14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Grand Safari: A Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Discover the natural wonders of Uganda and Rwanda on this 14-day Grand Safari. This carefully planned journey combines Rwanda’s savannah wildlife and volcanic landscapes with Uganda’s tropical rainforests, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and classic wildlife destinations.
Explore Akagera National Park on game drives and a Lake Ihema boat cruise, visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking, and cross into Uganda to experience Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park.
From dramatic volcanic scenery to wildlife-rich savannahs, crater lakes and ancient forests, this safari offers a diverse introduction to two of East Africa’s most remarkable travel destinations.
Safari overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Countries | Rwanda and Uganda |
| Start point | Kigali, Rwanda |
| End point | Entebbe, Uganda |
| Main destinations | Akagera, Volcanoes, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale |
| Main activities | Game drives, boat cruise, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and chimpanzee tracking |
| Accommodation | Budget, mid-range or luxury lodges |
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle |
| Recommended age | 15 years and above, subject to each activity’s rules |
Safari route: Kigali → Akagera National Park → Volcanoes National Park → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park → Lake Bunyonyi → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Kibale Forest National Park → Entebbe.
Important itinerary note: This 14-day route prioritises Rwanda’s Akagera and Volcanoes parks alongside Uganda’s principal gorilla, wildlife and chimpanzee destinations. It does not include Murchison Falls National Park because adding it would make the journey considerably more rushed. Travellers who want Murchison Falls can extend the safari by approximately three days or replace one of the destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short introduction to Kigali, Rwanda’s lively capital. The city is known for its green hills, clean streets, craft markets and welcoming atmosphere.
If time permits, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for an important introduction to Rwanda’s history. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed city drive and visit a local craft market.
In the evening, meet your safari guide for a briefing about the journey, accommodation, park activities and border-crossing arrangements.
Accommodation: Kigali hotel
Meals: Depending on arrival time and hotel arrangement
Main activity: Airport pickup and safari briefing
Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel east towards Akagera National Park. The drive generally takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and the park entrance being used.
Akagera is Rwanda’s principal savannah wildlife park, featuring open grasslands, woodland, lakes and wetlands. It is home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards and both black and white rhinos.
After completing park entry formalities, begin your first game drive through the southern section of the park. Your guide will help you look for wildlife while explaining the park’s habitats and conservation history.
Continue to your lodge and enjoy the evening surrounded by the natural environment.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge or another suitable property
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Afternoon game drive
Day 3: Full-Day Akagera National Park Safari and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park.
Begin with an early morning game drive when many animals are active. Search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and, with luck, lions or leopards.
After returning to your lodge for lunch or a picnic, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. The lake is known for its hippos, crocodiles and diverse waterbirds. You may also see elephants and other animals along the shoreline.
Depending on the boat schedule and park conditions, you may have time for another short game drive before returning to your lodge.
Akagera offers an excellent introduction to Rwanda’s savannah wildlife and is an important part of this two-country safari.
Accommodation: Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Game drives and Lake Ihema boat cruise
Day 4: Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, leave Akagera and travel north-west towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.
The journey takes several hours and passes through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and traditional rural settlements.
Volcanoes National Park forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area and protects a remarkable mountain ecosystem. Its forests are home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, while the surrounding volcanic landscape creates spectacular scenery.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Your guide will confirm the following day’s activity and explain the gorilla trekking arrangements.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Scenic transfer to the Virunga region
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today you experience one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters: mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, travel to the Kinigi park headquarters for registration and a briefing by Rwanda Development Board staff.
You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and accompanied by trained guides and trackers into the forest. The trek may take a few hours or longer, depending on the gorillas’ movements, weather and terrain.
Once the gorillas are located, you will have a regulated viewing period of up to one hour. You may observe adults feeding, grooming and resting while younger gorillas play and interact.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer to your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Rwanda’s official booking portal lists a minimum age of 15 for gorilla tracking. Visitors must follow ranger instructions and should not trek when suffering from an infectious illness.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, return to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey tracking briefing.
Golden monkeys are distinctive primates found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. They are active, social and often move quickly through the vegetation in search of food.
Accompanied by experienced park guides, enter the forest in search of a habituated troop. Once the monkeys are located, you can observe their behaviour and photograph them while following the ranger’s instructions.
After the activity, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
If time permits, you may arrange an optional cultural experience around Musanze, such as a community visit or traditional performance. This provides an opportunity to learn about local heritage and the communities living near the park.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Golden monkey tracking and optional cultural experience
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park – Cyanika Border – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and travel towards the Cyanika border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda.
Complete immigration formalities before continuing into southwestern Uganda. The route takes you through beautiful highland landscapes, terraced farmland and rural settlements towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The precise driving time depends on your lodge location, border procedures and the Bwindi trekking sector assigned to your gorilla permit.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Your guide will confirm the following day’s gorilla trekking arrangements and reporting time.
Accommodation: Lodge in the confirmed Bwindi trekking sector
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Cross-border transfer
The gorilla permit sector determines where you should stay in Bwindi. Accommodation should be selected after the permit location has been confirmed.
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today offers another extraordinary mountain gorilla encounter, this time in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After an early breakfast, travel to the appropriate park headquarters for registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority staff.
You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and accompanied by guides and trackers into the rainforest. Bwindi’s dense vegetation, steep slopes and uneven trails make this a physically demanding activity.
The trek may last a few hours or longer, depending on the gorillas’ location and movements. When the family is found, you will have a regulated viewing period of up to one hour.
Observe the gorillas as they feed, groom, rest and interact in their natural habitat. The experience provides a fascinating opportunity to appreciate the importance of forest conservation.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer to your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Uganda’s published minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. A separate Uganda gorilla permit is required; the Rwanda permit does not cover trekking in Bwindi.
Day 9: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes.
The journey takes approximately 2–4 hours or longer, depending on the Bwindi sector and accommodation location.
Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by green hills and dotted with numerous small islands. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax after the demanding gorilla trekking experience.
After checking in, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional activities include a guided canoe excursion, a boat ride to nearby islands, birdwatching or a community visit.
Enjoy dinner overlooking the lake and take in the quiet surroundings.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi lodge or resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Scenic transfer and lakeside relaxation
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel north towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive takes approximately 4–6 hours or longer, depending on your lodge location, road conditions and stops.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. It features open savannah, wetlands, crater lakes, woodland and forest habitats.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. Depending on your arrival time and the park’s activity schedule, you may enjoy a short afternoon game drive.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife as you explore the park.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Transfer and optional afternoon game drive
Day 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, one of the park’s popular wildlife-viewing areas.
The open grasslands provide opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, lions, hyenas and other savannah animals. Your guide will help interpret animal behaviour and identify tracks along the route.
Return to your lodge for lunch or a short rest before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise.
The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is famous for its concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Elephants and buffaloes are also frequently seen along the shoreline.
The boat excursion provides excellent wildlife photography opportunities and a different perspective from a traditional game drive.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Morning game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel north towards Kibale Forest National Park.
The transfer generally takes around 3–4 hours, depending on your starting location and road conditions. The route passes through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, with views of crater lakes, tea plantations, farms and the Rwenzori Mountain foothills on clear days.
Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest and enjoy lunch.
The afternoon is available for relaxation or an optional visit to the surrounding area. Your guide will explain the next day’s chimpanzee tracking arrangements and recommend an early night before the forest activity.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Transfer to Kibale
Day 13: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, travel to the Kibale visitor centre for registration and a briefing by park staff.
Join a ranger-guided tracking group and enter the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Kibale is one of Africa’s best-known chimpanzee tracking destinations and supports a rich diversity of primates.
Chimpanzees are intelligent and social animals that communicate through calls, gestures and physical interactions. They move through the forest in search of food, so the time required to locate them varies.
When the chimpanzees are found, you will have a regulated viewing period under the supervision of your ranger. Observe their behaviour, feeding activities and movement through the forest.
After tracking, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
If time permits, you may arrange an optional guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed area known for birdlife, primates and conservation activities.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Chimpanzee tracking
Optional activity: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
Day 14: Kibale Forest – Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, depart Kibale and begin the journey towards Entebbe.
The drive generally takes around 6–7 hours or longer, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops. A lunch stop can be arranged along the way.
On arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, provided your departure time allows sufficient travel and airport check-in time.
Important: This final transfer is long. For travellers with an early or mid-morning international flight, we strongly recommend adding an extra night in Entebbe and departing the following day. A more comfortable 15-day version of the safari would include this overnight stay.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, depending on departure arrangements
Main activity: Transfer to Entebbe and departure
Main wildlife and experiences
| Destination | Wildlife and experiences |
|---|---|
| Akagera National Park | Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and hippos |
| Volcanoes National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and Virunga volcano scenery |
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking and rainforest biodiversity |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Scenic lake views, canoeing, birdwatching and relaxation |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game drives, elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, hippos and Kazinga Channel cruise |
| Kibale Forest National Park | Chimpanzee tracking and other forest primates |
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Although the parks protect the animals listed, sightings depend on animal movements, weather and the areas visited during your activities.
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged in budget, mid-range or luxury properties. The final selection should take into account your preferred comfort level, room availability and proximity to the relevant park activity.
Kigali
- Hotel des Mille Collines
- Park Inn by Radisson Kigali
- Kigali Serena Hotel
- The Retreat
Akagera National Park
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Karenge Bush Camp
- Akagera park campsites
Volcanoes National Park
- Hotel Muhabura
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Choose accommodation according to your confirmed trekking sector.
- Buhoma Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
- Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Lake Bunyonyi
- Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Arcadia Lodges
- BirdNest Resort
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Elephant Hab Lodge
- Enganzi Game Lodge
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Enjojo Lodge
Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
- Kibale Forest Camp
- Primate Lodge Kibale
- Turaco Treetops
- Kibale Lodge
Entebbe
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
- Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Lake Victoria Hotel
These are accommodation examples, not confirmed reservations. Check current operating status, availability and location before including a property in a quotation.
