7-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife

A 7-Day Uganda & Rwanda combined safari is one of the most popular regional itineraries. It is designed to let you compare the two trekking experiences (Uganda’s thick jungles vs. Rwanda’s bamboo forests) while seeing the “Big Five” wildlife in between.

The following places are the specific hubs where these activities happen:

1. Gorilla Trekking Locations

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): This is the most famous spot in Uganda. It has four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It’s where half the world’s mountain gorillas live.

• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Located in the northwest, this is the only place in Rwanda to see gorillas. It offers a more open, “misty mountain” feel than Bwindi.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda): A smaller park on the Ugandan side of the Virunga volcanoes. It has one resident gorilla group (the Nyakagezi family) that is very stable and often easier to find.

2. Wildlife & Safari Locations

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda): Usually the wildlife “bridge” between the two countries. Popular for:

  • Kazinga Channel: Boat cruises for hippos and crocodiles.

  • Ishasha Sector: Famous for tree-climbing lions.

  • Kasenyi Plains: Classic savannah game drives for elephants and buffalo.

• Akagera National Park (Rwanda): Rwanda’s only savannah park. If your itinerary stays strictly in Rwanda for wildlife, this is where you go to see lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

3. Primate & Cultural Add-ons

• Kibale National Park (Uganda): The best place for Chimpanzee trekking. Most 7-day tours include this as a third primate stop.

• Kigali (Rwanda): The starting or ending point. Key activities include the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local artisan markets.

• Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Rwanda): Located right outside Volcanoes NP, it’s the primary spot for cultural performances and learning about ancient Rwandan kingdoms.