Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Uganda and Rwanda safari combining some of East Africa’s most incredible wildlife experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, classic game viewing, mountain gorilla encounters, and cultural discoveries. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, and exploring the highlights of southwestern Uganda, this carefully designed safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and conservation.
Your journey takes you deep into the lush forests of Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” where you will trek through the rainforest in search of chimpanzees and other primates. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives across the savannah plains, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife, followed by a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, home to large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
The adventure continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in the world to encounter endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through the ancient rainforest and spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, scenic drives through the hills of Uganda and Rwanda, and opportunities to learn about local communities and conservation efforts.
In Rwanda, explore Kigali’s vibrant atmosphere and visit important cultural sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, gaining insight into the country’s history and remarkable journey of recovery.
This 8-day Uganda Rwanda safari is ideal for travelers seeking a short but immersive East African adventure, offering a perfect combination of primates, wildlife, culture, and unforgettable moments in two of Africa’s most beautiful destinations.
Detailed 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Itinerary | Chimpanzees, Wildlife & Gorillas
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala, Uganda
Arrive in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city, at any time of the day. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or explore some of Kampala’s attractions, including local markets, cultural sites, and the lively streets of this historic city.
Meals: Depending on arrival time
Destination: Kampala
Day 2: Kampala to Fort Portal – Gateway to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey westward from Kampala to Fort Portal, a scenic town located near Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s most important primate destinations. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, tea plantations, local villages, and rolling hills, offering a glimpse into rural Ugandan life.
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation located near the forest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings filled with birdsong and the sounds of nature. The area is known for its beautiful crater lakes, lush vegetation, and rich biodiversity, making it the perfect base for your upcoming chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Destination: Fort Portal / Kibale National Park
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of chimpanzees, along with several other primate species.
Before entering the forest, you will receive a briefing from park rangers about trekking guidelines and conservation practices. Accompanied by experienced guides, hike through the lush rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. Along the way, enjoy the sounds of the forest and look out for other wildlife, including monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique plant species.
After your trek, enjoy a cultural experience at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you can interact with the local community and enjoy a traditional meal prepared by community members. The visit supports local conservation and community development initiatives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Destination: Kibale National Park
Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife Safari
After breakfast, depart Kibale and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, including the famous Equator crossing, where you can stop for photos and a brief cultural experience.
Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive across the park’s diverse habitats. Search for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and various bird species. With luck, you may also spot lions or other predators roaming the savannah.
The park is also home to several primate species and offers breathtaking views of lakes, wetlands, and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start your day with an early morning game drive through the park’s famous Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas for wildlife viewing. Enjoy opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, antelopes, and other wildlife as they become active during the cooler hours of the morning.
After the safari, enjoy lunch before embarking on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers excellent wildlife viewing, with large numbers of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and colorful water birds gathering along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through some of Uganda’s most spectacular scenery, including mist-covered hills, forests, lakes, and traditional villages.
Depending on your route, enjoy views of the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi and relax as you prepare for the highlight of your safari—the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will explain trekking guidelines and conservation measures.
You will then enter the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, guided by experienced trackers who will lead you through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and offers incredible opportunities to experience the forest’s biodiversity.
Once you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing them as they feed, rest, play, and interact with one another. Watching the powerful silverback protect his family and seeing young gorillas explore their surroundings is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this extraordinary encounter.
Meals: Breakfast
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Bwindi to Kigali, Rwanda – Cultural Experience & Departure
After breakfast, cross the border from Uganda into Rwanda and continue to Kigali, the capital city known for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant culture.
Upon arrival, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important site that provides insight into Rwanda’s history and the country’s journey toward reconciliation and rebuilding. You may also visit local markets or cultural centers depending on your flight schedule.
Enjoy lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, a community-based organization that supports local women through education, skills development, and tourism initiatives. Experience traditional Rwandan hospitality before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari | Chimpanzees, Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking