11-Day East African Escape: Gorillas, Source of the Nile & Jungles
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK · ENTEBBE · KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

11-Day East African Escape: Gorillas, Source of the Nile & Jungles

Embark on an unforgettable journey through East Africa, where you'll discover a tapestry of cultural wonders and natural beauty.

5.0 · 12 traveller reviews
Duration11 Days
FromUSD 5,364
CountriesSafaris in Uganda · Safaris in Rwanda
THE JOURNEY

Overview

Travel across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi on a journey combining wildlife, primates, cultural experiences and some of East Africa’s most distinctive landscapes. Begin around Entebbe and the Source of the Nile before heading into Uganda’s national parks for Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Continue to Bwindi and Rwanda for a gorilla trekking experience, then finish in Burundi with time in Bujumbura and Rusizi National Park.

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
  • 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 | Journey into the Rainforest
  • Day 6: Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi
  • Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | Savannah & Wildlife
  • Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel
  • Day 9: Bwindi | Gorilla Trekking
  • Day 10: windi to Bujumbura | Journey into Burundi
  • Day 11: Bujumbura | Rusizi & Departure
DAY BY DAY

Full Itinerary

1
DAY 1

Arrival in Entebbe | Welcome to Uganda

Arrive in Entebbe and begin your East African journey with a city experience. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to see rescued native wildlife before settling in and preparing for the journey ahead.

Dinner
2
DAY 2

Entebbe to Jinja | Source of the Nile

Travel to Jinja, known for its connection to the Nile River and its adventure experiences. Visit the Source of the Nile and explore the city before continuing your East African adventure.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
3
DAY 3

Jinja to Murchison Falls | Journey into the Wild

Leave Jinja and travel towards Murchison Falls National Park. Settle into the safari environment and prepare for game drives and a Nile River boat experience, with opportunities to look for elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
4
DAY 4

Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Explore Murchison Falls National Park on a game drive, looking for wildlife across the park. Later, take a boat safari along the Nile towards Murchison Falls, experiencing the river and its surrounding wildlife from the water.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
DAY 5

Murchison Falls to Kibale | Journey into the Rainforest

Travel south towards Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzees. Arrive at your lodge and settle into the forest surroundings before tomorrow’s chimpanzee experience.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
6
DAY 6

Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi

Enter Kibale’s rainforest for a chimpanzee trek, following your guide through the forest in search of these intelligent primates. Later, explore Bigodi Swamp on a guided nature walk, looking for birds, primates and other wildlife.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
7
DAY 7

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | Savannah & Wildlife

Continue from Kibale towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in the park and prepare for the wildlife experiences ahead, with its varied landscapes providing a change from the rainforest environment.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
8
DAY 8

Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive, looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife. Later, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos and numerous bird species can be seen.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
9
DAY 9

Bwindi | Gorilla Trekking

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Prepare for a gorilla trekking experience in the forest, following your guide in search of a gorilla family.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
10
DAY 10

windi to Bujumbura | Journey into Burundi

Travel towards Bujumbura, Burundi’s lakeside capital. On arrival, explore the city and visit Rusizi National Park, where you can look for hippos and other wildlife.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
11
DAY 11

Bujumbura | Rusizi & Departure

Spend your final day in Bujumbura with time to explore the city, its markets and historic landmarks. Visit Rusizi National Park for another opportunity to see local wildlife before transferring to the airport for your departure.

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

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
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
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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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 5,364per person
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