Rock My Uganda & Rwanda Adventure
15 Nights from £3,780*
Tour Overview
Ever dreamt of locking eyes with a gorilla or standing metres away from white rhinos? Or seeing the Nile River and going on a breathtaking safari?
Then join us for an unforgettable journey spanning two extraordinary countries – Rwanda and Uganda. If you have a passion for stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and thrilling encounters with wildlife, this is the expedition you’ve been waiting for!
We’ll start in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, before crossing into Uganda to visit Lake Bunyoni and go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
From there we’ll go on safaris in Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls National Park, go rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and end up in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.
Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Then read on…
Kigali
Lake Bunyoni
Gorilla Trekking
Rhino Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking
Murchison Falls NP
Jinja & The Nile
Lake Mburo NP
Essential Info
Tour Dates
- 24 July – 8 August 2024 * TRIP FULL *
- Please see 2025 dates here
What’s Included
- 15 nights accommodation
- 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 13 dinners
- All activities & park fees as per the itinerary below
- Gorilla, chimp & rhino permits
- Rock My Adventure group leader & local guides
- Comprehensive pre-departure information & support
- All transportation as per the itinerary & included activities
- Tips for local guides
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Airport transfers (however we can arrange these for you)
- Visas (if needed)
- Medications, antimalarials or vaccinations
- Travel/health insurance (required)
- Drinks & meals not mentioned
- Optional activities
- Transport for optional activities
PLEASE NOTE: We are not including the DRC this year as the Virunga National Park/Mount Nyiragongo is closed (since 2020 and) for the foreseeable future. If and when it is safe to go, we can add this as an optional extra prior to the trip. The trip is just as good without the DRC. 🙂
Cost
Total – from £3,780 (subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates)*
- Deposit: £800 (non-refundable to cover gorilla & chimp permits)
- 2nd Payment: £2,160 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: $1,000 (local payment, paid on arrival)
The local payment is part of the overall cost of the trip. You pay the local payment to your tour leader in US Dollars (unless specified otherwise) upon arrival in Africa.
This includes the on-tour expenses that we cannot pay prior to arrival, such as national park entry fees, meals, local transport, and some activities.
The local payment is NOT your spending money.
Notes
- Start: Kigali, Rwanda.
- End: Entebbe, Uganda.
- Maximum group size of 10.
- This is one of our most popular trips so please book early to avoid disappointment.
- Gorilla Permits are extremely limited in number, so to ensure your place on the tour we recommend that you book between 6 months to a year in advance.
- This is a physically demanding trip, both for the itinerary and the gorilla trekking, so you will need a good level of fitness and stamina.
- These tours are best suited to laid-back, fun and adventurous travellers who don’t mind hot, bumpy travel and the occasional long drives.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive in Kigali and transfer to your comfortable accommodation for the night. Relax and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome meal.
Your Rock My Uganda & Rwanda Adventure starts here and we can’t wait to show you around these amazing and beautiful countries!
Welcome to the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’.
* If you have the time and can arrive earlier, we can organise any other activities you wish to do. Additional accommodation and activities charged separately.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 2: Kigali, Rwanda
We’ll spend our first day exploring the beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Kigali, the ‘Singapore of Africa’.
We’ll visit some of my favourite places in the city, including the Nyamirambo neighbourhood, a local women’s centre, a social enterprise, a great local market (where you can buy beautiful African fabrics), and fantastic arts centre, all the while learning about Rwandan culture and experiencing it first hand.
On the tour, we’ll enjoy a lovely Rwandan meal cooked by the local ladies in Nyamirambo.
The evening is free to relax at the guesthouse and prepare for the next stage of our trip or to explore the city’s nightlife.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: Kigali City Tour
Day 3: Lake Bunyoni
In the morning, we’ll take a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the events and circumstances of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This is a harrowing experience, but a must for anyone visiting Rwanda.
We’ll then cross over the border into Uganda and make our way to Lake Bunyoni, one of the most tranquil and stunning locations in all of Africa.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Start your morning with a refreshing swim at serene Lake Bunyoni.
