Tour Overview

Experience the best of Uganda and Rwanda on this exciting 5-day cross-border safari, combining unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking with exceptional wildlife viewing. Beginning and ending in Kigali, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking to explore two of East Africa’s top safari destinations within a short time.

The safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife, where you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering opportunities to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Perfect for both first-time visitors and wildlife enthusiasts, this 5-day Uganda and Rwanda safari offers a rewarding blend of primate encounters, classic African wildlife, spectacular scenery, and rich cultural experiences, creating an unforgettable East African adventure.

5-Day Uganda And Rwanda Safari Itinerary Highlights

  • Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park, and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise at the Kazinga Channel
  • Day 4: Game Drive at Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes, Rwanda – Departure

A Complete 5-Day Uganda And Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, City Tour and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Your safari begins with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel by your professional driver-guide. If time allows, enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and other cultural landmarks that offer insight into Rwanda’s remarkable history and vibrant culture.

After the city tour, depart Kigali and cross into Uganda, enjoying a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda and the lush countryside of western Uganda. Along the way, stop for lunch before continuing to Kibale Forest National Park, widely known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before setting off on your chimpanzee trekking adventure. During the briefing, you will learn about the park, its diverse wildlife, chimpanzee behavior, trekking guidelines, and what to expect during the experience.

Accompanied by an experienced ranger, venture into the tropical rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. The trek typically lasts between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. Once you locate them, you will spend one memorable hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, communicate, and swing effortlessly through the forest canopy. Along the way, you may also encounter other primates, colorful birds, and unique forest flora.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic drive takes approximately two to three hours, passing through beautiful crater lakes, rural villages, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The early hours provide excellent opportunities to spot predators such as lions and leopards before they retreat from the day’s heat. You may also encounter large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species, while bird lovers can enjoy sightings of numerous resident and migratory birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a short relaxation before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This natural channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is famous for its incredible concentration of wildlife. During the cruise, you will enjoy close-up views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds gathering along the shores, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Uganda.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Game Drive in the Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and head to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive through this unique wilderness in search of these magnificent predators, often seen resting on the branches of giant fig trees. Besides the famous lions, you may also spot elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs, and a variety of bird species.

After the game drive, enjoy lunch en route before crossing the Cyanika Border into Rwanda. Continue through the scenic countryside to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the evening. Check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience awaiting you the following day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Departure

Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and the different habituated gorilla families found within the park.

After being assigned to a gorilla family, begin your trek through the forest in search of these endangered primates. The trek may last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, watching them feed, groom, play, and interact within their family group while capturing memorable photographs.

After the trek, receive your gorilla trekking certificate before returning to the lodge for lunch. Later, drive back to Kigali, where your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel, marking the end of your remarkable Uganda and Rwanda safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of 5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari