Overview
Experience the best of Uganda and Rwanda in just 8 days. This carefully designed cross-border safari takes you from the open savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where elephants and lions roam, to the misty, volcanic slopes of Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Along the way, you’ll cruise the Kazinga Channel alongside hippos and crocodiles, descend into the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track wild chimpanzees, and spot the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
But this journey is more than wildlife alone. In Uganda, you’ll take time to connect with local life during a guided village walk, gaining insight into traditional farming, homesteads, and the rhythms of countryside living. And in Rwanda, you’ll reflect on the country’s resilience and transformation with a visit to the powerful Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali.
Whether you’re drawn to primates, scenic landscapes, or meaningful cultural encounters, this 8-day Uganda & Rwanda safari is a compact yet unforgettable experience through two of East Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Itinerary
Day by Day 8 days safari to Uganda and Rwanda Including Gorilla Trekking.
Get ready to trace the heart of East Africa in just eight unforgettable days. This safari is designed to immerse you in the landscapes, wildlife, and local life of both Uganda and Rwanda—from thrilling game drives and tranquil boat cruises to close encounters with gorillas, chimps, and golden monkeys. Each day of our Uganda and Rwanda itinerary brings a new adventure and a deeper connection to the places and people that make this region so special.
Day 1: Arrival to Uganda for our Safari to Uganda & Rwanda.
Arrival at Entebbe airport for the Uganda & Rwanda safari. We meet our tour guide and transfer to the hotel to relax after the flight to be ready for the adventure starting the next day.
Ovwernight: Via via Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
We leave Entebbe in the early morning and drive towards Queen Elizabeth NP as we start our 8 days Uganda & Rwanda safari . Along the way we pass by the Equator where you can stand on the point where the northern- and southern hemispheres meet. Continue on driving through a changing landscape and finally the view of Queen Elizabeth NP opening up in front of us. We have lunch and get to the afternoon boat-cruise on Kazinga channel. This natural channel connects Lake George – Lake Edward. Here you can see Hippopotamuses yawning, Nile Crocodile gaping along the Banks, Savannah version of Pigs the Warthog, impressive elephants and more. After the boat we continue on to the lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Overnight Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge, transfer to Ishasha Sector and village walk.
In the morning, you’ll descend into the lush Kyambura Gorge for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. This hidden rainforest within the savanna is home to a small population of wild chimps and offers a dramatic setting. After the trek we continue our journey to the the lodge by the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. On arrival at Topi Lodge, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and explore the nearby village on a guided walk. This is a great opportunity to see Ugandan countryside life as you see how crops like banana and coffee grow and connect with the local community.
Overnight Topi Lodge
Day 4: Game drive in Ishasha and transfer to Kisoro by Mgahinga.
After breakfast we leave the lodge and head into Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. Ishasha is known for its tree-climbing lions, one of two places in Africa where the lions have the habit of regularly climbing trees to rest. We drive along the tracks seeing buffaloes, topis and hopefully the lions in the fig-trees. After the morning game-drive we continue the journey to Kisoro, drive through the bamboo area via the echuya forest with the Golden scenery of the Volcanoes at eye level in view as we drive down the meandering road to Kisoro volcanic stone town!
Overnight Mucha Hotel
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Day-Mgahinga National Park.
In the morning we drive to the gorilla trekking starting point where your adventure will begin, as it is time for a highlight of the 8 days Uganda & Rwanda tour. You are lead into the forest in a group with a specialized guide and make a trek to the point where the gorillas are. Then you get to spend one unforgettable hour with the gorilla family. After the trek we set off for our target destination Rwanda, the second country in the Uganda & Rwanda safari. Drive out to cross the relaxed border post and continue on through a beautiful landscape in Rwanda to reach the town of Ruhengeri where we spend the night.
Overnight Hotel Muhabura Ruhengeri
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Lake Kivu.
This morning you set off to meet the golden monkeys. Your guide takes you to the starting point and you set off with a specialized guide for the trek. You’ll experience beautiful nature and get a great experience of primates After the trek we leave Ruhengeri and make the short journey to Lake Kivu. Here you can enjoy the beautiful and relax after the trek.
Overnight Paradise Malahide
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali and City Tour with Genocide Memorial Center.
We continue exploring Rwanda and this day the target is to transfer to the capital, Kigali. Enjoy the landscape passing by the windows and take in the Rwandese countryside. In Kigali we then do a city tour as well as visit the Genocide memorial center to learn about Rwanda’s challenging resent history.
Overnight Step Motel
Day 8: Flight Day
Your guide drops you at the airport in time for your flight as we have finished your 8 days Uganda Rwanda safari.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4x4 Safari Car
- Professional English ide
- Park Entry Fees
- Accommodations
- Meals
- All activities in Itinerary
Tour Excludes
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Laundry
- Tips
- Shopping
- Insurance
- Anything not included per itinerary