Experience Overview

14 DAYS GRAND UGANDA AND RWANDA EXPEDITION

14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

Mabamba • Rhinos • Murchison Falls • Chimpanzees • Queen Elizabeth • Gorillas • Rwanda

YOUR JOURNEY. OUR EXPERTISE. EAST AFRICA UNFORGETTABLE.

WELCOME TO AFRIQUEST TRAVELS

Welcome to Afriquest Travels and to an extraordinary journey through the heart of East Africa.

 

Our 14 Days Grand Uganda and Rwanda Expedition has been carefully designed for travellers who want to experience the remarkable diversity of Uganda and Rwanda while travelling on a budget-conscious safari package.

 

Your adventure begins around Lake Victoria with an excursion to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations and a renowned location for searching for the elusive Shoebill.

 

From there, the journey continues north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will encounter Uganda’s southern white rhinos on foot before proceeding to the vast wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park.

 

The expedition then moves south through Uganda’s spectacular landscapes to Kibale Forest, home of chimpanzees and numerous other primates, followed by the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park.

 

Your Uganda experience culminates at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will undertake an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience based at Ichumbi Safari Lodge.

 

The journey then crosses into Rwanda, taking you through the dramatic Virunga region and onward to Kigali, where your East African adventure concludes.

 

Two Countries. Four iconic wildlife destinations. One unforgettable expedition.

SAFARI AT A GLANCE

Safari Detail

Information

Safari Name

Grand Uganda and Rwanda Expedition

Duration

14 Days / 13 Nights

Countries

Uganda and Rwanda

Starting Point

Entebbe, Uganda

Ending Point

Kigali, Rwanda

Travel Style

Budget

Transport

4×4 Safari Vehicle

Main Focus

Wildlife, Primates, Birding, Gorilla Trekking and Culture

Signature Bird

Shoebill

Rhino Experience

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Chimpanzee Experience

Kibale Forest

Gorilla Experience

Bwindi

Main Wildlife Parks

Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth

 

SAFARI AT A GLANCE

Day

Destination

Signature Experience

Accommodation

1

Entebbe

Arrival and Mabamba Swamp

ViaVia Entebbe

2

Ziwa to Murchison

Rhino Tracking and Transfer

Red Chilli Rest Camp

3

Murchison

Game Drive and Nile Cruise

Red Chilli Rest Camp

4

Murchison

Game Drive and Top of Falls

Red Chilli Rest Camp

5

Kibale

Scenic Transfer

Kibale Forest Camp

6

Kibale

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi

Kibale Forest Camp

7

Queen Elizabeth

Transfer and Crater Lakes

Bush Lodge

8

Queen Elizabeth

Game Drive and Kazinga Cruise

Bush Lodge

9

Bwindi

Queen Elizabeth to Ichumbi

Ichumbi Safari Lodge

10

Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking

Ichumbi Safari Lodge

11

Rwanda

Uganda to Musanze

Muhabura Hotel

12

Kigali

Musanze to Kigali

Hotel Chez Lando

13

Kigali

City and Cultural Experience

Hotel Chez Lando

14

Kigali

Departure

 

Recommended Accommodations

Itinerary

DAY ONE: WELCOME TO UGANDA

ENTEBBE • MABAMBA SWAMP

Airport Welcome • Shoebill Experience • Lake Victoria

Overnight: ViaVia Entebbe
Meals: Dinner

Your Afriquest Travels adventure begins when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport.

Your driver-guide will meet you at the airport and welcome you to Uganda.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you will proceed for your Mabamba Swamp experience.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba is a spectacular wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria and is particularly famous for its population of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill.

Travel by traditional motorized canoe through the channels of the wetland in search of the Shoebill.

Other possible sightings include:

  • African jacana
  • African fish eagle
  • Kingfishers
  • Herons
  • Egrets
  • Cormorants
  • Papyrus-associated bird species

After the excursion, return to Entebbe and check into your accommodation.

Evening

Relax, enjoy dinner and receive your safari briefing.

AFRIQUEST ACCOMMODATION CHOICE

VIAVIA ENTEBBE

Night: 1
Category: Budget or Value

Why we selected it

ViaVia Entebbe provides a convenient first-night base because of its accessibility from the airport and its traveller-friendly atmosphere.

Why it suits this itinerary

Convenient after international arrival
Good value
Comfortable accommodation
Restaurant
Relaxed environment
Suitable for an early safari departure

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Airport convenience and value

DAY TWO: RHINOS AND THE WILDERNESS

ENTEBBE TO ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY TO MURCHISON FALLS

Driving: Approximately 6–8 hours overall, excluding activity time
Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today begins with an early departure from Entebbe towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Ziwa provides one of Uganda’s most distinctive wildlife experiences: walking safari-style rhino tracking.

With an experienced ranger, you will walk through the sanctuary in search of southern white rhinos.

The experience provides an opportunity to learn about:

  • Rhino conservation
  • Anti-poaching efforts
  • Habitat management
  • Rhino behaviour
  • Uganda’s wildlife restoration programmes

After the experience, continue towards Murchison Falls National Park.

Arrive later in the afternoon and check in.

 

RED CHILLI REST CAMP

Nights: 3
Category: Budget Safari Camp

Why we selected it

Red Chilli is particularly suitable for this budget itinerary because of its location and authentic safari atmosphere.

Rather than spending heavily on accommodation, the itinerary places the emphasis on wildlife experiences.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Park access and safari atmosphere and value

DAY 3: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

GAME DRIVE • NILE BOAT CRUISE

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp

Wake early for your first full safari experience in Murchison Falls National Park.

Morning Game Drive

Search for:

Elephants
Rothschild’s giraffes
Lions
Buffaloes
Uganda kob
Warthogs
Hartebeest
Waterbuck
Leopards, with luck

Return to camp for lunch.

Afternoon to Victoria Nile Cruise

Cruise along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls.

Possible sightings:

Hippos
Crocodiles
Elephants
Buffaloes
Water birds

Return to Red Chilli for dinner.

DAY 4: THE POWER OF THE NILE

MURCHISON FALLS • GAME DRIVE • TOP OF THE FALLS

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp

Enjoy another early game drive.

The second drive provides additional opportunities to encounter wildlife and explore different areas of the park.

After lunch, visit the Top of Murchison Falls.

Stand above the point where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream.

Return to camp for your final evening in Murchison.

DAY FIVE: MURCHISON FALLS TO KIBALE

FROM SAVANNAH TO RAINFOREST

Driving: Approximately 7–9 hours
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and travel south towards Kibale Forest.

The landscape gradually changes from open savannah to lush tropical countryside.

Arrive in the Kibale area and check in.

Enjoy a relaxed evening before tomorrow’s primate experience.

KIBALE FOREST CAMP

Nights: 2
Category: Budget Forest Camp

Why we selected it

The camp complements the forest experience and provides an appropriate budget/value base for chimpanzee trekking.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Forest setting and authentic safari atmosphere

DAY 6: KIBALE FOREST: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING EXPERIENCE

Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing.

Enter the forest in search of chimpanzees.

Kibale is also home to numerous other primates.

Possible sightings include:

  • Chimpanzees
  • Red-tailed monkeys
  • Black-and-white colobus
  • Blue monkeys
  • L’Hoest’s monkeys
  • Forest birds

Afternoon to Bigodi Wetland

Continue to Bigodi for a guided wetland and community experience.

The walk provides opportunities for:

  • Birdwatching
  • Primates
  • Wetland ecology
  • Community interaction
  • Local cultural experiences

Return to camp.

DAY 7: KIBALE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH

CRATER LAKES • FORT PORTAL • SAVANNAH

Driving: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Bush Lodge

Depart Kibale after breakfast.

Travel through the scenic Fort Portal region towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjoy views of:

  • Tea plantations
  • Crater lakes
  • Green hills
  • Rural communities
  • Rwenzori landscapes

Arrive at the park and check in.

BUSH LODGE

Nights: 2
Category: Budget Wilderness Camp

Why we selected it

Bush Lodge gives travellers the opportunity to experience the wilderness without moving into luxury pricing.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Wilderness atmosphere + value

DAY 8: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

GAME DRIVE • KAZINGA CHANNEL

Overnight: Bush Lodge

Wake early for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains.

Look for:

Lions
Elephants
Buffaloes
Uganda kob
Warthogs
Leopards
Hippos

Afternoon -Kazinga Channel Cruise

Cruise between Lake Edward and Lake George.

The shoreline provides excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.

DAY 9: QUEEN ELIZABETH TO BWINDI

JOURNEY TO ICHUMBI SAFARI LODGE

Driving: Approximately 4–6 hours
Overnight: Ichumbi Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south towards Bwindi.

The landscape gradually becomes more mountainous and heavily cultivated.

Enjoy views of:

  • Terraced hills
  • Forested mountains
  • Farmland
  • Villages
  • Local communities

Arrive at Ichumbi Safari Lodge.

Afternoon

Relax at the lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.

Your guide will brief you on:

  • Trekking conditions
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Meeting time
  • Park regulations
  • Porter services
  • Personal preparation

Enjoy an early dinner.

 

ICHUMBI SAFARI LODGE

Nights: 2
Category: Budget and Value Lodge

Why we selected it

Ichumbi Safari Lodge is our preferred budget/value choice for the Bwindi section because it offers a practical balance of comfort and proximity to the gorilla trekking area.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Gorilla trekking base and mountain atmosphere and value

DAY 10: THE ULTIMATE ENCOUNTER: BWINDI GORILLA TREKKING

Overnight: Ichumbi Safari Lodge

After an early breakfast, proceed to the gorilla trekking briefing point.

Your ranger guide will provide a safety briefing before you enter the forest.

The trek can involve:

  • Steep terrain
  • Muddy trails
  • Dense vegetation
  • Humidity
  • Changing weather

The duration varies according to the location of the assigned gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are found, enjoy your regulated viewing period.

Observe:

  • Silverbacks
  • Adult females
  • Juveniles
  • Infants
  • Feeding
  • Grooming
  • Social interactions

Return to Ichumbi Safari Lodge after the trek.

AFRIQUEST SIGNATURE MOMENT

Walk into the forest. Find the gorillas. Leave with a memory that lasts a lifetime.

DAY 11: UGANDA TO RWANDA TO BWINDI TO MUSANZE

Driving: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Muhabura Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards the Uganda–Rwanda border.

Complete the immigration formalities before continuing into Rwanda.

As you approach Musanze, the spectacular Virunga volcanoes appear on the horizon.

Arrive in Musanze and check in.

Relax for the remainder of the afternoon.

MUHABURA HOTEL

Night: 1
Category: Budget Hotel

Why we selected it

Muhabura Hotel provides a practical, value-oriented base in Musanze without unnecessarily increasing the cost of the expedition.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Practicality and affordability

DAY 12: MUSANZE TO KIGALI

LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS

Driving: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours
Overnight: Hotel Chez Lando

Depart Musanze after breakfast and travel towards Kigali.

Depending on timing, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Continue into central Kigali and experience the city’s:

  • Green hills
  • Clean streets
  • Modern buildings
  • Markets
  • Craft centres

Check in at Hotel Chez Lando.

HOTEL CHEZ LANDO

Nights: 2
Category: Budget and Value Hotel

Why we selected it

A practical final base offering a good balance of accommodation value, facilities and accessibility.

AFRIQUEST VERDICT

Best for: Kigali value and convenience

DAY 13: DISCOVER KIGALI

HISTORY • CULTURE • LOCAL LIFE

Overnight: Hotel Chez Lando

Today provides a relaxed conclusion to your expedition.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

If not completed on Day 12, visit the memorial in the morning.

Kimironko Market

Explore one of Kigali’s popular local markets.

Experience:

  • Fabrics
  • Crafts
  • Fresh produce
  • Local foods
  • Everyday Rwandan life

Afternoon

Enjoy a local craft experience and time for souvenir shopping.

Return to the hotel for your final evening.

DAY 14: FAREWELL RWANDA

KIGALI TO DEPARTURE

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast.

