Uganda - Rwanda: Safari in the Africa of the Great Lakes

The Ziwa Sanctuary, located between Kampala and the Murchison Falls National Park, is a privileged stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
In Kampala, you will discover a vibrant capital where colonial heritage and local cultures coexist. The mosques and cathedrals are part of the urban landscape and bear witness to the city's religious and cultural diversity.
The experience at the sanctuary revolves around observing rhinoceroses, which you will have the opportunity to encounter in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, accompanied by experienced trackers, you will set out on foot in search of rhinoceroses in the savanna plains. This approach helps minimize environmental impact and preserve the animals' tranquility. Before departure, the guides will present you with safety instructions and will accompany you in observing these mammals.
An encounter with a rhinoceros is a memorable moment of the journey. As you walk, you will also observe the local flora as well as varied fauna. The Ziwa Sanctuary is home to over 250 bird species, which the rangers will help you identify and understand.
This experience at the Ziwa Sanctuary promotes a direct approach to the nature and wildlife of Uganda.

Your day begins with a guided walk in search of the Shoebill, a rare species that can be observed in the marshy areas of Ziwa Sanctuary. This morning excursion also allows you to identify other bird species present in this biodiversity-rich environment.
After this morning outing, you head towards the Murchison Falls National Park, located in the north of the Albertine Rift.
Upon arrival, you enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading out for a safari into the heart of the park.

The Murchison Falls Park is known for its waterfalls, where the Nile passes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the ravines. This site also attracts travelers interested in wildlife observation.
During your safari, you will be able to observe different species such as elephants, buffalo, warthogs, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, as well as lions and many bird species, including ibises. Discovered in 1864, this park today harbors significant biodiversity and a high concentration of African mammals.
The Nile, which runs through the park, shapes the landscapes by creating a contrast between the savanna plains and areas of denser vegetation, providing an environment conducive to wildlife observation.

After leaving Murchison Falls National Park, you will take an earthen track leading to the heart of the Nile Delta, an area marked by papyrus marshes. You will reach the Waseko fishing village, where local life revolves around fishing activities, rhythmed by variations in water and winds.
On the Waseko market square, you will discover a diversity of products, often intended for exchanges with Congolese traders. Among the local specialties, tilapia and captain fish are smoked on large racks, according to traditional methods. This stop immerses you in the daily life of fishing communities in the region.

Continuing your journey, you will skirt the western branch of the Albertine Rift, where Lake Albert extends with its steep shores. You will observe herds of zebu accompanied by Alur pastors, while women tend manioc and cotton crops and maintain traditional thatched-roof dwellings.
You will then pass through Butiaba, a former lake port, situated on a narrow strip of land bordered by borassus palms, extending into the waters of Lake Albert. This place testifies to the area's past activity and natural setting.
The road continues climbing the rift cliffs, offering viewpoints over the valley. You then cross an agricultural area before arriving at the Kabwoya Reserve, a protected area conducive to wildlife observation and landscape discovery.

The day begins with a walking discovery of the shores of Lake Albert, a wild region offering exceptional landscapes. The reserve, created in 2002, is home to rich fauna, including buffalo, hippopotamuses, Uganda kobs and warthogs, as well as many species of monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, although the beauty of the landscapes is the main attraction of this region.
This stage is a pleasant detour for travelers heading from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest, where you will head next.

The adventure continues on a laterite track crossing the rural areas of Uganda, in the heart of traditional countryside and villages. The journey from Hoima to Fort Portal takes you through high altitude plateaus, where deep valleys reveal rivers sometimes transformed into marshes. Along the way, you cross several villages, places of exchange for farmers transporting their harvests.
As you progress southward, the landscapes evolve with the appearance of vast tea plantations. After the Kyanjojo junction, the terrain becomes more pronounced, announcing the approach of the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the Mountains of the Moon. On clear days, their peaks can reveal themselves before your arrival at the edges of Kibale Forest.

