11 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
This 11-day Uganda Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want to experience both countries in one well-paced itinerary. The safari combines gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda with wildlife viewing, city tours, scenic overland travel, and an adventure finish in Jinja. It is a strong option for travellers who want more than a standard gorilla trip and prefer a broader East Africa safari experience. By combining gorilla trekking in both countries with classic safari stops and cultural city experiences, this itinerary offers more variety than a single-country tour. For travellers looking for a longer primate and wildlife holiday with an active final section, this route has real potential.
Safari Highlights
- 11 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda
- Cross-border safari through both countries
- City tours in Kigali and Kampala
- White water rafting in Jinja
- Scenic long-haul East Africa safari route
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Kampala, city tour
On arrival at the airport, our representative will be waiting with a placard bearing your name. Transfer to Kampala, and if time allows, visit the Uganda Museum and enjoy a short Kampala city tour. Overnight stay at Kampala Serena Hotel, Imperial Royale Hotel, or Sheraton Kampala Hotel [luxury], Hotel Africana, Hotel Triangle, or Hotel Shangri-La [mid-range], or Holiday Express Hotel or Namirembe Guest House [budget].
Day 2, Transfer to Jinja, Source of the Nile, white water rafting
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your tour guide and begin the journey to Jinja. On the way, stop at Ssezibwa Falls for a short walk and to learn about the cultural significance of the site. Continue to Jinja, where you will visit the Source of the Nile and enjoy a boat ride. After lunch, head to Bujagali for your rafting experience on the Nile. Later, return to Kampala for an overnight stay.
Day 3, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, head southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Stop at the Equator for photographs, where you can stand in both hemispheres and watch the water demonstration. Enjoy lunch en route before continuing to Bwindi. Along the way, you will see the rolling hills of western Uganda and the green vegetation covering the highlands. Because the terrain can be slippery and many roads are winding, you will arrive in the evening. Check in for dinner and overnight stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge for Mid-range, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Budget, or Buhoma Lodge for Luxury.
Day 4, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, carry your trekking gear to the park headquarters for a briefing before the trek. You are advised to wear long trousers and proper hiking shoes because the forest trails can be steep and slippery. The trek may take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas and the weather conditions. Once you find them, you will spend 1 hour observing and photographing them. Later, return to your lodge to relax, or if time allows, go for a Batwa community walk before dinner and an overnight stay at your booked lodge.
Day 5 and 6, Transfer to Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park stay
After your early morning breakfast, begin the journey to Rwanda. The drive may take about 5 to 6 hours, depending on border formalities and the onward route. You will cross into Rwanda via the Katuna border and continue toward Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge [luxury], Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, or Hotel Gorillas [standard], or Kinigi Guest House or Hotel Muhabura [budget].
Day 7, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Following breakfast, continue to the park headquarters for a briefing before the trek. Then move into the forest in search of the gorillas on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. If you locate the gorillas early, you may return in time for lunch, though the timing depends on their movement as they search for food. Once you meet them, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them for photography and observation before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 8, Transfer to Kigali, city tour
Have breakfast early in the morning, then drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Visit sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamata Genocide Memorial, the museum, and selected community projects, depending on time. Overnight stay at Hotel Chez Lando [budget], Hotel des Mille Collines or Gorillas Golf Hotel [mid-range], or Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Manor [luxury].
Day 9, Transfer to Akagera National Park, afternoon game drive
In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Akagera National Park. Arrive before noon and begin your game drive through the park. Spend the rest of the day on safari before checking in at your hotel. Lunch will be provided. Overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge [budget or mid-range] or Ruzizi Tented Camp [luxury].
Day 10, Boat ride on Lake Ihema, return to Kigali
Today you will go for a boat ride on Lake Ihema and later continue with another game drive in the park in search of more wildlife. After the activity, begin the return journey to Kigali. Overnight stay at Hotel Chez Lando [budget], Hotel des Mille Collines or Gorillas Golf Hotel [mid-range], or Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Manor [luxury].
Day 11, Departure from Kigali
Depending on your flight departure time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. This marks the end of your 11-day Uganda Rwanda wildlife safari.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 10 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda 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