A 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari lets you compare two of the best gorilla countries on one trip, with chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and a capital city thrown in. The 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari below starts in Entebbe, works west through Uganda, crosses the border at Cyanika and finishes in Kigali with a visit to Akagera National Park. This guide covers the route, the border crossing, pacing and what to book first.
We operate in both countries, so one team plans the whole route. To tailor it, contact our team with your dates.
12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari: route at a glance
| Day | Where | Main activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe to Kibale | Long scenic drive west |
| 2 | Kibale | Chimpanzee trekking |
| 3 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | Transfer, evening game drive |
| 4 | Queen Elizabeth | Kazinga cruise, Ishasha, arrive Bwindi |
| 5 | Bwindi | Uganda gorilla trek |
| 6 | Bwindi to Musanze | Cyanika border crossing |
| 7 | Volcanoes National Park | Rwanda gorilla trek |
| 8 | Musanze to Kigali | City tour, memorial visit |
| 9 | Kigali to Akagera | Evening game drive |
| 10 | Akagera | Game drive and boat trip |
| 11 | Akagera to Kigali | Free time and crafts |
| 12 | Kigali | Departure |
Why combine Uganda and Rwanda?
Uganda gives you variety: chimpanzees, a big savannah park and the largest Bwindi gorilla population. Rwanda gives you compact distances, well-kept roads and a calm, organised capital. A 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari uses each country for what it does best, and it lets you compare the two gorilla experiences first-hand: Bwindi is steep, dense forest, while Volcanoes National Park is bamboo and volcano slopes. Read our comparison Uganda and Rwanda tours page for more routes.
Highlights of each stage
Days 1 to 4: Uganda’s western parks
Begin with chimpanzees in Kibale, then move to Queen Elizabeth for the boat cruise and Ishasha. Our Kibale and Queen Elizabeth safari and Queen Elizabeth guide give detail. This leg is also described in our 7 day Uganda gorilla safari with Queen Elizabeth.
Days 5 to 7: Gorillas in two countries
Trek in Bwindi on day five and cross to Rwanda on day six. See Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park for the border process. On day seven trek in Volcanoes or choose golden monkeys if permits are limited; our golden monkey trekking guide explains the option. Permit rules and prices differ by country, so read Rwanda gorilla permit cost and Uganda gorilla permits and check official sources.
Days 8 to 12: Kigali and Akagera
Kigali is a good place to slow down and learn about Rwanda’s recent history. Then head east to Akagera, Rwanda’s savannah park, for game drives and a boat trip. Read our Akagera National Park guide and our Big Five in Akagera guide. If you prefer a Kigali finish, see Uganda Rwanda safari ending in Kigali.
Crossing the border
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before you travel | Check visa rules for both countries and consider the East Africa tourist visa if eligible |
| At the border | Present passports, yellow fever proof if requested, and any visas |
| Vehicles | Many itineraries change vehicle and driver at the border |
| Timing | Cross in the morning to arrive in Musanze with energy for the next day |
Confirm requirements with the official Uganda e-visa portal and Rwanda’s immigration service before you fly, and read our Uganda visa requirements guide.
Variations on the 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari
Prefer a lake break? Our Uganda Rwanda safari with Lake Bunyonyi adds a rest stop after Bwindi. If culture matters, see the Uganda Rwanda wildlife and culture tour. A single-country gorilla version is the 7 day Rwanda to Uganda gorilla safari. Cost depends on permits, lodges and transport, so we quote every 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari individually.
FAQs about a 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari
Do I need two gorilla permits?
Only if you want to trek in both countries. Many guests choose one country and add other primates in the second.
Which order is better, Uganda first or Rwanda first?
Either works. Starting in Uganda gives more road time early; starting in Kigali shortens the first transfer.
Is the border crossing safe and easy?
Cyanika is a regular tourist crossing, and your guide helps with the process. Allow extra time.
Can I add Nyungwe?
Yes, with extra days. See the Nyungwe National Park guide.
Plan your 12 day Uganda and Rwanda safari
Tell us your dates and priorities and we will check permits in both countries and quote by email.