Depending on your flight time, you may have time for:

  • Coffee
  • Shopping
  • Relaxation
  • Optional Kigali experience

Your Afriquest Travels representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

AFRIQUEST ACCOMMODATION COLLECTION

Destination

Accommodation

Nights

Category

Why We Selected It

Entebbe

ViaVia Entebbe

1

Budget/Value

Airport convenience

Murchison

Red Chilli Rest Camp

3

Budget Safari Camp

Excellent Park access

Kibale

Kibale Forest Camp

2

Budget Forest Camp

Forest atmosphere

Queen Elizabeth

Bush Lodge

2

Budget Wilderness Camp

Authentic safari setting

Bwindi

Ichumbi Safari Lodge

2

Budget/Value Lodge

Excellent gorilla-trekking base

Musanze

Muhabura Hotel

1

Budget Hotel

Practical Volcanoes base

Kigali

Hotel Chez Lando

2

Budget/Value Hotel

Good city value

13 NIGHTS • 7 PROPERTIES • 2 COUNTRIES

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

MABAMBA SWAMP

Search for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill on Lake Victoria.

ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY

Track southern white rhinos on foot with an experienced ranger.

MURCHISON FALLS

Combine classic game drives with the spectacular Nile.

KIBALE FOREST

Track chimpanzees in one of Africa’s great primate forests.

KAZINGA CHANNEL

Cruise past hippos, elephants, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.

BWINDI

Experience the extraordinary mountain gorilla trek.

RWANDA

Discover Musanze, the Virunga region and Kigali.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

TRANSPORT

Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Airport transfers
Fuel
All planned road transfers
Uganda–Rwanda border assistance

ACCOMMODATION

13 nights in selected budget OR value accommodation
Meals as specified

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

Mabamba Swamp excursion
Shoebill search
Ziwa Rhino tracking
Murchison Falls game drives
Nile boat cruise
Top of Murchison Falls
Kibale chimpanzee tracking
Bigodi Wetland experience
Queen Elizabeth game drives
Kazinga Channel cruise
Bwindi gorilla trekking
Kigali city experience

PARK AND ACTIVITY FEES

Applicable Park entrance fees
Rhino tracking fees
Chimpanzee permit
Gorilla permit
Boat cruise fees
Ranger or guide services where applicable

NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry Tips and gratuities
Porter services
Souvenirs
Optional activities
Personal medical expenses
Any activity not specifically listed as included

Afriquest Travels

Thank you for choosing Afriquest Travels. We are committed to providing safe, memorable, and professionally organized safari experiences throughout East Africa. Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they form part of your booking agreement with Afriquest Travels.

By confirming your booking and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

Afriquest Travels

  1. Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed once:

  • A completed booking request or signed booking form has been received.
  • The required deposit has been paid.
  • Written confirmation has been issued by Afriquest Travels.

Until these conditions are met, no reservation is guaranteed.

 

  1. Deposit and Payment Policy

To secure your safari, the following payment schedule applies:

  • A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, domestic flights, and accommodation requiring advance payment may require higher deposits or full payment at the time of booking.
  • The remaining balance must be paid no later than 45 days before arrival.
  • Bookings made within 45 days of arrival require full payment upon confirmation.

Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking.

 

 

  1. Accepted Payment Methods

Payments may be made via:

  • International Bank Transfer
  • Visa Card
  • Mastercard
  • Approved Mobile Money (where applicable)

Any bank charges, transfer fees, or currency conversion costs are the responsibility of the client.

  1. Safari Prices

Safari prices include only the services specifically stated in the itinerary.

Unless otherwise indicated, prices include:

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation
  • Meals as specified
  • Park entrance fees
  • Scheduled activities
  • Government taxes
  • Gorilla permit (where applicable)
  • Chimpanzee permit (where applicable)
  • Bottled drinking water while on safari

 

 

 

 

Prices do not include:

  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities
  • Telephone charges
  • Tips and gratuities
  1. Passport and Visa Requirements

Every traveller must possess:

  • A passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of travel.
  • Any required visas.
  • Required vaccination certificates.
  • All other necessary travel documents.

Afriquest Travels cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to incomplete travel documentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Health Requirements

Clients are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate in the safari.

We strongly recommend:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination
  • Anti-malarial medication
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Consultation with a travel health specialist before departure

Please advise us of any:

  • Medical conditions
  • Dietary requirements
  • Allergies
  • Physical limitations

before your arrival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests.

