The 9 Days Uganda-Rwanda safari focuses mainly on game viewing and primate experiences like chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking in the two countries. The two combines the savannah wildlife of Queen Elizabeth national park, chimpanzee tracking experience of Kibale national park and the breathtaking primate encounters of Bwindi and Volcanoes national park.
Safari Highlights
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park
Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Boat ride and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park
Cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardian Village
Kigali City Tour
Detailed itinerary – 9 Days Uganda-Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and, depending on your arrival time, you may take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria or visit the Mabamba Swamp for a chance to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Head southwest Uganda through lush tea plantations and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to Fort Portal. Kibale national park is commonly known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” home to over 13 different species.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Spend the morning tracking habituated chimpanzees in Kibale rainforest. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community-led walk, ideal for spotting primates like Red Colobus monkeys and various forest bird species.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, take a boat launch on the Kazinga Channel, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, and abundant water birds.
Day 5: Game Drive & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, embark on an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains for a chance to see lions, leopards, and Uganda Kobs. Later, drive through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, on your way to Bwindi.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This is the highlight of your safari: Meet and track a habituated family of mountain gorillas through the dense, misty forest for a full hour. After the trek, return to the park headquarters and collect your gorilla tracking certificate. Later in the evening, you can choose to go for a cultural experience and visit the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their ancient forest culture and traditions.
Day 7: Transfer to Rwanda via Lake Bunyonyi
From Bwindi, head to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most beautiful Rift Valley lakes, for a brief boat ride to see some of its 29 islands. After a brief relaxation, continue across the border (Cyanika or Katuna) into Rwanda and head to volcanoes national park.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Village
After early breakfast, head to the park and track the rare and playful Golden Monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu Cultural Village) to experience traditional Rwandan dance, archery, and herbal medicine.
Day 9: Kigali City Tour & Departure
After a relaxed morning and breakfast, drive to Kigali for a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. From here, you can explore the Kimironko Market for local crafts before transferring to the airport for your evening departure.
Preparation and packing list for the 9 Days Uganda-Rwanda safari
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits must be booked at least 6 months in advance especially if you are planning to visit in the peak dry season (June-September and December-February). We recommend applying for the East African Tourist Visa ($100) which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Key items in your packing list should include long trousers, sturdy hiking boots, gardening gloves, a rain jacket and a good camera with extra batteries.