from Heaven Boutique Hotel

  • Community walk, canoeing on Lake Mutanda and nature hike

  • Transfer from Heaven Boutique Hotel to Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

  • Check-in to Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Day 3

Day Notes:

After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, with packed lunch and drinking water you will be transferred to the briefing point for the briefing on the do’s and the don’ts while with the gorillas. You then continue to the forest for the start of the actual gorilla tracking in a group of 8 participants accompanied by escorts/ guides and rangers from Uganda wildlife Authority.

The duration of the trek is only determined by the location of the primates on the day of tracking, and the time taken to find the gorillas can take from an hour to a full day, after spotting them, spend 1 hour of viewing and hike back, meet the vehicle and drive back to the lodge.

The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular. The area offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary as per the movements of these great primates. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savoured. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity.

 

  • Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Occupying the southern reaches of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this quieter safari region is defined by expansive grasslands, scattered fig trees and the wildlife-rich plains of the Ishasha sector. Best known for its famous tree-climbing lions, the area offers one of Africa's most distinctive safari experiences, with these remarkable predators often seen resting high up in the sprawling branches. Game drives may also reveal elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob and a variety of antelope, while the region's diverse birdlife attracts keen birdwatchers. Golden grasslands stretch towards distant hills, punctuated by acacia trees and the calls of birds carried on the warm breeze. Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideal for travellers seeking a quieter safari experience with exceptional wildlife and dramatic natural scenery.
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Ishasha Wilderness Camp

    Day 4 - 6

    Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness, coupled with superb accommodation and exceptional service.
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    Ishasha Wilderness Camp
    +6

Day 4

Day Notes:

This morning after an early breakfast, you will be transferred by the lodge driver to Nteko Ridge for about 30 mins to embark on a guided walk through the forest walking from South to North of Bwindi impenetrable forest (with a packed lunch from the lodge).

There are 2 options for this walk, the shorter route of 13KM taking about 4 hours which is recommended. The other alternative is walking the longer trail of 17km which starts from the lodge without driving to Nteko Ridge.

Upon reaching Buhoma, meet the vehicle and drive to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park renowned for tree climbing lions that can be spotted in fig trees on lucky days. The drive takes about 2 hours.

If you prefer to be driven to Bwindi, please let us know, as that can, of course, also be arranged.

  • Check-out from Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

  • Guided walk through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  • Transfer from Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge to Ishasha Wilderness Camp

  • Check-in to Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 5

Day Notes:

This morning you’ll head into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, spending the day on game drives across its open savannah in search of the famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife, before winding down with a sundowner in the park as the African sunset paints the horizon a perfect close to a day of adventure and discovery.

  • Full-day game drive

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Elephant Plains Lodge

    Day 6 - 7

    Elephant Plains Lodge sits atop the Albertine Rift with sweeping views over Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Kikorongo and Lake George where herds of elephants are known to go to cool off. The lodge epitomizes safari luxury, beautifully decorated with panoramic views from almost every vantage point on the property.
    The peaceful ambiance combined with close proximity to abundant wildlife makes Elephant Plains Lodge a perfect sanctuary for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in one of Africa’s most iconic national parks. The lodge comprises Six double/twin ensuite cottages and 2 family cottages with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. All cottages have private spacious verandas with views of the park.
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    Elephant Plains Lodge
    +2

Day 6

Day Notes:

This morning, after breakfast, with an en route game drive, continue to the lodge for lunch and after lunch head out for a private boat trip on Kazinga channel - the 36 km waterway which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, and allows special viewings of game and birds on the riverbanks, as the boat passes through pods of hippos. Crocodiles have only recently been seen in the Channel; they disappeared 8,000 years after they were eliminated from Lake Edward by toxic ash from local volcanoes.

The boat takes about 2-3 hour round trip depending on the sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

 

  • Check-out from Ishasha Wilderness Camp

  • Game drive transfer en route to Kibale Forest National Park

  • Transfer from Ishasha Wilderness Camp to Elephant Plains Lodge

  • Check-in to Elephant Plains Lodge

  • Private boat trip on Kazinga Channel

Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
  • Mirima Kibale Lodge

    Day 7 - 9

    Mirima Kibale Lodge is located in Uganda’s crater‑lake highlands outside Fort Portal, overlooking Lake Nyamirima near Kibale National Park. Nearby attractions include Lake Nyamirima, Lakes Nyinabulitwa and Nyabikere, and Kibale National Park, renowned for chimpanzee tracking experiences. Guest rooms feature private balconies, fireplaces, oversized beds, spacious layouts, and lake-facing outlooks designed for comfort and privacy. Guests can dine on-site at Ziwa Restaurant and enjoy drinks at Kyanda Bar, with inclusive meals prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients. Facilities include an infinity pool, Mist Spa, and eco-conscious features such as solar power and filtered water, creating a sustainable and tranquil retreat.
    Mirima Kibale Lodge
    Mirima Kibale Lodge
    Mirima Kibale Lodge
    Mirima Kibale Lodge
    Mirima Kibale Lodge
    Mirima Kibale Lodge

Day 7

Day Notes:

This morning after an early breakfast, head out for lion tracking experience in the Kasenyi plains, joining researchers who use radio telemetry to locate collared lions and sharing fascinating insights into their behavior and conservation. Along the way, enjoy sightings of Uganda kobs, elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife that thrive in the grasslands.