We’ll then take a tour of island-studded Lake Bunyoni with my friend Josh, to get an insight into the lives of the people who call the lake home.
Afterwards, we’ll embark on our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a dense rainforest and one of Uganda’s most extraordinary places.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Lake Bunyoni Tour
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Early in the morning, we’ll head to the gorilla trekking start point, where you’ll receive a safety briefing before trekking through the jungle to find the endangered mountain gorillas.
It’s not always an easy trek, but spending time with these beautiful primates is one of the most magical experiences and one that you will never forget, so the effort is 110% worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, we’ll have around an hour with them to observe and stare in awe at just how amazing they are. When one looks you in the eye, you’ll experience one of life’s real ‘wow’ moments and think of yourself as the luckiest person in the world.
In the afternoon, you can choose to take an optional community walk if you wish. On the walk you will learn about the people and culture of the area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Ruhija Community Walk
Day 6: Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Today we’ll make our way to Lake Mburo National Park.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat trip on Lake Mburo where you will be able to get up close to the hippos and crocodiles that call the lake home as well as experiencing the fantastic bird life that inhabits the surrounding areas of the lake.
In the evening, we’ll have a hearty dinner and relax at our lovely lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Lake Mburo Boat Safari
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
In the morning, we’ll do a combined driving and walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park where you may see animals such as zebras, leopards, buffalo and hyena.
In the afternoon we’ll do a community visit with the Bahima people where you will learn about how to make the local ghee while listening to some of the women talk about their traditions and the cultures.
In the evening, you will have the option (extra cost) to do a night safari drive where you may have best chances to see some of the more elusive species of the park such as leopards, hyena, porcupines and pangolins.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Lake Mburo National Park Safari, Bahima Community Visit
Day 8: Kibale/Fort Portal
Leaving Lake Mburo National Park, we’ll make our way to the Crater Lakes region of Uganda.
In the afternoon you’ll have the option do take part in some of the activities on offer – these include a community village tour (where you will get to see traditional basket weaving, how coffee is made and you’ll also get the chance to taste the local banana beer), hike to the crater lake, swamp walk or a forest walk.
Alternatively, you can rest and relax at the lodge or take a swim in the hotel pool.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 9: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Today is a long drive day as we make our way up north to Murchison Falls National Park, home to the most powerful waterfall in the world.
Once we arrive, we’ll relax at our beautiful lodge for the evening and prepare for our safaris tomorrow.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 10: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Today we’re going on safari in Murchison Falls National Park. If we’re lucky, we may see giraffes, hippos, lions, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes!
In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat trip out on the Victoria Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls.
We’ll stop at the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, the place where the falls burst through the rocks, creating a spectacular sight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Murchison Falls NP Safari, Victoria Nile Boat Trip
Day 11: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda
In the morning, we’ll visit the top of Murchison falls where we can marvel at the most powerful waterfall in the world!
From there we’ll make our way to Budongo Forest to go chimpanzee trekking, where you will have the chance to spend an hour with the chimps in their natural habitat.
We will then head to our final destination for the day, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Chimpanzee Tracking, Murchison Falls
Day 12: Kampala, Uganda
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary where we’ll go trekking to see Uganda’s only white rhino who are part of a project to re-introduce these magnificent creatures back into Uganda.
At the moment, the sanctuary is home to approximately 19 of these beautiful creatures and you’ll have the opportunity to see them in close proximity.
From there we’ll make our way to the capital city, Kampala.
In the evening, those who want to can visit a great local restaurant and sample the very famous, and lively Kampala nightlife.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Rhino Tracking Walk
Day 13: Jinja, Uganda
Leaving Kampala, we’ll make our way to the town of Jinja, then on to the village of Bujagali.
In the afternoon we’ll head into the village where you will meet Helen’s Ugandan family and enjoy a traditional Ugandan meal.
