Action Packed 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari

Embark on an extraordinary 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari, a journey that combines the best of East Africa’s primate trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural immersion.

This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through Rwanda’s misty Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering unparalleled encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the iconic Big Five.

Over ten days, you’ll explore lush rainforests, savanna plains, and vibrant communities, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose a 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari?

Rwanda and Uganda are East Africa’s premier destinations for primate trekking and wildlife safaris, hosting nearly all of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and thriving chimpanzee populations.

This 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari offers a comprehensive exploration of both countries, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with cultural and scenic highlights. Here’s why this itinerary is perfect for you:

• Gorilla Trekking: Track mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a unique perspective on these endangered primates.
• Chimpanzee Encounters: Experience chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest, home to one of East Africa’s largest montane rainforests.
• Big Five Safari: Spot lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a thrilling boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with Rwanda’s royal history and Uganda’s local communities, from the King’s Palace in Nyanza to Batwa cultural experiences in Bwindi.
• Scenic Diversity: Marvel at Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes, Uganda’s savanna plains, and the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi.
• Conservation Impact: Your gorilla ($1,500 in Rwanda, $700 in Uganda) and chimpanzee ($90) permits directly fund conservation, protecting endangered species.

This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers seeking a comprehensive East African experience. Book with us for expert guides, seamless logistics, and a commitment to sustainable tourism.

Brief Itinerary of the 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, tour the Genocide Memorial.

 Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest.

Day 3: Track chimpanzees and enjoy Nyungwe’s Canopy Walk.

Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5: Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes.

Day 6: Cross to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.

 Day 7: Track gorillas in Bwindi, experiencing their unique habitat, followed by a Batwa cultural visit.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions.

Day 9: Enjoy a game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise, spotting lions and hippos.

 Day 10: Return to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator, and depart

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Detailed Itinerary: 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

Below is a day-by-day itinerary, designed to maximize your primate and wildlife encounters while showcasing the cultural and natural beauty of Rwanda and Uganda.

Each day includes meals, activities, and accommodation options across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our professional driver-guide greets you with a warm welcome. After a brief orientation, embark on a short Kigali city tour to explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
• Activities: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honor the 1994 genocide victims and learn about Rwanda’s resilience. Explore the Kimironko Market for colorful crafts and local interactions.
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then check into your hotel for relaxation and a safari briefing.
• Evening: Dine at your hotel, preparing for the journey ahead.
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali or Kigali Serena Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel des Mille Collines
  • Budget: Step Town Hotel
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The Kigali tour sets the cultural tone, offering a meaningful introduction to Rwanda’s history and vibrant urban life.

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, depart Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda, a 5–6-hour scenic drive through terraced hills and tea plantations.
• En Route: Stop at the King’s Palace in Nyanza to explore Rwanda’s royal history and visit the Rwanda National Museum in Huye for ethnographic exhibits.
• Afternoon: Pause for lunch en route, arriving at Nyungwe in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge, surrounded by the ancient rainforest.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner, anticipating the chimpanzee trek.
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House or Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
  • Budget: Gisakura Guest House
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The cultural stops and scenic drive build excitement for Nyungwe’s primate adventures.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

• Morning: Rise early for breakfast and transfer to Nyungwe’s headquarters for a 6:00 AM chimpanzee tracking briefing. Trek into the forest with expert rangers to locate a habituated chimpanzee troop.
• Chimpanzee Encounter: Tracking takes 2–4 hours. Spend one hour observing these lively primates as they swing through trees, vocalize, and groom. Spot other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys and over 300 bird species.
• Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, experience the Canopy Walk, a 50-meter-high suspension bridge offering stunning forest views and wildlife sightings.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner and share stories of your chimpanzee adventure.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 2
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: Chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk offer a thrilling immersion into Nyungwe’s biodiversity.

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Golden Monkey Tracking

• Morning: After a hearty breakfast at your Nyungwe Forest lodge, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, a scenic 5–6-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations. The journey offers breathtaking views of the countryside, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” setting the stage for your primate adventures in the Virunga Mountains.
• En Route: Pause in Kibuye for an optional scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu (~$30, 1 hour), where you’ll glide past lush islands and spot birds like pied kingfishers. This relaxing stop breaks up the drive and showcases one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Volcanoes National Park, home to five non-active volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Check into your lodge, nestled in the volcanic foothills, and enjoy lunch. After a brief rest, transfer to the Kinigi headquarters for a 2:00 PM golden monkey tracking briefing. Trek through bamboo forests with expert rangers to locate these endangered primates, known for their vibrant golden fur and playful antics. Spend one hour observing their acrobatic leaps and social interactions, a lively introduction to Rwanda’s primate diversity.
• Evening: Return to your lodge to relax, savoring the lodge’s amenities and panoramic mountain views. Enjoy a delicious dinner, reflecting on the golden monkeys’ energetic display.
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Wilderness Bisate or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, offering elegant eco-domes and volcano vistas.
  • Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, comfortable with modern amenities.
  • Budget: Kinigi Guest House, clean and affordable.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The Lake Kivu cruise and golden monkey tracking offer a vibrant blend of scenic beauty and primate excitement, building anticipation for the gorilla trek. This day sets a joyful tone, showcasing Rwanda’s biodiversity in the stunning Virunga landscape.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

• Morning: After breakfast, cross the Rwanda-Uganda border at Cyanika, a 2–3-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking destination.
• En Route: Enjoy views of the Virunga Mountains and rural villages. Complete border formalities with assistance from your guide.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Bwindi’s Buhoma or Rushaga sector and check into your lodge, surrounded by dense rainforest.
• Evening: Relax and prepare for your second gorilla trek, enjoying the lodge’s serene ambiance.
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Engagi Lodge
  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The cross-border journey offers a seamless transition to Uganda’s gorilla haven, enhancing your primate experience.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Bwindi’s park headquarters for a 7:30 AM briefing. Trek with rangers to a habituated gorilla family, navigating steep, muddy trails.
• Gorilla Encounter: Trekking takes 2–7 hours. Spend one hour with the gorillas, noting differences in behavior or habitat compared to Volcanoes. Bwindi hosts nearly half of the world’s 1,064 mountain gorillas.
• Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch. Optionally, join a Batwa cultural experience (~$20), learning about the indigenous Batwa people’s forest traditions.
• Evening: Dine and relax, reflecting on your second gorilla encounter.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 6
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: A second gorilla trek in Bwindi offers a deeper understanding of these primates in a distinct forest ecosystem.

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 5–6-hour drive through Uganda’s scenic landscapes, passing via the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions.
• En Route: Stop for a brief game drive in Ishasha, searching for lions lounging in fig trees.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into your lodge, overlooking the Kazinga Channel or savanna plains.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s wildlife adventures.
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Bush Lodge
  • Budget: Simba Safari Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The Ishasha game drive introduces Uganda’s Big Five, setting the stage for a classic safari.

Day 8: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

• Morning: Rise early for a 6:30 AM game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes like Uganda kobs. Queen Elizabeth hosts over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species.
• Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch, then embark on a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds like African fish eagles.
• Evening: Enjoy a sundowner and dinner, sharing safari stories.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 8
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Why Book This Day?: The game drive and boat cruise offer a thrilling contrast to primate trekking, showcasing Uganda’s savanna wildlife.

Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe and Departure

• Morning: After breakfast, depart for Entebbe, a 6–7-hour drive, with a packed lunch en route.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Entebbe and, if time allows, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (~$15) to see rescued animals.
• Evening: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your epic safari.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Why Book This Day?: The journey back to Entebbe offers a reflective close, with cultural stops to round out your East African adventure.

End of the 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari

Key Highlights of the Safari

• Gorilla Trekking
  Gorilla trekking offers a rare opportunity to encounter these incredible endangered primates in their natural habitats. Bwindi’s dense, rugged terrain, enriches your understanding of these endangered primates (1,064 remain globally).
• Chimpanzee Tracking
  Nyungwe’s 1,020 km² rainforest hosts chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Their playful antics and vocalizations provide a dynamic contrast to the serene gorilla encounters.
• Big Five Safari
  Queen Elizabeth National Park’s game drives and Kazinga Channel cruise deliver sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and abundant birdlife, completing the classic African safari experience.
• Cultural Immersion
  From Rwanda’s King’s Palace and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to Uganda’s Batwa experience and Equator stop, you’ll engage with the region’s rich heritage and community-driven conservation.
• Scenic Diversity
  Rwanda’s volcanic peaks, Uganda’s savanna plains, and serene lakes like Kivu and Bunyonyi create a visual tapestry that enhances every moment.

Practical Information for Your Safari

Permits and Costs

Uganda Gorilla Permit: $800 per person.

Chimpanzee Permit: $90 (Rwanda, non-residents).

Park Fees (Queen Elizabeth): $40/day per person.

Permits are limited (8 per gorilla family daily), so book 6–12 months in advance through us.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Wilderness Bisate, One&Only Nyungwe House, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge—offer elegant suites and stunning views.

Mid-Range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Engagi Lodge, Bush Lodge—comfortable and modern.

Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Gisakura Guest House, Rushaga Gorilla Haven, Simba Safari Camp—clean and affordable.

All include full-board meals unless specified.

What to Pack

Clothing: Neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants (khaki, olive), waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, hat, gloves for thorny vegetation.

Gear: Binoculars, camera (no flash), reusable water bottle, backpack, insect repellent, sunscreen.

Documents: Passport, vaccination card (yellow fever required), travel insurance, and visas (Rwanda: $50, Uganda: $50, or $100 East Africa Tourist Visa).

Health and Safety

Fitness: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involve steep, muddy trails; moderate fitness is required.Health: No physical contact with primates; masks may be required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended.Safety: Armed rangers ensure protection during treks and game drives.

Best Time to TravelDry Seasons: June–September and December–February offer easier trekking and game viewing.Rainy Seasons: March–May and October–November provide lush scenery and fewer crowds but require waterproof gear.

Why Book with Us?

Our expertise and dedication make us your ideal partner for this safari:

• Regional Expertise: We partner with top guides and lodges in Rwanda and Uganda, ensuring authentic, high-quality experiences.
• Customizable Itineraries: Add optional activities like golden monkey tracking or a Lake Bunyonyi boat ride to suit your interests.
• Conservation Commitment: We prioritize eco-friendly practices, supporting primate and wildlife conservation.
• Seamless Logistics: We handle permits, border crossings, and transfers, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
• Client Satisfaction: Our clients praise our attention to detail, as seen in reviews on platforms like SafariBookings.

To book, contact us to secure permits, arrange accommodations, and tailor the safari to your preferences. Group discounts and flexible payment plans are available.

The 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the world’s most iconic primate encounters with classic African wildlife experiences.

Imagine locking eyes with a silverback gorilla in Rwanda’s misty forests, laughing at chimpanzees swinging through Nyungwe’s canopy, and spotting lions on Uganda’s savanna plains.

These moments, rare and profound, will forever change how you view nature. Rwanda and Uganda’s landscapes—from volcanic peaks to serene lakes—are a visual masterpiece, while their cultural heritage reveals the resilience and warmth of East African communities.

With only 80 gorilla permits available daily in each park, delaying risks missing out on this exclusive experience.

By booking now, you secure your place and contribute to the survival of endangered species, with permit fees funding anti-poaching and habitat protection.

Our clients, like Michael from New York, share, “This safari exceeded every expectation. The gorillas, chimps, and Big Five were incredible, and Uganda Wildlife Tours made it seamless!” Your unforgettable story awaits.

Don’t wait to experience East Africa’s wild heart. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife connection, or cultural enrichment, this safari delivers it all. Contact us today to reserve your spot and embark on a journey that will redefine your relationship with the natural world.

Final Thoughts

The 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda Safari is a gateway to East Africa’s primate and wildlife wonders, blending gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with Big Five safaris and cultural immersion.

From Rwanda’s Volcanoes and Nyungwe to Uganda’s Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth, every day unveils new marvels.

With luxurious lodges, expert guides, and a commitment to conservation, we ensure an adventure that’s as seamless as it is transformative.

Book now to trek through misty forests, cruise iconic waterways, and discover why Rwanda and Uganda are Africa’s safari gems. Let us make your dream safari a reality.