30 Days Uganda Rwanda Adventure – Self Drive East Africa
Looking for adventure in Uganda and Rwanda on Self Drive for long term holiday within East Africa? Book the reliable Landcruiser lx manual , diesel, radio and working Ac for memorable Safari with Self Drive East Africa on 30 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari. The one month Self Drive Uganda and Rwanda starts in Uganda and ends in Entebbe including Jinja City tour , Elgon Hikes, Big five watching, gorilla trekking , Rwenzori Hikes, Wildlife Safari adventure, Volcanoes, Gisenyi Rwanda, Chimpanzee watching and hiking karisimbi.
Whats the cost for Uganda Rwanda Safari Tour- Everything You Need to Know!
Uganda and Rwanda are without a doubt one of my favorite places on the planet to explore when your interested in primate Trekking ( Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees)! our experience exploring these countries during adventure trips was nothing short of incredible. we would go so far as to say the experience was priceless.
The actual cost of 30-day Uganda + Rwanda Self drive safari was fairly reasonable (for Primate safari anyway!) at around $400 per day ( including fuel, Car Rental, activity & Accommodation) .
Detailed Uganda + Rwanda Road Trip Adventure – Self Drive Holidays
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport
Today arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Early Trail Expeditions Uganda representative will be ready to pick you. This representative will be your drive for the rest of the days on your safari. The guide will brief you and transfer you to your booked hotel in Entebbe. Get rested after such long hours spent on the flight. Accommodation/ Campsite: Via Via Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja with en-route to Sezibwa and Mabira Forest
This morning will drive to Jinja city eastwards from Kampala with a branch over to Sezibwa and explore these amazing waterfalls. The cool and authentic serene of the waterfalls makes the falls a special spot to consider. Then another en-route will be at Mabira Forest and spend the rest of the time here, will particularly undertake Zip lining adventure and sail under tree branches. Afterwards will have to drive for the remaining kilometres to Jinja and check-in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Camping at Explorers River Camp, Jinja
Day 3: Water rafting and Bungee Jumping and Boat Ride to the source
This morning prepares for a supernatural adventure starting the morning session with white water rafting which is about 30 minutes’ drive along the Nile sailing. Rafting at Jinja on the source of the Nile is a world class rafting with 4 and 5 grades. The rafting takes about 3 to 4 hours and after will have to take a sip of an energizing drink and drive back to the bungee jumping spot. After the full packed day of adventure, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Camping at Explorers River Camp, Jinja
Day 4: Transfer to Mbale
Drive to Mbale. Short visit to Mbale town market and relax after the long drive. Campsite: Twilight Campsite
Day 5: Hike Mt. Elgon
Short climb or hike in Mount Elgon National Park. Explore caves, trails, and scenic viewpoints. Campsite: Two light Campsite ( Kapkwai Campsite )
Day 6: Transfer to Sipi Falls
Drive to Sipi Falls (about 1–2 hrs). Afternoon village walk or relax with a view of the falls. Campsite: Moses Campsite or Lacam Lodge Campsite or home of friends .
Day 7: Hike Sipi Falls
Full day of hiking to the three main falls. Camp at Moses Campsite or Lacam Lodge Campsite or home of friends
Day 8: Sipi Falls to Kampala
Drive to Kampala. Set up camp at Red Chilli Hideaway.
Day 9: Transfer to Ziwa
After breakfast in Kampala, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Arrive by midday, check in at the sanctuary campsite, and have lunch. In the afternoon, go for a guided rhino trekking experience where you walk with rangers to see rhinos up close in their natural environment. You can also enjoy bird watching, since Ziwa is home to shoebill storks and many other species. In the evening, relax at the quiet Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Campsite, which has basic facilities but a safe and peaceful setting in the bush.
Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up early and enjoy the morning sounds of nature at Ziwa before setting off for Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Arrive at the park around midday and settle at Red Chilli Rest Camp, a popular budget campsite inside the park with good views and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, you can take a short self-drive safari or simply rest and watch for animals that sometimes wander near the camp. In the evening, enjoy the campfire and prepare for a full day of safari adventure tomorrow.
