11-Day Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris from Rwanda to Uganda

Your gorillas and wildlife safaris start in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation and dinner. Kigali is known for its clean streets and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent place to recover from jet lag. You’ll have time to settle in, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for your safari adventure. Tomorrow, you’ll cross into Uganda, marking the beginning of a journey filled with gorillas and wildlife safaris in breathtaking landscapes

Today your gorillas and wildlife safaris continue with a drive from Kigali to Lake Mburo National Park, crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border. After lunch, a short evening game drive introduces you to zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. Later, after dinner, you’ll head out for a night game drive, where nocturnal animals like leopards, civets, and hyenas emerge. This is a rare opportunity to see Uganda’s wildlife after dark. Lake Mburo is an excellent start, giving a first glimpse into the country’s incredible biodiversity during your gorillas and wildlife safaris

The gorillas and wildlife safaris move deeper into Uganda with a morning nature walk in Lake Mburo to observe antelopes and bird species. After breakfast, a community tour explores local cattle-keeping traditions before a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A stop in Mbarara Town for lunch gives a taste of Uganda’s flavors before continuing to the park. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge, surrounded by open grasslands and wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must-see destination in Uganda’s gorillas and wildlife safaris, famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse ecosystems

Chimpanzee trekking is a highlight of gorillas and wildlife safaris, allowing you to observe these intelligent primates in their forest habitat. After breakfast, you’ll join a guided trek through the trees, where chimps swing through the branches. Following lunch, an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel lets you observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. The boat ride gives a unique perspective of the park’s rich wildlife. Both the chimp trek and water safari add exciting elements to your gorillas and wildlife safaris, making this day a mix of adventure and relaxation

Wake up early to catch up with the game drive, gorillas and wildlife safaris continue with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions, elephants, and antelopes roam the savannah. Afterward, the drive to Bwindi offers stunning views of Uganda’s hilly landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll join the Batwa cultural tour, an experience that showcases the traditions of Uganda’s indigenous forest communities. You’ll learn about their history, survival skills, and role in conservation. This day blends wildlife with cultural insights, adding depth to your gorillas and wildlife safaris beyond the trekking experiences

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of gorillas and wildlife safaris, offering an unforgettable experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll receive a briefing before heading into the jungle with expert guides. Spending one hour with a gorilla family gives a rare look into their behaviors, from grooming to playing. After trekking, you’ll transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful retreat where rolling hills surround the calm waters. Relaxing at the lake provides a much-needed break before continuing your gorillas and wildlife safaris across Uganda and Rwanda

Exploring Lake Bunyonyi is a refreshing part of gorillas and wildlife safaris, offering boat rides and island visits. The lake contains 29 islands, each with unique historical significance. As you glide across the water, you’ll hear local stories and spot birds like kingfishers and cranes. Unlike high-energy treks, this day allows for relaxation while appreciating Uganda’s natural beauty. Spending time on Lake Bunyonyi brings a peaceful balance to your gorillas and wildlife safaris, letting you slow down and take in the surroundings before heading back into the wild

Expect to visit the gorilla guardians, gorillas and wildlife safaris shift back to Rwanda with a drive to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where traditional Rwandan music, dancing, and crafts are part of everyday life. This experience connects conservation with culture, showing how local communities contribute to protecting wildlife. Meeting people who live near the park adds personal depth to your safari. Seeing both Uganda and Rwanda’s role in gorillas and wildlife safaris gives a well-rounded view of the region’s efforts in conservation and tourism

The challenge of hiking Mount Bisoke is an exciting part of gorillas and wildlife safaris, requiring 4 to 6 hours to reach the crater lake at the summit. The steep climb is worth the effort, revealing expansive views across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the hike, a visit to Dian Fossey’s research center provides insight into gorilla conservation. Learning about her work deepens understanding of the threats gorillas face and the ongoing protection efforts. This day connects adventure with conservation, making it a valuable addition to your gorillas and wildlife safaris

Golden monkey tracking adds a new dimension to gorillas and wildlife safaris, as these energetic primates move swiftly through Rwanda’s bamboo forests. Watching their silver patches shine in the sun is a fascinating experience. After spending time with the monkeys, a visit to Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) offers a peaceful contrast to the jungle activities. The lakes are excellent for birdwatching and relaxing in nature. As your safari nears its end, golden monkey tracking and lake visits highlight the variety of wildlife beyond gorillas in gorillas and wildlife safaris

The gorillas and wildlife safaris conclude with a Kigali city tour, offering a look at Rwanda’s history and modern-day culture. Stops include the Genocide Memorial, markets, and artisan shops. Learning about Rwanda’s past adds context to the conservation efforts seen throughout the safari. A lunch break at a city restaurant gives one last taste of local flavors before heading to the airport. Whether you’re flying home or continuing your travels, ending your gorillas and wildlife safaris in Kigali ensures a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife, culture, and history