18 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

This 18-day Rwanda-Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want a deeper cross-border experience that combines gorilla trekking, classic wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking, and some of the most scenic destinations in both countries. The itinerary links Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls, Kampala, and Jinja, creating a varied and rewarding long-haul East Africa safari. It is a strong option for travellers who want more than a single-country gorilla trip. Instead of focusing on a single park, this safari blends Rwanda and Uganda’s flagship primate and wildlife experiences into a longer journey, with enough time to enjoy both major highlights and scenic transitions.

Safari Highlights

• 18 days Rwanda Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Wildlife safari in Akagera National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey tomb hike
• Lake Bunyonyi scenic stay
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Game drives and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls
• White water rafting in Jinja

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, transfer to Akagera National Park

On arrival at Kigali Airport, our safari driver will welcome you and begin the transfer to Akagera National Park, about 3 hours from Kigali. The park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, riparian forests, and bush country. Overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge [budget or mid-range] or Ruzizi Tented Camp [luxury]

Day 2, Game drive in Akagera National Park, boat ride on Lake Ihema

Early in the morning, go for a game drive in Akagera National Park to see birds and wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema for more wildlife viewing and birding, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water-associated bird species. Return for lunch and later go for a community walk before overnight stay at your previous lodge.

Day 3, Kigali city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, go for a city tour in Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and, depending on timing, local community projects and cultural sites. In the evening, you may also enjoy traditional dance performances, including Intore dancers, before transferring to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight stay at Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge [luxury], Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, or Hotel Gorillas in Kinigi [mid-range], or Kinigi Guest House or Hotel Muhabura [budget].

Day 4, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rise early in the morning for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After the briefing, head into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek can be strenuous and the time taken to locate the gorillas is unpredictable, depending on their movement and feeding patterns. Once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them while taking photographs and observing their behaviour. Later, return to the lodge to relax before dinner and an overnight stay at your selected lodge

Day 5, Golden monkey trekking or Dian Fossey tomb hike

Rise early in the morning, have breakfast, and then choose between golden monkey trekking or a nature walk to the Dian Fossey tomb. Golden monkey trekking usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, so you should return in time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you may visit the Iby’iwacu community before returning to your lodge.

Day 6, Transfer to Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride

Rise early in the morning, have breakfast, then depart Volcanoes National Park for Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is known for its beautiful islands and rich birdlife. On arrival, relax before lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride that gives you more bird-watching opportunities and a chance to visit some of the islands on the lake. Dinner and overnight stay at Bunyonyi Overland [budget], Arcadia Cottages [mid-range], or Birdnest Bunyonyi [luxury].

Day 7, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Take breakfast early in the morning and drive through the scenic highlands often described as the Switzerland of Africa, with winding roads, hills, valleys, and distant volcano views. The journey rewards you with beautiful scenery as you continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Have lunch on the way, then continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge for  Mid-range, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Budget, or Buhoma Lodge for Luxury.

Day 8, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have an early breakfast, carry your trekking gear and drinking water, and prepare for another gorilla trekking experience. Move into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. Tracking may take 2 to 8 hours, depending on their movements. When you meet the gorillas, the excitement of the encounter quickly outweighs the effort of the trek. Spend 1 hour with them for observation and photography before returning to your lodge in the evening

Day 9, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Enjoy breakfast, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey passes through scenic rolling hills and the Ishasha sector, where you may have a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions. Have lunch before preparing for the afternoon launch cruise. Move to the Kazinga Channel for the boat ride, an area known for its high concentration of hippos, abundant birdlife, and Nile crocodiles. You may also see herds of elephants and buffalo along the water’s edge. Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge [luxury], Ihamba Safari Lodge or Marafiki Safari Lodge [mid-range], or Bush Lodge or Simba Safari Camp [budget].

Day 10, Game drive and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Early in the morning, go for a game drive. Along the way, you may see waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, lions, and other wildlife. Later, return to the lodge and prepare for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Kyambura Gorge is home to a habituated chimpanzee group. The chimps are always in motion, so viewing can be unpredictable, but the walk is rewarding. During the trek, you may also see red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and giant forest hogs. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at your selected lodge.

Day 11, Morning game drive, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After an early cup of tea or coffee, go to the Kasenyi plains for a morning game drive to look for early risers and predators returning to their hideouts. You may see lions, leopards, hyenas, and other wildlife. Have lunch en route before heading to Kibale Forest National Park, with views of the Rwenzori ranges along the way. Overnight stay at Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge [luxury], Rwenzori View Guest House, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, or Chimps Nest [mid-range], or Kanyanchu Ecological Bandas [budget].

Day 12, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Bigodi Wetland Walk

Get up early for breakfast, then carry your trekking gear and head to the headquarters for a briefing. You will be led into the cool, thick forest, where the guide will explain the different tree species and other features of the ecosystem. Along the way, you may see colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and many birds. Continue searching for the chimpanzees, and once found, you’re allowed 1 hour viewing them nurturing their young ones, playing, while you’re taking photos. In the afternoon, go for a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland, where you may see black-and-white colobus monkeys and many birds. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 13, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Early in the morning, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. This long drive passes through Hoima and Masindi, with lunch en route. The park is known for its striking wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Later, visit the top of the falls and watch the Nile squeeze through the narrow gorge with a thunderous force. Overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, or Chobe Safari Lodge [luxury], Sambiya River Lodge [mid-range], or Red Chilli, Kaniyo Pabidi Camp, or Sambiya Bandas [budget].

Day 14, Game drive and Nile boat cruise

Wake up early in the morning and set out for a game drive, where you may see early risers such as leopards, lions, hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, oribi, warthogs, and kobs. After lunch, head to the River Nile for a launch cruise. Watch the Nile waters as they pour down the high escarpment, creating a dramatic appearance. Birdlife along the riverside may include the shoebill, yellow-footed flycatcher, Ituri batis, martial eagle, and Papyrus Gonolek. Return to your booked accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 15, Chimpanzee tracking and free afternoon

Rise early in the morning for breakfast, then proceed to the ranger station for a briefing before heading into the forest for another chimpanzee search. Along the way, you may also see monkeys, baboons, and forest birds. As you get closer to the chimpanzees, you may hear them calling to one another. The forest walk also gives you a chance to learn more about the trees and plant species in the area, including both their botanical and local names. Free afternoon, followed by dinner and overnight at your booked accommodation

Day 16, Transfer to Kampala

After breakfast, drive to Kampala for the final phase of your safari. Along the way, pass through Luwero and continue to the city, arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Kampala Serena Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, or Imperial Royale Hotel [luxury], Cassia Lodge, Hotel Africana, or Hotel Triangle [mid-range], or Namirembe Guest House or Holiday Express Hotel [budget].

Day 17, White water rafting in Jinja

Early in the morning, have breakfast and head to Jinja for a full day of white water rafting on the Nile. This section of the river near Bujagali is known for its strong rapids and adventure appeal. The activity also gives you the chance to see waterbirds along the river. In the late evening, enjoy a barbecue with other rafters.

Day 18, Departure from Entebbe

After the adventure-filled safari, prepare for your homebound flight from Entebbe. This marks the end of your 18-day Rwanda Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 17 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Gorilla trekking permits
• Chimpanzee trekking permits
• Bottled drinking water during transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Rwanda and Uganda visas
• Personal travel insurance
• Porter fees during gorilla trekking
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included
• Items of a personal nature