Day 11: Murchison Game Drive, Drive to the falls and Afternoon Boat cruise
After breakfast you will go for a game drive. You might spot animals like elephants, Buffalos, Impalas, Uganda Kobs and lions. Various birds can be spotted too and they include the African skimmer, Pink- Papyrus canary, Shoebill stork, martial eagle. Later return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch you will go for a boat cruise and drive to the top of the falls. Dinner and overnight at the above lodge.
Day 12: Transfer to Fort Portal
After breakfast at Red Chilli Rest Camp, leave Murchison Falls National Park and drive south towards Fort Portal, a journey of about 6–7 hours. The road passes through beautiful countryside, small villages, and rolling hills. Arrive in Fort Portal in the afternoon and take a short walk through the town, known for its clean streets and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. You can also visit a local market or enjoy Ugandan tea and snacks at a café. Overnight at Camping sites: Kluges Guest House
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Nkuruba
This morning, drive a short distance (about 45 minutes) from Fort Portal to the scenic Lake Nkuruba area, famous for its crater lakes and lush forest. Set up at a campsite near the lake and enjoy the peaceful environment. Spend the afternoon walking around the lake, birdwatching, or spotting monkeys in the trees. If you like, you can take a canoe ride or hike to nearby crater lakes. Overnight at Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve Community Campsite, a rustic and community-run place with great views.
Day 14: Chimpanzee Trekking
Wake up to an early morning breakfast and head out to the park headquarters to attend briefing and later embark on the trek together with the park ranger guides. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale National Park contains one of the most beautiful and with the most varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. After trekking, you will drive to the lodge for lunch. Spend your evening relaxing at the lodge. Camping sites: Kluges Guest House
Day 15: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains
After breakfast, drive about 2–3 hours to the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Today is for a short hike in the foothills rather than a full trek, so you can enjoy waterfalls, forests, and views of the peaks without heavy climbing. Local guides can take you on day walks starting from Nyakalengija or Kilembe trailheads. After the hike, settle at Mbunga Campsite, which sits on the slopes of the Rwenzoris and offers beautiful views of the valleys below.
Day 16: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today after breakfast you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Within this park there is Lake Edward and Lake George and the Kazinga channel. On arrival you will have lunch. You may spot animals like elephants, Buffaloes, Impalas, Uganda Kobs and lions. Various birds can be spotted too and they include the African skimmer, Papyrus canary, Shoebill stork, martial eagle. Camping at Pangolin Rescue Camp
Day 17: Game Drive and Kazinga Boat Cruise
Today early morning with your packed breakfast will drive to Kasenyi section of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an incredible game drive. The meaning of driving with packed breakfast is to enjoy morning bloody sunrise with a bit, it’s very amazing. One of the rewarding game drives with variety of wildlife species including; elephants, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, buffalos, lions, warthogs among so many species to watch accompanied by several bird species. In the afternoon hours with lunch en-route will drive to the Mweya peninsular, for a boat cruise on Kazinga channel. The wild boat cruise is an opening of watching more animals. Several animals are seen coming to the channel banks to draw water and the aquatic life seen either socked in water or lousily relaxed at water banks. Camping at Pangolin Rescue Camp
Day 18: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
After breakfast, leave the Rwenzori area and drive south towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a long but beautiful journey of about 6–7 hours. Along the way, you pass tea plantations, terraced hills, and villages, with stunning views of southwestern Uganda’s highlands. Arrive in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi by late afternoon. Settle in at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, which
offers both camping and lodge options, and rest in preparation for the next day’s trek.
Day 19: Gorilla Trekking
Wake up early and head to the park office in Rushaga for a briefing before setting off on your gorilla trekking experience. Hike through thick rain forest to find your assigned gorilla family. Once located, spend one magical hour observing their behavior up close. After the trek, return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, transfer by road (about 2–3 hours) to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Kisoro. Overnight at Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, located right at the entrance gate, where you can camp.
Day 20: Climb Mountain Sabinyo in Mgahinga
Embark on an adventurous climb of Mount Sabinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth” for its jagged peaks, Sabinyo rises to 3,669 meters and marks the meeting point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hike is challenging, taking 6 to 9 hours over steep ridges, bamboo forests, and sub-alpine vegetation, with occasional ladders and rocky sections. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as golden monkeys and various bird species. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.
