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Thousand Hills Safari Tour

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Thousand Hills Safari Tour
From $5,000USDBook Now
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13 days from $5,000USD
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Thousand Hills Safari Tour
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Embark on an eco-adventure of a lifetime on the Thousand Hills Safari Tour, discovering the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda—including off-the-beaten path locations like Lake Bunyonyi and the once political capital of Rwanda, Nyanza.

Beginning in Entebbe, Uganda and finishing in Kigali, Rwanda, over thirteen days you’ll discover the magic of trekking through local national parks, including: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Watch endangered white rhinos roam the grounds at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, then embark on a safari through the savannah that lines the Nile on Lake Alberta, where wildlife such as elephants and giraffes can be spotted drinking from the watering hole. Sleep under the stars in a cozy lodge in Fort Portal, surrounded by the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, the biggest mountain range in Africa. Visit the charming town of Bigodi to meet the friendly locals, learn about their customs and history on a village walk.

Don’t delay and book your Thousand Hills Safari Tour today!

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Thousand Hills Safari Tour

Discover the eco-highlights of Africa on this Safari Tour
4.90
(19 reviews)
13 days from $5,000USD
Easy quote
Duration
13 days
Season
Jan-Dec
Safari
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels, Lodges
Difficulty
Easy (2/5)
From $5,000USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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Thousand Hills Safari Tour
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Embark on an eco-adventure of a lifetime on the Thousand Hills Safari Tour, discovering the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda—including off-the-beaten path locations like Lake Bunyonyi and the once political capital of Rwanda, Nyanza.

Beginning in Entebbe, Uganda and finishing in Kigali, Rwanda, over thirteen days you’ll discover the magic of trekking through local national parks, including: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Watch endangered white rhinos roam the grounds at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, then embark on a safari through the savannah that lines the Nile on Lake Alberta, where wildlife such as elephants and giraffes can be spotted drinking from the watering hole. Sleep under the stars in a cozy lodge in Fort Portal, surrounded by the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, the biggest mountain range in Africa. Visit the charming town of Bigodi to meet the friendly locals, learn about their customs and history on a village walk.

Don’t delay and book your Thousand Hills Safari Tour today!

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Trip highlights

Set out on a nature walk in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where endangered white rhinos roam freely and learn about their breeding program

Hop in a safari vehicle to explore the savannah and encounter giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalos, and possibly the elusive leopard

Explore the Nyungwe Forest National Park with a local park ranger to spot 13 unique species of primates that inhabit the land

Trek through forest trails in scratch of habituated families of mountain gorillas, where you can observe their behaviour and snap photos

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, located in Uganda where you will meet your local guide. From here, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Entebbe
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy a full breakfast at the B&B, then depart making your way towards Murchison Falls National Park. The first stop along the way is a nature walk at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, where endangered white rhinos roam freely and you’ll learn about their rhino breading project. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the on-site restaurant. Depart the sanctuary for Murchison Falls, which is the largest national park in Uganda and home to a unique blend of scenery, ranging from palm tree savannahs, grassland acacia and lush, tropical forests. Note: Prepare for a 6-hour drive on today’s transfer, including bumpy, dirt roads once in the park
Distance None
Overnight Location Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
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Murchison Falls National Park Safari
Indulge in a traditional African breakfast, then hop in a 4X4 safari Land Cruiser to discover the endemic wildlife of the savannah. Set out in along the Nile River in Lake Albert, Northern Bank, keeping eyes peeled for lions, giraffes, elephants, waterbucks, buffalos, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and on the rarest occasion, the elusive leopard. Kick back at the lodge and enjoy lunch looking out over the breathtaking property. After a break, set out for an on-water safari, jetting along the river Nile to the base of the Murchison Falls. Keep your binoculars close, as the river is teeming with wildlife, such as crocodiles, hippos, and plenty of unique birds: pelicans, Egyptian geese, kingfisher, African eagles, and plenty more to discover. Top off a fantastic day with a walk to the top of the stunning Murchison Falls, located right along the Nile.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
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Transport to Fort Portal
Enjoy breakfast before departing for a scenic ride along the Lake Albert and Rift Valley escarpment. Pass through the capital town of Bunyoro Kingdom—Hoima— enjoying pretty views over banana, sugarcane, coffee, cocoa, tea plantations. Stop for a lunch pitstop at Bugoma Jungle Lodge. After about a 7/8-hour drive, arrive in Fort Portal, the capital town of Tooro kingdom, nestled between the Rwenzori Mountains— the biggest mountain range in Africa.
Distance None
Overnight Location Lodge in Fort Portal
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
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Chimpanzee Trek in Kibale Forest
After an early morning wakeup and breakfast, set out to trek in the forest of Kibale to meet the local, friendly chimpanzees. If you’re not an early riser, this activity can be arranged for the afternoon. After working up an appetite, enjoy a hot lunch back at the lodge. Then, spend the afternoon on an eco-tour site in Bigodi, a small village where you’ll chat with the locals, learning their culture, traditions and customs. Hop in the car for a two-hour transfer that will take you to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the night.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
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Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Delight in a leisurely breakfast, before setting out on a long game drive through the famed northern sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as sections within the Kasenyi village and along Lake George. Watch as elephants, hyenas, lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, Ugandan kobs roam freely among the savannah. Post lunch, head out on an exciting boat safari, flying along the Kazinga channel, home to plenty go buffaloes, hippos and even elephants—making for a fantastic photo opportunity. In the evening, prepare for a short transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Distance None
Overnight Location Lodge in Ishasha
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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Ishasha Game Drive
After a quick breakfast, head out for an exciting early morning game drive in Ishasha, which is known for excellent lion spotting—just keep eyes towards the high branches of acacia trees where the lions frequent. After, depart further south from the Queen Elizabeth sector, towards the Lake Bunyonyo region, famed for its natural beauty and unique landscape. Upon arrival, head out to the island on the lake that is home to the “Twa” tribes’ people and enjoy the tranquility Lake Bunyonyi offers.
Distance None
Overnight Location Lodge in Bunyonyi
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
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Boat safari on Lake Bunyonyi
Following breakfast, all aboard the boat safari for an incredible wildlife and birding experience across Lake Bunyonyi! Fly across the water, keeping lookout for the endemic species that call the lake home, as well as countless islands. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then enjoy the quick transfer to the Bwindi Forest National Park area, where you have the option to set out on a gorilla tracking expedition or relax at the lodge.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
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Mountain Gorillas
Enjoy a delectable breakfast, before setting out on an optional trek of a lifetime through the forest to spot one of the habituated mountain gorilla families, nestled up in the peaks. Follow the guidance of a local park ranger, as you explore stunning mountain trails, then relax with a packed lunch. Spend about an hour observing the gorillas, while respecting their environment, and maybe even grab a photo or two before returning to the lodge. In the evening, cross the border into Rwanda from Cyanika, before enjoying an organized Iby’lwacu cultural village tour in Kinigi.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Lodge in Kinigi
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
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Trek Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, visit the beloved Volcanoes National Park, where you can find the tombs of Dian Fossey, or walk to the Old Karaoke Center to visit the mountain gorillas. Another option is to set out on the golden monkey trek, visiting the endemic endangered primates that call Volcanoes National Park home (book both activities in advance). Be sure to bring your provided water and packed lunch on either trek. In the afternoon, prepare for the 3-hour journey to Kibuye, following the shores of Lake Kivu for a stunning drive.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Kibuye
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
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Discover the shores of Lake Kivu
Following breakfast, visit the beloved Volcanoes National Park, where you can find the tombs of Dian Fossey, or walk to the Old Karaoke Center to visit the mountain gorillas. Another option is to set out on the golden monkey trek, visiting the endemic endangered primates that call Volcanoes National Park home (book both activities in advance). Be sure to bring your provided water and packed lunch on either trek. In the afternoon, prepare for the 3-hour journey to Kibuye, following the shores of Lake Kivu for a stunning drive.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Kibuye
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
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Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Grab your packed breakfast for an early 6 a.m. departures for Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here, trek through the jungle in search of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, such as the Rwenzori colobus, the Hoest Monkey, the silver monkey, owl faced monkey, red tailed monkey, velvet monkey and olive baboon. Discover verdant rolling hills covering 970 sq km, which is the largest uncontaminated piece of tropical forest in all Eastern Africa. Enjoy a piping hot lunch back at the lodge and put your feet up for the rest of the afternoon.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Resort in Kibuye
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
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Visit the cultural towns of Butare and Nyanza
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of the trip! Drive to the town of Butare, the cultural capital of Rwanda, which is home to the university and the National Museum. Browse the local artisan handicraft stores, where you can find Rwandan art and souvenirs, like handmade baskets and weaving. Continue to your next stop: Nyanza. This town was once the political capital of Rwanda, but it now known for the antique Royal palace, which features original items dating back hundreds of years that once belonged to King Mwami. Finally, arrive at Kigali International airport and depart.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices

This guided Thousand Hills Safari Tour to Uganda & Rwanda is available either as a private tour for your group only or a group tour where you get to join a group. The price depends on the size of your group, as well as whether you are choosing to stay in the premium or simple accommodations during your trip (please check Accommodation for the list of lodges and hotels). The prices below are for private groups, and if you are interested in joining an existing group, please contact us.

Prices below are per person.

Private Tour

Prices staying in Economy accommodation:

  • Guided Groups of 2: $6,250USD
  • Guided Groups of 3: $5,625USD
  • Guided Groups of 4-5: $5,315USD
  • Guided Groups of 6: $5,000USD

Prices staying in Comfort type accommodation:

  • Guided Groups of 2: $6,995USD
  • Guided Groups of 3: $6,500USD
  • Guided Groups of 4-5: $6,060USD
  • Guided Groups of 6: $4,395USD
What’s included

Meals

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners. Drinks are not included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 12 nights along the tour.

Transportation during the Tour

Transport for you and your luggage is provided throughout the tour (4x4 Land Cruiser). Airport transfers are included too.

Also Included

  • English speaking Driver/Guide
  • Gorilla permit in Uganda (included in fixed departures only)
  • Activities during the tour:
    • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
    • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe NP
    • Boat excursions
    • Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Entrance fees, taxes
  • ‘Akagera’ Aviation Emergency Evacuation while in Rwanda

Not included

  • Flights to get to Uganda or out of Rwanda
  • Entrance visas to Uganda and Rwanda
  • Tourist insurance/local health insurance
  • Tour Guide Gratuity
  • Gorilla permit in Uganda (around 700 USD per person) for custom departures

Optional Extras

  • Optional activities
    • Kayaking on Lake Kivu
    • Napoleon Island boat cruise
    • Half day cycling tour
    • Extension Akagera National Park (2 days/1 night)
  • Extra night in Kigali (Price depends on hotel: upmarket, comfort and economy options available)
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcano National Park (Rwanda) (available for custom departures only) per person

Accommodation for Thousand Hills Safari Tour

This tour is based in hotels and lodges. For custom tours, you can choose between two options: comfort and economy. Accommodations on this tour offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.

In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Please note, that if you are joining a fixed-departure tour, you will be staying in hotels listed under ‘Economy Package’.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. This price depends on whether you are joining a fixed departure or having a custom tour for your group only. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Thousand Hills Safari Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. While there is some walking involved, a majority of the trip is spent touring in a 4X4 safari vehicle. The longest day trek is the chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Uganda and Rwanda?

Uganda / Rwanda has a combined visa (East African Visa) at $100 USD, its necessary to apply ONLINE to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain the permission. However, you should verify with your government. We also suggest checking this website.

Are meals included on the Thousand Hills Safari Tour?

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners are included. Drinks are not included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Entebbe to start this tour?

You’ll fly into Entebbe International Airport, where your dedicated guide will meet you. We recommend flying with Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines. Arrivals in Uganda for this tour are typically on Saturday, though you can fly in early Sunday morning if needed.

Is the Thousand Hills Safari tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

Where does the Thousand Hills Safari tour end?

The tour will end in Kigali, where you’ll depart from Kigali International airport. We do offer an extension package for an extra night in Kigali if you’d like to explore the city longer.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Uganda and Rwanda?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Uganda and Rwanda?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Uganda and Rwanda for this tour?

The best time to travel to Uganda & Rwanda for this Thousand Hills Safari Tour is during May, June, July and August.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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