Uganda & Rwanda
ADVENTURE
Meet mountain gorillas, trek through ancient rainforest and discover the side of Uganda most travellers never get to experience.
14 NIGHTS
Adventure
MAX 12
Travellers
TWIN SHARE
Basis
START
Kigali
END
Entebbe
Tour Overview & Highlights
GORILLA TREKKING
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
RHINO ENCOUNTER
Get up close & support vital conservation
KIGALI
Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital city
LAKE BUNYONYI
Stunning views & relaxed lake time
JINJA & THE NILE
Adventure, culture & the mighty Nile
QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
Tree-climbing lions, game drives & boat safaris
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING
Track chimps in their natural habitat
KIBALE FOREST
Birds, primates & cultural experiences
Why Uganda & Rwanda?
Ever dreamt of locking eyes with a mountain gorilla, tracking chimpanzees through the jungle or standing metres from wild rhinos?
Alongside unforgettable wildlife encounters, you’ll meet friends, spend time in communities most travellers never visit and discover why this has become one of my favourite journeys in Africa.
From cosmopolitan Kigali and tranquil Lake Bunyonyi to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimp trekking in Kibale Forest, rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the wild waters of the White Nile in Jinja, this is East Africa at its very best.
This is the Uganda & Rwanda I fell in love with.
You’ll love this trip if…
✓ You’re travelling solo or in a small group but love sharing incredible adventures with like-minded people.
✓ Coming face to face with gorillas, chimpanzees and rhinos in the wild has been on your bucket list for years.
✓ You believe the best travel memories come from the people you meet, not just the places you visit.
✓ You enjoy active, adventure-filled days, but appreciate returning to a comfortable lodge (and the occasional pool) each evening.
✓ You want to discover Uganda beyond the tourist trail – meeting local families, sharing meals and enjoying the kind of authentic moments that money simply can’t buy.
✓ You’re looking for more than just a holiday – unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and a travel family you’ll be excited to adventure with again.
Upcoming Tour Dates
- 18 July – 1 August 2027
From £4,080* (per person)
- Deposit: £900 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £2,460 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: $1,000 (local payment, paid on arrival)
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* subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates
* payment plans available
What’s Included
- 14 nights’ accommodation (twin share basis)
- 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 12 dinners
- Rock My Adventure group leader & local guides
- Comprehensive pre-departure information & support
- All activities & park fees as per the itinerary below
- All transport for included activities
- Tips for local guides
Why Travel With Rock My Adventure?
I’ve spent the last 17 years exploring Africa, building genuine local friendships, discovering hidden places and creating the kind of adventures I always wished existed.
Every Rock My Adventure itinerary is personally researched and designed by me, inspired by the friendships I’ve built and the local people who’ve welcomed me into their homes and communities over the last 17 years.
Whether I’m travelling with the group or one of our trusted Rock My Adventure leaders is hosting the adventure, our goal is always the same: to help you experience Africa beyond the tourist trail through genuine local connections, unforgettable wildlife encounters and the kind of moments money simply can’t buy.
I’d love for you to experience it too.
Helen x
“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.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city and transfer to your accommodation for the evening. 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”.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 2: Kigali, Rwanda
Our adventure kicks off in Kigali and we’ll begin the day with a visit to a wonderful social enterprise, followed by exploring the lively Nyamirambo neighbourhood.
For lunch, we’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked Rwandan meal prepared by the inspiring local women.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a bustling market filled with beautiful African fabrics, and a local arts centre, immersing ourselves in Rwandan culture.
The evening is yours to unwind at the hotel, dine at a great local restaurant, or experience Kigali’s buzzing nightlife – the perfect start to our journey through Rwanda & Uganda!
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Nyamirambo Walking Tour, Local Market, Art Centre
Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
This morning, we’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and deeply moving place that tells the story of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. While emotional, it’s an important experience that provides valuable insight into Rwanda’s history, the resilience of its people, and the country’s extraordinary journey of healing and renewal.
We’ll then cross the border into Uganda and continue to the breathtaking shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Place of Little Birds”, this stunning lake is surrounded by misty terraced hills and dotted with lush green islands, making it one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations.
We’ll arrive at our lakeside lodge in the afternoon, where you can relax and soak up the views before enjoying dinner overlooking the lake.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and start your morning with a refreshing swim or a well-earned lie-in.
Later, we’ll head out on the lake by boat with my friend Josh, who’ll introduce us to the local communities and life on the lake. We’ll visit a couple of islands before getting hands-on making (and tasting!) a delicious Rolex – Uganda’s famous rolled chapati filled with eggs and fresh vegetables.
The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. Visit a nearby Batwa community, hike through the surrounding hills, explore the lake by traditional dugout canoe, or simply relax at the lodge before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Lake Bunyonyi Boat Tour
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, we’ll leave Lake Bunyonyi behind and journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stopping at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the lake for one last chance to admire the breathtaking scenery.
