12-Day Pearl of Africa & Rwanda Gorillas Circuit
East Africa Circuit Safari Moderate

12-Day Pearl of Africa & Rwanda Gorillas Circuit

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 12 days / 11 nights 1–8 people Mara Plains Adventures

About This Tour

This 12-day circuit is the most comprehensive way to experience Uganda and Rwanda — two of Africa's most rewarding destinations packed into one seamless cross-border journey.

Begin in Kampala and work through Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth before crossing into Rwanda for gorilla trekking in the Virungas and a Big Five safari in Akagera. Finish with two nights of rest on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

This itinerary combines every major East African primate encounter, the full savannah Big Five experience, and genuine cultural depth in a single unforgettable journey.

Tour Highlights

Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda
Chimpanzees Kibale
Murchison Falls
Akagera Big Five
Lake Kivu

Day-by-Day Itinerary

12 days
1
Day 1
Day 1 — Arrive Entebbe & Kampala City Tour

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to Kampala. Afternoon city tour — Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum. Welcome dinner.

Hotel Dinner
2
Day 2
Day 2 — Drive to Murchison Falls NP via Ziwa Rhino

Drive north to Murchison Falls. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot rhino tracking. Evening game drive.

Safari Lodge Lunch Dinner
3
Day 3
Day 3 — Murchison Falls Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Morning game drive on the northern bank. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls — hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and waterbirds.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
4
Day 4
Day 4 — Drive to Kibale National Park

Long scenic drive south through the Albertine Rift. Stop at Bigodi Wetland on arrival for afternoon birding.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
Day 5
Day 5 — Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. Afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth NP via the crater lakes.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
6
Day 6
Day 6 — Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel

Morning Kasenyi plains game drive for lions and elephants. Afternoon 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
7
Day 7
Day 7 — Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Drive to Bwindi

Morning Ishasha sector game drive. Drive through tea plantations to Bwindi. Gorilla trekking briefing.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
8
Day 8
Day 8 — Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Uganda

Trek into Bwindi's ancient forest for one magical hour with a mountain gorilla family. Afternoon Batwa cultural village.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
9
Day 9
Day 9 — Cross into Rwanda — Volcanoes NP

Cross the Uganda-Rwanda border at Cyanika. Transfer to Musanze. Afternoon Karisoke Research Centre visit.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
10
Day 10
Day 10 — Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda

Second gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park — a different family in different volcanic forest terrain. Afternoon cultural village visit.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
11
Day 11
Day 11 — Akagera Big Five Safari

Drive to Akagera for a full-day safari. Game drives and Lake Ihema boat safari for lion, rhino, elephant, and shoebill stork.

Safari Lodge Breakfast Lunch Dinner
12
Day 12
Day 12 — Lake Kivu & Departure from Kigali

Morning at leisure on Lake Kivu — kayaking or beach. Drive to Kigali (3 hrs) and transfer to the airport for departure.

Breakfast Lunch

What's Included

  • Park entrance fees
  • Accommodation (as specified)
  • Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
  • All meals (as specified)
  • English-speaking driver-guide
  • Drinking water

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Uganda visa ($50 single-entry)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry
  • Alcoholic beverages

Location

Traveller Reviews

U
Uganda Airlines
2 weeks ago
Absolutely incredible gorilla experience!

Our guide was knowledgeable and patient. Seeing the silverback up close was a life-changing moment. The whole trip was perfectly organized from start to finish.

Starting from
$5,900
per person
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Group Size
1–8 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Available Dates
Jun 25, 2026 4 left
Jul 15, 2026 4 left
Aug 28, 2026 1 left
Sep 06, 2026 1 left
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Tour Operator
M
Mara Plains Adventures
Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya safari specialists offering Masai Mara game drives, balloon safaris, and coastal beach extensions.

Profile Reviews
Best Time to Visit
Jun-Sep Dec-Feb

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