11 Day Rwanda Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Tour

This 11-day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want a complete primate and wildlife journey across two of East Africa’s most rewarding safari countries. The tour begins in Kigali, Rwanda, with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda for Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This itinerary gives you two gorilla trekking experiences, one in Rwanda and one in Uganda, which makes it ideal for travellers who want to compare both gorilla destinations in one journey. It also adds chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, savannah game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile, tree-climbing lion country in Ishasha, and rhino tracking at Ziwa. The route is best suited to travellers who want a full Uganda and Rwanda safari with a strong primate focus, varied landscapes, comfortable road transfers and a balance of forest, savannah, lakes and river experiences.

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
• Scenic cross-border journey from Rwanda into Uganda
• Lake Bunyonyi boat ride and island scenery
• Game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chance to look for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
• Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park game drive and Nile boat cruise
• Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
• Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Private driver guide throughout the safari
• Suitable for primate lovers, wildlife travellers and longer East Africa safaris

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Kigali Pickup and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver guide will meet you at the Airport, your hotel or another agreed pickup point in Kigali. After a short briefing, begin the drive north towards Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through Rwanda’s rolling hills, small towns and farming communities before reaching the cooler Musanze region. On arrival, check in at your lodge. Your guide will brief you about the next morning’s gorilla trekking schedule, including reporting time, clothing, permit checks and what to carry. Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park. Accommodation options: Budget option: Kinigi Guest House or Muhabura Lodge, Mid-range option: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or  Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Luxury option: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge or One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, High-end option: Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Day 2, Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. Ranger guides will explain the trekking rules, health guidelines and forest safety before assigning visitors to gorilla families. After the briefing, you drive to the trailhead and begin the trek with rangers and trackers. The walk can take a short time or several hours, depending on where the gorillas are feeding or moving that day. The trail may pass through bamboo forest, farmland edges, thick vegetation and volcanic slopes. Once the gorillas are located, you spend one hour with the family. You may see a silverback, mothers with infants, juveniles playing, feeding behaviour and quiet family interaction. Flash photography is not allowed, and visitors must follow the ranger’s instructions throughout the experience. After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. If the trek ends early, an optional visit to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo can be arranged at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3, Cross into Uganda and Visit Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, leave Rwanda and cross into Uganda through the Cyanika or Katuna border, depending on the route and border conditions. Continue to the Kabale region and Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic highland lakes. The drive gives you beautiful views of terraced hills, rural villages and southwestern Uganda’s cool landscape. In the afternoon, take a relaxed boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is known for its many islands, calm waters and birdlife. You may visit some of the small islands, including Akampene Island, also known as Punishment Island, while learning about the local history and communities around the lake. Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Bunyonyi. Accommodation options: Budget option: Bushara Island Camp or Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Mid-range option: Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi or Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Luxury option: BirdNest Resort Lake Bunyonyi

Day 4, Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Bwindi Forest

After breakfast, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla habitats. The drive takes you through steep hills, farms and forested landscapes before reaching your lodge near the trekking sector confirmed on your permit. The exact route depends on whether your permit is in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo. Bwindi is an ancient rainforest with rich biodiversity, including mountain gorillas, forest birds, butterflies and other primates. Arrive at the lodge, check in and prepare for your Uganda gorilla trekking experience the next morning. Dinner and overnight stay near Bwindi. Accommodation options: Budget option
Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Gorilla Valley Lodge, Mid-range option: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Mahogany Springs, Luxury option: Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge

Day 5, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The briefing covers trekking rules, health guidelines, group allocation and what to expect in the forest. You then enter the rainforest with ranger guides and trackers to search for your assigned gorilla family. The trek can take 2 to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas are feeding or moving. Bwindi trails can be steep, muddy and thick with vegetation, so you should wear proper hiking shoes and carry water, rain gear and a packed lunch. Once the gorillas are located, you spend one hour observing them. You may see a silverback, mothers caring for young ones, juveniles playing and the family feeding or resting in the forest. After the trek, return to the lodge for rest. If time and energy allow, an optional community walk or forest trail can be arranged at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight stay near Bwindi.

Day 6, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Ishasha

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route may pass through the Ishasha sector, depending on road conditions and lodge location. Ishasha is known for tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will also look for elephants, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kob and other wildlife as you drive through the southern side of the park. Continue to your lodge. Arrive in the evening, check in, have dinner and rest. Accommodation options: Budget option: Simba Safari Camp, The Bush Lodge or Ishasha Pride Lodge, Mid-range option: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge, Luxury option: Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 7, Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Kasenyi is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park because of its open grassland and high concentration of Uganda kob, which often attracts predators. Your guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kob and other antelopes. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, transfer to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is one of the best places in Uganda to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and water birds at close range. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8, Transfer to Kibale Forest and Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s leading chimpanzee trekking destination. Arrive in time for lunch, then proceed to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for the afternoon chimpanzee trekking briefing. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the trekking rules before leading you into the forest. Kibale is known for its rich primate diversity. Apart from chimpanzees, the forest is home to red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and many forest birds. Once the chimpanzees are located, you spend one hour observing them as they feed, call, groom or move through the forest. After the trek, continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options: Budget option: Kibale Forest Camp, Rwenzori View Guest House or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Mid-range option: Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Turaco Treetops or Crater Safari Lodge, Luxury option: Primate Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge

Day 9, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, begin the drive to Murchison Falls National Park. This is a long travel day, but it connects Uganda’s primate region with its largest national park. You will have lunch en route and continue north through changing landscapes, towns and rural areas. On arrival, visit the top of Murchison Falls if time allows. This is where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge before dropping powerfully into the river below. Continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options: Budget option: Red Chilli Rest Camp or Budongo Eco Lodge, Mid-range option: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge or Fort Murchison, Luxury option: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 10, Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, cross to the northern bank of the Nile for a morning game drive. This part of Murchison Falls National Park has open savannah, Borassus palms and strong wildlife viewing opportunities. Your guide will look for Rothschild giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, waterbucks and bushbucks. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, take a Nile boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the river, you may see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many water birds. With luck, the shoebill may also be seen along quieter sections of the river. The boat stops near the base of the falls, giving you a clear view of the water as it pushes through the narrow gorge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11, Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls National Park and begin the return journey towards Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. This is the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot, making it a valuable final stop on the safari. A ranger guide will lead you to the area where the rhinos are feeding or resting. The activity usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the location. After rhino tracking, have lunch and continue to Kampala or Entebbe. Your guide will drop you at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, depending on your travel plans. This marks the end of your 11-day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla wildlife safari.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Kigali airport or hotel pickup
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Cross-border transfer support between Rwanda and Uganda
• 10 nights accommodation
• Meals
• Bottled drinking water during transfers
• Gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda
• Chimpanzee permit for Kibale Forest
• Park entrance fees
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit
• Drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe

Exclusions

• International flights
•  East African Tourist Visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips for driver guides, rangers, trackers, porters and lodge staff
• Personal drinks, laundry and calls
• Optional twin lakes visit in Rwanda
• Extra accommodation before or after the safari
• Activities not confirmed in the final itinerary