The Ultimate 18 Days Rwanda-Uganda Safari
The 18 Days Ultimate Rwanda & Uganda Safari is one of the most complete and immersive East African safari itineraries, designed for travelers seeking the very best of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic wildlife safaris in a single journey.
This carefully crafted route combines the top highlights of both Uganda and Rwanda, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through some of Africa’s most iconic national parks.
During this 18-day safari, you will track endangered mountain gorillas in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, experience close encounters with wild chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, and enjoy unforgettable game drives in the famous savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Unlike shorter itineraries, this journey is designed to be well-paced and comprehensive, allowing you to fully experience each destination without rushing.
It is ideal for travelers searching for the best Uganda Rwanda safari itinerary, combining wildlife diversity, scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and primate experiences into one seamless adventure.
If you are looking for a premium, in-depth African safari experience that covers both gorilla trekking and traditional game viewing, this 18-day itinerary delivers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Trip Overview
- Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
- Day 2: Kigali History & Cultural Introduction
- Day 3: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Day 5: Cross into Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Day 7: Lion Tracking Experience – Transfer to Kibale Forest
- Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Day 9: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 10: Island Exploration & Canoeing
- Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 12: Second Gorilla Trekking (Uganda) – Batwa Culture
- Day 13: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Day 14: Rhino Tracking – Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 15: Murchison Game Drive – Boat Cruise to the Falls
- Day 16: Top of the Falls Hike – Transfer to Entebbe
- Day 17: Entebbe Botanical Gardens – Relaxation
- Day 18: Departure
Tourist Activities
- Double Gorilla Trekking: Encounter mountain gorillas in both Volcanoes (Rwanda) and Bwindi (Uganda).
- Primate Capital: Track wild chimpanzees in the lush Kibale Forest.
- The Big Five: Search for lions, leopards, and elephants in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
- Rhino Tracking: A unique on-foot experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Leisure & Culture: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi and visit the Iby’iwacu and Batwa communities.
Package Inclusions
- All airport and ground transfers in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- 4 Gorilla Permits (2 for Rwanda, 2 for Uganda).
- 2 Chimpanzee Permits.
- Accommodation and meals as specified.
- All park entry and activity fees mentioned.
Package Excludes
- International flights and Visa fees.
- Tips, drinks, and personal expenses.
Detailed Itinerary For The 18 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by our professional driver-guide for a briefing on your 18-day adventure. Kigali is renowned as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals, offering a welcoming atmosphere for your first night.
- Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Kigali History & Cultural Introduction
Enjoy a gentle introduction to Rwanda. After overnight flights, this day is designed for rest and local immersion. You can explore the surroundings or relax at the hotel as you prepare for the journey ahead.
- Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the vibrant Kimironko Market. After lunch, take a scenic 3-hour drive through terraced hillsides to the home of the mountain gorillas: Volcanoes National Park.
- Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
An early start takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing. You will trek through dense rainforest to spend a life-changing hour with a mountain gorilla family. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions and customs.
- Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Cross into Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel across the border into Uganda. The 5-hour journey via the Kabale-Kisoro road offers stunning views of the “Switzerland of Africa.” Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening of relaxation.
- Accommodation: Eshama Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Set out early to spot the Big Four, including lions and leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants congregate at the water’s edge.
- Accommodation: Eshama Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Lion Tracking Experience – Transfer to Kibale Forest
Participate in a specialized Lion Tracking Experience alongside researchers. Later, drive 4 hours through crater lakes and tea plantations to reach Kibale, the primate capital of the world.
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Wetland Walk
Enter the forest to track our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Spend an hour observing their social behaviors. In the evening, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birds like the Great Blue Turaco.
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel south to the deepest lake in Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is a peaceful oasis of 29 islands, perfect for unwinding after active trekking days.
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Island Exploration & Canoeing
Spend a peaceful morning exploring the history of the lake’s islands by boat. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional canoeing experience, gliding through the calm waters at your own pace.
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A 4-hour scenic drive takes you through winding mountain roads and rural villages to Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Second Gorilla Trekking (Uganda) – Batwa Culture
Experience gorilla trekking for a second time, this time in the ancient Bwindi forest. Afterward, visit the Batwa Pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants, to learn about their ancient hunting and gathering skills.
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This is a long but rewarding travel day through the heart of Uganda. You will arrive at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the late afternoon, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild.
- Accommodation: Amuka Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 14: Rhino Tracking – Murchison Falls National Park
Track the Southern White Rhinos on foot with expert rangers. Afterward, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area.
- Accommodation: Fort Murchison
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 15: Murchison Game Drive – Boat Cruise to the Falls
Explore the northern delta for giraffes, elephants, and big cats. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge.
- Accommodation: Fort Murchison
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 16: Top of the Falls Hike – Transfer to Entebbe
Hike to the top of Murchison Falls to feel the ground shake from the power of the Nile. Following this, enjoy a private transfer back toward the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe.
- Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 17: Entebbe Botanical Gardens – Relaxation
Enjoy a leisurely day at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. These historic gardens offer incredible birdwatching and views of Lake Victoria, providing a serene conclusion to your African adventure.
- Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 18: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Why This is the Best Uganda Rwanda Safari Itinerary
The 18 Days Ultimate Rwanda & Uganda Safari is widely considered one of the best Uganda Rwanda safari itineraries for travelers seeking a complete East African experience.
It combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic wildlife safaris into one well-paced journey across two of Africa’s most biodiverse countries—Uganda and Rwanda.
You’ll trek endangered mountain gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, making this one of the few itineraries offering a double gorilla trekking experience.
In addition, you’ll track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park—giving you the ultimate primate safari in Africa.
Beyond primates, this itinerary includes rewarding game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, where you experience the Nile’s most powerful waterfall.
This balance of wildlife safari + primate trekking is what makes it stand out from standard tours.
Unlike shorter trips, this 18-day safari is carefully designed to be well-paced, not rushed, allowing you to fully experience each destination while minimizing travel fatigue.
The route is optimized to reduce backtracking and maximize wildlife encounters, making it a high-value Uganda Rwanda safari in terms of both experience and cost efficiency.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime African adventure, this itinerary delivers the perfect mix of gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences—making it one of the most complete and rewarding safari packages in East Africa.
Plan Your Dream Trip!
Craft your ultimate African odyssey with the help of our local specialists. With decades of collective expertise in Uganda’s wild heart, we transform your vision of the perfect wildlife adventure into a seamless, life-changing reality. Whatever your quest, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park, where visitors track endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Guided by expert rangers, trekkers hike through lush forests to observe gorilla families safely. Gorilla trekking permits are limited, ensuring low-impact tourism that protects the species.
This experience combines adventure, conservation, and photography opportunities, making it one of Rwanda’s top safari and eco-tourism activities.
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost around $1,500 per person, making them a premium wildlife experience.
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and include access to Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla families.
Booking is essential due to high demand.
Costs support gorilla conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. Luxury tours often bundle permits with private guides, transfers, and upscale lodges for a seamless, eco-friendly adventure.
The best time for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.
Trails are easier to navigate, and wildlife is more active and visible. Trekking is still possible during rainy months, but paths can be slippery and more challenging.
Dry seasons offer better photography, comfortable hiking, and higher chances of observing gorillas, making it ideal for eco-tourists seeking a premium Rwanda wildlife adventure.
For Rwanda gorilla trekking, wear long-sleeved shirts, hiking pants, and sturdy boots for muddy trails. Bring essentials like rain gear, insect repellent, gloves, and a walking stick.
Carry water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens. Dress in layers for variable mountain weather.
Following these guidelines ensures comfort and safety while observing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and helps maintain hygiene and minimal disturbance in the fragile forest ecosystem.
Rwanda gorilla treks are safe due to strict guidelines enforced by trained rangers. Visitors maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from gorillas, and groups are small to reduce stress on the animals.
Medical and emergency protocols are in place, and trekkers are briefed on behavior rules. These measures protect both humans and gorillas.
Safety, combined with expert guides and well-maintained trails, ensures a secure, unforgettable wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
Children can join Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, but regulations vary. Generally, participants must be at least 15 years old to protect gorillas and maintain safety.
Family-friendly alternatives include nature walks, cultural visits, and primate observation in Volcanoes National Park.
Children above the age limit can experience guided treks under expert supervision, allowing families to enjoy Rwanda’s unique wildlife while contributing to gorilla conservation through responsible tourism.