8-Day Rwanda & Uganda Wildlife Expedition
Overview
A Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari is one of the best ways to experience East Africa’s incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures. This 8-day journey combines the very best of Rwanda and Uganda, taking you through ancient rainforests, stunning lakes, volcanic mountains, and wildlife-rich national parks.
This exciting Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s modern and welcoming capital city. From there, you will travel to the famous Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and many other primate species. You will then continue to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, where you can relax and enjoy scenic boat cruises.
The adventure continues as your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari takes you to Uganda through the beautiful volcanic region near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here, you will enjoy one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences—mountain gorilla tracking. Spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a moment that few travelers ever forget.
The journey also includes a visit to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and peaceful atmosphere, before ending in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous wildlife destination. Here, you will enjoy classic African game drives and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and countless birds can be seen.
This Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari perfectly combines primate encounters, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, lake adventures, and breathtaking scenery. With comfortable accommodation, professional guides, and carefully planned activities, this safari offers a complete East African experience suitable for wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, and adventure seekers.
Tour Plan
Your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. You will meet your professional driver-guide and begin a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest cities.
Depending on your arrival time, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, and local markets. After lunch, begin the scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This section of your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari offers stunning views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural villages before arriving at your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today’s Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari takes you deep into Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.
After an early breakfast and briefing, enter the forest with experienced trackers. Follow the sounds of the chimpanzees as they move through the trees and observe their playful behavior in their natural environment.
After the trek, enjoy the famous canopy walk, one of the highlights of Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari. The suspended bridge offers amazing views of the rainforest from above.
Later, transfer to Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Rwiza Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari is not only about wildlife. Today is dedicated to relaxation at the beautiful Lake Kivu.
Enjoy a boat cruise across the calm waters while taking in views of green hills and small islands. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s safest lakes for swimming and water activities.
Optional activities during your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari include kayaking, island visits, birdwatching, fishing, and coffee tours. The peaceful atmosphere makes this a perfect day to relax before continuing your adventure.
Accommodation: Rwiza Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari by traveling north to Musanze District.
Visit the fascinating Musanze Caves, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Depending on available time, you may also visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or take part in a Dian Fossey hiking experience.
In the afternoon, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda and transfer to your lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodation: Mount Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari and Uganda adventure.
After breakfast, report to Mgahinga National Park headquarters for a briefing before starting your mountain gorilla tracking experience.
Guided by experienced rangers, trek through the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent animals as they feed, play, and interact.
Gorilla tracking remains one of the most rewarding experiences on any Safari Trip in Rwanda and East Africa.
Accommodation: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari extension into Uganda with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi.
Known as one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by green hills and dotted with 29 islands. Enjoy a boat excursion and learn about the history of the famous Punishment Island.
The peaceful setting offers excellent opportunities for photography, birdwatching, swimming, and relaxation.
Accommodation: Crater Bay Cottages and Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari continues into Uganda’s famous Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Along the way, stop at Kitagata Hot Springs before continuing to the park. After lunch and check-in, enjoy an exciting boat safari along the Kazinga Channel.
The channel is famous for large populations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. This activity offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities of the entire journey.
Accommodation: Tembo Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final day of your Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari begins with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, hyenas, and many other animals that call the park home. The park is one of Uganda’s richest wildlife destinations and offers excellent photography opportunities.
After the game drive and lunch, begin the journey back to Kigali for your departure flight.
This marks the end of an unforgettable Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari and Uganda filled with gorilla encounters, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife safaris, lake adventures, and cultural experiences.
