12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and be warmly welcomed by your Matrix Safaris representative. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight.

After an early breakfast, drive west to Kibale Forest National Park (795 sq km of rainforest), home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, red colobus, and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as over 355 bird species. Settle in and rest before tomorrow's tracking. Overnight near Kibale (full board).

Morning chimpanzee tracking along the network of forest trails — habituated chimps squabbling and swinging through the canopy is an exhilarating sight. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a swamp walk rich in bird life, vegetation, and primates — a wonderful community-tourism initiative. Overnight near Kibale (full board).

After breakfast, drive south to Queen Elizabeth NP — one of the world's most biodiverse game parks (100+ mammal species, 606 bird species, open savannah, papyrus swamps, crater lakes, Lake Edward). Arrive in the afternoon for a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of Africa's finest wildlife boat experiences. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP (full board).

Morning game drive to the Kasenyi area in search of lion prides, Uganda Kob, hyenas, antelopes, and elephants. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP (full board).

After breakfast, drive south to the remote Ishasha sector for a game drive in search of Queen Elizabeth's famous tree-climbing lions — a unique behaviour found in only a few places in Africa. Evening game drive and overnight in Ishasha (full board).

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi — one of Uganda's most scenic destinations, set among lush terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. The lake and surrounding Nyombi Swamp support over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for birders. Relax by the lake, take a canoe trip, or simply enjoy the extraordinary scenery. Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi (full board).

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking. Settle in at your lodge in the evening and prepare for the following day's trek. Overnight in Bwindi (full board).

An early start for gorilla trekking — tracking takes 2–6 hours through the dense rainforest with expert rangers. Sitting with a wild mountain gorilla family for a full hour is one of the most remarkable experiences in the natural world. In the afternoon, visit a Batwa community to learn about the indigenous people who once called this forest their home. Overnight in Bwindi (full board).

After breakfast, cross the Rwanda border and drive to Kigali for city tours and cultural experiences. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Overnight in Kigali.

A full day exploring Kigali — visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial (a moving and important tribute to the 1994 genocide), the Caplaki Crafts Centre for local crafts and souvenirs, and explore Kigali's restaurants, markets, and galleries. Overnight in Kigali.

After all your adventures across Uganda and Rwanda, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.