A mountain gorilla on a Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari combination route

8 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Uganda Safari Combination Route (2026/2027 Guide)

Afraeka Uganda Updated on September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

This 8 day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Uganda safari combination route offers the perfect blend of primate encounters and savannah wildlife. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, this Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari takes you gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then crosses into Uganda for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. This Rwanda Uganda safari combination is designed for travelers who want to experience the best of both countries in one seamless journey. Afraeka Adventures has crafted this Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari with expert local guides, comfortable accommodation, and seamless cross-border logistics, ensuring you experience the very best of East Africa’s wildlife.

Quick Facts

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Start/End Location: Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda.
Best Time to Go: Dry seasons (June to September & December to February) offer the best trekking and game viewing conditions for this Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari.
Permits Included: 1 gorilla permit (Rwanda) and 1 chimpanzee permit (Uganda).
Countries Covered: Rwanda & Uganda.
Key Experiences: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth game drives, Kazinga Channel boat safari, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. Your Afraeka Adventures guide will greet you and begin the scenic 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge nestled near the park, settle in, and enjoy a delicious dinner while your guide briefs you on the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. This first day of your Rwanda Uganda safari combination sets the stage for an incredible journey.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge near Volcanoes NP.
Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group based on fitness levels. Accompanied by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll venture into the bamboo and montane forest. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. The moment you encounter a family of mountain gorillas, with the dominant silverback leading his troop, is an experience that defies words. You’ll spend a precious hour observing these magnificent creatures. After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari is one you’ll cherish forever.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge near Volcanoes NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Activity: 1-hour gorilla trekking experience (permit included).

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda

Your Rwanda Uganda safari combination continues with a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The drive (approx. 5-6 hours) takes you through the beautiful landscape of western Uganda, crossing the border at Cyanika. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale, settle in, and enjoy a relaxing evening. Your guide will conduct a briefing on chimpanzee tracking, preparing you for the next day’s adventure. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari transitions you to Uganda’s lush rainforests.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge near Kibale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari continues with the first primate highlight in Uganda – chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you’ll have the best chance to see them during the morning hours. Accompanied by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll venture into the lush forest to locate a habituated chimpanzee group. The trek can last 2-5 hours. The moment you encounter a community of chimpanzees, with their complex social behaviors and playful antics, is unforgettable. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari is a primate highlight.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge near Kibale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Activity: Chimpanzee tracking (permit included).

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your Rwanda Uganda safari combination continues with a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve. The drive (approx. 3-4 hours) takes you through the beautiful landscape of western Uganda. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the park, check in, and enjoy a relaxing evening. If time permits, take a short game drive in the park’s northern sector, spotting elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari transitions you to Uganda’s savannah wildlife.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

Start your day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, tracking elephants, buffaloes, lions, and a variety of antelope. After breakfast, enjoy a unique 2-hour boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing – hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a spectacular array of waterbirds. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari is packed with wildlife sightings.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Activity: Morning game drive & Kazinga Channel boat safari.

Day 7: Transfer to Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions & Return to Kigali

Today, your Rwanda Uganda safari combination heads to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. After breakfast, drive south (approx. 2-3 hours) to the Ishasha sector, where you’ll embark on a game drive to spot the elusive tree-climbing lions that rest in the branches of fig trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. After the game drive, begin the journey back to Kigali (approx. 4-5 hours), crossing the border at Cyanika. Arrive at your hotel in Kigali for a relaxing overnight stay. This day of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari adds a unique wildlife highlight.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Activity: Game drive in Ishasha for tree-climbing lions.

Day 8: Departure from Kigali

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the incredible journey of your 8 day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Uganda safari combination route. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your international departure. If time permits, your guide can arrange a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Your Afraeka Adventures guide will ensure a seamless end to this unforgettable safari.

Meals: Breakfast.

What’s Included in This Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Safari

Included:

Gorilla Permit: One guaranteed gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
Chimpanzee Permit: One chimpanzee tracking permit in Uganda.
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
Accommodation: 7 nights’ stay in mid-range or luxury lodges.
Meals: As specified in the itinerary.
Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking guide.
Park Entry Fees: All national park entrance fees.
Boat Safari: Kazinga Channel boat trip.
Game Drives: Multiple game drives as specified.

Excluded:

International Flights: Airfare to and from Kigali.
Visas: Entry visas for Rwanda and Uganda. Check Uganda Immigration and Rwanda Immigration for requirements.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory.
Tips & Gratuities: For guides, lodge staff, and porters.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls.
Alcoholic & Soft Drinks: Beverages at lodges.
Optional Activities: Additional excursions not specified.

Why Choose Afraeka Adventures for Your Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Safari?

Afraeka Adventures is a trusted local safari guide company based in Uganda, specializing in unforgettable Uganda gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and tailor-made East Africa adventures. Our team, led by Victoria Kayaga, is passionate about creating authentic safari experiences. With transparent pricing, permits assistance, and 24/7 travel support, we ensure your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari is seamless and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari cost?

The cost varies based on accommodation level and season. Contact us for a personalized quote.

What is the best time for this safari?

The best time is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February.

Do I need visas for both countries?

Yes, you need visas for both Rwanda and Uganda. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days.

How do I book this safari?

Simply click here to request a free quote or contact our team directly.

Book Your Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Safari Today

Ready to experience the best of Rwanda and Uganda? Book your Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari now!

Click Here to Get a Free Quote

Need help securing gorilla permits or planning your cross-border safari? Chat directly with our local team or email us at info@afraekaadventures.com.

Trusted by travelers worldwide | 5/5 on Google | 15+ years of experience | 100% permit success rate

About the Author: Victoria Kayaga

Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures. With over 15 years of experience in the East African tourism industry, Victoria is passionate about creating authentic, sustainable, and life-changing safari experiences for travelers from around the world. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Victoria is committed to conservation, community empowerment, and showcasing the beauty of her homeland. When she’s not guiding or planning safaris, she enjoys birdwatching, photography, and spending time with her family in Kampala.

Explore More Multi-Country East African Safaris

All itineraries are fully customizable. Contact our team to design your dream East African safari.

Volcanoes National Park on a Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale on a Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari