Across Rift Valleys and Volcanoes: An 11‑day private sweep from Kampala to Rwanda’s gorilla forests

KAMPALA ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Across Rift Valleys and Volcanoes: An 11‑day private sweep from Kampala to Rwanda’s gorilla forests

An 11‑day, private safari route that links Kampala’s cultural pulse with rhino tracking, chimp and gorilla treks, big‑game drives and lake‑and‑river cruises—this guide lays out the daily flow, logistics and what to expect.

Across Rift Valleys and Volcanoes: An 11‑day private sweep from Kampala to Rwanda’s gorilla forests.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Kampala
Operator
Kent Safari Tours, Inc.
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This 11‑day private tour from Uganda into Rwanda threads city culture and remote reserves: start in Kampala for museums and cultural visits, follow the Nile and Rift Valley to Ziwa and Murchison Falls for rhino tracking and big‑game viewing, visit Kibale for chimp tracking, sweep through Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi for game drives and gorilla trekking, then cross into Rwanda for Volcanoes National Park, the Genocide Memorial and Lake Kivu.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CITY

Kampala: monuments, museums and the city night scene

Kampala is the tour’s cultural opening—city walks visit Kasubi, museums, craft villages and cultural centers before the expedition leaves urban streets for reserves and highlands.

THE WILDLIFE

Close encounters: rhinos, chimps and mountain gorillas

The route includes guided rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park and mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks—signature primate encounters on the itinerary.

THE ROUTE

Rivers, falls and crater lakes: Murchison to Lake Kivu

The itinerary threads the Nile and Rift Valley—Murchison Falls, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, Lake Albert and the highland approach to Lake Kivu—linking dramatic water features with safari plains and volcanic highlands.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

The program alternates urban cultural visits and long travel days with concentrated wildlife experiences: early‑morning game drives and afternoon boat cruises in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth, dedicated trekking days for chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, and hotel nights that bookend muddy, sometimes strenuous forest treks into Bwindi and Volcanoes.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and who should reconsider.

1
Wildlife and primate specialistsIdeal for travelers focused on big‑game viewing and primate encounters—the itinerary packs rhino tracking, chimp trekking and multiple mountain gorilla treks into an 11‑day route.
2
Active trekkersA good match for hikers able to handle muddy, sometimes steep trails during gorilla treks and full days of travel between parks.
3
Families with childrenFamilies can travel on this itinerary; the operator lists child and youth rates (children ages 6–14 and youth 15–18) and infants (ages 1–5) travel free—consider the physical challenges of some treks for younger participants.
4
Older travelers / seniorsSeniors are accommodated with a specific rate category (65+), but should assess their fitness for forest treks and long drives before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Carry masks and hand sanitizer as provided in the inclusions; bring comfortable trekking shoes and personal insurance (highly recommended by the operator).

Logistics

The tour provides transportation in a shared driven safari vehicle with a pop‑up roof and guarantees 5 or 7 passengers a window seat in each vehicle; airport transfers and meet‑and‑greet services are included.

Health & safety

The tour includes emergency evacuation coverage via AMREF and a 24‑hour standby contact number; personal insurance is recommended.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The itinerary runs 11 days and 10 nights.

Where does the tour begin and who meets me?

The program begins on arrival in Entebbe; a Kent Safari representative meets you and escorts you to your hotel in Kampala.

What is included in the price?

Included are accommodation and meals as listed, transport in a shared safari vehicle with a pop‑up roof, an English‑speaking driver‑guide, game drives, specified park entrance fees, airport transfers, a gorilla permit per person, masks and sanitizers, meet‑and‑greet services, a 24‑hour standby contact and emergency evacuation (AMREF).

What is not included and are there visa or tipping costs?

Not included are personal items (calls, laundry), tips and gratuities (suggested guides: approx. US$2–4 per person per day for lodge staff, US$1 per bag for porters and US$10–12 per person per day for driver‑guides), alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks, local or international flights and departure taxes, visa fees (currently US$50 per passport and subject to change), and personal insurance (recommended).

Are gorilla permits provided?

Yes—gorilla permits per person are listed among the items included in the itinerary package.

How are passenger seats arranged in the safari vehicle?

The operator guarantees 5 or 7 passengers a window seat in each safari vehicle.