11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari Experience

Embark on an extraordinary 11-day cross-border safari through Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, three captivating nations that together form the cultural and ecological heartbeat of East Africa. This 11 Days Uganda Rwanda Burundi Safari invites travelers to explore lush rainforests teeming with primates, sweeping savannahs filled with wildlife, and vibrant cities alive with tradition and history. It is an odyssey designed for those who seek both adventure and authenticity where every sunrise reveals new wonders and every encounter deepens your connection to Africa’s land and people.

From chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this safari blends rare wildlife experiences with meaningful cultural encounters. In Uganda, you’ll discover nature’s grandeur: misty jungles, emerald crater lakes, and herds of elephants crossing the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Rwanda unfolds in contrasting beauty serene lakes, rolling hills, and the promise of adventure in Akagera National Park, where lions and rhinos have reclaimed their wild kingdom. The journey concludes in Burundi, a hidden gem of Africa, where majestic waterfalls, ancient drum rituals, and scenic landscapes offer travelers an intimate look into the continent’s lesser-known heritage.

Experience the Comfort in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi

Throughout the 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari, every destination is handpicked for comfort, authenticity, and breathtaking scenery. You’ll stay in lodges that echo the natural surroundings from forest retreats to lakeside sanctuaries enjoying local cuisine, friendly smiles, and the warm hospitality East Africa is known for.

This 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari with Deks Safaris & Tours Africa is not just a travel itinerary; it’s an immersive expedition across three nations united by beauty, biodiversity, and cultural brilliance. Whether you are capturing the soulful gaze of a mountain gorilla, watching the sun shimmer on Lake Kivu, or listening to the rhythmic pulse of Burundi’s royal drummers, this journey promises memories that last a lifetime.

Detailed 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Victoria. As the warm tropical breeze greets you, the friendly Deks Safaris representative welcomes you with a smile that instantly sets the tone for the journey ahead. After assisting with customs and luggage, you are transferred to your cozy accommodation for relaxation and a safari briefing.

Entebbe, once Uganda’s colonial gateway, now blends serene natural beauty with modern charm. The drive to your hotel passes through tree-lined avenues, botanical gardens, and glimpses of the vast lake horizon. If time permits, you might take an evening stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where vervet monkeys leap through the canopy and colorful birds flit from branch to branch. Alternatively, unwind at the lodge terrace as the golden hues of sunset reflect on the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria.

This evening, your 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari guide introduces the itinerary a thrilling cross-border expedition through Uganda’s rainforests, Rwanda’s wildlife parks, and Burundi’s cultural heartlands. Over a welcome dinner, savor your first taste of Ugandan hospitality, infused with the flavors of tropical fruits and locally inspired cuisine. The air is filled with anticipation, and as night falls, the soft calls of crickets and distant waves from the lake lull you into rest, signaling the start of an unforgettable journey.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House – Full Board

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

After breakfast, your 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari begins with a scenic road transfer from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The journey winds through rural villages, lush banana plantations, and the ever-changing landscapes of western Uganda. Along the way, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains shimmer in the distance, their grandeur inviting awe from every traveler who passes.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you’ll feel the air grow cooler and denser, filled with the scent of wet earth and forest life. The lodge is set amid a green oasis surrounded by the sounds of the wild chattering monkeys, singing birds, and the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by forest breeze. After a leisurely lunch, you head for an afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community-led experience that beautifully complements Kibale’s biodiversity.

Enjoy Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, managed by the local community, is an ecological wonderland. As you stroll along boardwalks through papyrus swamps and forest edges, you’ll encounter colorful bird species such as the Great Blue Turaco, papyrus gonolek, and weaver birds weaving intricate nests overhead. Primates often appear too red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys dart between the trees. Beyond the wildlife, the walk offers insight into the harmonious relationship between conservation and community livelihoods.

