10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari Experience

The 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari is an unforgettable transboundary adventure across three of East Africa’s most captivating nations Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. This journey immerses travelers in a fusion of wildlife encounters, cultural revelations, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the lush forests of Uganda, home to the world’s most concentrated primate populations, to the clean and vibrant cityscapes of Kigali, and finally to the tranquil lakes and waterfalls of Burundi, every day unveils a new chapter of discovery and wonder.

This 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari itinerary is not just a safari it is a story of Africa’s natural beauty, resilience, and cultural diversity. Travelers begin their expedition in Entebbe, Uganda’s tranquil gateway city, before venturing deep into Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world. Here, the thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience offers an intimate look at our closest relatives in the wild. From Kibale, the adventure continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the savannah plains echo with the calls of lions, elephants, and the melodious symphony of African birds. The boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel becomes a photographer’s paradise, revealing hippos basking in the sun, elephants drinking from the riverbanks, and vibrant birdlife in abundance.

A Journey to the Mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari then ascends into the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where travelers come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas a moment so profound it lingers for a lifetime. Crossing borders into Rwanda, visitors discover the modern charm of Kigali City, a beacon of cultural renaissance and resilience. Finally, the expedition culminates in Burundi, a nation often referred to as the “Heart of Africa,” where travelers explore Karera Falls, traditional drum performances, and a tapestry of local heritage that completes the East African circuit.

Every day of this 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari combines comfort, adventure, and authenticity carefully curated by Deks Safaris and Tours Africa to showcase the very soul of the region. From luxury eco-lodges nestled in forested highlands to cultural immersion among ancient communities, this 10-day odyssey invites travelers to experience East Africa in its purest form.

Detailed 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Check-In at the Hotel

Your African 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world. A friendly representative from Deks Safaris and Tours Africa greets you with a warm smile and assists you with your luggage before transferring you to your accommodation. The evening offers a gentle introduction to Uganda’s laid-back charm. Palm trees sway along the lakeshore, fishermen cast their nets as the sun sets over the horizon, and the tranquil air of Entebbe welcomes you into the heart of Africa.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief exploration of Entebbe town perhaps visiting the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to over 300 species of plants and colorful birdlife, or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, a sanctuary for rescued native animals. As night falls, relax at your hotel, savoring your first Ugandan dinner accompanied by the soothing sounds of tropical crickets and distant waves lapping at the lakeshore.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House Entebbe
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner Included)

 

Day 2: Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

After a hearty breakfast, your 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari officially begins with a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most diverse tropical rainforests. The road journey reveals the beauty of Uganda’s countryside rolling hills, lush plantations, and smiling villagers waving as you pass by. You’ll enjoy a stopover in Fort Portal, a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon.”

Upon arrival, you check into your lodge nestled along the forest edge, where the calls of colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys echo through the canopy. In the afternoon, embark on a guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, a community-run conservation project renowned for its rich biodiversity. The swamp’s boardwalk trails wind through papyrus reeds and forest fringes, revealing a haven for over 200 bird species, including the famous Great Blue Turaco, as well as primates like the red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The walk offers both wildlife sightings and cultural interaction, as local guides share insights about traditional herbal medicine and sustainable living.

The evening is spent at leisure, surrounded by the gentle hum of the forest, as you dine under the stars with nature as your soundtrack.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The morning begins with the anticipation of a remarkable wildlife encounter chimpanzee tracking in the heart of Kibale Forest. After a briefing from your ranger guide, you venture into the dense forest, where every step echoes with the calls of primates and the rustle of leaves. The 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari experience of coming face-to-face with a wild chimpanzee family is both thrilling and humbling. Watch as they groom, feed, and play, showcasing intelligence and emotion that mirror our own. The forest also teems with life colorful butterflies, rare orchids, and birds flitting between the trees, making the experience a sensory delight.

