21-Day Rwanda-Uganda-Tanzania Adventure

A Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania Adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. This trip is ideal for adventurers seeking a well-rounded safari that includes primate trekking, savannah wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. Here’s what you can expect from each country and how they come together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to Expect on a Combined Safari:

Incredible Wildlife Diversity
Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking here is the pinnacle of wildlife encounters, where you can get up-close with one of the most endangered species on Earth.
Uganda offers a mix of primate experiences, such as chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, combined with classic safaris in savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls, home to elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles.
Tanzania is world-famous for its Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), the Great Migration in the Serengeti, and the stunning wildlife diversity of the Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania offers classic safari experiences with breathtaking savannah landscapes and abundant wildlife.

This safari offers a mix of primates, savannah animals, and even birdlife, making it one of the most diverse wildlife experiences in Africa.

2. Primate Trekking Experiences Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: One of the key highlights, where you trek through misty, forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains to spend an hour observing a gorilla family. It’s physically demanding but immensely rewarding.
   Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: Uganda’s Kibale Forest is known as the best place to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimps are more active, so you’ll witness lively interactions among these intelligent primates.

Both of these experiences are unforgettable and add a unique primate element to your safari that’s distinct from the traditional wildlife viewing in Tanzania.

3. Epic Game Drives and Classic Safaris In Uganda, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park offer the chance to see large mammals like elephants, buffalo, and lions. The parks also feature boat safaris (on the Kazinga Channel and Nile River), where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species up close.
   Tanzania offers some of the best game drives in the world. In Serengeti National Park, you’ll witness endless plains filled with herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheater where you can see an incredible concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, which are harder to spot in other regions.
4. Stunning Landscape Rwanda is famous for its rolling green hills, terraced farms, and volcanoes. Expect stunning mountain views, particularly around Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll also find shimmering lakes like Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
   Uganda is incredibly diverse, with misty forests, savannahs, and wetlands. The landscapes range from the dramatic Murchison Falls (where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge) to the volcanic crater lakes of the west.
   Tanzania is known for its vast open plains, such as the iconic Serengeti, as well as dramatic features like the Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano that forms a lush haven for wildlife. You’ll also explore the ancient Great Rift Valley and the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park.

Expect stunning photo opportunities in each country, whether you’re trekking through rainforests, standing on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, or watching the sunset on the Serengeti plains.

5. Cultural Experiences Rwanda offers a rich cultural experience, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and traditional Rwandan performances. You can also visit local communities near Volcanoes National Park to learn about their lifestyle and conservation efforts.
   In Uganda, you’ll interact with communities in rural areas and national park buffer zones. You can visit traditional fishing villages, Batwa pygmy communities, or explore local craft markets.
   In Tanzania, the Maasai culture is a major highlight. Visiting a Maasai village allows you to learn about their traditions, daily life, and how they coexist with wildlife. The vibrant Maasai people are known for their unique dress, music, and their role as traditional pastoralists.

This combination of wildlife and culture allows you to not only enjoy nature but also connect with the people who call these regions home.

When to Go:

Best Time: The best time for this combined safari is during the dry season from June to October. Wildlife is easier to spot during this period, and trekking conditions for gorillas and chimpanzees are more favorable.
Other Good Times: The short dry season from December to February is also a good time, particularly for game viewing in Tanzania, as animals gather around water sources. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Rwanda, but April and May can be very wet.

What to Pack:

Clothing: Light safari clothing for Tanzania’s savannah, warm layers for the chilly mornings in Rwanda and Uganda’s highlands, and good trekking gear (boots, waterproof jackets) for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Camera Gear: A good camera with zoom for wildlife photography and a waterproof cover for rainforest treks.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat: Essential for sunny game drives and forest treks.

Overall Experience:

This 21-day combined safari across Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture. From the thrill of coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to the awe of watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti, this journey is designed for those who want a diverse and unforgettable African safari experience. You’ll encounter the Big Five, trek through lush forests, enjoy boat cruises on iconic rivers, and engage with local cultures, all while traversing some of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa.

