8 Days Uganda Rwanda Combined Holiday

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Our 8 day Uganda Rwanda safari starts in Uganda and ends in Rwanda, giving you the best of both countries in just over a week. First, you see the mighty Murchison Falls and track chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest. Next, you enjoy game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Finally, you trek endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park before flying home from Kigali.

Trip overview

The safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. From there, you drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, with an optional rhino trek on the way. Then you head south-west to Kibale Forest National Park and on to Queen Elizabeth. After that, you cross the border at Cyanika into Rwanda for your gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Finally, you drive to Kigali for your evening flight.

Highlights of this 8 day Uganda Rwanda safari

Optional rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
A game drive and launch cruise to Murchison Falls and Uhuru Falls.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and a walk in Bigodi Wetland.
Views of the Rwenzori Mountains on the drive to Queen Elizabeth.
A game drive on the Kasenyi plains and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and drive to Murchison Falls National Park

Your 8 day Uganda Rwanda safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. Here, our expert driver guide welcomes you and briefs you on the adventure ahead. Then you set off on a six-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you enjoy views of rolling hills and farms.

On the way, you can choose to track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. After lunch, you continue to the park. On arrival, you check in at your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 2: Game drive and launch cruise in Murchison Falls

After breakfast, you head out on an early game drive, ideally before sunrise. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, and it is full of wildlife. For example, you have a good chance of seeing lions, giraffes, Uganda kob and elephants.

In the afternoon, you take a launch cruise towards the park’s star attractions, Murchison Falls and Uhuru Falls. As you sail upstream, you will also see Nile crocodiles, animals drinking at the riverbank and hippos on the sandbanks.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Today, you travel to Kibale Forest National Park. It is one of the best places in Africa to see primates. In fact, it is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, baboons and many kinds of monkeys. The drive takes most of the day, with a stop for lunch on the way. In the evening, you check in at your lodge for dinner and the night.

Above all, the route is beautiful. You pass through the Albertine Rift Valley, wide farmlands and lively local towns.

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale

After breakfast, you set off for a memorable chimpanzee trek in Kibale, a forest that covers about 795 square kilometres. As you walk, you hear the calls of monkeys, birds and chimps all around you.

Meanwhile, you follow trails through some of the most beautiful tropical forest in Uganda. Your ranger guides you until you find your assigned chimp community. Then you spend an hour with them. Afterwards, you have lunch and visit Bigodi Wetland. Here, you meet the local community and see the plants and many bird species of this rich swamp.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, make sure you have all your belongings with you. Then you check out and begin the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, often called a medley of wonders. On the way, you enjoy stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the Mountains of the Moon. In the evening, you check in at your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 6: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise

After an early breakfast or a warm coffee, you head out on a game drive along the Kasenyi tracks and the Queen’s Mile. At this time of day, early hunters are setting out for their next meal, while night hunters return to rest. For example, you may see lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, warthogs, spotted hyenas, mongooses, waterbuck and Uganda kob. With luck, you may even spot a leopard. In addition, the park has more than 600 recorded bird species.

Afterwards, you return to the lodge for a rest and lunch. Then, at 2:00 pm, you set off on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Along the way, you will see hippos, crocodiles and many animals that come to the water to drink and bathe. In the evening, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 7: Drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

After a cup of coffee, you check out and drive to Rwanda via the Kisoro–Cyanika border post. Once you complete immigration, you continue to Musanze, home of Volcanoes National Park. Then you check in at your hotel. You can spend the evening at a cultural centre or simply relax.

Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and departure

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no visitor should miss. So, after an early cup of tea, you head to the park office for a briefing. Here, the rangers explain the rules for the trek and check your travel documents.

Next, the rangers lead you into the steep, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. The trek can be tiring, but it is great fun and very rewarding. Depending on how far the gorillas have moved, it can last about two to six hours. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch these mighty apes.

Along the way, you may also see other primates such as monkeys, as well as forest wildlife. Meanwhile, the songs of many birds will keep your spirits high.

Afterwards, you return to the starting point for lunch and go back to the lodge to check out. Finally, you drive for about two hours to Kigali airport for your evening flight. This marks the end of your 8 day Uganda Rwanda safari.

Who this safari suits

This trip is a great fit if you want to combine Uganda’s wildlife with Rwanda’s gorillas in one short holiday. It suits first-time visitors, couples and small groups. Since the chimp and gorilla treks can be steep, you need a reasonable level of fitness. However, porters are usually available to carry your bag and help you on the slopes.

Gorilla trekking is open to travellers aged 15 and over. In Rwanda, gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and prices change from time to time. Therefore, book early, and we will confirm the current rate when you enquire. You can also read more on Visit Rwanda.

Best time to go

You can take this safari all year round. That said, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, forest trails are less slippery and wildlife is easier to find. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer visitors.

Tips for your 8 day Uganda Rwanda safari

Check visa rules. Ask about visas that cover both Uganda and Rwanda.
Bring your passport on trek day. Rangers check travel documents at the briefing.
Wear sturdy boots. Forest trails can be steep and muddy.
Pack a rain jacket. Showers are common in the mountains.
Carry garden gloves. They protect your hands from nettles.
Plan your flight time. Book an evening or night flight from Kigali on the last day.

Extend or combine your trip

If you have more time, you can add more gorilla time or other activities. For example, browse our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Alternatively, you can compare it with our 4 day Rwanda Uganda gorilla trek.

Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a clear itinerary for free.

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