Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8 Days Rwanda & Uganda Safari, a journey through two of East Africa’s most spectacular destinations. This adventure combines thrilling wildlife safaris, unforgettable primate encounters, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, taking you from the wetlands of Uganda to the volcanic mountains of Rwanda.
Your safari begins in Uganda, where you’ll search for the rare shoebill stork in the Mabamba Wetlands before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy exciting game drives and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking, where you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Cross into Rwanda and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about groundbreaking mountain gorilla conservation efforts before concluding your journey with a guided Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Blending wildlife, conservation, culture, and stunning scenery, this safari offers the perfect opportunity to experience the very best of Uganda and Rwanda in one remarkable adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Wetland
- Wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic cross-border journey between Uganda and Rwanda
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Kigali city tour
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Spectacular scenery of the Virunga Mountains and the Albertine Rift Valley
Detailed 8 Days Rwanda & Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Shoebill Tracking
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to the Mabamba Wetland, one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations. Enjoy an exciting canoe excursion through the papyrus swamps in search of the elusive shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Besides the shoebill, the wetland is home to numerous water birds and offers spectacular scenery. After the excursion, transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photographs and a chance to witness the famous water experiment before continuing through picturesque countryside and rural villages. Arrive at the park in the afternoon, check in to your lodge, and spend the evening relaxing while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and, with luck, the elusive leopard. The park is also home to over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cruise offers exceptional views of large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an incredible variety of birdlife along the water’s edge. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Enjoy a scenic journey through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages, with opportunities to stop for photography and local markets along the way. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Trek through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by experienced ranger guides.
Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. After this once-in-a-lifetime encounter, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Cross into Rwanda and Transfer to Musanze
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and cross the Uganda–Rwanda border before continuing to Musanze (Ruhengeri), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Rwanda’s rolling hills as you make your way to your lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and Gorilla Conservation Experience
Today, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an inspiring conservation and research center dedicated to protecting endangered mountain gorillas. Explore interactive exhibits, learn about gorilla behavior and conservation efforts, and discover the remarkable legacy of Dian Fossey and the ongoing work to preserve Rwanda’s wildlife.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon to relax and enjoy your final evening in the Virunga region.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Enjoy a guided city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and remarkable transformation. Depending on your departure time, you may also visit local craft markets for souvenir shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of the 8 Days Rwanda & Uganda Safari