Expect incredible wildlife encounters, intimate moments with nature, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Here’s a 21-day adventure itinerary through Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania This itinerary includes a blend of wildlife, culture, and adventure for an exciting East African safari experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Activity: Arrival, transfer to hotel, rest
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
    Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
    Budget: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
Meals: Dinner at the hotel

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

Activity: Explore Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and Mount Kigali for scenic views.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a local restaurant, dinner at Pili Pili (local cuisine)

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Activity: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hours), scenic stop at Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Bisate Lodge
    Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
    Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Activity: Early morning gorilla trek (3-6 hours), afternoon relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meals: Packed breakfast and lunch, dinner at the lodge

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking or Twin Lakes Visit

Activity: Golden monkey trekking or a relaxing visit to the Twin Lakes.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meals: Full board

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu

Activity: Drive to Lake Kivu (2 hours), boat ride, visit coffee plantations.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
    Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
    Budget: Inzu Lodge
Meals: Full board

Day 7: Cross into Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Activity: Transfer to Uganda (4-5 hours), enter Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening game drive.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Elephant Plains Lodge
Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Meals: Full board

Day 8: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth NP

Activity: Morning game drive, afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meals: Full board

Day 9: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Activity: Transfer to Kibale Forest (3 hours), afternoon relaxation or visit Bigodi Swamp for bird watching.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale
    Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp
    Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals: Full board

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Activity: Early morning chimpanzee tracking, visit Bigodi Wetlands or relax at the lodge.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9
Meals: Full board

Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Activity: Long drive to Murchison Falls NP (6 hours), visit top of the falls.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
    Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge
    Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Full board

Day 12: Safari and Nile River Boat Cruise

Activity: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.
Accommodation: Same as Day 11
Meals: Full board

Day 13: Transfer to Kampala

Activity: Drive to Kampala (5-6 hours), city tour (Uganda Museum, craft markets).
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel
    Mid-range: Mestil Hotel
    Budget: Red Chilli Hideaway
Meals: Half board (breakfast and dinner)

Day 14: Transfer to Entebbe, Fly to Tanzania

Activity: Transfer to Entebbe, fly to Arusha, Tanzania.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
    Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge
    Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn
Meals: Half board

Day 15: Tarangire National Park Safari

Activity: Drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive (2 hours).
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Tarangire Treetops
    Mid-range: Tarangire Safari Lodge
    Budget: Tarangire Campsites
Meals: Full board

Day 16: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Activity: Drive to Serengeti National Park (5 hours), evening game drive.
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
    Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Camp
    Budget: Serengeti Campsites
Meals: Full board

Day 17: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Activity: Full day game drives in Serengeti.
Accommodation: Same as Day 16
Meals: Full board

Day 18: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Activity: Morning game drive in Serengeti, drive to Ngorongoro Crater (3 hours).
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
    Mid-range: Rhino Lodge
    Budget: Simba Campsite
Meals: Full board

Day 19: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Activity: Full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.
Accommodation: Same as Day 18
Meals: Full board

Day 20: Maasai Village Visit, Return to Arusha

Activity: Visit Maasai village, transfer back to Arusha (3 hours).
Accommodation:
    Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
    Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge
    Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn
Meals: Half board

Day 21: Departure

Activity: Relaxation in Arusha, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast only

This itinerary includes a mixture of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation options and meal plans to suit different preferences.This tour is fully customizable to your inspiration and design and available at any time .

Inclusions;

Accommodation:
    Lodging in selected hotels, lodges, and camps based on the itinerary (luxury, mid-range, or budget options).
    Full board accommodation where indicated (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Meals:
    All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
    Packed meals during long drives or trekking activities (e.g., gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking).
Transport:
    Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing in all national parks.
    Experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
    Airport transfers in Kigali, Entebbe, and Arusha.
    All road transport between Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Activities and Park Fees:
    Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
    Chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda.
    Golden monkey trekking or Twin Lakes visit.
    Park entrance fees for all national parks (Volcanoes NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kibale NP, Murchison Falls NP, Serengeti NP, Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater).
    Boat safaris (Kazinga Channel in Uganda and Nile River cruise in Murchison Falls NP).
    Game drives as per the itinerary.
    Guided tours, including Kigali city tour and Maasai village visit.
Guides and Rangers:
    Professional local guides for trekking (gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkeys).
    Armed rangers for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Drinking Water:
    Bottled water during game drives and road transfers.
Flights:
    One-way flight from Entebbe (Uganda) to Arusha (Tanzania).
24/7 Support:
    Emergency support and coordination from local offices.

Exclusions

International Flights:
    Flights to Kigali (Rwanda) for arrival and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania) for departure.
Visa Fees:
    Tourist visas for Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania (to be obtained before or upon arrival).
Travel Insurance:
    Personal travel and medical insurance, which is highly recommended for the trip.
Optional Activities:
    Additional optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Serengeti, cultural tours, night game drives).
Personal Expenses:
    Souvenirs, alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry, and telephone calls.
Tips and Gratuities:
    Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and rangers (tipping is customary but not mandatory).
Special Meals:
    Special dietary requirements outside of the standard meal plans at accommodations.
Vaccinations and Medical Costs:
    Vaccination fees (e.g., Yellow Fever, COVID-19), personal medication, and health expenses.

This outline ensures that key elements like accommodation, meals, transport, activities, and park fees are covered, while items like personal expenses, insurance, and international flights are left to the traveler.