Day 21: Cross Uganda border to Rwanda and Drive to Volcanos National Park
After breakfast in Mgahinga, drive to the Cyanika Border Post and cross into Rwanda. The process usually takes about an hour, then continue to Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park (about 1 hour from the border). Camping at Muhabura Lodge
Day 22: Hike Bisoke
Today you will set off for a day hike up Mount Bisoke (3,711m) inside Volcanoes National Park. The climb takes around 6–7 hours round trip and leads to a spectacular crater lake at the summit. The trail can be muddy, so hiking boots are essential. Packed lunch will be provided on the hike, and by afternoon you will return to Musanze for some rest. Camping at Muhabura Lodge
Day 23: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit Gorilla Cultural Village
In the morning, enjoy a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are unique to the Virunga region and live in large, active groups. The trek is usually 3–4 hours and is much easier than gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for traditional dance, storytelling, and learning about Rwandan culture.
Day 24: Ellen DeGeneres Campus & Twin Lakes
Start your day with a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, just outside Musanze. The modern museum and research center offers interactive exhibits about gorilla conservation and Dian Fossey’s legacy. In the afternoon, take a relaxing trip to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can do a boat ride or simply enjoy the views. This is a calm day after several hikes. Overnight near the lakes at Virunga Lodge Campsite (basic)
Day 25: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today enjoy the morning breeze filled with direct hit of sunrise arrays. After the morning breakfast, will take a drive from Akagera coming back to Kigali and continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park. With lunch en-route at Kigali the drive can last for about 7 hours. Reaching the park you will check-in at your lodge. Overnight. Accommodation: Imuhira camp & CBT
Day 26: Chimpanzee Tracking
Today follow your day program and consider a morning session chimpanzee tracking. The track means going to the forest and start a search for the apes, and it’s never a guarantee, but with testimonies at least the opportunities are much higher to watch the chimpanzees. The track can last between 30 minutes to about 3 hours searching for apes into the deep of the forest. And finding them, you have a limit of one hour in their presence. Following the track, you need to rest, and refresh, and after refreshing will take an afternoon nature walk for bird watching through tea plantation watching several primate species, and bird species. Accommodation: ImuHira camp & CBT
Day 27: Canopy Walks and Colobus Monkey Tracking
Consider this day to take this confidential and world class amazing canopy walk. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk is a world class through the stunning suspensions. The Canopy Walk leads over tallest forest overlooking the canopies which is an amazing encounter. After the lunch refreshments then will take an afternoon colobus monkey tracking which is an amazing adventure of Nyungwe. The colobus monkey tracking session is accompanied with several monkeys watched. The forest is thought to host about 13 primate species which makes it ideal to track primates. Accommodation: ImuHira camp & CBT
Day 28: Transfer back to Kigali
After exploring the Nyungwe area or Twin Lakes, drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 6 -7hours depending on the speed limit. Enjoy the scenic hills and villages along the way. Once in Kigali, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Accommodation: Peponi Living Spaces
Day 29: Cross Border to Uganda via Katuna and Transfer to Lake Mburo
After breakfast in Kigali, drive north to the Katuna Border Post. Complete immigration formalities and cross into Uganda. Continue your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, which takes about 6 -7 hours. Arrive in the afternoon and settle at a nearby campsite, such as Leopard Camp. You can take a short walk around the camp or relax while enjoying views of the park’s wildlife and surrounding countryside.
Day 30: Game Drive in Lake Mburo and Transfer to Entebbe via the Equator
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Spot zebras, impalas, hippos, and various bird species. After the safari, drive back towards Entebbe, stopping at the Uganda Equator for photos and a fun visit. Continue to Entebbe, arriving in the evening. Overnight at Via Via campsite in Entebbe,
Day 31: Mabamba Swamp
Enjoy a half-day excursion to Mabamba Swamp, located about 45 minutes from Entebbe. Take a guided boat tour through the papyrus channels to spot shoebill storks, herons, kingfishers, and other wetland birds. The tour is peaceful and a great way to end your trip immersed in nature. After the swamp visit, return to Entebbe, have lunch or relax at your hotel at Via Via Entebbe
Day 32: Relax in Entebbe and Departure
Spend your final day relaxing in Entebbe. Enjoy the hotel facilities, take a walk along the lake, do some last-minute shopping, or simply rest before your flight. Later, transfer to Entebbe Airport for departure.