8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour – Tour Overview
The 8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour is an unforgettable East African adventure combining primate encounters, wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences across two remarkable destinations. The safari takes you through some of Uganda and Rwanda’s most renowned national parks, offering opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats while exploring diverse ecosystems and communities.
The journey includes chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, tree-climbing lion tracking in the Ishasha Sector, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and a cultural experience in Rwanda. You will also enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Lake Mutanda and Volcanoes National Park before concluding your safari in Kigali.
Throughout the journey, you will have opportunities to observe primates in their natural environment, experience Uganda and Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, and learn about the cultures and communities that surround these protected areas. The combination of wildlife, gorilla trekking, nature, and cultural experiences makes this an enriching safari experience from start to finish.
8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Airport pickup, transfer to Kampala, and onward journey to Kibale National Park.
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 3: Morning game drive followed by an evening wildlife experience in the Ishasha Sector, with an opportunity to search for tree-climbing lions.
- Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking followed by a transfer to Lake Mutanda.
- Day 6: Transfer from Uganda to Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 7: Second gorilla trekking experience followed by a visit to the Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre.
- Day 8: Transfer to Kigali for your onward flight and departure.
8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour – Activity Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
- Bigodi Nature Walk and an opportunity to explore the area’s rich biodiversity.
- Wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise, offering opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and other wildlife.
- Tree-climbing lion viewing in the Ishasha Sector.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- A second gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
- Scenic views and relaxation around Lake Mutanda.
- Cultural interaction and heritage experiences at the Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre.
- Batwa cultural encounter, providing an opportunity to learn about the traditions and heritage of one of the region’s indigenous communities.
- Scenic overland travel through the landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda.
8 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Kibale National Park
On this day, Our Safari guide from Tukumbe Tours and Travel will pick you up from the Entebbe airport to Kampala. You will have a drive in the city where you will get to see different attractions such as the museums, the independence monument, the Baha’i temple, the kabaka tombs to mention but a few. From there you will then continue and transfer to kibale national park which will take you over 6 hours to arrive to the park. On your arrival, you will be checked in and then directed to the hotel where to spend an overnight.
Accommodation Options:
- Chimpanzee Forest Guest House(budget)
- Kibale Forest Camp (mid-range)
- Primates Lodge(luxury)
Destination: Kibale National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Immediately after your morning break fast, you will get to the tracking headquarters. You will begin with a briefing with the trained Ranger guide who will give you the rules and the regulations of trekking the chimpanzees. From there, you will head into the jungle and start the trekking. As soon as you get the primates, you will be given ample time over one hour to spend with these primates. From there you will head back to the lodge have lunch and then immediately embark on your journey to queen Elizabeth. On your arrival you will be checked in and directed to the lodge for an over night and prepare for the next day.
Accommodation Options:
- Bush Lodge(budget)
- Marafiki Safari Lodge(mid-range)
- Mweya Safari Lodge(luxury)
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Tree-Climbing Lions
You will wake up early in the morning, enjoy breakfast , and set out for an exciting morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you explore the park’s diverse landscapes, you will have opportunities to encounter a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
After the morning game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax before continuing to the Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you will embark on an evening game drive in search of the area’s famous tree-climbing lions, which are often seen resting on the branches of large fig and acacia trees.
After the evening wildlife experience, you will return to the lodge to freshen up, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night, reflecting on an exciting day of wildlife exploration.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After your morning breakfast, you will set off your journey to Bwindi impenetrable national forest which is a 5-hour drive to reach the park. You will immediately check in an overnight. You will have your lunch, relax and then go for an evening batwa community walk where you will get to interact with the local people in the community more so the women and get to know what activities they do to earn a living. From there you will get back to the lodge have diner and rest for the next day.
Accommodation Options:
- Broad bill camp(budget)
- Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla lodge(mid-range)
- Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury)
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After an early breakfast, you will meet your safari guide and transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Here, experienced park rangers will provide important information about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and responsible behavior while in the forest. You will then be assigned to a trekking group, with gorilla trekking groups generally limited to a maximum of eight visitors, before setting off into the forest in search of your assigned gorilla family.
The trek may take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have a regulated period to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. This is an opportunity to watch their social interactions, feeding, and daily activities while taking photographs in accordance with the trekking guidelines.
After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax before continuing to Lake Mutanda, one of southwestern Uganda’s most scenic highland lakes. Depending on your itinerary and arrival time, you may enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding Virunga mountains and the tranquil waters.
After the lake experience, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, allowing you to relax and prepare for the next day’s journey into Rwanda.
Destination: Lake Mutanda
Accommodation Options:
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Mutanda Eco Community Centre
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Musanze Cave Visit
After breakfast, you will depart Lake Mutanda and cross into Rwanda, continuing your journey to Volcanoes National Park, renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, you will check in at your selected lodge, enjoy lunch, and have some time to relax before your afternoon activity.
Later in the afternoon, you will embark on a guided visit to the Musanze Caves, where you will explore the fascinating underground formations while learning about the area’s history, traditions, and cultural heritage. You will also have an opportunity to experience aspects of local life and discover traditional crafts and cultural practices within the surrounding community.
After the cave experience, you will return to the lodge to freshen up, enjoy dinner, and relax as you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:
- Muhabura Hotel – Budget
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Luxury
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 7: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience and Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre
After breakfast, you will return to the park headquarters for your second gorilla trekking adventure. Here, you will receive a briefing from a park ranger about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking, including responsible wildlife viewing and maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas. You will then be assigned to a trekking group of up to eight members before setting off into the forest in search of another gorilla family.
As you trek through the lush rainforest, you will enjoy the beauty of Rwanda’s natural surroundings and the opportunity to encounter these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have time to observe their behavior, appreciate their unique personalities, and capture memorable photographs while following the park’s guidelines. After the trekking experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre, also known as the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund? No, this is not correct; the cultural centre is a separate community tourism destination near Volcanoes National Park. You will explore the traditions and cultural heritage of the Rwandan people through traditional dances, local cuisine, traditional houses, and stories about community life. This immersive experience offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s culture and the role of local communities in conservation and tourism.
After your cultural visit, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on another memorable day of gorilla trekking and cultural discovery in Rwanda.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali Airport and End of Safari
After an early morning breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and begin your transfer to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to enjoy the scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside or make a brief stop along the way. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be assisted with your departure arrangements before boarding your flight to your next destination.
This marks the end of your memorable 8-day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking safari. We hope you return home with unforgettable memories of the mountain gorillas, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural experiences you have enjoyed throughout your journey. Thank you for choosing Tukumbe Tours and Travel, and we look forward to welcoming you on another African adventure.