Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 -Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Our 9 day Uganda Rwanda safari begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour before travelling to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. If you arrive late, we’ll arrange your transfer directly to your accommodation near the park, allowing you to relax and prepare for golden monkey tracking the following day.
Your city tour, transfer schedule and accommodation will be arranged according to your arrival time and your confirmed safari plan.
Accommodation: Around Volcanoes area
Day 2 – Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Village Visit
After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for a briefing before setting off with experienced park rangers to track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
In the evening, visit a traditional cultural village near Volcanoes National Park to discover Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, learn about local traditions and experience aspects of traditional community life. Afterwards, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Around Volcanoes area
Meals: According to the selected safari category
Day 3 – Cross into Uganda and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart from your lodge near Volcanoes National Park and travel towards the Rwanda–Uganda border. Complete the border formalities and continue into Uganda, enjoying scenic views of the rolling hills and countryside along the way. Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in at your selected lodge, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Your accommodation will be arranged according to your preferred budget, midrange or luxury option.
Accommodation: Bwindi area
Day 4 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meet your park rangers and receive instructions before entering the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trek through Bwindi’s lush rainforest, accompanied by experienced guides and trackers. The duration and difficulty of the trek depend on the gorillas’ location and the forest terrain. Once the gorillas are located, enjoy the unforgettable opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, following all park guidelines.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this remarkable wildlife experience.
Overnight at your selected lodge in the Bwindi area.
Day 5 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector. Enjoy the scenic journey through southwestern Uganda, with opportunities to look out for wildlife along the way. Ishasha is particularly known for its famous tree-climbing lions, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Continue to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive to search for wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with luck, lions and leopards.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National park
Day 6 – Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the savannah plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs and lions, with opportunities to spot other wildlife along the way.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise along this wildlife-rich waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.
During the cruise, look out for large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the water’s edge and a variety of waterbirds. The boat cruise also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park area
Day 7 – Transfer to Kibale, Equator Stop and Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes Excursion
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, stop at the Equator crossing within Queen Elizabeth National Park for photographs and a chance to enjoy this memorable landmark.
Continue through Uganda’s beautiful countryside to the Kibale area. Upon arrival, check in at your selected lodge and enjoy lunch.
Later in the afternoon, explore the scenic Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes, surrounded by lush green hills and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take photographs and appreciate the natural beauty of this remarkable region before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge around Kibale Forest national park
Day 8 – Chimpanzee Tracking, Swamp Walk and Community Experience
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before heading to Kibale Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. Accompanied by experienced park guides, venture into the tropical rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees and observe their fascinating behaviour in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee tracking may take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on permit availability. The day’s schedule will be arranged accordingly to allow time for the other planned activities.
Later, enjoy a guided swamp walk and community experience, discovering the area’s rich biodiversity, birdlife and local way of life. Learn about the surrounding wetlands and connect with the local community while experiencing another side of Uganda beyond its wildlife.
After the day’s activities, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight around Kibale forest area
Day 9 – Transfer to Entebbe via Scenic Tea Plantations
After breakfast, depart from the Kibale area and begin your journey towards Entebbe. Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing lush tea plantations, rolling hills and rural communities along the way.
Make a stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant en route before continuing towards Entebbe. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight or to your preferred accommodation, depending on your travel arrangements.
As this is a long road journey, we recommend scheduling international departures for the evening or allowing an additional night in Entebbe to ensure a comfortable and stress-free connection.
Customize Your Uganda & Rwanda Safari
Every traveler has different interests, travel plans and budgets. At Bush Shrike Adventures, we can customize this 9-day Uganda and Rwanda safari to suit your preferences.
Flexible Starting and Ending Points
Entebbe to Entebbe: Start and finish in Uganda, ideal for travelers flying into and out of Entebbe International Airport.
Kigali to Entebbe: Begin in Rwanda and finish in Uganda, following the itinerary described above.
Entebbe to Kigali: Start in Uganda and finish in Rwanda, with the route adjusted to suit your travel arrangements.
Kigali to Kigali: Start and finish in Rwanda, with the itinerary adapted to accommodate your international flights.
Choose Your Accommodation
Select budget, midrange or luxury accommodation according to your comfort preferences and budget.
Personalize Your Experience
You can discuss your preferred travel dates, interests, accommodation standards and additional experiences with our team. We will help tailor the itinerary to create a safari that suits your needs.
Contact Bush Shrike Adventures to plan your personalized Uganda and Rwanda adventure.
Looking for a shorter trip? Explore our 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primates Safari.
Interested in a shorter cross-border primate adventure? Discover our 6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Explore our full range of Uganda and Rwanda safari packages to find the journey that best suits your interests, travel dates and budget.
Safari Includes
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Traditional cultural village visit in Rwanda
Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes excursion
Swamp walk and community experience near Kibale
Kigali city tour, depending on arrival time
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the confirmed quotation
Airport transfers as required by the agreed itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Park entry fees and other activity fees specifically listed in the confirmed quotation
Safari Excludes
International flights
Entry visas and applicable travel documents
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed as included in the confirmed quotation
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
Additional accommodation or meals outside the confirmed itinerary
Any services not specifically listed as included in the confirmed quotation
