7-Day Rwanda–Uganda Safari

7-Day Rwanda–Uganda Safari

7-Day Rwanda–Uganda Safari with Wild Planet offers an exceptional blend of primate encounters, classic wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and meaningful cultural experiences across two of East Africa’s most rewarding destinations. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking to track mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, while also enjoying a true African wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier savannah parks.

Wild Planet carefully designed this cross-border safari to maximize diversity and comfort. You will explore Kibale Forest National Park, the leading destination for chimpanzee trekking in East Africa; Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and scenic boat cruises; and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The journey begins in Kigali and concludes in Rwanda’s vibrant capital after a memorable wildlife and cultural adventure.

Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Scenic nature walks
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Cultural encounters with local communities
• Kigali city tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Kibale Forest National Park

On the first day, a professional Wild Planet safari guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel for a short briefing before beginning the journey to Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. As you travel, enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, rural landscapes, and local villages across Rwanda and Uganda.

At the Rwanda–Uganda border, immigration officials will verify your travel documents, so ensure you have your passport, visa, and yellow fever vaccination card, which is mandatory. You will stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant along the route before continuing the drive to Kibale.

You will arrive at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy dinner, preparing for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience the following morning.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up early for breakfast before your Wild Planet guide transfers you to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing led by experienced park rangers. The briefing covers chimpanzee behavior, forest ecology, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek.

Chimpanzee trekking usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are fast-moving and highly energetic, making the experience dynamic and thrilling. You may follow the group through dense forest as they climb trees, communicate loudly, and interact dramatically within their communities.

After spending one hour observing the chimpanzees, you will return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, your guide will drive you approximately two hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, enjoy a leisurely walk around the property, and settle in for the night.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains or Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This early drive offers excellent chances to spot wildlife returning from nighttime hunts. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, and a wide variety of bird species.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, your Wild Planet guide will take you to the Kazinga Channel for a memorable boat cruise. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts large concentrations of wildlife.

During the cruise, enjoy close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless water birds, making this one of Africa’s finest birdwatching experiences. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

After breakfast, check out and depart Queen Elizabeth National Park, heading south through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With guidance from park rangers, search for lions resting in fig and acacia trees—a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa.

Along the way, look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife. After the Ishasha game drive, continue your journey into Rwanda, stopping for lunch en route.

Arrive at Volcanoes National Park later in the day, check in to your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for gorilla trekking.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Encounter

Begin the day early with breakfast, then drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a 7:00 a.m. gorilla trekking briefing. Park rangers will assign you to a gorilla family based on fitness level and trekking difficulty. Porters are available to assist with bags if needed.

Gorilla trekking can take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. The effort is richly rewarded when you finally meet a gorilla family in the wild. You will spend one magical hour observing their behavior, interactions, and social structure under the guidance of park rangers.

After the trek, your Wild Planet guide will transfer you back to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) near Musanze. This interactive experience introduces you to Rwanda’s traditional music, dances, storytelling, and cultural practices. Visitors actively participate, dress in traditional attire, and support community-based tourism.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Twin Lakes Visit

After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. Accompanied by park guides and armed rangers, venture into the forest in search of these playful and endangered primates.

Golden monkeys move quickly through bamboo forests and often feed on the ground or leap between trees, offering excellent photography opportunities. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Later in the afternoon, visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, framed by volcanoes and local fishing villages. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes before returning to your lodge.

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Departure

On the final day, enjoy breakfast before driving back to Kigali. Upon arrival, have lunch in the city, followed by a guided Kigali city tour. Highlights include the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, the Presidential Palace Museum, local markets, and craft shops where you can purchase handmade souvenirs.

After the city tour, your Wild Planet guide will drop you off at your hotel or transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Conclusion

The 7-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari with Wild Planet offers a perfectly balanced adventure that combines unforgettable primate encounters, rewarding wildlife safaris, and rich cultural experiences across two remarkable countries. From tracking chimpanzees and mountain gorillas to cruising the Kazinga Channel and exploring Rwanda’s vibrant culture, this journey delivers both excitement and depth. Wild Planet ensures expert guiding, seamless logistics, and responsible tourism, leaving you with lasting memories and a deep connection to East Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.