Destination: Rwanda & Uganda
Parks Covered: Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park
Tour Type: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safari, and cultural experience
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Uganda and Rwanda safari adventure that combines the best of East Africa’s primate tracking and wildlife encounters. This exciting cross-border journey takes you from the rolling hills of Rwanda to the misty rainforests of Uganda. You will trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes and Bwindi National Parks, spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest all while immersing yourself in rich African cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Rwanda City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, where your guide will brief you about your upcoming adventure. Start with a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and artisan centers. Enjoy lunch in town before heading to the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, home to Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Drive through scenic highlands, passing terraced hills and picturesque villages as you make your way to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province.
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Overnight at Bisate Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
Overnight at Le bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Cross into Uganda (Bwindi)
Rise early for your first gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After registration and a ranger briefing at Kinigi, begin your guided trek through lush bamboo forests and mountain terrain.
Once you find a gorilla family, spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior, photographing, and admiring these gentle giants up close. After lunch, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense rainforest and rich biodiversity.
Travel Time: 3–4 hours (including border crossing)
Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Batwa Cultural Experience
Today offers a second chance to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — or enjoy a community and cultural experience.
You may choose to:
- Visit the Batwa pygmy community, learning about their forest traditions, dances, and way of life.
- Take a guided nature walk to the waterfalls and birding trails.
- Explore local villages, tea plantations, or traditional homesteads.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner overlooking the lush rainforest canopy.
Travel Time: 3–4 hours (including border crossing)
Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
Leave Bwindi after breakfast for a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse safari destination. En route, pass through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions often seen lounging on fig tree branches. Enjoy an en-route game drive and lunch before continuing to your lodge in the northern part of the park.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight at Kyambura Gorge Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you can spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and leopards against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and bird species such as pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Kyambura Gorge Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking
After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, a tropical rainforest hosting 13 species of primates, including the playful chimpanzee. In the afternoon, set out on a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. Walk through the forest trails while listening to the hoots and calls of chimpanzees. Once located, spend an hour observing their interactions, grooming, and feeding habits.
Optional activities include a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching or exploring the scenic crater lakes of Ndali-Kasenda.
Travel Time: 3 hours
Overnight at Kyaninga Lodge / Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury)
Overnight at Turacco treetops (Mid range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Return to Entebbe – Equator Stop & Departure
After breakfast, start your return journey to Entebbe, passing through tea plantations and traditional villages. Stop at the Uganda Equator Monument in Kayabwe for photo opportunities and local crafts shopping. Arrive in Entebbe in the afternoon for your onward flight or evening departure.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
- Transportation by a 4wd safari vehicle.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Gorilla permit and chimpanzee permits.
- Park entrance fees.
- Meet and greet service
- Batwa community visits
- Igongo Museum if time allows
However, the Safari excludes:
Airfares, Visas or Insurance, Tips to local guides, Porterage or Laundry, Soft or alcoholic, drinks or mineral water (excl. water in the vehicles), Items of a personal nature, any meals not indicated above, any tours not mentioned from the itinerary above.