10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Luxury Gorilla, Wildlife and Lakes Safari
Discover the finest of East Africa on a 10-day luxury safari through Rwanda and Uganda. This carefully planned journey combines mountain gorilla trekking in two countries, classic savannah wildlife viewing, boat excursions and beautiful highland scenery.
From the open plains and lakes of Akagera National Park to the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park and the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, each destination offers a different side of the region. The journey continues into Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise provide a memorable finish.
The itinerary is designed for travellers who value excellent accommodation, private guiding, comfortable transfers and meaningful wildlife experiences. It can be adjusted around your preferred lodges, travel dates and flight arrangements.
Safari overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Countries | Rwanda and Uganda |
| Starting point | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Ending point | Entebbe, Uganda |
| Main destinations | Akagera, Volcanoes, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth |
| Primate experiences | Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda; optional golden monkey tracking |
| Wildlife experiences | Big Five search, game drives and boat cruise |
| Lakes and waterways | Lake Ihema, Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward scenery |
| Travel style | Private luxury safari |
| Recommended age | 15 years and above for both gorilla treks |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your private safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Rwanda’s capital.
You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore the city’s craft markets or enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your hotel. If you arrive late, simply settle in and rest before the safari begins.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel or another selected luxury hotel.
Meals: Depending on arrival time and hotel arrangement.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema boat excursion
After breakfast, travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s savannah wildlife destination. The drive takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on your lodge and park entrance.
On arrival, check in and enjoy lunch before an afternoon wildlife activity. A boat excursion on Lake Ihema offers a different perspective of the park, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds along the shoreline.
Akagera is home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and several predators. It is also a Big Five destination, although sightings of all five animals are never guaranteed.
Accommodation: Wilderness Magashi Camp or another selected luxury property in or near the park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Full-day wildlife safari in Akagera National Park
Spend the day exploring Akagera’s varied habitats on guided game drives. Your guide will choose the best areas according to recent wildlife activity, road conditions and the time of year.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and, with luck, lions, leopards and rhinoceroses. The park’s changing landscapes include open grasslands, woodland, wetlands and lakes.
A private vehicle allows you to take your time at sightings and enjoy photography stops without following a fixed group schedule. Return to camp for relaxation, dinner and an evening in the wilderness.
Accommodation: Wilderness Magashi Camp or another selected luxury property.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel northwest towards the Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park. This is a substantial road transfer, generally taking around 5–7 hours depending on the route, stops and road conditions.
The scenery changes from eastern Rwanda’s savannah landscapes to rolling green hills and the volcanic highlands in the north. Arrive at your lodge, settle in and receive a briefing about the next day’s gorilla trek.
Your lodge team can help prepare your trekking clothing, walking equipment and daypack. An early night is recommended.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest or another selected luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is one of the highlights of your Rwanda and Uganda safari.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters at Kinigi for registration and a briefing by the park rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the forest by experienced trackers and guides.
The trek can take a few hours or much longer, depending on where the gorillas are located and the terrain. Once the family is found, visitors are generally allowed up to one hour to observe the gorillas, while following the rangers’ instructions.
Watching a mountain gorilla family feed, groom, rest and interact in its natural habitat is an extraordinary wildlife experience.
Return to your lodge after the trek. Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the lodge facilities or taking in views of the surrounding volcanic mountains.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest or another selected luxury lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Golden monkey tracking or a relaxed day in the Virunga region
Enjoy another day in the Volcanoes region. For an active experience, choose golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
Golden monkeys are lively and often move through the bamboo in groups. The experience differs from gorilla trekking, with a focus on observing their feeding and social behaviour.
Alternatively, enjoy a slower day at the lodge, visit a local cultural centre or take part in a guided community experience. This flexible day is especially valuable after the previous day’s forest trek.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest or another selected luxury lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Cross into Uganda and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive towards the Cyanika border crossing and complete the immigration formalities between Rwanda and Uganda. Continue to your selected sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The drive from the Volcanoes area to the appropriate Bwindi lodge commonly takes around 3–5 hours, including border formalities, although the exact time depends on the lodge location and traffic.