Later, we’ll arrive at the edge of one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is one of the continent’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
After settling into our lodge, you’ll have the option to join a guided community walk through the nearby village before relaxing over dinner, ready for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Village Tour
PLEASE NOTE: Gorilla trekking requires a moderate to good level of fitness, as the trek often involves steep or uneven terrain through dense jungle. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us before booking to discuss suitability and available options.
Day 6: 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.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Gorilla Trekking
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
After breakfast in Bwindi, we’ll head north toward the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive winds through scenic hills, farmland, and small villages – perfect for a few photo stops or a quick stretch.
On arrival in Ishasha, we’ll check into the lodge and have lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, so keep your eyes on the acacia trees, and also watch for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards and Uganda cobs.
In the evening we’ll watch the sunset and enjoy dinner at our lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: QENP Safari
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
The next morning, we’ll wake up early for a second game drive in Ishasha, which is the best time to see the lions active in the cool morning hours.
We’ll then continue our safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring its diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll take a beautiful boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, cruising past hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a wide variety of birdlife.
This two- to three-hour safari on the water is one of the highlights of the park, made even more special as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the channel.
We’ll then head to our next lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: QENP Safari, Kazinga Channel Safari
Day 9: Kibale, Uganda
Leaving Queen Elizabeth National Park, we’ll travel to Uganda’s beautiful Crater Lakes region, an area renowned for its rolling hills, volcanic lakes, and lush scenery.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk. Here, we’ll learn about local traditions such as basket weaving and banana wine production, before enjoying a vibrant performance of traditional singing and dancing.
Rich in biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, the wetland is a birder’s paradise, home to around 138 bird species, as well as eight species of primates. Located just outside the national park, the Bigodi walk is a community-led initiative, with all proceeds supporting local community development projects.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary & Community Walk
Day 10: Kibale, Uganda
In the morning, it’s time for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
With over a 95% chance of seeing chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is considered the best place in all of East Africa to encounter these incredible primates in the wild. Along the way, you may also spot other species such as red colobus monkeys and mangabeys. As you trek through the forest, an experienced ranger will share fascinating insights into the animals and plant species you encounter.
Walking through the lush rainforest, we’ll have the rare opportunity to spend up to an hour observing the chimpanzees as they go about their daily lives in their natural habitat – an experience that is truly magical.
In the afternoon you have the option to relax at the lodge, go on a hike or visit one of the tea plantations in the area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 11: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda
From Kibale, we’ll travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
This important conservation project is dedicated to reintroducing rhinos to Uganda, and with around 42 rhinos currently thriving within the sanctuary, it offers an incredible opportunity to see them roaming freely in their natural environment.
Here, we’ll head out on a guided walking safari, tracking these magnificent creatures on foot and experiencing an unforgettable up-close encounter.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Rhino Tracking
Day 12: Jinja, Uganda
Leaving the rhinos, we’ll travel to Jinja, then continue to the village of Bujagali, nestled along the banks of the old White Nile (now Bujagali Lake).
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Helen’s Ugandan family, where you’ll be welcomed like an old friend, with drumming, dancing and a delicious traditional Ugandan meal.
Expect an unforgettable experience filled with laughter – a true taste of Ugandan culture and hospitality!
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Ugandan Family Dinner & Cultural Dancing/Music
Day 13: Jinja, Uganda
Today is a free day to enjoy the amazing activities Jinja has to offer! For the thrill-seekers, there’s white-water rafting, tubing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, horse riding, and cycling.
If you prefer a slower pace, you can stroll through the village, grab a rolex, unwind with a relaxing massage or chill by the pool.
In the evening, we’ll set off on a sunset cruise on beautiful Bujagali Lake, including drinks and snacks/light dinner. It’s always a night to remember – one that may or may not end in dancing, laughter, and a whole lot of merriment!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Sunset Cruise
Day 14: Entebbe, Uganda
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to Entebbe, making a stop at the famous Jinja Craft Market.
This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, from vibrant clothing and artwork to beautiful jewelry and handcrafted homeware.
We’ll then continue to Entebbe, where we’ll wrap up our adventure with a memorable farewell dinner, reminiscing about our incredible journey and the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Jinja Craft Market, Farewell Dinner
Day 15: Departure Day
Today is always a sad day as we say goodbye to our new friends, 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.
Many international flights depart in the evening, so if time allows, consider a visit to nearby Mabamba Swamp – just an hour away – where you might spot the iconic shoebill stork in its natural habitat. Departure is at 7:45 AM as the morning hours are known to give the best chances of spotting the shoebill stork and trips last 3 – 4 hours.
- 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. You can also find the specific FAQ’s for this tour below.
