This 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari combines thrilling gorilla trekking with wildlife adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Volcanoes National Parks, allowing you to experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters in some of Africa’s premier wildlife parks.

The 8 Days Uganda Rwanda safari offers the opportunity to track the rare shoebill stork in Mabamba Wetland, immerse yourself in the magic of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will also engage in vital conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park, dedicated to protecting these gentle giants, leaving you inspired by the harmony between man and nature.

Highlights

  • A Mabamba wetland expedition unveils diverse bird species as you track the elusive and rare shoebill stork – a true marvel of the avian world.
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a symphony of nature’s grandeur.
  • An unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi’s mystical, impenetrable jungles is the pinnacle of wonder on this trip.
  • Traverse the realms of Uganda as you cross the border to Rwanda, where spectacular landscape vistas paint the backdrop of your journey.
  • Delve into the soul of the vibrant city of Kigali, the heartbeat of Rwanda.

Brief 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

  • Day 1: Arrival and Shoebill tracking in Entebbe
  • Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 3: Game drives and boat cruise
  • Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Day 5: Exceptional gorilla trekking
  • Day 6: Transfer to Ruhengeri
  • Day 7: Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus
  • Day 8: Transfer to Kigali

Detailed 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival and Shoebill tracking in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll meet your driver-guide and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe. Later, you will set out on a thrilling shoebill tracking expedition in the Mabamba Swamp, a marshland on the northern edge of Lake Victoria.

Search for the rare and elusive shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking wading bird cherished by most wildlife enthusiasts around the world. This first encounter sets the tone for a remarkable safari experience. Spend the night in Entebbe, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

The Boma Hotel Entebbe
The Boma Hotel Entebbe Guest Room

Day 2:

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast and embark on a scenic road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a popular haven of untamed beauty. You’ll have a few breaks en route, including a stop at the Equator to capture memorable photos and marvel at the wonders of this unique geographical divide, and another break for lunch.

Arrive in the afternoon and let the park’s mesmerizing allure greet you as you settle into your lodge surrounded by nature’s majesty. As night falls, the wilderness whispers its secrets, awakening your spirit to adventure.

Elephant Plains Lodge front view
Elephant Plains Lodge bedroom

Day 3: 

Game drives and boat cruise

Awake to a symphony of sights and sounds and embark on an adventure-filled early morning game drive across the plains. Queen Elizabeth National Park reveals its diverse cast of Africa’s big game, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and perhaps the elusive leopard. Enjoy every moment as you witness unforgettable animal interactions.

The afternoon excursion unveils a waterborne spectacle on a thrilling boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You will sight a host of waterborne giants—the majestic hippos and crocodiles gracing the waters—alongside a dazzling array of birds.

Day 4: 

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, venture deeper into Uganda’s heart with a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a premier destination and home to endangered mountain gorillas.

You’ll drive through breathtaking landscapes in the country’s southern region, visiting local markets to connect with the vibrant culture of the area. Finally, arrive and rest in your lodge amid nature’s embrace, knowing a life-changing experience awaits the next day.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Front view
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Room

Day 5: 

Exceptional gorilla trekking

Bwindi Forest - Buhoma Sector
Gorillas in Buhoma Sector, Bwindi Forest

After a delightful breakfast, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking excursion. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll navigate the dense and misty jungles in search of the gentle giants.

After finding a habituated family, you’ll be allowed to spend an uninterrupted hour in their presence, awakening a profound connection with these magnificent creatures. Every moment of your face-to-face encounter will leave you spellbound.

Observe them foraging, grooming, playing, and napping, and later relish the evening in Bwindi, knowing you’ve touched the depths of the wild. Visit the Batwa on a cultural tour in the afternoon or simply soak up the sights and sounds of the forest from the lodge the rest of the time.

Day 6: 

Transfer to Ruhengeri

After a delightful breakfast, you’ll take a scenic road trip through Rwanda’s dramatic landscapes, dominated by steep mountains, lush green rolling hills, deep valleys, and plantations, and finally arrive at Ruhengeri, Rwanda’s gorilla town and the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

Upon arrival, settle at your reserved lodge, where the anticipation builds for the next chapter of your safari adventure.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge sunrise
Singita Kwitonda Lodge - Guest Room

Day 7: 

Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus

Today, venture into the realm of conservation champions at the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus, where you’ll witness their tireless efforts to safeguard these endangered species and promote the harmony between humans and primates.

Meet the group of dedicated researchers and be inspired by their commitment to preserving these awe-inspiring creatures.

Day 8:

Transfer to Kigali

Before bidding farewell, you’ll explore the vibrant city of Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a testament to Rwanda’s strength and unity, and then transfer to Kigali International Airport to catch your departure flight.

End of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking and wildlife safari

Guide Price

Low Season from USD 7,230 pp.

High Season from USD 8,050 pp.

  • Single room supplement may apply
  • Please treat all pricing as a guide only: all rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Request a quote or chat with our African safari specialist for the best, most current rate available.
  • All transfers during your itinerary in a 4WD truck
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Fees & permits (a gorilla permit)
  • Bottled drinking water
  • English speaking guide/driver
  • All activities in the travel plan except optional ones
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip
  • Visa & Travel insurance
  • Emergency medical bills
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • International flights
  • Airport taxes
  • Dinner and accommodation before and after the trip
  • All meals and drinks not specified
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

Important Notes

  • The 8 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking and wildlife safari is limited to a maximum of six travelers per vehicle, and a 30% deposit is required on confirmation.
  • Travelers with special needs may be required to pay an extra fee for trekking facilitation.
  • The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
  • Porters are available for hire at a cost of about $20. The porters can be found during the briefing or at the starting point of the trek. Some of these porters are former poachers who have now been given a chance to earn a living by helping travelers trek gorillas.
  • This trip is tailor-made and can be customized to your own style of travel. You can set your own dates (subject to availability) and choose your accommodation facilities with our guidance. The accommodations selected here are what we think will suit this kind of safari and are where we have the best rates for you.

Related Trips

10 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration

Destinations: Tanzania & Uganda

FROM

$0,000

$0,000

View Trip

10 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration

Destinations: Tanzania & Uganda

FROM

$0,000

$0,000

View Trip

10 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration

Destinations: Tanzania & Uganda

FROM

$0,000

$0,000

View Trip

10 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration

Destinations: Tanzania & Uganda

FROM

$0,000

$0,000

View Trip
More Trips
Faustine Peace Idaat

Faustine Peace Idaat
Safari Specialist

Customize this trip to meet your travel preferences with the help of a safari specialist.

WhatsApp Email