8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Guide and planning information: 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Support
- Private Safari 4x4 Vehicle
- Expert Guide English Speaking
- All Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 24/7 Support We're here to help
- Best Price Guarantee
- Secure Your Permit
- Tailor-made Safaris
- Responsible Tourism
Safari Overview
8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Highlights
Potential highlights include:- Arrival in Kigali
- Kigali city experience
- Rwanda-Uganda border crossing
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Savannah wildlife viewing
- Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and other mammals
- Opportunities to search for predators
- Optional boat safari
- Scenic highlands and mountain landscapes
- Private safari transportation
- Professional driver-guide
- Seven nights of accommodation
- Duration 8 Days
- Starts / Ends Entebbe
- Best For Couples, Families, Solo travellers
- Difficulty Moderate
- Max Altitude ~2,500 m
Safari Highlights
- Wildlife game drives
- Mountain gorilla trekking experience
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Experienced local safari guide
- Handpicked lodge options
- Flexible & customizable itinerary
Safari Itinerary
-
Day 01
Arrival in Kigali
Your 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari begins in Kigali. Meet your private guide at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest after your journey or begin exploring the city.
Kigali is an attractive starting point for a Uganda-Rwanda safari because of its location relatively close to the Virunga highlands and southwestern Uganda. Overnight in Kigali.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options
- Mid-range
-
Day 02
Kigali City Experience – Transfer to Uganda
After breakfast, enjoy a guided introduction to Kigali. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial can be included, along with selected markets, cultural attractions or viewpoints. Afterward, leave Kigali and travel toward the Uganda border.
The journey passes through Rwanda's characteristic rolling hills and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Complete immigration formalities and continue into southwestern Uganda. Your final destination depends on your gorilla permit.
Travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and check into your selected lodge. Enjoy dinner and prepare for gorilla trekking.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
- Mid-range
-
Day 03
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Wake early and transfer to the appropriate gorilla trekking briefing point. Park authorities explain trekking procedures, conservation regulations and the expected behavior around gorillas. You then enter the forest with an authorized ranger guide and trackers.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Mountain gorillas move naturally through the forest. The trek can therefore range from a relatively short walk to several hours of demanding hiking. Terrain can be steep, wet and muddy.
Hiring a porter is strongly recommended. Porters carry bags and assist on difficult sections, making the trek more comfortable. Eventually, trackers locate your assigned gorilla family.
Follow ranger instructions as you approach. The regulated encounter gives you time to observe gorillas feeding, resting, grooming and interacting. You may see the silverback watching over the group while juveniles climb and play nearby.
After the encounter, trek back to the starting point and return to your lodge. Spend the remainder of the afternoon resting.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Same as previous day
-
Day 04
Gorilla Region – Additional Experience
The fourth day provides flexibility around the gorilla destination. Possible activities include golden monkey tracking, a cultural experience, a scenic excursion or a second gorilla trek if permits are available. This additional day is especially useful because gorilla trekking can be physically demanding.
Rather than immediately beginning another major road transfer, you can spend more time enjoying the highland region. Later in the day or the following morning, begin positioning toward the wildlife section of the safari.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Same as previous day
-
Day 05
Transfer to Wildlife Safari Destination
After breakfast, continue toward the selected savannah national park. Depending on the itinerary design, this may involve traveling deeper into Uganda or returning toward Rwanda for a wildlife experience. The journey provides another opportunity to appreciate the varied landscapes of the region.
Your guide will schedule stops for meals, photography and rest. Arrive at your safari lodge and, if time permits, undertake an introductory game drive. The transition from mountain rainforest to open savannah creates one of the defining contrasts of the safari.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Same as previous day
-
Day 06
Full-Day Wildlife Safari
Spend the day exploring the selected wildlife national park. An early morning start can be especially rewarding because temperatures are cooler and wildlife activity can be high. Your guide will search different habitats according to recent sightings and seasonal conditions.