What is included in the safari package?
A typical package can include:
- Airport pickup in Kigali and airport transfer to Entebbe.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Fuel and transport throughout the itinerary.
- Thirteen nights of accommodation.
- Meals as specified in the final quotation.
- Akagera National Park entry and agreed game-drive activities.
- Lake Ihema boat excursion.
- Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Rwanda golden monkey tracking permit.
- Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Uganda chimpanzee tracking permit.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park activities.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Relevant park and activity fees included in the final quotation.
- Cross-border travel coordination.
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.
What is excluded?
Unless agreed otherwise, the package does not include:
- International flights.
- Visas and personal travel documentation.
- Travel insurance and medical expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses, laundry and telephone charges.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Optional activities not listed in the final itinerary.
- Any accommodation or meals not specified in the quotation.
Best time to take the Uganda and Rwanda Grand Safari
The safari can be arranged throughout the year, but the relatively drier periods are often preferred for game drives, forest trekking and road travel.
June to September: A popular period for wildlife viewing and primate trekking. Accommodation and permits should be booked early.
December to February: Another favourable period for many safari activities, with generally more manageable conditions for outdoor travel.
March to May: A wetter season in much of the region. Forest trails can be muddy, and some roads may become more difficult, but the landscapes are lush.
October to November: Rain is possible, although the safari remains possible with suitable preparation and flexible arrangements.
Weather conditions vary between the savannah landscapes of Akagera and the high-altitude forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park.
What to pack
For this combination of game drives, boat excursions and forest trekking, consider packing:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.
- Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colours.
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation during gorilla trekking.
- Warm layers for the highland evenings.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Small daypack.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Binoculars.
- Camera with flash switched off.
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies.
- Passport and relevant travel documents.
- Some cash for personal expenses and tips.
Important permit and travel information
Separate gorilla trekking permits
This itinerary includes two separate mountain gorilla trekking experiences: one in Rwanda and another in Uganda. Each requires its own permit, issued under the relevant country’s rules.
A Rwanda gorilla permit cannot be used for trekking in Bwindi, and a Uganda permit cannot be used in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking takes place in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and requires its own activity booking. Confirm the applicable minimum age, permit availability and current price before travel.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale requires a separate permit or booking. Confirm the current minimum age and visitor rules with Uganda Wildlife Authority before accepting a booking involving younger travellers.
Cross-border travel
The itinerary crosses between Rwanda and Uganda through the Cyanika border area. Travellers must meet the immigration and entry requirements of both countries.
The East African Tourist Visa may be suitable for eligible visitors travelling between participating countries. Confirm nationality eligibility, entry conditions and the correct application procedure before departure.
Physical fitness
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking involve walking on uneven forest trails. Bwindi can be steep and physically demanding, while forest conditions may be wet and slippery. Visitors should be comfortable walking for several hours and should inform their operator of mobility or health considerations before booking.
Responsible wildlife viewing
Follow the instructions of park rangers and guides throughout all wildlife activities. Keep the required distance from primates, avoid loud behaviour and never attempt to feed or touch wild animals. Visitors with infectious illnesses may be denied access to primate tracking activities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Uganda and Rwanda in one 14-day safari?
Yes. This itinerary combines Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks in Rwanda with Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale in Uganda. It is designed to give travellers a varied experience of both countries.
Does the safari include two gorilla trekking experiences?
Yes. The itinerary includes one gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and another in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Two separate permits are required.
Can I see the Big Five on this safari?
Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and both black and white rhinos. However, sightings are not guaranteed, especially for elusive animals such as leopards.
Is chimpanzee tracking included?
Yes. The safari includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, subject to permit availability and confirmation of current activity rules.
Why is Lake Bunyonyi included?
Lake Bunyonyi provides a relaxing break between the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and the wildlife activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its scenic setting, islands and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular stop.
Is 14 days enough for this safari?
Fourteen days is sufficient for the planned route, but the final drive from Kibale to Entebbe is long. Adding an overnight stay in Entebbe makes the trip more comfortable, especially for travellers with early international flights.
Can Murchison Falls be added?
Yes. Murchison Falls National Park can be added by extending the safari by approximately three days or more. Alternatively, the itinerary can be redesigned to include Murchison at the expense of one or more destinations.
Can I upgrade to luxury accommodation?
Yes. Luxury accommodation can be arranged in Akagera, Volcanoes, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale, subject to availability. The final package price will depend on the selected lodges and permit costs.
Can the safari start in Entebbe instead of Kigali?
Yes. The route can be reversed or redesigned to start in Uganda and finish in Rwanda. The best option depends on international flight schedules, permit availability and the destinations you want to prioritise.
Book Your 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Grand Safari
Discover the best of Uganda and Rwanda on one unforgettable two-week journey. From Akagera’s savannah wildlife to the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes and Bwindi, the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi, the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth and the chimpanzee-filled forests of Kibale, this safari combines extraordinary natural experiences.
Contact our team to check permit availability, select your preferred accommodation and receive a personalised quotation for your 14-day Uganda and Rwanda Grand Safari.