This 7-day trip combines the cultural richness of a Rwanda tour with the extraordinary wildlife encounters of a Uganda gorilla safari. From Kigali’s vibrant cityscape to gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Bwindi and Kibale, each day offers immersive experiences. It’s a seamless cross-border adventure through nature, heritage, and unforgettable landscapes.
Wondering how to experience the perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty in East Africa? This 7-day itinerary combines the best of a Rwanda tour with the unforgettable thrill of a Uganda gorilla safari and chimpanzee tracking. Begin in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, where city tours and a Mount Kigali hike offer insight into the country’s resilience and charm. From there, cross into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a Batwa cultural experience and the life-changing opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Each moment is carefully curated to balance adventure with cultural depth.
As the trip continues, explore Lake Bunyonyi’s tranquil shores before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a sunset boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. The Uganda gorilla safari expands into a broader wildlife experience, complemented by chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and a walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. Returning to Kigali, you’ll have time to relax, shop, and reflect on a week filled with connection, conservation, and discovery. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a seamless cross-border experience that showcases the best of Rwanda and Uganda—two nations united by breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda with a City Tour with Best Kigali Attractions
Day 2: Simple Hike of Mount Kigali and Transfer to Uganda's Bwindi for Batwa Cultural Tour
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking with Evening Retreat at Lake Bunyonyi
Day 4: Continue to Queen Elizabeth Park via the Ishasha Sector and Evening Boat
Day 5: Early Game Drive and Continue to Kibale Forest Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking with Bigodi Wetland Walk and Return to Kigali
Day 7: Relax at Your Hotel, Final Shopping and Departure
Begin your Rwanda tour with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, followed by a guided city tour showcasing the capital’s vibrant culture and history. Visit top attractions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and the art-filled Inema Arts Center, offering insight into Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. This immersive introduction sets the tone for your Rwanda tour, blending urban charm with cultural depth. As you explore Kigali’s clean streets and welcoming neighborhoods, anticipation builds for your upcoming Uganda gorilla safari. The day ends with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, where Rwandan cuisine and hospitality shine. With Kigali’s highlights behind you, your journey transitions toward the wild beauty and cultural richness awaiting across the border
Start your morning with a gentle hike up Mount Kigali, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills a refreshing way to connect with nature during your Rwanda tour. After the hike, cross into Uganda and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the iconic Uganda gorilla safari. Upon arrival, engage in a Batwa cultural tour, where you’ll learn about the traditions of this forest-dwelling community through music, storytelling, and dance. This enriching experience adds cultural depth to your Uganda gorilla safari while complementing the scenic and historical elements of your Rwanda tour. The day blends light adventure, cross-border travel, and meaningful cultural exchange in one unforgettable journey
Today’s Uganda gorilla safari takes center stage as you embark on a guided trek through Bwindi’s dense forest to meet the majestic mountain gorillas. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their behavior, social bonds, and gentle presence an experience that defines the heart of any Uganda gorilla safari. After the trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a serene retreat surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with islands. This peaceful evening offers a chance to reflect on your Rwanda tour and the emotional impact of gorilla encounters. Whether you choose to paddle a canoe or simply relax by the water, Lake Bunyonyi provides the perfect balance of tranquility and scenic beauty to end a powerful da
Depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare tree-climbing lions a unique highlight of your Uganda gorilla safari extension. Arrive in time for an evening boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, elephants, and vibrant birdlife gather at the water’s edge. This aquatic adventure adds variety to your Uganda gorilla safari while maintaining the wildlife focus of your Rwanda tour. The transition from forest to savanna showcases East Africa’s ecological diversity, and the boat ride offers stunning sunset views and excellent photography opportunities. It’s a day of movement, discovery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters across two iconic landscapes
Begin with a sunrise game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions, buffaloes, and antelopes roam the open plains. This classic safari moment enhances your Uganda gorilla safari experience with broader wildlife diversity. After breakfast, travel north to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its dense rainforest and rich primate population. The journey offers scenic views and a chance to reflect on the contrasts between your Rwanda tour’s urban and cultural highlights and Uganda’s lush wilderness. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the forest, where the sounds of nature prepare you for the next day’s chimpanzee trek. It’s a day that bridges savanna and forest, deepening your connection to East Africa’s natural wonders
Proceed on a great chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest, where you’ll observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat an essential complement to your Uganda gorilla safari. After the trek, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in birdlife and biodiversity. This eco-tourism gem adds depth to your Uganda gorilla safari while echoing the conservation themes of your Rwanda tour. In the afternoon, return to Kigali via scenic countryside roads, reflecting on the cross-border journey that blended primate encounters, cultural immersion, and diverse landscapes. The day ends with a comfortable stay in Kigali, where the city’s warmth welcomes you back
Spend your final day of the Rwanda tour unwinding at your hotel, enjoying leisure time and reflecting on the week’s adventures. Whether you choose a spa treatment, a quiet garden stroll, or simply savoring Rwandan coffee, it’s a chance to recharge before departure. Later, explore local craft shops and markets for souvenirs that capture the spirit of your Rwanda tour and Uganda gorilla safari. From handmade baskets to vibrant textiles, Kigali offers memorable keepsakes. As you head to the airport, the experiences of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural exploration come full circle. This final day is a gentle farewell to a journey that blended relaxation, adventure, and meaningful connection