8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

This 8-day Uganda Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want both classic safari game viewing and unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters. The tour begins in Uganda, where you explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the country’s best-known wildlife destinations, then continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. After that, you cross into Rwanda for another gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park and end the trip in Kigali. This route gives you the rare chance to experience gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda within one well-paced safari

Safari highlights

• Airport pick up and hotel transfer in Entebbe or Kampala
• Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Game drive in one of Uganda’s best wildlife parks
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise, known for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
• Ishasha sector game drive, famous for tree-climbing lions
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Cross-border transfer from Uganda to Rwanda
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Road transfer to Kigali for departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Entebbe and hotel transfer

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your booked hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, about a 45-minute drive. This is a relaxed arrival day where you can settle in after your flight and prepare for the safari. Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation. Luxury Serena Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Imperial Royale Hotel, Mid-range Hotel Africana, Hotel Triangle, Cassia Lodge, Budget Namirembe Guest House, Holiday Express Hotel

Day 2, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Equator stop

After an early breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up and begin the journey westwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you will stop at the Equator for photographs and a brief experience. Continue through scenic countryside and arrive in the park in the afternoon. Depending on arrival time, you may have a short game drive before checking in at your lodge. Dinner and overnight. Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba Safari Lodge, Hippo Hill Camp, Budget Albertine River Camp, Mweya Hostels, Simba Safari Camp

Day 3, Morning game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari

Start early with a morning game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You may see lions, elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for lunch, then head out for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2

Day 4, Ishasha tree-climbing lions and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive. This area is well known for the rare tree-climbing lions often seen resting in fig trees. After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through scenic countryside. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and prepare for gorilla trekking the next day. Dinner and overnight. Budget Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Nkuringo Campsite, Virunga Hotel, Nkuringo Safari Centre, Mid-range Lake Kitandara Camp, Nkuringo Camp, Wagtail Eco Lodge, Luxury  Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gahinga Lodge.

Day 5, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The day starts with an early breakfast before your transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you will be allocated a gorilla group to trek and then begin the walk through the forest along different trails in search of the gorillas. The trek can take several hours depending on their location. Once you meet the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour observing them, taking pictures, and watching their behaviour. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax or take an optional community walk before dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 4.

Day 6, Transfer to Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to the Uganda Rwanda border, crossing into Rwanda through the Cyanika or Katuna border. Continue to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Dinner and overnight. Luxury  Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mid-range Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Hotel Gorillas Kinigi, Budget Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura

Day 7, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Rise early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. After briefing, begin your trek through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a gorilla family. The trek duration varies depending on their movement. Once located, you will spend 1 hour observing them and taking pictures. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Accommodation Same lodge as Day 6.

Day 8, Transfer to Kigali and departure

After breakfast, drive to Kigali, a journey of about 2.5 to 3 hours. Depending on your flight time, you may have an optional short city visit before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick up and drop off
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Accommodation as per chosen category
• Meals as stated in the itinerary
• Park entry fees
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking permits
• Cross-border transfer into Rwanda
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary