This 10 Days Uganda-Rwanda gorilla safari is designed to give you the best wildlife experiences in the two countries. Major focus is put primate and wildlife encounters with gorilla trekking with a double gorilla trekking experience and game viewing as the main highlights. The tour starts from Entebbe, Uganda and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. This safari can also be customised to start in either country and include other experiences depending on your interests and travel budget.
Safari Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrabele national park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park
Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Golden monkey tracking or second gorilla trek in Volcanoes national park
Cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardian Village
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Kigali City Tour
Trip Summary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale national park
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park & boat cruise
Day 5: Game drive & transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Day 6: Gorilla trekking
Dat 7: Transfer to Volcanoes national park
Day 8: Second gorilla trek (Rwanda)
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Visit
Day 10: Kigali city tour & departure
Detailed itinerary – 10 Days Uganda-Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your hotel for a briefing on the adventure ahead by your driver guide. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park Drive west toward Fort Portal, a scenic journey through tea plantations and lush countryside. Kibale is known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” harboring 13 different primate species.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk Spend the morning tracking habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an excellent spot for birding and seeing primates like the Great Blue Turaco and Red Colobus monkeys.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park Exploration Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which offers some of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa, along with elephants and diverse birdlife along the banks.
Day 5: Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions) to Bwindi Travel through the southern Ishasha sector of the park, famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Continue the journey into the highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) The highlight of the trip. After a morning briefing, trek into the dense rainforest to find a mountain gorilla family. You will have one hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat.
Day 7: Cross to Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) Enjoy a scenic drive across the border (via Cyanika or Katuna) into Rwanda. The landscape changes to the dramatic “Land of a Thousand Hills” as you approach Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 8: Second Gorilla Trek (Rwanda) Experience gorilla trekking a second time, but in a different environment. The bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park offer a distinct backdrop and different photographic opportunities compared to Bwindi.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Visit Trek to see the playful and rare Golden Monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga Massif. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu) to learn about Rwandan traditions, dance, and historical ways of life.
Day 10: Kigali City Tour & Departure Drive to Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful place of remembrance, and explore local markets or craft centers for souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Alternative Activities to Consider on the 10 Days Uganda-Rwanda gorilla safari
- Dian Fossey Hike (Day 9): Instead of Golden Monkeys, you can hike to the Karisoke Research Center and the grave of Dian Fossey.
- Lake Bunyonyi (Day 7): If you prefer relaxation, stop at Lake Bunyonyi—the deepest lake in Uganda—for canoeing and birdwatching before crossing into Rwanda.
- Akagera National Park: If you wish for more savannah wildlife in Rwanda, you could swap some mountain time for a trip to Rwanda’s only big game park.
What to pack
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (to protect against nettles), gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation), and a lightweight raincoat.
- Gear: Binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a small waterproof daypack.
- Documentation: Ensure you have the East African Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between Uganda and Rwanda.