This 5 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari combines Uganda and Rwanda and you will partake in numerous fascinating pursuits including game viewing in Queen, gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. It starts in Kigali – cross to Uganda and back to Kigali.
Day 1: Pick up in Kigali – Cross to Kibale
Our Safari guide will pick you up from Kigali airport and transfer up to Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. The scenic drive through the Kigezi highlands takes about 6-7 hours and rewards panoramic views of rolling hills and picturesque valleys. Check-in at the lodge.
Options are Mountains of the Moon / Chimpanzee guest house (Budget / Mid-range) and Ndali Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury).
Day 2: Chimp tracking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth.
Chimpanzee tracking is the main reason for a safari to Kibale, early in the morning join the group gathering at Kanywanchu Tourism Centre. You will take a morning tracking session, which starts at 8:00 am and lasts for about 3-4 hours.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive takes about 2-3 hours. Check-in at Ihamba Lodge / Bush Lodge (mid-range) and Kyambura Gorge / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury).
Day 3: Game drive – Afternoon boat cruise
Start with a 3-4 hours game drive in the Kasenyi plains and from the pop-up roof of the Safari vehicle you will take in magnificent views of wild animals, bird species and sunrise. Some of the animals to see are elephants, buffaloes, kobs, lions, leopards, bushbucks and more.
After the game drive you will drive straight to the Mweya peninsula to have lunch at the Mweya canteen. Later at 2:00 pm join a breathtaking boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.
Day 4: Queen – Transfer to Volcanoes in Rwanda.
After great moments in Queen, you will transfer from Queen to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It is a long drive but worth undertaking if you are after adventure. Views of Virunga peaks, rolling hills and other scenery are inspirational. Check-in at Muhabura hotel (Budget), Davinci Lodge (Mid-range) and Mountain Gorilla view lodge (Luxury).
Day 5: Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes – Drive back to Kinigi.
Wake up in time, get prepared and transfer up to the park headquarters in Kinigi. After briefing, you will start the Journey to the Jungle in search of the Gorillas. You are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour.
See them feeding, laughing and strolling around. You are free to take plenty of photos of the Gorillas. After the one-hour session return to the lodge for relaxation.
In the late afternoon, you drive back to Kigali – drop off at the airport for your late return flight back home
Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari with Car Rental (Self-Drive)
Embark on an exciting self-drive safari through Rwanda and Uganda, exploring stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Here’s a detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
– Arrival: Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
– Car Rental: Pick up your rental car (preferably a 4×4 for rugged terrains).
– Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Kigali.
– Evening: Explore Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park
– Mornin: Depart early from Kigali.
– Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours to Akagera National Park.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge or campsite.
– Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the park, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Full Day in Akagera National Park
-Morning Game Drive: Early morning drive to see wildlife.
– Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
– Afternoon Boat Safari: Take a boat trip on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
– Morning: Depart Akagera after breakfast.
– Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park, with a stop for lunch en route.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge.
– Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner with views of the volcanoes.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
– Early Morning: Breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters.
– Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a trek to see mountain gorillas (2-6 hours depending on the location).
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge, have lunch, and rest.
– Evening: Cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
– Dinner and Overnight: Stay at the lodge.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Drive to Bwindi, Uganda
– Morning: Early breakfast and golden monkey trekking.
– Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
– Border Crossing: Ensure you have visas and necessary documents.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge in Bwindi.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
– Early Morning: Breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters.
– Gorilla Trekking: Trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 8: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
– Morning: Depart Bwindi after breakfast.
– Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge.
– Afternoon Game Drive: Explore the park and spot elephants, lions, and various antelopes.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 9: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park
– Morning Game Drive: Early morning safari to see more wildlife.
– Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
– Afternoon Boat Cruise: Cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Kampala
– Morning: Depart after breakfast.
– Travel Time: Approximately 6-7 hours drive to Kampala.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your hotel.
– Evening: Explore Kampala, visit the Uganda Museum, or relax at the hotel.
Day 11: Kampala to Jinja 
– Morning: Drive to Jinja, approximately 2 hours.
– Activities: Visit the Source of the Nile, go white-water rafting, or enjoy a boat ride on the Nile River.
– Afternoon: Explore Jinja town, visit local markets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
– Evening: Return to Kampala for overnight stay.
Day 12: Return to Kigali
– Morning: Depart Kampala early.
– Travel Time: Approximately 8-9 hours drive back to Kigali.
– Check-in: Arrive in Kigali, return the rental car.
– Evening: Final evening in Kigali, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 13: Departure from Kigali
– Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, explore Kigali further or relax.
– Departure: Head to Kigali International Airport for your flight.
Tips for the Self-Drive Safari
– Car Rental: Ensure you rent a reliable 4×4 vehicle.
– Navigation: Use GPS or offline maps for navigation.
– Documentation: Carry necessary travel documents, visas, and a valid driving license.
– Safety: Follow local travel advisories, carry safety gear, and have emergency contacts.
– Currency: Carry sufficient local currency (Rwandan Francs and Ugandan Shillings) for expenses.
– Accommodation: Book lodges and hotels in advance.
– Permits: Secure gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking permits in advance.
– Health Precautions: Carry insect repellent, sunblock, and necessary medications. Ensure you have travel insurance.
This 13-day self-drive safari itinerary offers an extensive exploration of Rwanda and Uganda, providing a rich and immersive experience of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes.