This 7-day Rwanda Uganda safari combines primate experience, big game viewing, and scenic landscapes across two great East African nations. From golden monkeys and gorillas to tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees, each day offers immersive wildlife and cultural experiences. The itinerary seamlessly transitions from rainforest to savanna, lakeside serenity to wetland birding.
The 7-day Rwanda Uganda safari is crafted for travelers seeking a rich blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic diversity across two of East Africa’s most captivating destinations. The experience begins in Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali, where history and modernity meet in a city known for its resilience and charm. From there, the itinerary leads into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking, followed by a scenic transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Each day is thoughtfully designed to highlight the region’s ecological and cultural treasures. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers an intimate wildlife encounter, while Lake Bunyonyi provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by island-dotted waters. The adventure continues through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, famed for tree-climbing lions, and includes thrilling game drives and a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Kibale Forest adds another layer with chimpanzee tracking and crater lake exploration, before heading to Entebbe
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda with Kigali City Tour
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes and Transfer to Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking with Lake Bunyonyi Experience
Day 4: Proceed to Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha
Day 5: Game Drives for Big Five and Boat Safari and Continue to Kibale
Day 6: Chimps Trekking with Crater Lakes, Proceed to Entebbe
Day 7: Early Mabamba Swamp Safari and Departure
Begin your Rwanda Uganda safari with a warm welcome in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After airport pickup, explore the city’s cultural and historical highlights, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and bustling markets. Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Kigali and sample Rwandan cuisine at a local restaurant. This introduction sets the tone for your Rwanda Uganda safari, blending emotional depth with urban charm. Overnight in Kigali offers comfort and convenience before heading into the wild landscapes that define this extraordinary trip
Kick off the primate adventure with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, a playful and scenic experience in Rwanda’s bamboo forests. These vibrant monkeys offer a lighter trek than gorillas, adding variety to your Rwanda Uganda safari. After the trek, cross into Uganda via Cyanika border and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas. The scenic drive through terraced hills and rural villages adds depth to your Rwanda Uganda safari, showcasing the seamless transition between two rich ecosystems
Proceed on a life-changing gorilla trek in Bwindi, the heart of Uganda’s primate conservation. Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is the highlight of any Rwanda Uganda safari, offering an emotional and awe-inspiring hour with these gentle giants. After the trek, unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, known for its serene waters and island-dotted beauty. Canoe rides, birdwatching, and lakeside relaxation provide a peaceful contrast to the forest adventure, enriching your Rwanda Uganda safari with tranquility and scenic charm
Travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. This scenic route connects Bwindi to the savanna, adding a new dimension to your Rwanda Uganda safari. Keep an eye out for elephants, antelopes, and buffalo as you journey toward your lodge. The transition from rainforest to open plains highlights the region’s ecological diversity. This leg of the Rwanda Uganda safari blends primate trekking with classic safari landscapes, preparing you for big-game encounters and river adventures ahead
Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo roam freely. The Kazinga Channel boat safari offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, adding aquatic excitement to your Rwanda Uganda safari. After lunch, transfer to Kibale Forest, passing crater lakes and lush countryside. This day combines thrilling wildlife encounters with scenic beauty, making your Rwanda Uganda safari both diverse and immersive. Overnight near Kibale sets the stage for chimpanzee trekking and forest exploration
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s best places for observing these intelligent primates. The trek offers dynamic sightings and insight into their social behavior, a key highlight of any Rwanda Uganda safari. After the trek, explore the crater lakes region, known for its volcanic landscapes and panoramic views. Continue to Entebbe for overnight stay, reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences woven throughout your Rwanda Uganda safari from gorillas and golden monkeys to lions and chimps
Conclude your Rwanda Uganda safari with a sunrise birding excursion in Mabamba Swamp, a haven for the rare shoebill stork. Glide through papyrus channels in a canoe, spotting kingfishers, herons, and other wetland species. This peaceful finale adds a unique twist to your Rwanda Uganda safari, showcasing Uganda’s rich birdlife and tranquil ecosystems. After the swamp tour, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries