This 8 Day Uganda and Rwanda Trip offers plenty for travelers who are after an insight into the remarkable charms of the Eastern part of Africa.
You will partake in a number of exciting activities such as Gorilla trekking, Mountain hiking, Game viewing and boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking and Batwa community visits. It starts in Uganda and ends in Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to hotel.
Expect to be picked up by our Safari guide on arrival, meet and greet, and then transfer up to your hotel of residence in Kampala. Options are Serena Hotel (Luxury), HBT (mid-range) and Namirembe Guesthouse (budget)
Day 2: Kampala – Drive to Kibale National Park
Very early in the morning, you will embark on a six-hour drive from Kampala up to Kibale Forest National Park in the western part of Uganda.
Once you reach in time, there is a possibility of engaging in the Bigodi walk or the Crater Lake drive. Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Guest House (budget), Primates Lodge (Mid-range) and Kyaninga Lodge (luxury).
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After your morning breakfast, transfer to join the group at Kanywanchu Tourism Centre. Before starting a rewarding journey to the Jungle, you are all first briefed about how to conduct yourself while in the Jungle.
The tracking takes about 3-5 hours though the time taken mostly depends on where these primates spent their last night.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening you transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check-in at Simba Safari Camp (budget), Park View Lodge (mid-range) and Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury).
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel
Very early in the morning, you will start with a morning game drive via tracks in the Kasenyi plains. This rewards spectacular views of different wild animals such as elephants, leopards, lions, buffaloes and more.
After this 3-4 hours excursion, the drive will continue straight to Mweya Peninsula. Have lunch at the Mweya canteen and later join the afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. The cruise reveals a plethora of aquatic species like hippopotamus, crocodiles and more.
Day 5: Queen – Transfer to Bwindi.
After beautiful moments in Queen, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the southern Ishasha sector route up to Buhoma. You will stop over in Ishasha to see the famous tree-climbing lions. Check-in and relax at the lodge.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma
Early in the morning, head to the park headquarters for a short briefing conducted to highlight trekkers on how to behave with the Gorillas. After briefing, you will start the journey to the jungle in search of the Gorillas for interaction. Later return to the lodge.
Day 7: Bwindi – Drive to Volcanoes National Park.
From Bwindi drive straight to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda. You will cross via the Chanika border. It takes about 3-4 hours for the drive. Check-in at the lodge for relaxation after a long drive.
Day 8: Golden Monkeys – Transfer to Kigali
Early in the morning, you will track the Golden monkeys in Volcanoes, after return back to Kigali. Golden monkeys are mostly found in mountainous areas, so they require physical fitness.
details about 8 Day Uganda and Rwanda Trip
8-Day Uganda and Rwanda Self-Drive Trip
This itinerary will take you through some of the most iconic and breathtaking locations in Uganda and Rwanda, offering a self-drive adventure with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
– Arrival: Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
– Car Rental: Pick up your rental car at the airport.
– Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Kigali.
– Evening: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a poignant introduction to Rwanda’s history. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the vibrant city.
Day 2: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
– Morning: Depart early from Kigali.
– Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including border crossing.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge in Bwindi.
– Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
– Early Morning: Have an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
– Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a trek to see the mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a late lunch and rest.
– Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Queen Elizabeth to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
-Morning: Depart early after breakfast.
– Travel Time: Approximately 6-7 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park, with a stop for lunch en route and border crossing back to Rwanda.
– Check-in: Arrive and check in at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
– Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner with views of the volcanoes.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
– Early Morning: Have an early breakfast and proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
– Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a trek to see the mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
– Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a late lunch and rest.
– Evening: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan culture, traditional dances, and learn about the local way of life.
– Dinner and Overnight: Stay at the lodge.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
– Morning: After an early breakfast, head out for golden monkey trekking.
– Late Morning: Return to the lodge, freshen up, and check out.
– Travel Time: Approximately 2-3 hours drive back to Kigali.
– Afternoon: Arrive in Kigali and have a late lunch.
– City Tour: If time permits, explore some of Kigali’s highlights such as the Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center, or Caplaki Craft Village.
– Evening: Return the rental car and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure or check into a hotel if you are staying in Kigali.
Tips for the Trip
– Car Rental: Ensure you rent a reliable 4×4 vehicle suitable for rough terrains. Check if the rental includes cross-border travel permissions.
– Navigation: Use GPS or offline maps for navigation. Download maps and have a physical map as a backup.
– Permits: Secure gorilla trekking permits in advance for both Bwindi and Volcanoes.
– Packing: Bring comfortable trekking gear, waterproof clothing, and good hiking boots.
Binoculars and a good camera are essential for wildlife viewing.
– Health Precautions: Carry insect repellent, sunblock, and any necessary medications. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers trekking activities.
– Local Guides: Utilize local guides for the best experience and to support the local community.
– Currency: Carry enough local currency (Rwandan Francs and Ugandan Shillings) for expenses, as some areas may not have ATM access.
– Accommodation: Book your accommodations in advance, especially for popular tourist destinations like national parks.
– Safety: Follow local traffic laws, drive carefully, and be aware of wildlife crossings. Have emergency contacts and a first aid kit on hand.
This 8-day self-drive tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes, making for an unforgettable adventure through Uganda and Rwanda.