Tour Overview
8-Day Uganda–Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Experience the very best of Uganda and Rwanda on this 8-day adventure featuring mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural encounters.
Places You Visit
Volcanoes National Park Kigali Genocide Memorial Bwindi Impe Queen Elizabeth National Park netrable National Park Kibale Forest National Park Lake Bunyonyi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: 8-Day Uganda–Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Overview
Experience the very best of Uganda and Rwanda on this 8-day adventure featuring mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural encounters. This itinerary combines two of East Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences and spectacular scenery.
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Uganda & Rwanda
Accommodation: Luxury / Mid-range / Budget (customizable)
Transportation: 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with professional English-speaking driver-guide
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city.
After lunch, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, enjoying scenic countryside views known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Activities
Airport pick-up
Kigali City Tour
Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
Local craft market visit
Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an exciting Golden Monkey Tracking experience.
Following lunch, cross the Cyanika Border into Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Activities
* Golden Monkey Tracking
* Scenic drive through Virunga Highlands
* Border crossing into Uganda
* Community walk (optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, proceed to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for registration and briefing before beginning your gorilla trek.
The trek can take between 2 and 8 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. Once located, enjoy one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After returning, relax at your lodge.
Activities
* Gorilla Trekking
* Certificate presentation
* Evening relaxation
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, travel north through the famous Ishasha Sector, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a game drive while searching for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with luck, the famous tree-climbing lions before proceeding to your lodge.
Activities
* Scenic drive
* Ishasha Game Drive
* Wildlife photography
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Rise early for an exciting morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains where lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, hyenas and numerous bird species are commonly seen.
In the afternoon, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Activities
* Morning Game Drive
* Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
* Bird watching
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Following breakfast, drive through picturesque crater lakes and tea plantations towards Kibale Forest National Park, Africa’s primate capital.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge or enjoy an optional Bigodi Wetland community walk.
Activities
* Scenic transfer
* Tea plantation views
* Bigodi Wetland walk (optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Isunga Lodge
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy an early morning briefing before entering Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Later, travel south to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with numerous islands.
Activities
* Chimpanzee Tracking
* Scenic countryside drive
* Sunset at Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Kigali through the beautiful hills of Rwanda.
Depending on your departure time, enjoy some souvenir shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Activities
* Scenic transfer
* Souvenir shopping
* Airport drop-off
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Package Includes
* Airport transfers
* Private 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
* Professional English-speaking driver-guide
* Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
* Golden Monkey tracking permit (Rwanda)
* Chimpanzee tracking permit (Uganda)
* All park entrance fees
* Kazinga Channel boat cruise
* Game drives
* Accommodation for 7 nights
* Meals as indicated
* Bottled drinking water during the safari
* Government taxes
Excludes
* International flights
* Rwanda visa (where applicable)
* Personal travel insurance
* Alcoholic and soft drinks
* Laundry services
* Tips and gratuities
* Personal expense