Bwindi is an ancient montane rainforest and one of the world’s most important habitats for mountain gorillas. On arrival, enjoy lunch, check in and receive a briefing about the following day’s trek.
Your Uganda gorilla permit must be booked for the correct Bwindi trekking sector. Your lodge should be selected to match that sector, rather than choosing accommodation first and assuming every sector is nearby.
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Lodge or another selected luxury property matched to your permit sector.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today you experience mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda.
After breakfast, report to the designated park briefing point for registration and instructions. Rangers will assign a gorilla family and lead the trek through the forest.
The terrain can be steep, muddy and physically demanding. Trek duration varies according to the location of the gorillas and may take several hours. Once the group is located, visitors are generally allowed up to one hour to observe the family.
Although you will have already trekked in Rwanda, the Bwindi experience offers a different forest setting and another opportunity to observe these remarkable primates.
Return to your lodge for lunch or a late meal, followed by time to relax and enjoy the forest surroundings.
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Lodge or another selected luxury property.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Where road and lodge arrangements allow, use the Ishasha sector route.
Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in fig trees. Your guide will look for lions and other wildlife during a game drive, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Continue towards the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and your lodge. The journey can take approximately 4–6 hours or longer depending on your starting sector, road conditions and wildlife stops.
Enjoy dinner and an evening overlooking the park landscape.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge or another selected luxury lodge in the Queen Elizabeth area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10: Kazinga Channel boat cruise and transfer to Entebbe
Begin the final day with an early activity, subject to the boat schedule and your onward flight arrangements. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants near the water and a variety of waterbirds.
The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife-viewing waterways.
After the cruise, begin the long road transfer to Entebbe. The journey usually takes around 6–7 hours or more, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops.
For travellers with an early or mid-morning international flight, we strongly recommend adding an overnight stay in Entebbe rather than attempting this transfer on departure day. A more relaxed 11-day version can include that extra night.
Accommodation: Not included on the standard 10-day itinerary. An Entebbe hotel night can be added.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, depending on the departure schedule.
Luxury accommodation recommendations
The properties below are examples of accommodation that can be considered when designing the trip. Final selection depends on travel dates, availability, room category, budget and the location of the gorilla trekking permit.
| Destination | Suggested luxury accommodation |
|---|---|
| Kigali | The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel |
| Akagera National Park | Wilderness Magashi Camp |
| Volcanoes National Park | Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Lodge |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
Important lodge-planning note: Bwindi has several trekking sectors. The accommodation must be matched to the sector where your Uganda gorilla permit is booked. Some luxury properties are in different parts of the forest and are not interchangeable for an early-morning briefing.
Wildlife and experiences included
| Destination | Main experiences |
|---|---|
| Akagera National Park | Game drives, savannah wildlife and Lake Ihema boat excursion |
| Volcanoes National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking and optional golden monkey tracking |
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda |
| Ishasha sector | Search for tree-climbing lions and other savannah wildlife |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game viewing and Kazinga Channel boat cruise |
What makes this a luxury safari?
This itinerary is designed around comfort, privacy and quality experiences rather than simply visiting as many destinations as possible.
- Private safari vehicle: Travel with your own professional driver-guide rather than joining a large group.
- Carefully selected lodges: Stay in high-quality properties chosen for comfort, location and access to activities.
- Flexible wildlife viewing: Spend more time at interesting sightings when conditions and park rules allow.
- Two gorilla trekking experiences: Compare the rainforest settings of Rwanda and Uganda.
- Scenic boat excursions: Enjoy Lake Ihema and the Kazinga Channel from the water.
- Personalised planning: Adjust accommodation, activities and transfers around your travel preferences.
Best time to take this safari
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. However, many travellers prefer the drier periods when forest trails and some park roads may be easier to navigate.
The commonly preferred drier periods are:
- June to September: Often favourable for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.
- December to February: Another popular period for safari travel.
- March to May and October to November: Wetter periods in many areas, although travel remains possible and the landscapes can be especially green.
