6 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari to Gorillas and Wildlife
This 6 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari to Gorillas and Wildlife provides an opportunity to encounter golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda before traveling to Uganda for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other significant highlights of the 6-day tour are wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee trekking at Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The 6-day tour can start and end in Kigali, Rwanda, but it can also start and end in Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda.
Throughout your Rwanda and Uganda Safari journey, you'll traverse the stunning landscapes of East Africa's highlands, from the misty slopes of the Virunga Mountains to the sprawling savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Rwanda and Uganda Safari adventure perfectly balances primate encounters with traditional game-viewing experiences, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guiding services.
This comprehensive Rwanda and Uganda Safari provides a deep immersion into the natural wonders and cultural heritage of both countries. The Rwanda and Uganda Safari itinerary features convenient border crossings, minimized travel times, and carefully selected activities to ensure you experience the best of both destinations in just six action-packed days.
Tour highlights
Poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
Face-to-face encounters with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Game drives across Queen Elizabeth National Park's wildlife-rich Kasenyi Plains
Scenic boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel
Chimpanzee trekking in the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Cultural experiences at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Breathtaking landscapes of the Albertine Rift Valley
Price Includes:
- Park fees and gorilla/chimp trekking permits
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during safari drives and treks
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and fuel costs
- Border crossing assistance
- Conservation fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda and Uganda Visa fees
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick up and Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari begins with morning pickup from Kigali, where your dedicated guide welcomes you to the "Land of a Thousand Hills." This Rwanda and Uganda Safari Day includes a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before embarking on the scenic 3-hour (116 km) journey to Ruhengeri/Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. The afternoon Rwanda and Uganda Safari activities introduce you to Rwandan culture at the vibrant Ibyi'wacu Cultural Village, where traditional dancers and local artisans showcase authentic Rwandan heritage.
- Day2Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Day two of your Rwanda and Uganda Safari begins with an early morning golden monkey trekking expedition in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, locally known as "Parc National des Volcans." The Rwanda and Uganda Safari adventure continues with a cross-border journey from Rwanda to Uganda via the Cyanika border post, covering approximately 120 km in 4-5 hours through the terraced hillsides of southwestern Uganda. Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari guide handles all border formalities as you make your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving at Karungi Camp near the Rushaga sector in time for dinner.
- Day3Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today marks the pinnacle of your Rwanda and Uganda Safari with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known locally as "Ishasha ya Bwindi." Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari gorilla encounter begin with an early morning briefing at park headquarters, where skilled rangers assign you to one of several habituated gorilla families such as Mishaya, Busingye, or Kahungye. The Rwanda and Uganda Safari highlight come as you spend a precious hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their remarkable human-like behaviors and family dynamics within the ancient forest ecosystem.
- Day4Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Game Drives
Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari transitions today from primate encounters to classic African safari experiences with a 5-hour (180 km) journey from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this Rwanda and Uganda Safari transfer, you'll travel through the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Uganda, passing through Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari adventure continues with an afternoon game drive across the wildlife-rich Kasenyi Plains, where large herds of Uganda kobs attract numerous predators, offering excellent photography opportunities against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Day5Kasenyi Plains Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
Day five of your Rwanda and Uganda Safari begins with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park's Kasenyi Plains, known locally as "Empuuga za Kasenyi." The Rwanda and Uganda Safari experience continues with tracking lion prides and spotting elephants, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species as they're most active during the cooler morning hours. Your afternoon Rwanda and Uganda Safari highlight features a 2-hour boat cruise along the 40-kilometre Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes Edward and George, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and the highest concentration of waterbirds in East Africa.
- Day6Chimpanzee Trekking at Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Drive to Kigali
The final day of your Rwanda and Uganda Safari begins with an early departure to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, located just 30 minutes (15 km) from your accommodation. Your Rwanda and Uganda Safari chimpanzee trek take you through this 147 square kilometer forest, home to approximately 300 chimpanzees and five other primate species. After this exhilarating Rwanda and Uganda Safari experience, your journey concludes with a 6-7 hour (320 km) drive back to Kigali, crossing the Katuna border and traveling through Rwanda's scenic highlands with stops at viewpoints and craft markets.