Possible animals may include:
- African elephants
- Cape buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Impalas
- Waterbucks
- Warthogs
- Baboons
- Various antelope species
Predators such as lions and leopards may also be present in the chosen park, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will interpret animal behavior, habitat and conservation issues throughout the game drive. Return to your lodge after a rewarding day.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Same as previous day
-
Day 07
Morning Game Drive and Optional Boat Safari
Begin with another game drive. Having two days in the wildlife destination increases the opportunity to explore different sectors and look for species missed earlier. Where the selected park offers a suitable boat experience, an optional boat safari can be incorporated.
Boat excursions can provide excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and wildlife approaching the shoreline. The quieter water-based experience creates an appealing contrast with driving through savannah. Spend your final safari night near the park.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Same as previous day
-
Day 08
Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, begin the journey back toward Kigali. If you are returning from Uganda, complete the necessary immigration procedures at the border. Continue to Kigali according to your international flight schedule.
Your guide can transfer you directly to Kigali International Airport or to your city hotel. This concludes your 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari.
Why Combine Gorillas and Savannah Wildlife?
Mountain gorilla trekking is one of Africa's most specialized wildlife experiences. It takes place on foot in dense mountain forest and concentrates on one remarkable primate species. A savannah safari is completely different.
You travel by vehicle across open habitats looking for many different species over a wide area. Combining the two experiences creates a much more diverse holiday than a gorilla-only trip.
Main Destination: Kigali
Good to Know
Practical notes on timing, permits, routes and extensions for this safari.
Bwindi or Mgahinga?
Your gorilla trekking destination depends on permit availability and the wider itinerary.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi contains several trekking sectors and multiple habituated gorilla families. Its ancient forest and steep terrain create a classic gorilla trekking environment.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga lies among Uganda's Virunga volcanoes and offers dramatic mountain scenery. It can be particularly convenient for itineraries beginning in Kigali. Golden monkey tracking is another major attraction in Mgahinga.
The selected accommodation must be matched carefully to the permit location.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
Every participant requires an official gorilla permit. Permits are limited and tied to specific trekking dates and locations. Early booking is particularly important during popular travel periods.
The permit should normally be secured before non-refundable lodge arrangements are finalized. Current permit prices and regulations should be confirmed during booking.
Wildlife Safari Experience
The exact wildlife encountered depends on the national park selected. Unlike a zoo, wildlife is free to move naturally, so specific sightings can never be guaranteed. Experienced guides improve the experience by interpreting tracks, recent sightings, habitat and animal behavior.
Game drives are often most productive in the cooler morning and late afternoon periods.
Best Time for the Safari
The 8 day uganda rwanda gorilla & wildlife safari can be arranged throughout the year. Drier periods are popular for both trekking and game viewing. Forest trails may be easier, while wildlife in savannah parks may congregate around permanent water sources.
Wetter periods create lush landscapes and can provide excellent birding. Rain can occur year-round in mountain gorilla habitat.
What to Pack
Because the safari covers both rainforest and savannah, bring versatile clothing. Recommended items include:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long trekking trousers
- Long-sleeved trekking shirt
- Rain jacket
- Trekking gloves
- Gaiters
- Lightweight safari clothing
- Warm layer
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Daypack
- Drinking bottle
Accommodation Options
Budget, mid-range and luxury arrangements are available. Near the gorilla parks, lodge location should be selected according to the confirmed trekking sector. Wildlife park accommodation should provide practical access to game-drive routes.
A combination of accommodation categories can be used to keep the overall safari within your preferred budget.
Cross-Border Requirements
Because this itinerary involves Uganda and Rwanda, travelers need to check current entry requirements for both countries. Requirements vary according to nationality and can change. Passport validity, visas, immigration rules and relevant health documentation should be confirmed before departure.
Who Should Choose This Safari?
