10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, and Wildlife Adventure
This 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari is an unforgettable cross-border journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Explore the rolling hills of Rwanda, the lush rainforests of Uganda, and the diverse wildlife habitats that make this region one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations.
From gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this safari blends adventure, culture, and scenic beauty in perfect harmony.
Safari Overview
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Destinations Covered: 🇺🇬 Uganda – Kibale | Queen Elizabeth | Bwindi
🇷🇼 Rwanda – Volcanoes | Kigali - Safari Type: Primate & Wildlife Safari
- Best For: Adventure travelers, photographers, primate lovers, and couples
Tour Highlights
- Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks.
- Experience chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
- Enjoy classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos and elephants.
- Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic Rwandan experience.
- Discover Kigali’s history and culture through a city tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your guide welcomes you and gives a short safari briefing. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali City Tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Inema Arts Centre.
Relax at your hotel in Kigali ahead of your adventure.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Highlight: Kigali’s vibrant culture and history.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park (about 2.5 hours). Enjoy scenic views of terraced hills, farms, and the towering Virunga volcanoes.
Arrive in Musanze and check into your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience in Rwandan traditions, dance, and storytelling.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Cultural experience and scenic drive through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Begin your trek through dense bamboo forests in search of a gorilla family. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, but once found, you’ll spend an awe-inspiring one hour with the gorillas.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
After breakfast, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Scenic border crossing through the Virunga Mountains.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before your second gorilla trekking experience. With your ranger guide, hike through thick rainforest in search of another gorilla family. Each trek offers a unique experience.
In the evening, visit the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their forest traditions and cultural performances.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Double gorilla trekking experience across two countries.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier wildlife destination. The drive offers scenic views of crater lakes and banana plantations. Arrive in the afternoon for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, buffaloes, and elephants gather along the shores.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 7: Game Drive & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Set out early for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains to spot lions, elephants, and antelopes. After lunch, drive to the Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions that rest in fig trees.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Enjojo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Game drive and rare sighting of tree-climbing lions.
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, drive north to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its high primate population. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy the changing scenery of crater lakes and lush hills.
Arrive at your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Scenic countryside drive to the Primate Capital of the World.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee trek. Watch the chimps as they swing between trees, groom each other, and communicate loudly in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to monkeys and rare bird species.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Chimpanzee tracking and wetland nature walk.
Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe or Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda), depending on your departure airport. Stop at the Equator monument for photos and souvenir shopping before continuing to your drop-off point.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlight: Scenic return journey and farewell to East Africa.
Best Time for This Safari
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are the best times for trekking and wildlife viewing.
The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) offer lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Packing Essentials
- Sturdy hiking boots and gloves
- Waterproof jacket and backpack
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hat
- Camera and binoculars
- Valid passports, visas, and yellow fever certificate
Why Choose Gecko Safaris Africa
At Gecko Safaris Africa, we specialize in multi-country adventures that combine primate trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. Our experienced guides, top-quality vehicles, and seamless logistics guarantee comfort and safety throughout your journey.
We take care of everything — from gorilla and chimpanzee permits to border formalities and lodge arrangements — allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your safari.
Book Your 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari Today
From the gorilla forests of Volcanoes and Bwindi to the wildlife plains of Queen Elizabeth and Kibale’s chimps, this safari captures the very essence of East Africa.
Book your 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari with Gecko Safaris Africa—your trusted partner for unforgettable primate and wildlife adventures.
Visit www.visitrwandagorilla.com to inquire and book today—and experience the wild heart of Africa like never before.
