Tour Overview

This 7-day Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife Safari combines some of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences across two beautiful countries. The safari is designed to offer a balanced blend of primates, savannah wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters while exploring some of the region’s most iconic destinations.

The journey begins in Rwanda, known for its rolling hills, organized tourism infrastructure, and scenic beauty, before crossing into Uganda for unforgettable wildlife adventures. Travelers will experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, game drives and boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.

Along the way, the safari passes through beautiful countryside landscapes, crater lakes, forests, villages, and wildlife rich ecosystems that make Uganda and Rwanda some of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and city tour
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and chimpanzee tracking
Day 7: Return to Kigali and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver guide and transferred into Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour exploring some of Kigali’s cultural and historical highlights. The city is known for its cleanliness, organization, and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of Africa’s most attractive capitals.

The tour may include visits to local craft markets, cultural centers, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the city’s rolling hills.

After the tour, proceed to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and begin the scenic drive toward the Uganda border before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey passes through beautiful landscapes characterized by rolling hills, rural villages, terraced farmland, and mountain scenery often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”

Arrive near Bwindi in the afternoon and check into your lodge located close to the forest.

The cool atmosphere and dense greenery surrounding the park create a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation before the gorilla trekking experience.

Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy views of the forest, local community walks, or simple relaxation at the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers before beginning the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The trek takes visitors through dense rainforest, steep slopes, and thick vegetation in search of one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families.

The experience can take several hours depending on the movement of the gorillas, but the moment of encountering them in the wild is unforgettable.

Visitors are allowed one hour in the presence of the gorillas, observing their behavior, feeding habits, interactions, and social structure while guided by experienced rangers.

Apart from gorillas, the forest is also home to birds, butterflies, and several other primate species that may be seen during the trek.

After the experience, return to the lodge for relaxation and reflection on one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and continue northward toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills, crater lakes, local villages, and open countryside as the landscape gradually changes from mountainous forest to savannah plains.

Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon and proceed with a short game drive en route to the lodge.

The park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations and supports elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.

Check into your lodge and enjoy the beautiful savannah surroundings.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Morning hours offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife while temperatures remain cool and animals are more active.

Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hyenas, warthogs, and numerous bird species across the open grasslands.

After lunch and relaxation, proceed for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The Kazinga Channel is famous for its concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds gathering along the shores.

The boat cruise provides excellent opportunities for photography and close wildlife viewing while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the waterway.

Return to the lodge in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Chimpanzee Tracking

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue toward Kibale National Park.

The journey passes through scenic crater lake regions, tea plantations, and rural landscapes before reaching the tropical rainforest environment of Kibale.

Upon arrival, proceed for chimpanzee tracking within the forest.

Kibale National Park is known as the primate capital of East Africa and hosts one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees on the continent.

The tracking experience involves walking through the forest while listening for chimpanzee calls and observing them once located.

Apart from chimpanzees, the forest supports several monkey species, birds, and forest wildlife.

After the activity, transfer to your lodge for relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, begin the return journey toward Kigali.

The drive offers final opportunities to enjoy the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda with possible stops for photography, local crafts, or refreshments along the route.

Lunch will be enjoyed en route before continuing to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife Safari.

Includes

• Accommodation and meals
• Ground transport in a safari vehicle
• Full-time English-speaking driver guide
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives and boat cruise activities
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Extra optional activities