Weather varies by altitude and location. Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are rainforest environments, so rain can occur even during generally drier months. Book gorilla permits and luxury accommodation well in advance, particularly for peak travel periods.
Gorilla trekking permits and important requirements
This itinerary requires separate permits for the two gorilla treks. A Rwanda permit does not cover trekking in Uganda, and a Uganda permit does not cover trekking in Rwanda.
The standard gorilla trekking minimum age is generally 15 years in both countries. Visitors are normally allowed up to one hour with the assigned gorilla family, subject to the rules and instructions of the relevant park authority.
Golden monkey tracking is an optional activity on Day 6 and requires its own booking and applicable fee.
Permit prices and visitor categories can change. Confirm the current rates, availability, cancellation conditions and booking procedure with the relevant authorities or a properly licensed tour operator before making payment.
What is included in the safari package?
A luxury package can be arranged to include:
- Airport arrival and departure transfers as specified in the final itinerary.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Nine nights of accommodation, subject to the selected lodge category.
- Meals as specified by each lodge and the final quotation.
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit.
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit.
- Akagera National Park entry and scheduled game drives.
- Lake Ihema boat excursion.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park activities and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Golden monkey tracking permit if this optional activity is selected.
- Cross-border transfer assistance and itinerary coordination.
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.
What is not included?
Unless specifically included in your quotation, the following are excluded:
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, laundry and premium drinks.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional hotel nights caused by flight schedules.
- Any change in permit or park fees after the quotation is issued.
- Medical expenses and personal purchases.
Travel advice and practical considerations
Fitness: Gorilla trekking takes place in mountainous rainforest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and some sections can be steep, slippery and physically demanding.
Clothing: Pack long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a rain jacket and warm layers for cool highland evenings.
Photography: Bring a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Flash photography is not permitted during gorilla encounters.
Health: Do not attend a gorilla trek if you have a cold or another infectious illness. Follow all instructions from park rangers and guides.
Border crossing: Carry a passport valid for the required period and check visa and entry requirements for both countries before travelling. Visa eligibility and documentation depend on nationality.
Flights: The final road transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe is long. If your international flight leaves early, add an Entebbe overnight stay and make this an 11-day trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda on one safari?
Yes. This itinerary includes one gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and another in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Each trek requires its own permit.
Is this a private luxury safari?
It can be arranged as a private safari with a dedicated vehicle, professional guide and accommodation selected from luxury properties. The final package depends on the chosen lodges and travel dates.
Are all the Big Five guaranteed in Akagera?
No. Akagera is a Big Five destination, but wildlife sightings depend on animal movements, weather, habitat conditions and luck. Leopards and some other animals can be particularly elusive.
Is golden monkey tracking included?
It is presented as an optional activity on Day 6. It can be added to the package after confirming permit availability and the applicable fee.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
The difficulty varies. Some gorilla families may be found after a relatively short walk, while others require several hours of hiking through steep, muddy forest. Your assigned family and trek conditions determine the experience.
Can the safari start in Entebbe instead of Kigali?
Yes, but the route would need to be redesigned. Starting in Kigali is practical for visiting Akagera and Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda. An Entebbe start may work better for a Uganda-first itinerary.
Can I add Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes. Lake Bunyonyi can be added by extending the trip, ideally with an extra night between Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park. This creates a more relaxed lakeside experience rather than rushing through the journey.
Is 10 days enough for this safari?
Ten days is enough to cover the main destinations, but the itinerary is active and includes several long road transfers. Travellers who prefer a slower pace should consider 11 or 12 days, particularly if they want an additional night in Entebbe or Lake Bunyonyi.
Book your Uganda and Rwanda luxury safari
Experience two countries, two mountain gorilla habitats and some of East Africa’s most beautiful wildlife landscapes on one carefully organised journey.
We can tailor the safari to your preferred travel dates, group size, lodge category and flight schedule. Gorilla permits and luxury accommodation should be checked together before the itinerary is confirmed, so that your trekking sectors, lodge locations and border transfers work smoothly.
Contact our team to request a personalised quotation for the 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Luxury Gorilla, Wildlife and Lakes Safari.