7 Day Best African Safari Trips to Rwanda and Uganda
This 7-day best African safari trip take you to Rwanda’s primate-rich Volcanoes National Park with Uganda’s savannahs and rainforests. From golden monkeys and gorillas to lions, rhinos, and chimpanzees, each day offers rare wildlife encounters across diverse landscapes. It’s a seamless journey crafted for travelers seeking the best African safari trips with depth, variety, and conservation impact.
The 7 day best African safari trips through Rwanda and Uganda offer a rare blend of primate encounters, dramatic landscapes, and authentic wilderness. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking depth, variety, and meaningful wildlife experiences across two of East Africa’s most biodiverse countries. From the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to the remote savannahs of Kidepo, each destination is chosen for its ecological richness and conservation impact. Golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzees headline the journey, while big game sightings in Murchison Falls and rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary round out the adventure. The route is thoughtfully paced to maximize wildlife viewing while minimizing travel fatigue.
What makes these the best African safari trips is not just the diversity of species, but the seamless transitions between ecosystems from misty highlands to riverine plains and tropical forests. Each day brings a new rhythm: quiet forest treks, open game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. Lodges are selected for comfort and proximity to nature, ensuring immersive experiences without compromising rest. Whether it’s the roar of Murchison Falls or the gaze of a silverback gorilla, this itinerary captures the essence of East Africa’s wild heart. It’s a journey crafted for those who value authenticity, conservation, and unforgettable wildlife moments
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Volcanoes for Golden Monkey Trekking
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Fly to Uganda
Day 3: Fly to Kidepo National Park for Game Drives and Nature Walk
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 5: Game Drives and Boat Safari on the Nile
Day 6: Top of the Falls, Ziwa Rhinos, and Transfer to Kibale Forest
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimps tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- Uganda Visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuitie
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Volcanoes for Golden Monkey Trekking
Begin the best African safari trips with arrival in Kigali, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. After settling in, head into the forest for golden monkey trekking. These playful primates leap through bamboo thickets, offering a lively introduction to Rwanda’s biodiversity. The experience is guided and gentle, ideal for easing into the rhythm of the best African safari trips. Along the way, enjoy views of the Virunga Mountains and local villages. After the trek, return to your lodge for dinner and rest. This day blends wildlife, culture, and landscape in a way that sets the tone for the cross-border journey ahead
- Day2Gorilla Trekking and Fly to Uganda
The best African safari trips continue with an early start at Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. Led by expert trackers, you’ll hike through misty terrain to observe a gorilla family in its natural habitat. The hour spent with them is intimate and unforgettable, showcasing the conservation success of Rwanda. After lunch, transfer to Kigali for a short flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your overnight lodge. This transition keeps the momentum of the best African safari trips flowing, combining iconic primate encounters with seamless travel between two wildlife-rich nations
- Day3Fly to Kidepo National Park for Game Drives and Nature Walk
Start the day with a domestic flight to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and rewarding destinations. The best African safari trips shine here, with vast savannahs, dramatic mountains, and abundant wildlife. After settling into your lodge, head out for a game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. Later, a guided nature walk offers insight into the park’s ecology and smaller species. Kidepo’s isolation ensures a quiet, authentic experience, making it a highlight of the best African safari trips. The combination of vehicle and foot exploration deepens your connection to Uganda’s wild north
- Day4Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
The best African safari trips continue with a scenic drive from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park. This journey reveals Uganda’s changing landscapes, from rugged highlands to riverine savannahs. Arrive in the afternoon and check into a lodge near the Nile River. Depending on timing, enjoy a short walk or relax with views of wildlife grazing nearby. Murchison is known for its powerful waterfall and diverse animal sightings. This leg of the best African safari trips connects two iconic parks, offering a blend of adventure and tranquility. The evening sets the stage for the river and land-based experiences to come
- Day5Game Drives and Boat Safari on the Nile
Begin with a morning game drive across Murchison’s northern plains, where elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelope roam freely. The best African safari trips are defined by such rich encounters, and this park delivers. After lunch, board a boat for a safari along the Nile River, heading toward the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, including the elusive shoebill. The boat ride offers a unique vantage point and ends with dramatic views of the falls. This day blends classic safari elements with river exploration, reinforcing why Murchison is central to the best African safari trips
- Day6Top of the Falls, Ziwa Rhinos, and Transfer to Kibale Forest
Visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge a raw display of nature’s force. Continue south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to observe Uganda’s only wild rhinos. This stop completes the Big Five experience, a key feature of the best African safari trips. After lunch, proceed to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in the evening. The forest is home to rich biodiversity, especially primates. This transition from savannah to rainforest adds depth to the best African safari trips, combining conservation, landscape variety, and meaningful wildlife encounters
- Day7Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Begin with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, guided by rangers who help locate and interpret the behavior of these intelligent primates. The best African safari trips often culminate in such intimate wildlife moments, and Kibale delivers. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before driving to Entebbe. Depending on timing, you may stop for souvenirs or enjoy brief views of Lake Victoria. This final day wraps up the best African safari trips with a blend of forest adventure and smooth travel logistics. Depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda and Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes