5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Combined Safari
This 5 Days Uganda and Rwanda combined safari offers an intense but rewarding journey through some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes, wildlife habitats, and cultural experiences. This safari itinerary balances primate encounters, classic savannah safaris, and scenic travel between the two countries.
Highlights for 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Combined Safari
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe and Departure
Detailed Itinerary for 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Combined Safari
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and begin with a brief city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a sobering but important introduction to Rwanda’s history. After lunch, drive towards Volcanoes National Park, taking about 3 hours on the road with stunning views of the countryside and well-terraced hills.
Check into your lodge near the park and spend the rest of your evening relaxing with views of the Virunga Volcanoes, as you prepare for your gorilla trek the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda
Start early with a briefing at park headquarters before heading into the forest for your gorilla trekking experience. Guided by experienced trackers, hike through dense vegetation until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Spending an hour observing these animals in their natural habitat is a highlight of any African safari.
After lunch, transfer across the border into Uganda, heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive is scenic but can be slow due to the rough roads leading to the park; with transfers taking about 3-5 hours depending on which sector in Bwindi you will be visiting.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day early in the morning with breakfast. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest in search of a gorilla family. Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be given an hour to spend with the gorillas, watching them play, feed, and groom.
After having your packed lunch, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. The drive takes you through changing landscapes from dense forest to open savannah. Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the park, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, among others.
Dinner and overnight stay in the park.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Dedicate this day to exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, a prime area for spotting lions, Uganda kob, and possibly the elusive leopard. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. This is one of the best photographic opportunities of the trip. In the evening, you can opt for another short game drive or relax at your lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive back to Entebbe, passing through rural villages, tea plantations, and the equator monuments at Kayabwe, where you can stop for photos and souvenirs. Alternatively, for a more comfortable option, you can take a domestic flight from a nearby airstrip to Entebbe. Upon arrival, depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit local markets or relax by Lake Victoria before heading to the airport for your departure.
