Step into the heart of East Africa on this distinctive 8-day Rwanda–Uganda safari that brings you face-to-face with the continent’s most majestic wildlife from endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants.
You’ll journey through the luxuriant rainforests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park for close-up primate encounters, and across Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic savannah game drives and scenic boat cruises.
Along the way, connect with local cultures, explore crater lakes, and soak in panoramic landscapes that shift from highland volcanoes to open plains. Designed for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike, this cross-border journey is one of the most rewarding ways to explore East Africa.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
- Classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife photographer’s dream
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Cultural experiences with the Batwa and Rwandan communities
- Kigali Genocide Memorial & city tour
- Scenic drives through volcanoes, crater lakes, and East African savannah
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour & Cultural Welcome
Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and scenic capital. Your local guide will welcome you and take you on a city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial a moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the craft markets for Rwandan souvenirs. Settle in at your comfortable boutique hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner while being briefed about your upcoming safari.
Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Into the Land of a Thousand Hills
After breakfast, begin your journey north to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s lush countryside, dotted with terraced hills and banana plantations. Arrive in Musanze, a lively town at the foot of the Virunga & Volcanoes.
After checking into your lodge, enjoy an optional cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan life, dance, and music.
Overnight at a charming lodge near the park.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Bwindi (Uganda)
This morning, you will venture into the bamboo forest to track golden monkeys, colorful primates found only in this region. Watch them leap from tree to tree as you follow them through the misty groves. After lunch, begin the scenic drive to Uganda via the Cyanika border.
The terrain shifts as you enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at your eco-lodge on the forest edge and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Life-Changing Encounter
Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the dense forest with experienced rangers. Gorilla trekking can take 2 to 6 hours depending on their location, but every moment in the forest is part of the adventure.
Once you find a gorilla family, spend a powerful hour observing them watching silverbacks, mothers, and infants interact in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a hot meal and optional community walk or cultural visit with the Batwa people.
Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 5: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, journey north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in this remote part of the park, watching for lions lounging in fig trees, herds of buffalo, antelope, and elephants.
Arrive at your safari lodge overlooking the savannah and relax as the sun sets over the plains. Dinner is served with a view of wildlife grazing nearby. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Wake up early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where lions, leopards, and large herds of Ugandan kob roam freely. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles. Watch elephants, buffaloes, and antelope come to drink as birds flutter across the water’s edge.
This is a photographer’s paradise. Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening and dinner under the stars. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 7: Scenic Drive to Lake Bunyonyi – The Switzerland of Africa
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil highland lake ringed by terraced hills and dotted with emerald islands. En route, stop at crater lakes and local markets.
Upon arrival, take a canoe ride across the lake or hike to a panoramic viewpoint. This is a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on your journey. Spend the evening by the water, with bird calls and cool breezes making for a serene end to your day. Overnight at a lakeside lodge.
Day 8: Return to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving back to Kigali through scenic hills and valleys. Depending on your flight time, you may stop at a crafts center or enjoy lunch in town before your airport drop-off.
With your heart full of unforgettable encounters from gorillas to savannah giants you’ll depart East Africa with memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
- 7 nights’ accommodation in comfortable eco-lodges and safari lodges
- All meals as indicated (mostly full board)
- Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda) and golden monkey tracking permit (Rwanda)
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Game drives and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Cultural experiences in Uganda and Rwanda
- Border crossing assistance and AMREF emergency evacuation cover
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance and visa fees for Rwanda and Uganda
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g., Batwa forest walk, canoe rides at Lake Bunyonyi)
- Alcoholic beverages and laundry services
Ready to Book?
Explore gorillas, golden monkeys, tree-climbing lions and classic game drives on this 8-day Rwanda & Uganda primate and wildlife safari adventure.
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