This safari is suitable for:
- First-time East Africa visitors
- Couples
- Families with eligible trekkers
- Solo travelers
- Wildlife photographers
- Gorilla enthusiasts
- Travelers wanting both forest and savannah wildlife
- Guests flying through Kigali
Extend Your Journey
Additional days can be used for chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking or another gorilla trek. Longer Uganda itineraries can include Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, while Rwanda extensions can add Akagera, Volcanoes or Nyungwe.
Book Your 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
An 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari provides an excellent balance of mountain gorillas, scenic cross-border travel and classic African wildlife viewing.
With permits, lodge locations, private transfers and game-viewing activities carefully coordinated, the itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates and preferred budget.
Contact us with your preferred dates to check gorilla permit availability and receive a customized 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari quotation.
Bwindi or Mgahinga?
Your gorilla trekking destination depends on permit availability and the wider itinerary.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi contains several trekking sectors and multiple habituated gorilla families. Its ancient forest and steep terrain create a classic gorilla trekking environment.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga lies among Uganda's Virunga volcanoes and offers dramatic mountain scenery. It can be particularly convenient for itineraries beginning in Kigali. Golden monkey tracking is another major attraction in Mgahinga.
The selected accommodation must be matched carefully to the permit location.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
Every participant requires an official gorilla permit. Permits are limited and tied to specific trekking dates and locations. Early booking is particularly important during popular travel periods.
The permit should normally be secured before non-refundable lodge arrangements are finalized. Current permit prices and regulations should be confirmed during booking.
Wildlife Safari Experience
The exact wildlife encountered depends on the national park selected. Unlike a zoo, wildlife is free to move naturally, so specific sightings can never be guaranteed. Experienced guides improve the experience by interpreting tracks, recent sightings, habitat and animal behavior.
Game drives are often most productive in the cooler morning and late afternoon periods.
Best Time for the Safari
The 8 day uganda rwanda gorilla & wildlife safari can be arranged throughout the year. Drier periods are popular for both trekking and game viewing. Forest trails may be easier, while wildlife in savannah parks may congregate around permanent water sources.
Wetter periods create lush landscapes and can provide excellent birding. Rain can occur year-round in mountain gorilla habitat.
What to Pack
Because the safari covers both rainforest and savannah, bring versatile clothing. Recommended items include:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long trekking trousers
- Long-sleeved trekking shirt
- Rain jacket
- Trekking gloves
- Gaiters
- Lightweight safari clothing
- Warm layer
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Daypack
- Drinking bottle
Accommodation Options
Budget, mid-range and luxury arrangements are available. Near the gorilla parks, lodge location should be selected according to the confirmed trekking sector. Wildlife park accommodation should provide practical access to game-drive routes.
A combination of accommodation categories can be used to keep the overall safari within your preferred budget.
Cross-Border Requirements
Because this itinerary involves Uganda and Rwanda, travelers need to check current entry requirements for both countries. Requirements vary according to nationality and can change. Passport validity, visas, immigration rules and relevant health documentation should be confirmed before departure.
Who Should Choose This Safari?
This safari is suitable for:
- First-time East Africa visitors
- Couples
- Families with eligible trekkers
- Solo travelers
- Wildlife photographers
- Gorilla enthusiasts
- Travelers wanting both forest and savannah wildlife
- Guests flying through Kigali
Extend Your Journey
Additional days can be used for chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking or another gorilla trek. Longer Uganda itineraries can include Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, while Rwanda extensions can add Akagera, Volcanoes or Nyungwe.
Book Your 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
An 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari provides an excellent balance of mountain gorillas, scenic cross-border travel and classic African wildlife viewing.
With permits, lodge locations, private transfers and game-viewing activities carefully coordinated, the itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates and preferred budget.
Contact us with your preferred dates to check gorilla permit availability and receive a customized 8 Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari quotation.
Want to extend your safari?
Add chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Bunyonyi or a Rwanda extension — we tailor the journey to your dates.
Request a Quote
Tell us your dates, group size, and preferred lodge style — we will send a tailored quote for this safari.