14-Day Great Lakes Explorer

The Great Lakes region of East Africa is one of the most enchanting and diverse landscapes on the continent — a haven of misty highlands, volcanic mountains, vast inland seas, and rich cultures that trace their roots to ancient kingdoms and tribes. A 14-Day Great Lakes Explorer journey unveils the natural and cultural treasures of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — countries bound together by geography, history, and the life-giving waters of the Great Lakes.

This immersive safari takes you through rolling tea plantations, dense tropical forests alive with primates, and tranquil lakeshores where fishermen cast their nets beneath golden sunsets. From the mystical waters of Lake Bunyonyi to the glimmering expanse of Lake Kivu, and from the thunderous Murchison Falls on the Nile to the towering peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes, the Great Lakes region is a world of contrasts and harmony — a true explorer’s paradise.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide from Moreen Tours & Travel. Entebbe sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake and the source of the Nile River. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens — home to vervet monkeys and a dazzling variety of birds — or enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria.

Dinner and overnight in Entebbe, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park – The Power of the Nile

After breakfast, set out for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge to create the world’s most powerful waterfall. The journey north takes about six hours, passing through vibrant towns and villages.

Along the way, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. Continue to Murchison Falls and visit the top of the falls, where the roaring Nile crashes down in a spray of mist and rainbows — a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge overlooking the Nile River or the park’s savanna plains.

Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Rise early for a game drive across the northern sector of Murchison Falls. Watch as the savanna awakens — elephants lumber across the plains, giraffes browse treetops, and lions rest in the shade after their morning hunt. The park’s diversity ensures that every drive brings new surprises, from hartebeest and buffalo to the occasional leopard.

Return for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise up the Nile. Glide past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and flocks of colorful birds as you approach the base of Murchison Falls. The combination of scenery and wildlife is mesmerizing.

Optional: For the adventurous, take a short hike from the boat landing to the top of the falls, where you can feel the thunderous power of the river beneath your feet.

Dinner and overnight in Murchison Falls.

Day 4: Drive to Fort Portal – The Crater Lakes Region

After breakfast, depart Murchison and travel southwest toward Fort Portal, a scenic journey of about 6–7 hours through rolling farmlands, tea estates, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” these peaks are often shrouded in mist and lend the landscape a magical allure.

Arrive in Fort Portal by evening and settle into your lodge overlooking the crater lakes. Dinner and overnight near Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands

Today, you’ll experience the thrill of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and the highest concentration of primates in Africa. After a short briefing, venture into the rainforest to find these playful and intelligent creatures. Watching chimpanzees interact, communicate, and swing effortlessly through the trees is an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project known for birdlife and cultural experiences. You’ll learn about local herbs, traditional healing, and life in rural Uganda.

Dinner and overnight near Kibale.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Medley of Wonders

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse reserve. The route passes through the scenic crater lakes region and offers stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes against the backdrop of vast grasslands and acacia trees.

Dinner and overnight overlooking the park or the Kazinga Channel.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the day with a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators on the move. Lions, hyenas, and leopards are often active at dawn, and the golden light enhances the beauty of the plains.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This two-hour excursion reveals one of the world’s greatest concentrations of hippos, as well as elephants cooling off on the shores and countless bird species.

Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha

After breakfast, continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector — famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your camera ready as you may spot these unique predators lounging on the branches of giant fig trees.

Continue into the highlands, where mist-covered hills and terraced farms mark your arrival in Bwindi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and a sanctuary for countless other species.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge on the forest edge.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Lifetime Encounter

After an early breakfast, gather at the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out on your gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by expert rangers, hike through dense jungle, crossing streams and climbing steep ridges in search of a gorilla family.

The moment you meet them — the gentle silverback watching over his group, the mothers nurturing their young, the playful infants tumbling through the foliage — is one of the most moving experiences in the natural world.

Spend an hour observing these incredible primates before returning to your lodge. In the evening, visit the local Batwa community for a cultural encounter that reveals their traditional forest lifestyle.

Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi – The Place of Little Birds

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful and tranquil lakes. The road winds through rolling highlands and terraced hills, offering postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Lake Bunyonyi, meaning “place of little birds,” is dotted with 29 small islands and surrounded by green hills. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lakeside lodge, canoeing between the islands, or visiting local communities to learn about their customs and folklore.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 11: Cross into Rwanda – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” The drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is breathtaking — winding through verdant hillsides, tea plantations, and charming villages.

Arrive in Gisenyi (Rubavu), a picturesque lakeside town, in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach, taking a boat cruise to the nearby islands, or exploring local coffee farms.

Dinner and overnight at a lakeside lodge, watching the sunset reflect off the calm waters of Lake Kivu.

Day 12: Volcanoes National Park – The Home of the Gorillas

After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park, a land of mist-shrouded volcanoes and thick bamboo forests that inspired Dian Fossey’s pioneering gorilla conservation work. Depending on your interests, you can visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities showcase traditional dances, drumming, and Rwandan heritage.

Alternatively, hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb or explore the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking and Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu

Start your morning with an exhilarating golden monkey tracking experience in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are playful and fast-moving, often seen leaping through the bamboo canopy. Watching them interact is both delightful and fascinating.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and later drive back to Lake Kivu, where you’ll spend the evening relaxing on the shore, enjoying the serenity of the Great Lakes once more.

Dinner and overnight at your lakeside retreat.

Day 14: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Depending on your flight schedule, you can tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful place of remembrance, or visit local art galleries and markets for last-minute souvenirs.

Your driver will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your incredible 14-Day Great Lakes Explorer journey.

The Spirit of the Great Lakes Explorer

This journey across Uganda, Rwanda, and parts of the Congo basin is not just a safari — it’s an immersion into the heart of East Africa’s living landscape. It’s about feeling the mist rise from Bwindi’s jungles, hearing the laughter of children by Lake Bunyonyi, and watching fishermen glide across Lake Kivu at sunset. It’s the thrill of gorilla trekking, the roar of Murchison Falls, and the serenity of Africa’s lakeshores all woven into one unforgettable adventure.

The Great Lakes region is a crossroads of biodiversity, culture, and human resilience. Every destination tells a story, and every encounter leaves a mark on your soul.

Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel

To truly experience the Great Lakes in all their beauty and complexity, you need a trusted local expert who understands every curve of the road and every rhythm of the land. Moreen Tours & Travel is your ideal companion — a dedicated East African tour operator specializing in tailor-made safaris that blend luxury, adventure, and authenticity.

With a team of knowledgeable driver-guides, seamless logistics, and carefully curated lodges, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures that every moment of your journey is safe, comfortable, and meaningful. Their commitment to responsible tourism supports local communities and conservation efforts, so your visit contributes positively to the region’s people and wildlife.

Whether you’re exploring gorilla habitats, cruising the Great Lakes, or witnessing Africa’s raw wilderness, Moreen Tours & Travel transforms your safari into an inspiring story — one you’ll carry for a lifetime.