Your day begins with a guided walk in the Kibale tropical forest, accompanied by experienced trackers. Surrounded by marshes and grasslands, this forest is a recognized site for primate observation. It is home to more than 12 species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, which you will be able to observe in their natural environment.
The Kibale forest also welcomes more than 325 bird species, offering a suitable setting for wildlife observation for travelers interested in nature.

In the afternoon, you set off to discover the Bigodi Swamp, a site recognized for its biodiversity and the presence of many bird species. This visit allows you to observe different species in their natural environment, in the heart of this preserved ecosystem.
The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, located near the Kibale forest.

After exploring the Kibale tropical forest, you will head towards the Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the heart of the Albertine Rift. This park extends around Lakes Edward and George, connected by the Kazinga Channel, which you will discover during a boat cruise, ideal for wildlife observation.
The park features a diversity of landscapes, between extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, wetlands and grassy plains. These natural environments are home to varied wildlife, including numerous bird species observable along the channel, where buffalo and elephants come to drink.
On the hills, candlestick euphorbias structure the landscape and shelter different species, such as Ugandan kobs, defassa waterbucks and bushpigs.

Leaving the Mweya Peninsula, you will head towards the Ishasha plains, a region of the Queen Elizabeth National Park known for observing lions perched in trees, a characteristic behavior of this area.
The Ishasha region is home to varied wildlife, including Uganda kobs, topis and buffalo roaming the open plains. You will also explore the marshes of Lake Edward as well as savanna areas located around the Kigezi massif, where you can observe elephants and various bird species.
This sector offers a wildlife safari experience in the heart of a natural environment conducive to wildlife observation.

Your day begins with a morning wildlife observation circuit in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will once again be able to admire the rich fauna of this emblematic region.

After this stop, you will take the road towards the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, recognized for being home to mountain gorillas.
Along the way, you will traverse a succession of landscapes, between grassy hills dotted with herds tended by Banyaankole pastors and valleys where banana and coffee plantations extend. These panoramas illustrate the diversity of agricultural landscapes in the region.
You will spend the night on the edge of the Bwindi National Park, before continuing your discovery of this natural environment.

Leaving the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you will cross landscapes with varying shades of green. Eucalyptus trees structure the agricultural plots, while cypress trees line the tracks and rice paddies occupy the valleys.
As you progress, the track offers you views of the volcanic chain, visible for much of the journey. At Kisoro, you take the lava road leading to the Rwandan border, before reaching the shores of Lake Kivu.
You will spend the night in Gisenyi, in a hotel located facing the lake, with a clear view of its waters.

Your day around Lake Kivu begins by crossing Rwandan landscapes, taking a laterite track that winds through the heart of a large tea plantation. You will be able to observe the work of pickers and discover the practices related to this local cultivation.
From hill to hill, you cross villages lined with cassava and sweet potato fields. As you gain altitude, you enjoy views of the shores of Lake Kivu and the numerous islands dotting its waters. This stage allows you to understand the landscapes and atmosphere of this region of Rwanda.

Make a stop at Karongi for lunch at the Cormoran Lodge, a hotel located on the shores of the lake. In the afternoon, you set off for a boat excursion in Kibuye Bay, heading towards Napoleon Island, known for its shape and the presence of bat colonies. This navigation allows you to observe the lake's landscapes from another angle.

The morning is dedicated to a moment of relaxation on the banks of the Lake Kivu, in a setting conducive to observing the landscapes and discovering the atmosphere of the place.

After lunch, you will head towards Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and the economic and administrative center of the country.
With a population of approximately one million inhabitants, Kigali stretches across several hills, offering views of the surrounding areas. Depending on available time, you may visit some of the city's sites, including the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, an important place of remembrance.
You will also have the opportunity to visit local supermarkets to do some shopping.

At the end of the day, transfer to Kigali airport for your return flight, marking the end of your stay in Rwanda.