9 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Safari

Discover the best of Rwanda and Uganda on this exciting 9-day Rwanda and Uganda safari, combining classic African wildlife experiences with unforgettable encounters with endangered primates. This cross-border adventure takes you through Rwanda’s Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park before continuing to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Your journey begins with wildlife viewing in Akagera, where you may encounter elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species. You will then travel to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking before crossing into Uganda for the highlight of the safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The adventure continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. You will also explore Kyambura Gorge, popularly known as the Valley of Apes, in search of wild chimpanzees.

This itinerary offers an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of two East African countries in one memorable safari.

Detailed 9-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your safari begins with an early pick-up from your hotel or place of residence in Kigali by our professional driver-guide. After a short introduction and briefing, you will embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.

The journey takes approximately 2–3 hours, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, rolling hills and rural communities. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife and birdlife.

Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy some time to relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive, depending on your arrival time and the park’s operating arrangements.

During the game drive, look out for elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas and other antelope species. Akagera is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with a wide range of savannah and wetland bird species.

After your game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Viewing in Akagera National Park

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before setting out for another exciting wildlife safari in Akagera National Park. You will explore different sections of the park in an open-roof safari vehicle, accompanied by your experienced guide.

Akagera’s diverse habitats include open savannah grasslands, woodland, lakes, wetlands and rolling hills. These ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, making the park an excellent destination for game viewing.

During the drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks and hippos. With some luck, you may also spot lions and other predators as you explore the park.

Your guide will help you identify different animal species, explain their behaviour and share information about Akagera’s conservation efforts.

Later in the day, proceed towards the northern section of the park, where you will check in at your bush accommodation. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the natural atmosphere of Akagera.

Accommodation: Karenga Bush Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Akagera and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in the northern section of Akagera National Park. This area offers excellent opportunities to search for some of Rwanda’s iconic wildlife.

Keep your eyes open for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species. Your guide will help you explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas while sharing insights into the park’s ecosystems and conservation activities.

After the game drive, begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, traditional settlements and the scenic landscapes of Rwanda’s northern province.

Arrive in the Musanze area later in the day and check in at your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day’s golden monkey trekking experience.

Accommodation: La Locanda Musanze
Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Bwindi

Rise early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking experience.

Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing from the park rangers about the trekking procedures, safety guidelines and responsible wildlife-viewing practices. You will then join an experienced ranger guide and begin your trek into the bamboo forests in search of the endangered golden monkeys.

Golden monkeys are among the most fascinating primates in the Virunga Mountains. Recognised by their striking golden-orange fur, these lively monkeys are often seen feeding, jumping between bamboo branches and moving through the forest in social groups.

The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movement of the habituated golden monkey group. Once you find them, you will have a designated viewing period to observe their behaviour and take photographs while following the ranger’s instructions.

After the trekking experience, return to the starting point and begin your cross-border transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Rwanda and into southwestern Uganda. Your arrival time will depend on the trekking duration, border formalities and the location of your gorilla trekking accommodation.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner and relax ahead of the following day’s mountain gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation options:

Mid-range: Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is one of the major highlights of your Rwanda and Uganda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in your designated gorilla trekking sector. You will join other visitors for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will explain the trekking rules, safety precautions and responsible gorilla-viewing guidelines.

After the briefing, you will be assigned a habituated mountain gorilla family and accompanied by experienced ranger guides into the dense tropical rainforest.

The trek can take several hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. The terrain may be steep, muddy and challenging in some areas, but the experience of walking through the forest in search of these magnificent primates is incredibly rewarding.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend a maximum of one hour observing them. Watch as they feed, groom, play and interact with one another in their natural habitat. You will also have opportunities to take photographs, provided you follow the park’s photography guidelines.

After your encounter, trek back to the park headquarters and meet your driver-guide for the return journey to the lodge.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying the surrounding scenery and reflecting on your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation options:

Mid-range: Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After breakfast, leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and embark on a scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, rural settlements, cultivated hillsides and traditional farming communities. Depending on your starting sector in Bwindi and road conditions, the journey may take several hours.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, proceed to your lodge for lunch or refreshments, depending on your arrival time.

In the afternoon, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.

The Kazinga Channel is renowned for its high concentration of hippos and provides excellent opportunities to observe elephants, buffaloes and Nile crocodiles along the banks. You will also encounter numerous water birds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and other wetland species.

The boat cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to observe wildlife from a different perspective while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the park.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This wildlife-rich area offers excellent opportunities to spot several savannah species. During your game drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and other antelopes. You may also spot lions and other predators depending on their movements and the time of your visit.

Your guide will help you explore the park’s wildlife habitats while explaining the behaviour of the animals and the ecological importance of this remarkable conservation area.

After the game drive, proceed to Kyambura Gorge for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience.

Often referred to as the Valley of Apes, Kyambura Gorge is a lush forested valley surrounded by the open savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a habituated community of chimpanzees, as well as other primates, birds and forest wildlife.

Upon arrival, receive a briefing from the park authorities before entering the gorge with an experienced ranger guide. As you walk through the forest, look out for chimpanzees moving through the trees, feeding, calling and interacting with one another.

Chimpanzee trekking provides an opportunity to learn about these intelligent primates and their close relationship with humans. Sightings are not guaranteed, as chimpanzees move freely through the forest.

After the experience, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey to Entebbe.

The drive takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, passing rural communities, cultivated landscapes and changing vegetation. You will have opportunities to enjoy the views and make suitable stops along the way.

Arrive in Entebbe later in the day and check in at your hotel.

If time allows and arrangements have been made in advance, you may choose to visit the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), commonly known as Entebbe Zoo. The centre provides an opportunity to learn about Uganda’s wildlife conservation programmes and the animals under its care. Certain behind-the-scenes experiences, including animal feeding activities, may be available subject to advance booking and the centre’s operating schedule.

Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9: Optional Entebbe Botanical Gardens Visit and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your departure.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you may choose to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a relaxed morning walk. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria, the gardens are known for their diverse tropical plant life, mature trees and bird species.

You can enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens while appreciating the natural beauty of Entebbe.

After the optional visit, your driver-guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight home.

This marks the end of your memorable 9-day Rwanda and Uganda safari, filled with wildlife encounters, golden monkey trekking, mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Safari Highlights

Explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park.
Enjoy game drives in search of elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.
Stay at selected lodges and bush accommodation in Akagera.
Track endangered golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
Cross from Rwanda into Uganda through the scenic southwestern region.
Experience mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Enjoy a boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a guided game drive.
Track wild chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge.
Visit Entebbe and enjoy an optional excursion to the Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre.

What Is Included in the 9-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari?

Private ground transportation in a suitable safari vehicle.
Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
Kigali pick-up and Entebbe airport drop-off.
Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Akagera National Park entry fees.
Scheduled game drives in Akagera National Park.
Golden monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge.
Bottled drinking water during the safari.

What Is Excluded?

International flights to and from East Africa.
Rwanda and Uganda visa fees, where applicable.
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs and telephone calls.
Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff and porters.
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Additional drinks and meals not specified.
Any expenses arising from changes outside the tour operator’s control.

Important Travel Information

Gorilla trekking permits: Gorilla permits are limited and should be secured in advance. Your permit must correspond to the correct trekking date and Bwindi sector.

Golden monkey trekking: The activity takes place in Volcanoes National Park and requires a valid trekking permit.

Cross-border travel: You will travel from Rwanda into Uganda on Day 4. Ensure that your passport and relevant entry documents are valid for both countries. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel circumstances.

Accommodation: The listed accommodation options are subject to availability. The final lodge selection should be confirmed before booking.

Trekking fitness: Gorilla and golden monkey trekking involve walking through natural forest terrain. The duration and difficulty vary according to the location of the primates, weather and trail conditions.

Chimpanzee sightings: Chimpanzees are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Itinerary flexibility: The order and timing of activities may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, park regulations, wildlife movements and permit availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Rwanda and Uganda on one safari?

Yes. Rwanda and Uganda can be combined into one safari using the available land border crossings. This itinerary combines Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

How many days are needed for a Rwanda and Uganda safari?

Nine days provide a good opportunity to experience several of the region’s major wildlife attractions. This itinerary includes savannah game drives, golden monkey trekking, mountain gorilla trekking, a boat cruise and chimpanzee tracking.

Where does gorilla trekking take place in this itinerary?

Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The assigned trekking sector and gorilla family depend on permit availability.

Can I see golden monkeys and mountain gorillas on the same trip?

Yes. This safari includes golden monkey trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Is it possible to see the Big Five in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. These are the traditional Big Five species. However, sightings of all five during a particular safari are not guaranteed.

What is the best time for this Rwanda and Uganda safari?

The drier periods, generally from June to September and December to February, are popular for wildlife viewing and trekking. However, the parks can be visited throughout the year. Rainfall, trail conditions and wildlife movements may influence individual experiences.

Can this 9-day safari be customised?

Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit your travel dates, accommodation preferences, budget and preferred activities. You can also discuss adding extra nights in Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park or other destinations.

Book Your 9-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari

Experience the remarkable wildlife and natural beauty of Rwanda and Uganda on this memorable 9-day adventure. From searching for lions and elephants in Akagera to meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi and tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, this safari brings together some of East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.

Contact Book Gorilla Tracking to enquire about availability, gorilla and golden monkey permits, accommodation options and a personalised quotation for your travel dates.