11-Day East African Odyssey:  Gorilla Encounter, Falls & Adventure
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK · ENTEBBE · KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

11-Day East African Odyssey: Gorilla Encounter, Falls & Adventure

Embark on an epic 11-day adventure through East Africa, where you'll explore the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.

5.0 · 12 traveller reviews
Duration11 Days
FromUSD 4,607
CountriesSafaris in Uganda · Safaris in Rwanda
THE JOURNEY

Overview

Experience East Africa through a journey across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, combining wildlife, primates, rivers and vibrant cities. Begin in Entebbe and Jinja before travelling to Murchison Falls for game drives and a Nile boat safari. Continue through Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, then head to Bwindi and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for the highlight of the journey: gorilla trekking. Finish in Burundi with time in Bujumbura and a visit to Rusizi National Park. It’s a varied itinerary that brings together some of the region’s most memorable wildlife and landscapes.

Trip at a glance 11 days

Route: Bwindi National Park → Entebbe → Kibale National Park → Kigali City → Murchison Falls National Park → Queen Elizabeth NP → River Nile → Safaris in Rwanda → Safaris in Uganda → Volcanoes National Park

  • Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe | Welcome to Uganda
  • Day 2: Entebbe to Jinja | Source of the Nile & City Tour
  • Day 3: Jinja to Murchison Falls | Journey into the Wild
  • Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
  • Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park | Into the Forest
  • Day 6: Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland
  • Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Wildlife & Kazinga Channel
  • Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Into Gorilla Country
  • Day 9: Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
  • Day 10: Volcanoes National Park to Bujumbura | Cross-Border Journey into Burundi
  • Day 11: Bujumbura | Rusizi National Park & Departure
DAY BY DAY

Full Itinerary

1
DAY 1

Arrival in Entebbe | Welcome to Uganda

Arrive in Entebbe, your gateway to the journey ahead. Take time to explore the city and visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where you can see a variety of rescued animals native to Uganda.

Dinner
2
DAY 2

Entebbe to Jinja | Source of the Nile & City Tour

Travel to Jinja, one of Uganda’s best-known destinations and home to the historic source of the Nile. Discover the city and enjoy time along the river before continuing your East African adventure.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
3
DAY 3

Jinja to Murchison Falls | Journey into the Wild

Leave Jinja and travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park. As you enter Uganda’s renowned wildlife country, prepare for the game drives and Nile experiences that await over the next two days.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
4
DAY 4

Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Spend the day exploring Murchison Falls National Park. A game drive offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife, followed by a boat safari along the Nile with views towards the famous Murchison Falls.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
DAY 5

Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park | Into the Forest

Continue south towards Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee population and lush rainforest. Settle into the forest region and prepare for the next day’s primate experiences.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
6
DAY 6

Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland

Head into Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee trek and the chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. Later, explore Bigodi Wetland on a guided nature walk, with opportunities to see birds, primates and other wildlife.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
7
DAY 7

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Wildlife & Kazinga Channel

Travel from Kibale towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s diverse wildlife region. Enjoy a game drive before taking to the Kazinga Channel by boat, where hippos and abundant birdlife can be seen along the water.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
8
DAY 8

Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Into Gorilla Country

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you deeper into southwestern Uganda and prepares you for one of the trip’s defining experiences.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
9
DAY 9

Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Cross into Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park. Trek through the forested slopes in search of mountain gorillas, then spend time observing these remarkable animals in their natural environment.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
10
DAY 10

Volcanoes National Park to Bujumbura | Cross-Border Journey into Burundi

Leave Rwanda and continue south towards Burundi. Arrive in Bujumbura, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and discover the city through its markets and historic landmarks.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
11
DAY 11

Bujumbura | Rusizi National Park & Departure

Spend your final day exploring Bujumbura and visiting Rusizi National Park, with opportunities to see some of Burundi’s wildlife. Continue to the airport for your departure, bringing your East African journey to a close.

Breakfast
THE FINE PRINT

What's Included

Included & not included 5 included

Included

  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Activities and excursions as specified
  • Entrance fees and permits
  • Expert guides
WHERE YOU'LL GO

Destinations

GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this itinerary be customised?

Yes, every trip can be tailored to your dates, budget and interests.

How do I book, and what deposit is needed?

Reserve a departure on the website or send us an inquiry for a customized engagment and payment link.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most visitors need an East African Tourist Visa and a yellow fever certificate.

TRAVELLER STORIES

What People Say

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Ian K profile picture
Ian K
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An amazing experience I had an amazing experience,the guide was great. Got to enjoy different places. We had different activities, water tubing,quad biking zip lining,quad biking and amazing dinners at the hotels and lodges.
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lumonya j profile picture
lumonya j
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing safari experience Great eye for sighting all animals. Knowledgeable with the different parks, very hospitable, alternate and careful on the road. You won't regret.
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Brad H profile picture
Brad H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
AWESOME Experience! This was the second time I have worked with Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris in Uganda. This time, we traveled with my wife and daughter who were making their first visit to Africa. Zacc and Paanvuu had EVERYTHING arranged perfectly so that there was nothing for us to do but enjoy an amazing experience! Safe travels, wonderful accommodations, good food, and incredible safaris. 100% recommend!
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Scenic31734850335 profile picture
Scenic31734850335
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic First Experience of Africa! Paanvu was incredible and our driver Zaac did an amazing job at showing us some incredible sights, Safari’s, and waterfalls as well as being extremely knowledgeable about everything we got to explore! He was very positive the entire trip and took good care of us while we were able to explore the beauty of Uganda! 10/10 would go again!
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Compass33176568006 profile picture
Compass33176568006
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience What an AMAZING experience. So glad we picked an amazing company to take us! They knew exactly where to go! Will definitely use them again!
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Sara profile picture
Sara
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Our team visited the Ewaffe Cultural Village. Zach organized an experience for our group of seven at Ewaffe Cultural Village. It was a great day getting to participate in different Ugandan traditions and practices! Thanks, Zach!
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Hannah L profile picture
Hannah L
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Really great time, very well put together! This was my first safari ever and it was so good!! We had Zac taking us (2 ppl) and he was brilliant, super punctual and very knowledgeable about how to find specific animals on the trails. The vehicle was perfect, very comfortable to travel in but worked really well for safari too as the roof could be raised. We had so so much fun and would defo do it all over again <3
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Brad H profile picture
Brad H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Paanvuu and Zacc are the best! I have been on several safaris and this one was one of the best! Zacc took great care of our entire team, answering questions, taking care of all arrangements, driving safely, and providing a great experience. We visited Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda where we took two game drives and a boat safari. We saw many animals UP CLOSE and really got to experience the best of Africa. Thanks Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris!
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evie_e_wyse profile picture
evie_e_wyse
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Loved every moment! Zacc was an extraordinary guide. He spotted animals and made sure we had a moment to stop along the road to have a good look and take photos. He provided information and respectfully answered all our group’s questions. Water was always available in the van. He made sure we were comfortable and enjoying the trip along the way. There were times in our trip that required careful driving. I felt entirely safe and comfortable with Zac’s driving. He was kind, fun, and a great conversationalist. I would highly recommend Paanvuu Safari and hope to use them again in the future!
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Maps18765867286 profile picture
Maps18765867286
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
We did it all thanks to Zac. Got to interact with the locals and check out all the spots! Perfect. Zac is the best guide out there. Very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to hang with on your adventure. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and showing you his beautiful country! You will not forget this experience and may even make a true friend. Highly recommend!
USD 4,607per person
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