After lunch, you set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous wildlife destination. The journey passes through scenic crater lakes, tea plantations, and traditional villages, offering glimpses of rural life. Arriving by evening, you may spot elephants or Uganda kobs grazing as the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

The morning sun paints the savannah golden as you embark on an early game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This section of Queen Elizabeth is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. Lions patrol the grasslands, often following herds of Uganda kobs, while elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs graze in the open plains. The diversity of birdlife here is astounding from the striking saddle-billed stork to the elegant grey-crowned crane.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise brings you astonishingly close to hippos lounging in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. Elephants descend from the hills to drink, while pelicans and African fish eagles dive for fish. This relaxing yet thrilling experience is one of Uganda’s best wildlife spectacles.

As dusk settles, return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on the day’s encounters beneath a starlit African sky.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your day begins with another early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth’s southern sector, the Ishasha plains, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Spotting these majestic cats lounging in fig trees is a surreal and captivating experience, unique to this region of Africa.

Afterward, embark on a scenic drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari is visually stunning, featuring rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Upon arrival at your lodge, nestled within the forested slopes, the cool mountain air and misty canopy create an atmosphere of enchantment and tranquility.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

The highlight of your entire 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari awaits mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s dense jungle. After a detailed briefing from your ranger guide, you set off through thick vegetation, guided by trackers who follow the gorillas’ fresh trails. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, but every moment through the forest with bird songs, butterflies, and the occasional duiker is part of the adventure.

When you finally encounter the gorilla family, time seems to stand still. Watching these gentle giants interact, nurture their young, and gaze back with intelligent eyes is a profoundly emotional experience. It’s a humbling reminder of our shared ancestry and the delicate balance of nature. After spending your precious hour with them, you descend the mountain, carrying memories that will last forever.

Later, you cross into Rwanda, traveling through the scenic highlands to Kigali City, celebrated as one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Kigali City Exploration – Genocide Memorial, Markets, and Museums

Spend the day uncovering the heart of Kigali, a city that beautifully blends history, progress, and warmth. Your exploration begins at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience and hope. Through exhibits and personal stories, visitors gain a deep understanding of the country’s transformation from tragedy to triumph.

Next, visit the Kimironko Market, where local life bursts in color. Vendors display fresh produce, handwoven baskets, and vibrant textiles perfect for a cultural immersion. Later, explore Inema Arts Center, showcasing contemporary Rwandan creativity through paintings and sculptures. Depending on time, you may also visit the Presidential Museum, offering insight into Rwanda’s political evolution.

End the day with dinner overlooking the twinkling lights of Kigali’s hills, savoring Rwandan cuisine infused with African flair.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 8: Road Transfer to Gitega, Burundi via Tanzania Border

After breakfast, depart Kigali and journey southwards toward Burundi, crossing through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania. The drive reveals a changing tapestry from Rwanda’s cultivated hills to Burundi’s verdant valleys. Arrive in Gitega, the cultural heart of Burundi, where history, music, and tradition intertwine in every corner.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and unwind after the day’s travel. The evening invites you to experience Burundian hospitality simple, warm, and deeply authentic.

Accommodation: Tropitel Gitega Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 9: Adventure in Burundi – Karera Falls, Traditional Drummers, and City Tour

Today’s exploration reveals the soul of Burundi. Begin with a scenic drive to Karera Waterfalls, a natural wonder cascading through a lush tropical landscape. The falls, composed of multiple streams tumbling over mossy rocks, create a soothing mist and symphony of sound. Enjoy a short hike along forest trails, encountering colorful butterflies and flora.

Next, witness the Burundi Drummers Experience a performance that captures the nation’s heartbeat. The drummers’ synchronized movements, vibrant costumes, and powerful rhythms express the unity and pride of Burundian culture. Later, enjoy a city tour of Gitega, visiting historical landmarks, local markets, and cultural museums that preserve Burundi’s royal heritage.

Accommodation: Tropitel Gitega Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 10: Gitega City Tour, National Museum Visit, and Flight Back Home

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the Gitega National Museum, home to an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, royal regalia, and historical archives that narrate Burundi’s rich past. Later, transfer to Bujumbura International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of your 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari a journey that spans borders, cultures, and ecosystems, leaving every traveler transformed.

 

10 Days Uganda–Rwanda–Burundi Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals (Full Board unless specified)
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
  • Park entrance and ranger fees
  • Boat cruises and game drives
  • All cultural and community visits

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees for Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

 

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