Afterwards, continue with a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll check in at the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure, unwinding in preparation for the adventures ahead.

Transfer time: ~2-3 hours

  • Check-out from Elephant Plains Lodge

  • Lion tracking experience

  • Transfer from Elephant Plains Lodge to Mirima Kibale Lodge

  • Check-in to Mirima Kibale Lodge

  • Afternoon at leisure

Day 8

Day Notes:

This morning after breakfast, transfer to the visitor’s Information Centre for a briefing on the conduct while in the park. After the short briefing and group allocation, start off the trek in search of the chimpanzees accompanied by rangers and guides from Uganda wildlife Authority. The duration of the trek depends on the day’s location of the Chimps, but you are allowed 1 hour of viewing.

Afternoon excursion to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a great example of a community-based approach to natural resources management which can be of good economic benefit to the local residents living within the area and to the tourism industry. This sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers - skilled birders can spot up to 50 new species on a bird list. At today 138 species of birds have been recognized within the sanctuary, among which the Great Blue Turaco. Bigodi is also regularly visited by a diverse number of primate species from the nearby national park.

Hike of 10-12 km on a flat terrain continue to the community to interact with locals, understand local coffee making, banana Gin cultural performances. Return to the lodge for dinner & overnight.

  • Chimpanzee tracking

  • Bigodi swamp walk

  • Banana man & coffee lady experience

Day 9

  • Check-out from Mirima Kibale Lodge

  • Transfer from Mirima Kibale Lodge to Kasese Airport [KSE]

  • Charter Flight from Kasese Airport [KSE] to Entebbe International Airport [EBB]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Kigali
Rwanda
Day 1

Kigali

Kigali sits among rolling hills at the heart of East Africa, offering a remarkably clean, green and orderly urban landscape.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Uganda
Day 2-3

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest.
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Day 4-5

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Occupying the southern reaches of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this quieter safari region is defined by expansive grasslands, scattered fig trees and the wildlife-rich plains of the Ishasha sector.
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Day 6

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country.
Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda
Day 7-8

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle.

Accommodations

Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali
Day 1-2

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel sits on a quiet residential road in the heart of Kigali, just steps from the city centre and its cultural attractions.
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 2-4

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge sits at a 7000-ft (2,161 meters) altitude on a magnificent ridge with stunning views across the rugged landscapes and beyond to the Virunga Volcanoes chain.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4-6

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness, coupled with superb accommodation and exceptional service..
Elephant Plains Lodge
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6-7

Elephant Plains Lodge

Elephant Plains Lodge sits atop the Albertine Rift with sweeping views over Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Kikorongo and Lake George where herds of elephants are known to go to cool off.
Mirima Kibale Lodge
Kibale Forest National Park
Day 7-9

Mirima Kibale Lodge

Mirima Kibale Lodge is located in Uganda’s crater‑lake highlands outside Fort Portal, overlooking Lake Nyamirima near Kibale National Park.

January, February, June - September & December 2026

  • Solo traveller: US$ 15,475
  • 2 travellers: US$ 11,050
  • 3 travellers: US$ 10,200
  • 4 travellers: US$ 9,780
  • 5 travellers: US$ 9,530
  • 6 travellers: US$ 9,360
  • Single traveller supplement: US$ 1,980

April - May & - November 2026 - USD 200 GORILLA TRACKING PERMIT DISCOUNT INCLUDED

  • Solo traveller: US$ 13,345
  • 2 travellers: US$ 9,430
  • 3 travellers: US$ 8,590
  • 4 travellers: US$ 8,165
  • 5 travellers: US$ 7,915
  • 6 travellers: US$ 7,745
  • Single traveller supplement: US$ 1,470

May & October 2026

  • Solo traveller: US$ 13,545
  • 2 travellers: US$ 9,630
  • 3 travellers: US$ 8,790
  • 4 travellers: US$ 8,365
  • 5 travellers: US$ 8,115
  • 6 travellers: US$ 7,945
  • Single traveller supplement: US$ 1,470

Uganda & Kenya – 13-day Tailor-made Uganda & Kenya Safari

Indigo Safaris provided us with an ideal itinerary for our travel to Uganda and Kenya. They were quick to respond to all our communications and were full of great options or ideas and very pleasant to deal with. Kerry Wyatt with Indigo Safaris was our main contact when we made our initial contact with that company to assist us with planning a once in a lifetime trip to East Africa for a gorilla trek and safari experience. She was terrific in setting up an ideal travel itinerary for the two of us, very pleasant and in spite of the time difference was very prompt in providing responses to us with very good input and ideas for our travel.

Ken Duggan
My son and I shared an outstanding East Africa travel experience