Your policy should include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Personal accident
  • Lost luggage
  • Personal liability

Afriquest Travels accepts no responsibility for losses that could have been covered by appropriate travel insurance.

 

  1. Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Cancellation charges apply as follows:

Period Before Arrival

Cancellation Fee

More than 60 Days

10% of total safari cost

45–60 Days

30% of total safari cost

30–44 Days

50% of total safari cost

15–29 Days

75% of total safari cost

Less than 15 Days

100% of total safari cost

 

 

 

Please note:

Gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, flights, and certain accommodation bookings may be subject to separate supplier cancellation policies and may be non-refundable.

  1. Changes to Bookings

Any requested changes after confirmation are subject to:

  • Availability
  • Supplier approval
  • Additional costs where applicable

Afriquest Travels will always endeavour to accommodate reasonable requests.

  1. Accommodation

Accommodation is provided according to availability.

If a listed lodge becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control, Afriquest Travels reserves the right to substitute it with accommodation of a similar or higher standard without affecting the quality of your safari.

  1. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Guests must:

  • Be at least 15 years old.
  • Follow all ranger instructions.
  • Maintain a safe viewing distance.
  • Refrain from trekking if suffering from contagious illnesses.
  • Respect all conservation regulations.

Please note that sightings, while highly successful, cannot be absolutely guaranteed due to the animals’ wild nature.

 

  1. Wildlife Viewing

Wild animals roam freely within national parks.

Although our experienced guides maximize viewing opportunities, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Nature operates according to its own rhythms, making every safari unique.

  1. Client Responsibilities

Guests are expected to:

  • Follow instructions given by their guide.
  • Respect wildlife and local communities.
  • Observe Park regulations.
  • Respect accommodation rules.
  • Behave responsibly throughout the safari.

Afriquest Travels reserves the right to terminate the safari of any client whose behaviour places others at risk or disrupts the experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Responsibility and Liability

Afriquest Travels acts as an agent for hotels, airlines, transport providers, and other suppliers.

While every effort is made to ensure excellent service, we cannot be held liable for:

  • Delays
  • Flight cancellations
  • Weather conditions
  • Mechanical breakdowns
  • Natural disasters
  • Political events
  • Government actions
  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Loss or theft of personal property
  • Circumstances beyond our reasonable control

 

  1. Vehicle Usage

Our safari vehicles are regularly maintained to the highest standards.

However, unexpected mechanical issues may occasionally occur.

Should this happen, Afriquest Travels will make every reasonable effort to repair or replace the vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize disruption.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Luggage Allowance

We recommend:

  • One medium-sized soft duffel bag per guest.
  • One small daypack.

Large hard-shell suitcases are discouraged due to limited luggage space in safari vehicles.

  1. Photography

Photography is encouraged throughout the safari.

However:

  • Permission should always be obtained before photographing local people.
  • Flash photography is prohibited during gorilla and chimpanzee encounters.
  • Drone photography requires prior government authorization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Force Majeure

Afriquest Travels shall not be liable for failure to perform contractual obligations where such failure results from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters
  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Disease outbreaks
  • Government restrictions
  • Civil unrest
  • War
  • Terrorism
  • Airline disruptions
  • Extreme weather conditions
  1. Complaints

Should any concern arise during your safari, please notify your driver-guide or contact the Afriquest Travels office immediately.

This enables us to resolve the issue promptly and ensure your continued enjoyment.

Complaints submitted after completion of the safari may limit our ability to investigate effectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Privacy

Afriquest Travels respects your privacy.

Personal information provided during the booking process will be used solely for:

  • Booking arrangements
  • Reservation confirmations
  • Safari operations
  • Legal requirements

Your personal information will never be sold or shared with unauthorized third parties.

  1. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda.

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Uganda.

  1. Acceptance of Terms

Payment of a deposit or full safari cost constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions by all travellers included in the booking.

 

Thank You for Choosing Afriquest Travels

We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share the beauty of East Africa with you. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional service, authentic experiences, and unforgettable memories throughout your journey.

We look forward to welcoming you on your 14-Day Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Safari and helping you discover why Uganda is truly known as the Pearl of Africa.

THANK YOU 

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