As evening falls, you return to your lodge for a hearty dinner surrounded by the soft night sounds of the rainforest. The mist drifts low over the treetops, and the stars above shine bright against the deep black sky a perfect prelude to the adventures of tomorrow.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp – Full Board

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Afternoon Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The day begins early, with excitement in the air as you set off for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. This ancient forest, with its towering trees and tangled vines, is home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees one of the highest concentrations in Africa. Guided by expert rangers, you venture deep into the forest, the chorus of birds and insects accompanying your every step.

The moment of encounter is magical. You find a family of chimpanzees feeding high in the canopy juveniles swinging playfully from branch to branch while adults groom each other or call out with echoing hoots that resonate through the forest. Watching them interact evokes a sense of wonder, a mirror to human emotion and intelligence.

After this unforgettable 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari, you drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserve. The journey unfolds through rolling hills, crater lakes, and tea plantations, offering scenic beauty at every turn. Upon arrival, the golden savannah opens before you, and you embark on a late afternoon game drive, exploring Kasenyi Plains where elephants, Uganda kobs, and buffaloes graze freely under the setting sun.

As dusk falls, the sky bursts into shades of amber and violet, casting dramatic light over the rift valley escarpment. You arrive at your lodge in time for dinner, with the sounds of the wild drifting softly in the background the distant roar of a lion, the haunting call of a nightjar.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Full Board

Day 4: Full-Day Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives & Boat Cruise

Today is dedicated to exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its mosaic of savannah, wetlands, and forests. The morning begins with a game drive through Kasenyi Plains, a hotspot for lions and large herds of Uganda kob. The vast landscape glows golden in the morning light, and with luck, you may witness a predator’s stealthy hunt or the gentle rhythm of elephants crossing the plain.

As the day warms, return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch before heading out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most scenic waterways. This natural channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is alive with wildlife. Hippos yawn lazily in the water, crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants wander down to drink while flocks of pelicans, kingfishers, and cormorants fill the sky.

The cruise provides a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur, where every bend of the river reveals new surprises. As you glide through the channel, your guide interprets the delicate balance of life here a world where water sustains both predator and prey alike. By evening, return to your lodge as the horizon glows pink and the savannah comes alive with nocturnal calls. The night ends under a canopy of stars, the air rich with the promise of another day’s adventure.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Full Board

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

You rise early for one last game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, capturing the magic of dawn when wildlife is most active. Hyenas retreat to their dens, buffaloes graze in the soft light, and birds begin their morning symphony. After breakfast, your safari vehicle heads southwest toward the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

The 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari takes you through the scenic Ishasha Sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions, which rest gracefully on fig tree branches a sight found in few places on Earth. The route winds through rural Uganda’s tapestry of tea plantations, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages where locals wave warmly as you pass.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Bwindi, where mist clings to the forested slopes, and the air feels thick with mystery. Your lodge, perched on the edge of the jungle, offers spectacular views and the soothing chorus of nature. Here, the energy shifts the anticipation of meeting the gorillas tomorrow fills you with excitement and reverence. Dinner is enjoyed beside a crackling fire as you listen to tales of gorilla families and the conservation efforts that protect them.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Full Board

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is the pinnacle of your 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari an encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you gather at the park headquarters for a briefing by your ranger guides. Equipped with hiking gear and determination, you venture into the dense jungle, guided by the sounds of the forest and the scent of damp earth.

The trek can be challenging, winding through steep terrain and thick vegetation, but every step brings you closer to one of the world’s rarest primates. Then, suddenly, you see them a family of gorillas resting in a clearing. The silverback watches with calm authority while juveniles tumble playfully nearby. For one precious hour, you observe them in silence, marveling at their human-like gestures and soulful eyes. It’s a moment of profound connection that words cannot fully capture.

In the afternoon, you visit the Batwa pygmy community, the forest’s original inhabitants. Through dance, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional skills like fire-making and hunting, you gain insight into their rich cultural heritage and enduring bond with the forest. Their songs echo with both joy and nostalgia, reminding you that this land holds deep stories beyond its wildlife.

