10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari: A Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Experience the best of Uganda and Rwanda on this 10-day classic wildlife safari. This cross-border adventure combines Rwanda’s open savannah landscapes with Uganda’s tropical rainforests, offering opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hippos, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
The journey begins in Kigali and takes you to Akagera National Park in Rwanda before crossing into Uganda to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. It ends in Entebbe, near the shores of Lake Victoria.
This safari is ideal for travellers who want a varied East African experience, combining traditional game drives, boat excursions, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and beautiful countryside scenery.
Safari overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Countries | Rwanda and Uganda |
| Start point | Kigali, Rwanda |
| End point | Entebbe, Uganda |
| Main destinations | Akagera, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale |
| Main activities | Game drives, boat cruise, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking |
| Accommodation | Budget, mid-range or luxury lodges |
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle |
| Recommended age | 16 years and above as a practical planning guideline; confirm activity-specific age rules |
Route: Kigali → Akagera National Park → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Kibale Forest National Park → Entebbe.
Travel note: This is an ambitious 10-day road safari. The transfer from Akagera to Bwindi is particularly long and includes an international border crossing. Travellers who prefer a more relaxed pace should consider adding a night in Rwanda or using a suitable flight connection where available.
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. The city is known for its green hills, lively neighbourhoods, craft markets and welcoming atmosphere.
If time allows, you can visit a local market or enjoy a guided city drive. Travellers interested in Rwanda’s history may arrange a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, allowing sufficient time for the experience.
In the evening, meet your guide for a safari briefing. You will review the route, border arrangements, accommodation and activities planned for the coming days.
Accommodation: Kigali hotel
Meals: Depending on arrival time and hotel arrangement
Main activity: Airport pickup and safari briefing
Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel east towards Akagera National Park. The journey generally takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on your starting point, traffic and park entrance.
Akagera is Rwanda’s principal savannah wildlife park, with rolling grasslands, woodland, lakes and papyrus wetlands. Its varied habitats support elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards and both black and white rhinos.
After entering the park, enjoy a game drive as you explore the southern section. Your guide will help you look for wildlife and explain the park’s conservation story.
Later, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. The lake is known for hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds. You may also see elephants and other wildlife along the shoreline.
After the boat trip, continue to your accommodation and enjoy the evening in the park or nearby.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge or another suitable property
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Game drive and Lake Ihema boat cruise
Day 3: Akagera National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Wake up early for breakfast and, depending on the agreed park schedule, enjoy a short morning game drive before leaving Akagera.
Today involves a long cross-border journey to southwestern Uganda. You will travel towards the Rwanda–Uganda border and continue to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park area. The exact route and crossing point will depend on road conditions, immigration arrangements and your confirmed trekking sector.
After completing border formalities, continue through Uganda’s scenic highlands, passing cultivated hills, rural settlements and mountainous landscapes.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and rest. Your guide will confirm the gorilla trekking arrangements, briefing time and meeting point for the following morning.
Accommodation: Lodge in the confirmed Bwindi trekking sector
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Cross-border transfer
This is one of the longest travel days of the itinerary. The departure time, border crossing and lodge location should be coordinated carefully. Avoid planning an evening activity on arrival.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is one of the most memorable experiences of your Uganda and Rwanda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After an early breakfast, travel to the relevant park headquarters for registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and accompanied by trained guides and trackers.
Bwindi is a dense tropical rainforest with steep slopes, thick vegetation and winding forest trails. The trek may take a few hours or longer, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family.
When the gorillas are located, you will have a regulated viewing period of up to one hour. You may observe adults feeding, resting and grooming, while younger gorillas play and interact with one another.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer to your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing after your forest adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge in Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and sightings are not guaranteed. Uganda’s published minimum age is 15. Visitors must follow the ranger’s instructions, maintain the required distance and avoid trekking if they have an infectious illness.
Day 5: Bwindi – Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Where road conditions and your lodge location permit, the route can pass through the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park.
Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in large fig trees. Your guide will conduct a game drive through suitable areas while looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topis and other wildlife.
Continue towards your lodge in the Queen Elizabeth National Park area. The park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations, with open savannah, crater lakes, wetlands and forest habitats.
Arrive at your lodge, check in and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activities: Scenic transfer and Ishasha game drive
Tree-climbing lion sightings are never guaranteed. If the Ishasha route is unsuitable because of road conditions or timing, your guide may adjust the route.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kasenyi 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 look for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, hyenas and lions. Your guide will help interpret animal tracks and behaviour while searching for wildlife.
Return to the 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 known for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Elephants and buffaloes are also frequently seen along the banks, particularly where they come to drink.
The boat excursion offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and a different perspective from the 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 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel north towards Kibale Forest National Park. The transfer generally takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the lodge location, road conditions and stops.
The route passes through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, with views of tea plantations, crater lakes, farms and the Rwenzori Mountain foothills on clear days.
Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest and enjoy lunch. The afternoon can be spent relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
Kibale is one of Africa’s best-known chimpanzee tracking destinations. The forest is also home to several other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and olive baboons.
Your guide will brief you on the next day’s chimpanzee tracking activity.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Transfer to Kibale
Day 8: 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.
You will join a ranger-guided tracking group and enter the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. These intelligent and social primates live in communities and communicate through vocalisations, gestures and physical interactions.
The tracking experience involves walking along forest trails while guides and trackers locate the chimpanzees. The duration varies according to their movements and feeding locations.
Once the chimpanzees are found, you will have a regulated viewing period under the supervision of your ranger. Observe their social interactions, feeding behaviour and movement through the forest.
After the activity, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
If time permits, you can arrange an optional guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-managed wetland is known for its birds, primates, vegetation and local conservation initiatives.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Main activity: Chimpanzee tracking
Optional activity: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
Chimpanzee tracking is subject to permit availability and current age requirements. Confirm the applicable Kibale rule before booking.
Day 9: Kibale Forest – Entebbe
After breakfast, leave Kibale and begin the journey towards Entebbe. The drive generally takes around 6–7 hours or longer, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops.
Travel through Fort Portal and central Uganda, passing rural communities, farms and trading centres. A lunch stop can be arranged along the way.
On arrival in Entebbe, check in at your hotel near Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxed evening or a short walk near the lakeshore.
This overnight stay is important because it separates the long drive from your international departure the following day.
Accommodation: Entebbe hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner depending on hotel arrangement
Main activity: Transfer to Entebbe
Day 10: Departure from Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, depending on your flight schedule. Your driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
If you have a later departure, you may arrange a short visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens or another nearby attraction, provided there is enough time before check-in.
Your 10-day Uganda and Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari comes to an end with memories of savannah wildlife, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, scenic landscapes and the rich natural heritage of both countries.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, depending on departure time
Main activity: Airport transfer and departure
Wildlife and experiences on this safari
| Destination | Main wildlife and experience |
|---|---|
| Akagera National Park | Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and hippos |
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking and forest biodiversity |
| Ishasha sector | Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes and antelopes |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game drives, elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, hippos and Kazinga Channel boat cruise |
| Kibale Forest National Park | Chimpanzee tracking and other forest primates |
The Big Five can be found in Akagera, but sightings are not guaranteed. Leopard sightings are particularly difficult, and the presence of an animal in a park does not mean it will be seen during a particular game drive.
Recommended accommodation
The following are examples of properties to consider. Final choices should depend on availability, budget, current operating status and proximity to the planned park activities.
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
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Choose accommodation according to the gorilla trekking sector assigned on your permit.
- Buhoma Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
- Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
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
What is included in the safari package?
A typical package may include:
- Airport pickup in Kigali and drop-off in Entebbe.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Fuel and transport for the full itinerary.
- Nine nights of accommodation.
- Meals as specified in the final quotation.
- Akagera National Park entry and agreed game-drive activities.
- Lake Ihema boat excursion.
- Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Uganda chimpanzee tracking permit.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park activities and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Relevant park and activity fees listed in the quotation.
- Cross-border itinerary 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 shopping, laundry and telephone expenses.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Optional activities not specified in the quotation.
- Any accommodation or meals not listed in the final package.
Best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda
The safari can be organised throughout the year, but many visitors prefer the relatively drier periods for game drives and forest trekking.
June to September: Often a popular period for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing. Forest trails can still be wet, and accommodation 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. Roads and forest trails may become muddy, but the landscapes are lush and beautiful.
October to November: Rain is possible, although the safari remains possible with appropriate preparation and flexible timing.
Weather conditions vary between destinations. Akagera’s savannah environment can feel very different from the cool, wet forests of Bwindi and Kibale.
What to pack for the safari
For this combination of game drives and forest activities, consider packing:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for forest trekking.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.
- Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colours.
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation during gorilla trekking.
- 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.
- A small amount of cash for personal expenses and tips.
Pack a few warmer layers for the high-altitude areas around Bwindi, particularly in the early morning and evening.
Important travel and permit information
Gorilla trekking permits
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a separate permit. The minimum age is 15 under Uganda’s published guidance, and the viewing period is limited to one hour once the gorillas are located.
Permits should be secured before finalising the itinerary. The trekking sector determines where you should stay in Bwindi, so accommodation should be selected only after the permit location is confirmed.
Chimpanzee tracking permits
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale requires a separate booking or permit. Age guidance can differ between published sources, so confirm the current minimum age with Uganda Wildlife Authority before accepting a booking involving younger visitors.
Akagera activities
Game drives and the Lake Ihema boat excursion should be coordinated with park management and the accommodation provider. Boat excursions operate at scheduled times, and availability should be confirmed for your travel dates.
Rwanda–Uganda border crossing
The safari crosses an international border between Rwanda and Uganda. Travellers must have the correct entry documentation for both countries. The East African Tourist Visa may be suitable for eligible travellers visiting participating countries, but nationality, entry point and current visa conditions should be checked before travel.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements, weather, habitat and the time spent in the park. No responsible operator can guarantee sightings of particular animals, including lions, leopards or gorillas.
Travel insurance and health preparation
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, including cover appropriate for safari activities and trekking. Discuss recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention and other travel-health precautions with a qualified travel-health professional before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Uganda and Rwanda in one 10-day safari?
Yes. This itinerary combines Akagera in Rwanda with Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale in Uganda. It is designed for travellers who want a cross-border wildlife experience without spending two full weeks on the road.
Will I see the Big Five on this safari?
Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos, so it offers the opportunity to look for all five. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, especially for elusive animals such as leopards.
Is gorilla trekking included?
Yes. The itinerary includes one mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The permit must be booked separately from the general park entry arrangements and confirmed for a specific date and sector.
Is chimpanzee tracking included?
Yes. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest is included as a planned activity, subject to permit availability and confirmation of the applicable age rules.
Is the itinerary suitable for families?
It may suit families with older children and teenagers, but the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. The chimpanzee tracking age requirement should also be checked with UWA. The long transfer days may make this itinerary less suitable for families seeking a relaxed holiday.
Can the safari be customised?
Yes. You can add nights in Akagera, Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth, upgrade accommodation, or include additional activities. A longer itinerary can also incorporate Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mburo.
Can I start the safari in Entebbe instead of Kigali?
Yes, but the route would need to be rearranged. An Entebbe start can follow the Uganda circuit first and finish in Rwanda, depending on your international flights and preferred destinations.
Is 10 days enough for a relaxed safari?
Ten days is enough to visit the four destinations in this itinerary, but the pace is relatively active. The long Akagera-to-Bwindi transfer is the main challenge. Adding one or two days would provide more time to rest and enjoy the destinations.
Book Your 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari
Explore two remarkable East African countries on a safari that combines savannah wildlife, tropical forests and unforgettable primate encounters.
From the wildlife-rich plains of Akagera to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the waterways of Queen Elizabeth and the chimpanzee-filled forests of Kibale, this journey offers a diverse introduction to Uganda and Rwanda.
Contact our team to check permit availability, select your preferred accommodation and receive a personalised quotation for your 10-day Uganda and Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari.