7 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

Primate and Wildlife Safari, Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Rwanda-Uganda safari that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This adventure takes you through two of East Africa’s most biodiverse countries, offering opportunities to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, trek chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale Forest, and embark on exhilarating game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This safari is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Africa’s wilderness. With a mix of primate trekking, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat cruises, this journey promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) – Spend an unforgettable hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Golden Monkey Tracking – Encounter the rare golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest (Uganda) – Walk through lush rainforests to observe playful chimpanzees.
• Big Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more on thrilling game drives.
• Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel – Witness hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along this scenic waterway.
• Cultural Encounters – Engage with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. After arrival, embark on a city tour to explore landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers deep insights into Rwanda’s history. You’ll also visit local markets and craft centers before driving northwest towards Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and rural villages, offering glimpses of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge near the park and enjoy a relaxing evening in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking. Accommodation:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge
• Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse

This is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track, and then set off with experienced guides and trackers into the dense rainforest. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once you find them, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact. The experience is deeply moving and one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the world. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, you may opt for a cultural village walk to interact with the local community or visit Dian Fossey’s grave, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to gorilla conservation.

Start your day with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful, endangered primates are found in the bamboo forests and offer a different but equally fascinating primate experience. After the trek, begin your journey to Uganda. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, crossing the border at Cyanika/Katuna. Upon arrival in Kisoro or Kabale, check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening. Accommodation:

• Mid-range: Chameleon Hill Lodge (Kabale)
• Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel (Kisoro)

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate paradise. The journey offers beautiful views of tea plantations and rural villages. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you’ll have the chance to observe them swinging through trees, grooming, and vocalizing. The forest is also rich in other primates, including red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Accommodation:

• Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
• Mid-range: Turaco Treehouse
• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserves. The park boasts diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you can spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded. Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Parkview Safari Lodge
• Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages

Begin your day with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 40km waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise offers excellent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife, including kingfishers and African fish eagles. Later, drive to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These unique lions lounge in fig trees, a rare behavior only seen in a few places in Africa. Enjoy another game drive before returning to your lodge.

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, stopping at the Uganda-Rwanda border for immigration formalities. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a farewell lunch in Kigali before heading to the airport for departure. This 7-day Rwanda-Uganda safari offers an incredible mix of primate encounters, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences. From the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Rwanda to the diverse wildlife of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, every moment is filled with adventure and wonder. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a transformative travel experience, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.