What does this 16-day Rwanda and Uganda trip include?

You start in Kigali with a city tour, then go to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, a visit to the Karisoke Research Center and a gorilla trek. You cross the border to Uganda for a second gorilla trek in Bwindi, then visit Queen Elizabeth National Park (including the Ishasha sector and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise), a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, Murchison Falls, and rhino tracking at Ziwa before returning to Kampala and flying out of Entebbe.

Why trek gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda?

The two forests feel very different. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is high, misty, volcanic country with bamboo forest, while Bwindi in Uganda is a dense, ancient rainforest. Trekking different gorilla families in each gives you a unique comparison of two habitats.

How does the border crossing work?

On Day 6 your driver-guide takes you from Volcanoes National Park to the Cyanika border crossing and into Uganda, then on to Bwindi. Keep your passport handy and allow time for immigration formalities. Visitors to Rwanda and Uganda may be able to use the East Africa Tourist Visa, so check the current rules for your nationality before you travel.

Can I see the Big Five in Uganda?

Not all in one place. Elephants, buffaloes, lions and sometimes leopards can be seen on game drives in parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, while rhinos live at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you track them on foot. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What are the minimum ages for the activities?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years in both Rwanda and Uganda. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale is a full-day activity that is open to adults only (18 and over). Tell us the ages of everyone in your group when you enquire.

Are the gorilla permits arranged for me?

Gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda are issued by different authorities (the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority) and sell out in busy months. Contact us with your dates and we will check availability and reserve both permits as part of your booking.

How fit do I need to be?

A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended. Gorilla treks can last several hours on steep, muddy forest trails, and the chimpanzee habituation experience is a full day on foot following researchers and trackers. The game drives and boat cruises are relaxed.

16 Day Rwanda and Uganda Itinerary: Gorillas and Big Five

About the 16-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari

This 16-day safari includes gorilla trekking in both Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi), with golden monkey trekking and a visit to the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda. You cross the Cyanika border with your driver-guide, then visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ishasha sector and the Kazinga Channel, take part in a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest, and visit Murchison Falls National Park, with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

It suits travellers with two weeks or more who want to combine gorillas, chimpanzees and savannah wildlife across two countries. Gorilla trekking needs a reasonable level of fitness, and the minimum age is 15.

Planning tips: see our Uganda and Rwanda tours, the guide to the Kigali to Bwindi border crossing and the East Africa Tourist Visa. Permits and park fees for the activities in the itinerary are included. Request a free quote and we will reply by email.

Read the full trip guide: 16-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari

Last updated October 2026. Planned by Victoria Kayaga, founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years in East African tourism.

16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari: quick answer

This 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari includes gorilla trekking in both Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi), with golden monkey trekking and a visit to the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda. You cross the Cyanika border with your driver-guide, then visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

All permits and park entry fees for the activities in the itinerary are included.

Mountain gorilla in bamboo forest on a 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

Day-by-day route of the 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

Day 1 and 2: arrive in Kigali and take a full-day city tour with the Kigali Genocide Memorial, markets and craft centres.

Day 3 to 5: Volcanoes National Park, with golden monkey trekking, a visit to the Karisoke Research Center and a gorilla trek.

Day 6 and 7: cross the Cyanika border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second gorilla trek.

Day 8 to 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, game drives and a 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Day 11 and 12: Kibale Forest National Park, with a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience alongside researchers and trackers.

Day 13 and 14: Murchison Falls National Park, with a game drive and a boat trip to the falls.

Day 15: rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, then Kampala.

Day 16: transfer to Entebbe International Airport.

What to expect on a 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

This is our longest primate and wildlife trip, with two gorilla treks and a full day with chimpanzees.

Murchison Falls and Ziwa add a northern wildlife leg after the forests.

Ziwa is described as the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos roaming freely in the wild.

Read our Uganda and Rwanda tours page and the Queen Elizabeth National Park guide.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi on the 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

Elephant on the Akagera savannah during the 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

Kazinga Channel boat cruise on the 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari

What is included

Included are airport pick-up and drop-off, ground transportation by safari vehicle with a driver-guide, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary, and all permits and park entry fees for the activities in the itinerary.

International flights, visa fees for Rwanda and Uganda, insurance, tips and optional extras are not included.

How Afraeka plans your 16 day safari

We request the permits for your travel dates. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking.

Your driver-guide stays with you through both countries.

Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.

Who this safari suits

Travellers with two weeks or more who want gorillas, chimpanzees and Big Five wildlife in one journey.

16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari FAQ

How many gorilla treks are included?

Two: one in Rwanda and one in Uganda.

Is chimpanzee tracking included?

Yes, a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale.

Where does the trip end?

At Entebbe International Airport.

Are permits included?

Yes, for the activities in the itinerary.

Related guides and sources

Check destination information on the official Visit Rwanda website, compare more options on our Rwanda safaris page, or request a free quote for this 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari.

The 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari in more detail

Days 1 and 2: Kigali

The 16 day Rwanda and Uganda safari starts in Kigali with a full-day city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, markets and craft centres. It is a thoughtful start before the longer journey ahead.

Days 3 to 5: Volcanoes National Park

In Volcanoes National Park you go golden monkey trekking, visit the Karisoke Research Center and take a gorilla trek. The gorilla trek is moderate to strenuous on steep forest trails and needs a reasonable level of fitness. The minimum age is 15, and you spend one hour with the gorillas.

Days 6 and 7: crossing to Bwindi

You cross the Cyanika border with your driver-guide into Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second gorilla trek. Comparing the bamboo slopes of the Virungas with Bwindi’s dense forest is a highlight for many travellers. Read our Kigali to Bwindi border crossing guide.

Days 8 to 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park includes the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, plus game drives and a 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Sightings are never guaranteed. See our Queen Elizabeth National Park guide.

Days 11 and 12: Kibale Forest

In Kibale Forest National Park you join a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience alongside researchers and trackers. It is a deeper chimpanzee encounter than a standard one-hour trek.

Days 13 to 16: Murchison Falls, Ziwa and Entebbe

Days 13 and 14 are in Murchison Falls National Park, with a game drive and a boat trip to the falls. On day 15 you track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, described as the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos roaming freely in the wild, then continue to Kampala. On day 16 you transfer to Entebbe International Airport.

Permits and planning

We request the permits for your travel dates. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking, so book early. All permits and park entry fees for the activities in the itinerary are included. You will need to meet entry rules for both countries, including the East Africa Tourist Visa where it applies.

Who it suits

This is our longest primate and wildlife trip, for travellers with two weeks or more who want gorillas, chimpanzees and Big Five wildlife in one journey. Compare other routes on our Uganda and Rwanda tours page, and send us your questions for a personal quote by email.

This 16-day safari pairs gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda with chimpanzees, big game and rhino tracking. You start in Kigali with a city tour, then head to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, a visit to the Karisoke Research Center and a gorilla trek. You then cross the border to Uganda for a second gorilla trek in Bwindi, before visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park (including the Ishasha sector and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise), a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, Murchison Falls, and rhino tracking at Ziwa. The trip ends in Kampala with a flight home from Entebbe.

Trekking gorillas in both countries lets you compare two very different forests: the high, misty bamboo slopes of the Virunga volcanoes and the dense ancient rainforest of Bwindi. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Highlights

Gorilla trekking in both Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi)
Golden monkey trekking and a visit to the Karisoke Research Center
Cross the Cyanika border with your driver-guide
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha sector and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest
Murchison Falls National Park and rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Afraeka Adventures driver-guide. You will be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax from your journey or explore the local surroundings. Overnight stay in Kigali.

Day 02 :

Kigali City Tour & Cultural Immersion

After breakfast, embark on a full-day Kigali city tour. Visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain a deep understanding of the country's history and its incredible journey of reconciliation. You will also explore the vibrant local markets, art galleries, and the traditional craft centers. The evening is free to relax at your hotel.

Day 03 :

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Drive north from Kigali towards the majestic Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and lush green landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, which offers stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. Rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 04 :

Golden Monkey Trekking & Dian Fossey Center

Today, enjoy a guided hike to track the playful Golden Monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. In the afternoon, visit the Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey, to learn about the history of gorilla conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent primates. Overnight at your lodge.

Day 05 :

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Wake up early for a briefing at the park headquarters. Venture into the dense, misty forest with expert rangers to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. Upon finding them, you will have one unforgettable hour to observe them interacting, playing, and feeding in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge to celebrate this life-changing experience.

Day 06 :

Cross the Border to Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, drive to the Cyanika border crossing to enter Uganda, often called the "Pearl of Africa." Continue your journey through beautiful countryside landscapes and arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the most biodiverse forests on earth. Check in to your lodge and enjoy the evening surrounded by nature.

Day 07 :

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Today, you will experience your second gorilla trek. Bwindi offers a completely different, more ancient and dense forest environment than Rwanda. Track a different gorilla family and spend another captivating hour with these gentle giants. This double-trek experience is rare and offers a unique comparison of two distinct habitats.

Day 08 :

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

Depart Bwindi and drive north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your route takes you through the remote Ishasha sector, which is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Spend the evening on a game drive here, looking out for lions lounging in the branches of large fig trees. Overnight at a lodge in the Ishasha sector.

Day 09 :

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the full day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the open savannas, where you will encounter elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and massive hippo pods. Your Afraeka Adventures guide will navigate to the best spots for wildlife viewing.

Day 10 :

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Wildlife Viewing

Today, take a spectacular 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer waterway boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in all of Africa. You will also see a vast array of water birds and bathing elephants along the banks. Enjoy another game drive later in the afternoon.

Day 11 :

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, recognized as the primate capital of the world. The drive offers beautiful scenery as you pass through lush tea plantations and local farming communities. Check into your lodge, located right on the edge of the forest. Rest up for an exciting day tomorrow.

Day 12 :

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Participate in an immersive Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This is not just a standard trek; you will spend the entire day with researchers and trackers following a troop of wild chimpanzees. Watch them climb trees, eat, groom each other, and communicate in their natural habitat. This deep-forest encounter offers an intimate and educational experience.

Day 13 :

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Drive north to Uganda’s largest and most impressive protected area, Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes you through the heart of Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your safari lodge and take in breathtaking views of the Nile River.

Day 14 :

Murchison Falls Game Drive & Boat Trip to the Falls

Enjoy an early morning game drive on the vast plains of Murchison, where you have excellent chances of spotting the Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalos). In the afternoon, take a boat cruise up the Nile River to the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful and majestic 43-meter waterfall.

Day 15 :

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary & Return to Kampala

On your way back to the capital, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you will take a guided walking safari to track the reintroduced Southern White Rhinos. This is the only place in the country where you can see rhinos roaming freely in the wild. After the trek, continue your drive to Kampala for your final overnight stay.

Day 16 :

Departure

After a leisurely breakfast at your Kampala hotel, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport. This is the end of your incredible 16-day East African journey with Afraeka Adventures, filled with treasured memories and stories of the gorillas and the Big Five. Depart for home.

16-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari