8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari Adventure Overview
Experience the very best of East Africa on this 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari Adventure, a journey that combines unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences across two remarkable countries. From the rolling hills of Rwanda to the lush rainforests and savannah plains of Uganda, this safari offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Your journey begins in Rwanda with a tour of Kigali before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Cross into Uganda to discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, enjoy an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and a boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. The adventure concludes in Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat before departing from Entebbe.
This safari is ideal for travelers seeking to experience East Africa’s iconic primates, spectacular wildlife, stunning scenery, and vibrant cultures in one unforgettable journey.
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Arrival And Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 3: Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 4: Gorilla Tracking Experience In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 5: Cross The Border Into Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 6: You Can Choose To Do Another Gorilla Trekking Or A City Tour.
- Day 7: Gisenyi – Lake Kivu Resort Holiday.
- Day 8: Transfer To Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Adventure in the Wild Safaris guide and begin your scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah wildlife destination. The drive takes you through picturesque countryside, traditional villages, tea plantations, and the rolling landscapes of western Uganda.
Arrive at the park in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Simba Safari Camp, Irungu Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Elephant Hab Lodge, Twin Lakes Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge
High-end: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for an exciting sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, when wildlife is at its most active. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, lions, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also renowned for its incredible birdlife, with over 600 recorded bird species.
After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This relaxing cruise offers excellent opportunities to see large schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds at close range.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south through the scenic Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. If you’re fortunate, you may spot these remarkable predators resting in the branches of giant fig trees before continuing your journey.
Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or enjoy an optional community walk to experience the traditions and daily life of the local people.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge
Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge
High-end: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, venture into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek may last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact within their family.
After lunch and some relaxation, visit the Batwa Community, where you’ll learn about the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous forest people through music, dance, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Following breakfast, cross the Uganda-Rwanda border via Cyanika and continue to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier primate destination. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the rolling hills that have earned Rwanda its nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”
In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or relax at your lodge while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.
Accommodation Options
Budget: La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge, Kinigi Cottage
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, The Bishop’s House Rwanda
High-end: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village
After breakfast, head to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an exciting Golden Monkey Trekking adventure. These energetic and endangered primates are found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and offer excellent photography opportunities as they leap from tree to tree.
After lunch, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), where you’ll experience Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, local crafts, storytelling, and demonstrations of ancient customs.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
You may choose to enjoy optional activities such as a boat cruise, kayaking, swimming, lakeside walks, or simply unwind while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding hills and islands.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief Kigali city tour, including visits to local craft markets or souvenir shops for last-minute shopping.
Later, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari adventure to a memorable conclusion.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Tour