You will be welcomed like an old friend, so get ready for an unforgettable experience full of fun, laughter, dancing and tasty food!
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: Ugandan Family Dinner & Cultural Dancing
Day 14: Jinja, Uganda
Today is free day to take part in some of the great activities on offer in Jinja, such as white water rafting, tubing, cycling, horse riding, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, bungee jumping and kayaking.
Or you could just wander through the village, grab a rolex (Ugandan street food), or volunteer with a local charity.
We’ll end the evening with a sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Bujagali (drinks and snacks included).
This is always a fun evening and may or may not end in lots of dancing and merriment!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: Sunset Cruise
Day 15: Entebbe, Uganda
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll travel to Entebbe.
On the way, we’ll stop at the famous Jinja Craft Market where you can pick up any last minute souvenirs, such as clothing, artwork, jewellery and homeware.
We’ll then continue to Entebbe where we’ll end our time together with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant on Lake Victoria.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Jinja Craft Market
Day 16: Departure Day
Today is always a sad day as we say goodbye to our new friends (there’s usually a few tears, I will warn you), but the memories and shared experiences of Uganda & Rwanda will last a lifetime!
We can arrange your transfer to Entebbe Airport or you can continue your Africa travels from there.
If you need any support with your pre or post-tour Africa travels, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None
- Activities: None
Please bear in mind that the itinerary is subject to minor changes, ‘This is Africa’! But whatever happens, we’ll ensure you have an amazing trip!!
Have a question? Feel free contact us here or take a look at our FAQ’s page.
Testimonials
“It was perfect.”
“It has taken me 8 months to write this review because I couldn’t find the right words to describe it. It was perfect. Helen (you) are the perfect host. You were always smiling. It was by far the best thing Jon and I have done together since backpacking through SEA in the early 90’s. We are very experienced travellers and there is no way we could have arranged this on our own. We loved that it never ever felt like we were on a tour. We felt like we met up with long-lost friends for a backpacking reunion. The cast of characters and the relationships formed was because of how you put this trip together. It. Was. Life changing. I’ve recommended you to everyone I know. Thank you.”
HEATHER & JON | CANADA
“I honestly couldn’t imagine a better trip!”
“It was 10/10 amazing. The group was so diverse but had a great dynamic. I can’t recommend this tour enough! It is incredible to think of the amount we managed to see and do in the time we had, and yet it didn’t feel rushed. I loved that it was a small group, which meant we could easily interact with locals as well as really get to know one another. Jessi was amazing and everything was so chilled and easy. She took all the admin out of the trip meaning we could save our energy for all the adventures. Helen was super helpful in the lead-up to the trip, answering all questions so quickly and giving excellent briefing packs. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better trip!”
HANNAH | NEW ZEALAND
“A great balance of fun, adventure, and awe-inspiring experiences.”
“I loved the variety of the places we visited, and the interaction/immersion with the country and its people.For the short time we had, we did get to do a lot. The places we saw, activities we did, people we met… I almost felt ‘at home’ in some places, which I think is a rare thing when travelling in faraway countries and in no small part, this was owing to the guidance of our leader and connections to the people there. A fantastic trip. We all had trouble picking our favourite part of it — the experiences and activities were each quite different and special in their own right. A great balance of fun, adventure and awe-inspiring experiences.”
SEAN | AUSTRALIA
Come to Africa! What are you waiting for?
Have a question before you book? Then contact us using the form below!
If you’d like to talk to us in person, just let us know and we can set up a Zoom call!
And don’t forget to add [email protected] to your email safe list and check your junk, just in case our reply ends up in there!
Sign up for the Rock My Adventure mailing list to be the first to know when we launch new tours and to receive exclusive offers and discounts!
And as a thank you, you will receive a FREE Africa Packing Checklist!
ALL TOURS
QUICK LINKS
CONTACT INFO
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +447809710257
Address: 353 - 355 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EE
Rock My Adventure is a Member of:
We are members of Protected Trust Services an association that operates a trust account to provide financial protection for the consumer.