Return to the lodge for dinner, heart full from a day that transcends ordinary travel a day that touches the soul.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Full Board

Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda

After breakfast, you cross into Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. The drive takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery, terraced farms, and villages that illustrate Rwanda’s remarkable transformation. The roads are smooth and scenic, leading to Akagera National Park, a jewel of savannah and lakes that defines Rwanda’s eastern border.

On arrival, you check into your lodge overlooking Lake Ihema. The view stretches endlessly acacia woodlands merging into shimmering waters where hippos and crocodiles dwell. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short sunset drive, watching giraffes stroll gracefully through the acacias or antelopes bounding across the plains.

Evening in Akagera is serene, the park glowing with the golden light of dusk. Dinner is served under the stars as nocturnal sounds rise around you crickets, frogs, and the distant call of hyenas.

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge – Full Board

Day 8: Game Drive in Akagera & Transfer to Burundi via Tanzania Border

The day begins with an early morning game drive through Akagera’s sweeping savannah. This park, once nearly lost to human settlement, has become a conservation success story, now teeming with wildlife. You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, and even lions and rhinos, reintroduced to restore the park’s full Big Five population. The sunrise paints the landscape in soft amber tones, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

After the game drive, continue your cross-border 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari journey toward Burundi, passing through Tanzania’s northern frontier. The scenery transitions from open savannah to highland forests and valleys dotted with banana groves. Upon arrival in Gitega, Burundi’s cultural capital, you check into your lodge for an evening of relaxation. The rhythm of Burundi begins to unfold slower, more intimate, yet deeply captivating.

Accommodation: Tropitel Gitega Hotel – Full Board

Day 9: Karera Waterfalls, Drummers Experience & Burundi Cultural Tour

Today is a celebration of Burundi’s natural beauty and cultural soul. After breakfast, set out for a scenic drive to Karera Waterfalls, a series of cascading falls hidden within lush forest valleys. The sound of rushing water fills the air as you approach the viewpoint, where sunlight dances through mist, creating rainbows in every direction. It’s a place that embodies Burundi’s unspoiled charm.

In the afternoon, you experience the famous Burundi Drummers, whose thunderous beats and synchronized movements tell ancient stories of power and unity. Watching them perform in traditional regalia, their energy reverberates through the ground a heartbeat of Africa preserved through generations.

The day continues with a Gitega City Tour, exploring historical landmarks, colorful markets, and colonial-era architecture. Every corner reveals a piece of Burundi’s past resilience, artistry, and an enduring spirit of community. As evening falls, you return to your lodge filled with admiration for this small yet profoundly rich nation.

Accommodation: Tropitel Gitega Hotel – Full Board

Day 10: Gitega City Tour, Museum Visit & Departure

Your final morning begins with a relaxed breakfast followed by a visit to the Gitega National Museum, the largest in Burundi. Here, you’ll explore exhibits showcasing traditional crafts, royal artifacts, and the cultural evolution of Burundi’s people. It’s a fitting conclusion a chance to reflect on how history, nature, and humanity intertwine across the region.

Later, your 11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari guide transfers you to Bujumbura International Airport for your departure flight. The journey home is filled with reflections of gorillas in misty forests, chimps echoing through treetops, lions prowling the plains, and waterfalls whispering in Burundi’s hills. Each memory tells a story, each experience leaves a mark.

With Deks Safaris & Tours Africa, you’ve journeyed through the heart of East Africa, crossing borders not only of geography but also of culture, nature, and emotion.

Accommodation: None – Half Board

11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfers and private 4×4 transport with pop-up roof
All accommodations and meals as indicated (Full Board)
All park entry fees and permits
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Boat cruises, game drives, and cultural tours
Bottled drinking water throughout the journey

Safari Exclusions

International flights to/from Entebbe or Bujumbura
Rwanda and Burundi visa fees
Travel insurance and medical coverage
Optional activities not included in itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
Gratuities for guides, trackers, and hotel staff

Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Safari Experience