Overview:
The 13-day Budget Uganda Safari with Hillary offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. From the renowned gorilla trekking experience, Chimpanzee trekking to cultural experiences in the tranquil Bunyonyi lake, this safari is designed to immerse travelers in Uganda’s natural wonders with the chance of cultural immersion.
Day 1: Kigali Arrival – The Heart of Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you can take a short drive through the clean and organized streets of Kigali for first impressions of the country. Later, relax at the lodge and prepare for your next-day adventures.
Budget Lodge: Five to Five Hotel
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial & City Tour
Today is dedicated to understanding Rwanda’s history and transformation. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a touching and educational experience that explains Rwanda’s past and growth into a peaceful nation. Afterward, enjoy a guided city tour including markets, art galleries, and the Kigali Convention Centre view. You end the day with dinner and relaxation at your lodge.
Overnight: Five to Five Hotel
Day 3: Transfer to Kisoro, Uganda – Karunga Viewpoint or Batwa Tour
After breakfast, drive north toward the Uganda border. The journey through rolling hills and the Virunga landscape is scenic. You cross into Uganda at Chanika border and continue to Kisoro, a town surrounded by volcanoes. In the afternoon, choose between visiting Karunga Viewpoint or experiencing the Batwa Cultural Tour, meeting one of Africa’s oldest forest communities.
Budget Lodge: Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 4: Volcano Hike – Sabyinyo or Mt. Gahinga
Today is adventure day! After an early breakfast, transfer to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters for a guided hike. Choose between Mt. Gahinga (easier) or Mt. Sabyinyo (more challenging but very rewarding). The trail goes through bamboo zones, forest, and scenic ridges with beautiful photography opportunities. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 5: Coffee Tour & Visit Lake Mutanda
Discover how coffee goes from bean to cup during a guided local coffee experience in Kisoro. Later, visit Lake Mutanda, one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes nestled between volcanoes. You can kayak or simply relax by the lakeside while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Lodge: Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This is the highlight of the safari. Transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. After briefing, head into the misty forest with rangers to search for a gorilla family. Once found, you’ll spend a full hour observing and photographing them. After trekking, transfer to your lodge for relaxation.
Budget Lodge: Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, start your journey north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah park. Enjoy a scenic drive through Kigezi region. Reach your lodge in the evening and relax as you prepare for tomorrow’s safari.
Lodge: Bush Lodge (Budget Tents)
Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Start early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Expect sightings of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly lions. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and many birds. It is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Uganda.
Overnight: Bush Lodge
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Walk
After breakfast, travel east to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest but very charming park. In the evening, enjoy a guided nature walk, one of the few places in Uganda where walking is allowed inside the park. Spot zebras, impalas, giraffes, and more.
Lodge: Rwakobo Rock
Day 10: Bike Safari & Game Drive in Mburo
Enjoy a refreshing bike safari across the park, a unique way to view wildlife on two wheels. Later, go for a game drive to explore other parts of the savannah landscape. Lake Mburo is great for photography and close wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Evening Canoeing
After breakfast, head to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most beautiful lakes. On arrival, relax and later enjoy a traditional dugout canoe ride across the calm waters, visiting some small islands. The lake is perfect for peaceful evenings and breathtaking sunset views.
Lodge: Seeds Of Hope – Itambira Island
Day 12: Boat Cruise & Viewpoint Visits
Today, take a guided boat cruise to learn about the islands of Lake Bunyonyi, including Punishment Island and Leper’s Island. Later, visit local viewpoints such as Kyabahinga viewpoint to enjoy spectacular lake scenery and photography opportunities. End the day relaxing by the lakeside.
Overnight: Seeds Of Hope – Itambira Island
Day 13: Transfer Back to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Rwanda via Katuna border depending on your flight schedule. Enjoy scenic views of the hills one last time before reaching Kigali International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of the safari but the memories stay for life.
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Inclusives
Gorilla trekking permits
All accommodation
All park fees & activities listed
4×4 safari vehicle + driver for 13 days
Meals
Kazinga Cruise, Lake Mburo Activities
Lake Bunyonyi activities as mentioned
Exclusives
International flights
Visas & travel insurance
Alcohol & personal expenses
Tips (recommended but optional)
Optional activities
Contact me for your planned trip to Uganda;
WhatsApp +256726436969