Safari overview
Experience the best of Uganda and Rwanda on a private 12-day journey combining mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah game drives, boat safaris and Rwanda’s remarkable Volcanoes National Park.
This private 12-day Uganda-Rwanda safari begins at Entebbe Airport and travels north to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives, a Nile boat cruise and a hike to the top of the falls. You then continue south to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the Kasenyi Plains game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
From Queen Elizabeth, the journey proceeds through the Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas. After your gorilla trek and an optional Batwa cultural experience, cross into Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, with time to explore Kigali before your departure.
Choose mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your travel style. The safari includes a private 4×4 vehicle, professional English-speaking driver-guide, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, park activities and airport transfers.
Tour highlights
Combine Uganda’s wildlife and rainforest experiences with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and vibrant capital city.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Second mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Nile boat cruise and hike to the top of Murchison Falls
- Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to Murchison Falls
- Kasenyi Plains game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Optional Batwa cultural experience near Bwindi
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- Mid-range or luxury lodges throughout the journey
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or take an optional excursion around Entebbe, such as a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or a boat trip to Ngamba Island.
In the evening, attend a short safari briefing with your guide and prepare for the journey to Murchison Falls the following day.
- Airport transfer; optional activities depending on arrival time
- Mid-Range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel | Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
- Dinner
Day 2
Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, depart Entebbe and drive north towards Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot, offering a rare opportunity to see southern white rhinos in Uganda.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s game viewing and Nile cruise.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, plus time at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Mid-Range: Tilenga Safari Lodge | Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Murchison Falls Game Drive, Nile Cruise and Falls Hike
Set out early for a morning game drive on the northern banks of the Nile. Look for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hartebeest, waterbucks and a rich variety of birdlife across the open savannah.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise upstream on the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Disembark for a guided hike to the top of the falls, where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge before plunging into the pool below.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise and falls hike
- Mid-Range: Tilenga Safari Lodge | Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, begin the scenic drive south to Kibale Forest National Park. The route passes through rural Uganda, tea plantations, crater landscapes and local trading centres before reaching the Kibale area.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner and rest in preparation for chimpanzee trekking the next morning.
- Approximately 6 to 7 hours’ drive, depending on road conditions and stops
- Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops | Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the Kibale Forest briefing point for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by an experienced ranger-guide, walk through the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community.
Once located, spend time observing the chimpanzees as they feed, call, groom and move through the trees. After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for dinner and overnight.
- Morning chimpanzee trek; approximately 2 to 3 hours’ afternoon drive
- Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Kasenyi Plains Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Enjoy an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park for lions, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and birdlife.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is renowned for its large hippo populations, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and colourful waterbirds along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a second night in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise of about 2 hours
- Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a game drive in search of the sector’s famous tree-climbing lions, along with elephants, topis, buffaloes and other savannah wildlife. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Continue through the scenic highlands of south-western Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening, have dinner and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.
- Morning game drive; approximately 3 to 4 hours’ drive to Bwindi
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Optional Batwa Experience
Rise early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. After being assigned to a gorilla family, begin your trek through Bwindi’s steep, forested terrain in search of mountain gorillas.
Once the gorillas are found, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, groom and rest. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional Batwa cultural experience at an additional cost.
- Allow most of the day for gorilla trekking; walking time varies
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Leisure Lodge | Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Cross into Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards the Rwanda border. Complete border formalities at Cyanika or another designated crossing point before continuing through Rwanda’s rolling hills to the Volcanoes National Park area near Musanze.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening. Enjoy dinner and prepare for your second gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
- Approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive, including border formalities
- Mid-Range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for briefing. Led by expert trackers and rangers, hike through the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
On finding the gorillas, spend one hour in their presence, watching their social interactions, feeding behaviour and family life. Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Optional activities may include a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, subject to time and additional cost.
- Allow most of the day for gorilla trekking; trek duration varies
- Mid-Range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge | Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11
Transfer to Kigali and City Tour
After breakfast, depart the Volcanoes region and drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. On arrival, enjoy a guided city tour, which may include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets and selected cultural or historical sites.
Spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on your journey through two of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.
- Approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive, plus Kigali city tour
- Mid-Range: Heaven Boutique Hotel | Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12
Departure from Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy some final time in Kigali depending on your flight schedule. Your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your 12-day Uganda-Rwanda gorilla and game safari to an end.
Please allow sufficient time for check-in, security and any final travel formalities before your international departure.
- Airport transfer; departure time depends on flight schedule
- No accommodation unless an extra night is requested
- Breakfast
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your Uganda-Rwanda gorilla, chimpanzee and game safari.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit arrangements
- Mid-range or luxury lodge selection
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FAQs for 12-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorillas and Game Safari
Planning to combine Uganda’s savannah parks, Bwindi gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
What is the price of this safari and what does it cover?
The 12-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorillas and Game Safari starts from $6,200 per person sharing, but the net cost depends on your group size, the season you travel in, and your chosen level of accommodation. That price covers your Bwindi gorilla trekking permit, Rwanda golden monkey trekking permit, Mt.Bisoke hiking fee, park entrance fees, boat cruises, private 4×4 transport with an experienced driver-guide, fuel, meals and accommodation as listed in the itinerary, bottled drinking water, and government taxes. International flights, extra nights before or after the trip, the optional Batwa cultural experience, souvenirs, tips, and porter hire are not included. Your final quotation confirms exactly what applies to your chosen accommodation level.
Can this 12-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorillas and Game Safari be customized?
Yes. The safari can be customized to suit your travel dates, budget, fitness level, interests, and preferred accommodation standard. You can add extra nights in Entebbe, Kigali, Lake Bunyonyi or Bwindi, upgrade to luxury lodges, include the Batwa cultural experience, arrange a second gorilla trek where permits are available, or adjust the pace of the itinerary. Tell us your priorities when requesting a quotation, and we will tailor the route and activities while keeping the core gorilla, wildlife, and Volcanoes National Park experiences intact.
What is the day-by-day itinerary for this safari?
Day one begins at Entebbe with the drive to Lake Mburo National Park, where you enjoy an evening nature walk. Day two brings a game drive and a boat cruise before you move on to Queen Elizabeth National Park on day three. Day four combines a morning game drive with a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and day five takes you through Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Day six is for gorilla trekking, day seven is the border crossing and drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and day eight offers golden monkey trekking, the Karisoke Research Center, and the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Day nine is the Mt.Bisoke hike, and day ten is a drive to Kigali for a city tour and your airport drop-off.
How long are the drives on this safari?
Several days involve a good amount of road time, but the routes are scenic and your driver-guide builds in comfort stops. Entebbe to Lake Mburo takes about four to five hours, and Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes a similar time. The transfer from Ishasha to Bwindi is shorter, the drive from Bwindi to Kinigi in Rwanda takes a few hours including the border, and Kinigi to Kigali takes roughly two to three hours. Travel times vary with traffic, road works, and border queues, so your guide plans each day around the activities and your flight schedule.
How does the border crossing from Uganda into Rwanda work?
On day seven you travel from Bwindi to Rwanda along the Katuna route, and your guide assists you throughout the border formalities. Keep your passport, visa, and any required health documents in your hand luggage, and expect some waiting time at both the Ugandan and Rwandan sides. Border procedures can change, so we confirm the latest requirements with you before you travel. Pack light and keep your valuables with you, because the crossing involves a short walk between the two border posts.
What wildlife can I expect at Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Lake Mburo is known for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, topis, elands, impalas, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and over 350 bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, and large numbers of hippos along the Kazinga Channel, with more than 600 bird species in the wider park. In the Ishasha sector you may also see the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but early morning and evening game drives give you the best chances.
How long will I spend with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi?
Your gorilla trekking briefing starts at 7:30am at the park headquarters, and the trek begins around 8:00am. Once the trackers locate your gorilla family, you are allowed one hour with them. Visitors are usually grouped in small numbers, with a maximum of eight people per gorilla family each day, which keeps the encounter calm and protects the animals. The time spent finding the family can range from one to six hours depending on where the gorillas moved overnight, so the overall trek can be shorter or longer than you expect.
Can I choose which gorilla family I trek?
Gorilla families are assigned by park rangers at the morning briefing rather than chosen in advance. Rangers consider the fitness levels and preferences of the group, so travellers who prefer a gentler hike can request an easier family and those who want a longer trek can ask for a more distant one. Assignments depend on the day and on where each family is located. Mention any mobility or fitness concerns to your driver-guide early so they can raise them with the rangers.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking and the Mt.Bisoke hike?
Yes. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, and this rule is strictly enforced by park authorities. Younger children cannot join the trek, even with a parent. Rwanda also applies age limits to its primate treks and volcano hikes, so confirm the details for golden monkey trekking and Mt.Bisoke with us before booking. If you are travelling as a family, tell us the ages of everyone in your group so we can discuss alternative activities for younger members.
What rules should I follow near the gorillas and golden monkeys?
Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times. Keep the distance the rangers specify, speak quietly, and avoid sudden movements. Do not use flash photography, and never touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near them. If a gorilla comes close, stay calm and let it pass. Primates are vulnerable to human illnesses, so rangers require visitors to wear a face mask during gorilla and golden monkey encounters and to follow the hygiene guidance given at the briefing.
What happens if I feel sick before a trek or the hike?
Tell your driver-guide and park staff straight away if you have a cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or any other contagious illness. Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys can catch human diseases, so rangers may stop visitors who are unwell from trekking. Whether you can reschedule or receive a refund depends on the permit conditions set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board. We recommend travel insurance that covers medical issues and trip interruption, and we encourage you to rest and stay hydrated before each activity.
Am I guaranteed to see the gorillas and golden monkeys?
Sightings of habituated gorilla families and golden monkey groups are highly likely because trackers follow the animals daily and guide you to them. However, these are wild animals, so no operator can offer an absolute guarantee. The length and difficulty of each trek depend on where the animals have moved overnight. Our team secures your permits in advance and plans the itinerary to give you the best practical chance of a successful and comfortable encounter.
How hard is the Mt.Bisoke hike and what will I see?
Mt.Bisoke is the most demanding day of the trip. You climb to 3,711 metres through bamboo forest, heather moorland, and alpine vegetation, and the round trip covers roughly 12 to 15 kilometres over about four to six hours of steady walking. At the top you reach a crater lake about 400 metres across, with views of the Virunga volcanoes toward Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trail can be muddy and cold at altitude, so wear sturdy boots and warm layers. Your gorilla trek and golden monkey day come earlier in the itinerary, which helps you warm up for the climb.
What happens on the golden monkey trek and Karisoke visit?
On day eight you track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park. These rare and playful primates move quickly, so the experience is energetic and great for photography. Afterwards you visit the Karisoke Research Center, which Dian Fossey established in 1967 and which remains central to gorilla conservation. The day finishes with a cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where community members share traditional dance, drumming, storytelling, crafts, and local food.
Do I need visas to travel to Uganda and Rwanda?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the current rules before you travel. Because this trip visits two countries, you need to be able to enter both Uganda and Rwanda, and some travellers qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers more than one country. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has enough blank pages for entry stamps. Ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations and any yellow fever certificate requirements for your route. We can guide you through the process.
Is the Batwa cultural experience worth adding?
It is optional, and it is a good choice if you want to balance wildlife with culture. On the evening after your gorilla trek, the Batwa community shares stories, songs, and dance and explains their former life in the forest. It fits into the evening after your trek, so you do not need extra days. The activity is not included in the starting price, so let us know if you want it added and we will include it in your quotation. Alternatively, you can spend the evening walking around the neighbourhood and buying handmade crafts.
What accommodation is used on this safari?
You choose from budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges at each stop. At Lake Mburo the options are Rwakobo Rock, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, and Mihingo Safari Lodge. At Queen Elizabeth National Park they include Kazinga Wilderness Camp or Pumba Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, and Kyambura Gorge Lodge. In Bwindi you can stay at Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, or Gorilla Safari Lodge, and near Volcanoes National Park the options are Kinigi Guest House, Ingagi Lodge, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking, and your final quotation lists the confirmed lodges before you pay.
Should I tip my driver-guide, rangers, and porters?
Tips are not included in the safari price, but they are a customary way to thank the people who look after you. Many travellers tip their driver-guide at the end of the trip and give separate tips to rangers, trackers, and porters after the gorilla trek, golden monkey trek, and Mt.Bisoke hike. Porter hire is optional and carries its own fee, and it also supports families living around the parks. There is no fixed amount, so tip according to the service you receive and what feels comfortable.
What should I do about travel insurance and money?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption. Carry some US dollars in recent, undamaged notes, and bring a card for lodge extras where accepted. Local currency in both Uganda and Rwanda is useful for small purchases such as souvenirs and tips, and small denominations make tipping easier. Uganda and Rwanda both restrict single-use plastic bags, so do not pack them in your luggage, as officials may confiscate them at the airport.
How do I book this safari and what happens next?
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, and accommodation level. We first check gorilla permit, golden monkey permit, and Mt.Bisoke hiking availability, then prepare a detailed quotation with your lodges, inclusions, and total cost. Once you approve the itinerary and agree the payment terms, we purchase your permits and confirm the lodge and transport reservations. Because permits are limited, we recommend booking at least four to six months ahead, and up to ten months ahead for the busy December to February and June to September periods.