Essential Info
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Airport transfers before and after the tour (we’re happy to arrange these for you)
- Visas (where applicable)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Vaccinations, antimalarials and personal medications
- Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and associated transport
- Tips for hotel staff, porters and optional activity guides (at your discretion)
Trip Notes
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires a moderate level of fitness, as the terrain can sometimes be steep, muddy or uneven. If you have any concerns, please get in touch before booking and I’d be happy to discuss whether the trip is right for you.
- If you’d like a little extra help during the gorilla or chimpanzee trek, local porters are available to hire. They can carry your daypack and provide a helping hand over more challenging terrain. For those with limited mobility, there is also the option of being carried by a specialist local porter team for an additional fee.
- Twin-share accommodation is included throughout the trip. If you’d prefer your own room, single rooms are available on most nights for an additional supplement (subject to availability).
- Solo travellers are always welcome. Most of our guests travel on their own, and if you book a twin-share place, we’ll pair you with another same-sex traveller.
- If you have time before your flight home from Entebbe, we highly recommend an optional visit to Mabamba Swamp in search of the famous shoebill stork – a fantastic way to round off your adventure.
FAQ’s
Are there any visa or entry requirements?
As of 2018, most passport holders can get Rwandan visas on arrival. This is usually the easiest and least complicated way to get your visa.
The Rwandan visa is free for nationals or residents of a country with which Rwanda has a visa waiver arrangement including African Union, Commonwealth (including UK, Canada) and La Francophonie citizens who enter the country for any valid reason other than employment. The visa costs $50 for all other nationalities.
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda. The visa for Uganda costs $50. It is now advised to apply for your Uganda visa in advance.
We will provide all the information you need to apply for these in the pre-departure information we send you upon booking.
Your passport needs to have at least 4 pages free for your stamps/visas and it needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in each country.
You WILL need a Yellow Fever vaccination (or an exemption certificate from your doctor).
If getting the vaccine, please make sure you have this at least 2 weeks before arrival and you must bring your certificate with you.
How difficult is this trip/what is the physical activity level?
Expect long, bumpy car rides, early mornings, and hot, dusty days – you’ll need to be ready to handle these challenges!
The gorilla and chimp treks are medium difficulty, with some scrambling and hiking through thick jungle.
You can hire a porter to help you with the gorilla trek.
Is there an age limit for this trip?
There’s no upper age limit, however, we generally wouldn’t recommend this trip for anyone over the age of 70, given the physically demanding nature of the safaris – think long, bumpy car rides, heat, and early mornings.
But you know your own stamina, so if you are in good health, and are comfortable wth long/bumpy drives and with the backpacker/flashpacker style of travel, plus able to enjoy the company of a diverse age range, then you’re more than welcome to join us!
I get car sick, can I have a front seat in the cars?
Where will we stay?
On this trip, we’ll stay in a mix of mid-range accommodations…
- Kigali: We will stay in a homely guesthouse in the city. This is a great place to begin the trip.
- Lake Bunyoni: We stay at a nice hotel with spacious rooms, set right on Lake Bunyoni so you can go swimming straight from the dock.
- Bwindi: We stay in a wonderful and cosy lodge in the Ruhija section of the park, close to the gorilla trekking start point and within walking distance of the local village.
- Queen Elizabeth NP: We stay at comfortable lodges within easy access of the park.
- Kibale: We stay in a lovely hotel with a great restaurant and a pool.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: We stay in comfortable ensuite rooms at a lodge with a pool nestled within the rhino sanctuary.
- Jinja: We stay in a lovely guesthouse with a great restuarant and a pool, right in the heart of the village and on the banks of the Nile.
- Entebbe: We stay in a cosy hotel in the heart of Entebbe, with a pool, close to the market and shops. It’s just a 20-minute ride to the airport.
All rooms are ensuite unless otherwise stated.
If you are travelling solo you will be paired with a same-sex roommate in a twin room. If you are travelling with a friend or partner, you will share a twin room (or double if requested and available).
Can I have a private room?
If you would prefer a private room, please let us know. We may be able to accommodate this request, depending on availability and at an additional cost.
Please note that some of our accommodations have limited room availability, so we may not always be able to offer private rooms.
I want to extend my trip, is that possible?
If there is no availability or you want to stay somewhere else, we can suggest other places for you to book. You are also free to book your own accommodation elsewhere.
Which airport should I fly into/out of?
Arrival: You should fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). We will have a welcome meeting in the bar of the hotel at 6pm, followed by dinner. So we would suggest that your flight lands before 3pm on arrival day.
Departure: You should fly out of Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You can leave Entebbe any time on departure day.
Are airport transfers included?
Transfers from Kigali Airport to the hotel usually cost around $20 per car.
Transfers from the hotel to Entebbe Airport usually cost around $10 per car.
How much spending money will I need?
How much you spend will depend greatly on how much you drink, how much you shop and what extra activities you choose to do.
What luggage should I bring?
Please don’t bring hard cases as we sometimes struggle to fit them in the safari cars.
Only bring 1 big bag (we suggest no bigger than 80l) – even if your airline allows 2 x 23kg checked in bags.
Space in our safari cars is limited, so if you bring 2 big bags, your second bag will be the first one strapped to the roof.
You may be able to bring 2 smaller bags, if you want a large carry-on and a smaller checked luggage. As long as the total luggage capacity doesn’t exceed 80l.
Please be aware that you will need to carry/transport your own bags for short distances. Sometimes there will be someone to help (for a tip), but we cannot guarantee it, so a bag you can carry or wheel easily yourself is best.
You will also need to sleep with your bags (and your roommates bags) in the Masai Mara tents – so don’t overpack.
You should also have a smaller day pack that you can use daily and that you will bring in the cars with you.
What transport do we use?
For the first day in Nairobi, we’ll travel in 2 x 6-seater safari vans with pop-up roofs.
For the safari portion of the trip (Masai Mara to Moshi), we’ll travel in 2 x 6-seater safari cars with pop-up roofs.
For the journeys from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and Moshi to Bagamoyo, and in Zanzibar, we’ll travel in a 24-seater coaster bus.
From Bagamoyo, weather permitting, we’ll take a traditional dhow boat over to Zanzibar. If the weather is not so good, we’ll drive to Dar es Salaam and take the large catamaran ferry from there.
You may also take tuk tuks and taxis for short distances.
What do I need to bring/pack/wear?
Generally, you don’t need any too ‘specialist’ for this trip!
Can I do laundry on the trip?
Sometimes it’s machine wash, other times hand wash. There usually aren’t any self-service washing machines, but you can wash small items in the hotel sink.
You are best to do laundry at locations where we spend 2 nights – Nairobi, Karatu, Moshi, Stone Town or Paje. This will give the laundry chance to dry.
How can I stay online whilst travelling?
Will I need adapters for my electronics?
Kenya operates on 240V, while Tanzania uses 230V. Most modern electronics, like phone chargers and laptops, are dual voltage and can handle this range, so you’ll likely only need a plug adapter.
However, if your appliances aren’t compatible with these voltages, you’ll need a voltage converter.
What kinds of food will we have?
The food choices are not always within our control and may be quite limited in some places. If you are the type of person who gets hangry, or if you like your home comfort food, or if you have specific dietary requirements (ie. vegan, dairy or gluten free) please bring snacks with you – just in case.
There is usually the opportunity to pick up snacks during the trip, but if you want something specific, please bring it with you.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Please be aware that what you say on your booking form is what is communicated to the hotels/activity providers. So if you decided to be a vegetarian/vegan on the week you filled in your booking form – that’s what we communicate and that’s what you will get.
If your food preferences/requirements change between the time you fill in your booking form and the trip – it is YOUR responsibility to let us know.
We always make sure that our suppliers are aware of any dietary requirements, however we cannot guarantee that there will not be cross-contamination or traces of allergens. The understanding of food allergies is not as comprehensive in Africa as it is in some parts of the world.
If your allergy is severe, you must travel with an epi-pen. If you are worried about this, please feel free to discuss this with us.
What meals & drinks are included on the trip?
Drinks and alcohol are not included unless otherwise stated.
Water may be included at some hotels, restaurants and activities.
Can I drink the tap water?
Most hotels provide bottled or filtered water for these purposes. Where it’s not available, you can easily purchase bottled water from street vendors, shops, tourist spots, and hotels.
If you want to minimize plastic waste, consider these options:
- Bring your own reusable water bottle and buy a large plastic bottle (5 liters) from supermarkets to refill as needed.
- Consider a water bottle with a built-in filter, like a Lifestraw, though these are not suitable for brushing your teeth.
- For both drinking and brushing, you might want to invest in a UV water purifier, such as a Steripen or a LARQ Self-cleaning Water Bottle, which use UV light to kill bacteria. These are rechargeable but can be a more expensive upfront investment.
Is this trip for me?
We’re hoping you’ve read the above, carefully to get an understanding of what the trip involves and if it’s suitable.
Lots of people love Rock My Adventure tours (see the Testimonial page) and we get tons of repeaters, but they aren’t for everyone, so you need to ensure that you are comfortable with our style of travel and being in a group.
If you’re the type of person who is easily annoyed by other people, likes ultimate luxury, wants everything their way, or wants to be in control all the time, wants a very formal trip or likes to moan a lot/be negative, then this probably isn’t the trip for you! 🙂
If you’re laid-back, fun, a team player, and adventurous – then sign right up!!
You know yourself, so you decide!
I have more questions, who can I ask?
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Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +447809710257
Address: 353 - 355 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EE
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