Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari – Itinerary Ideas

A Rwanda & Uganda combined safari is one of the most rewarding wildlife journeys in Africa, blending mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic Big Five game drives, scenic lakes, misty rainforests, and rich cultural encounters. This cross-border safari allows travelers to experience two of Africa’s most biodiverse countries in one seamless itinerary, maximizing wildlife encounters while minimizing long-distance travel.

Whether you are dreaming of standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas, cruising the Nile at sunset, or exploring vast savannahs filled with elephants and lions, a Rwanda & Uganda combined safari itinerary delivers depth, authenticity, and unforgettable moments.

Why Choose a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari?

A Rwanda & Uganda combined safari is ideal for travelers who want more variety, deeper wildlife encounters, and better value compared to visiting just one country.

Key Advantages of a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

• Two Gorilla Trekking Destinations in one trip

• Short border distances between key national parks

• Diverse landscapes: rainforests, volcanoes, savannahs & lakes

• Excellent road networks and professional guiding

• Flexible itinerary options from 5 to 14+ days

This combination is especially popular with luxury safari travelers, photographers, primate lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.

Gorilla Trekking: The Heart of a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of any Rwanda & Uganda combined safari itinerary.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located just 2.5 hours from Kigali. This makes Rwanda the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in Africa.

Why include Rwanda for gorilla trekking?

• Short transfer from Kigali International Airport

• Well-habituated gorilla families

• Excellent luxury lodges

• High success rate of sightings

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi & Mgahinga

Uganda offers two exceptional gorilla trekking parks:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda allows for:

• More trekking permits availability

• Different gorilla family experiences

• Gorilla habituation experience (4 hours)

Combining Rwanda and Uganda lets you compare landscapes, gorilla behavior, and trekking styles, making the journey richer and more educational.

Wildlife Safaris in a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

A Rwanda & Uganda combined safari goes far beyond gorillas.

Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five Safari

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.

Highlights:

• Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards & buffalo

• Boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Night game drives

• Short drive from Kigali

Akagera pairs perfectly with gorilla trekking, adding a classic African safari experience to your Rwanda & Uganda combined itinerary.

Uganda’s Iconic Savannah Parks

Uganda adds scale and diversity with parks like:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Murchison Falls National Park

Expect:

• Tree-climbing lions

• Massive elephant herds

• Nile boat safaris

• Waterfalls, savannah plains & wetlands

Chimpanzee Tracking on a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

Chimpanzee tracking is another must-do experience on a Rwanda & Uganda combined safari.

Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Experiences include:

• Chimpanzee tracking

• Canopy walkway

• Birdwatching (300+ species)

Kibale Forest – Uganda’s Primate Capital

Kibale Forest National Park offers the highest chimpanzee tracking success rate in Africa.

Combining Nyungwe and Kibale gives travelers a complete primate safari experience.

Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari – 7-Day Itinerary Idea

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

City tour, Genocide Memorial, overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Scenic drive, cultural village visit.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter.

Day 4: Cross to Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable

Border crossing and forest lodge stay.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Second gorilla experience or habituation.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Evening game drive.

Day 7: Safari & Departure

Morning game drive, transfer to Entebbe.

Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari – 10-Day Itinerary Idea

This itinerary balances gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five safaris, and relaxation.

Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking in both countries

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale

• Boat safari on Kazinga Channel

• Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Best Time for a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

A Rwanda & Uganda combined safari is possible year-round, but the best periods are:

• June–September (dry season, best trekking)

• December–February (excellent wildlife viewing)

Rainy seasons offer:

• Lush landscapes

• Fewer tourists

• Great photography

Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari Costs Explained

Costs vary depending on:

• Gorilla permits (Rwanda higher, Uganda lower)

• Length of itinerary

• Lodge category (midrange vs luxury)

• Private vs group safari

A typical Rwanda & Uganda combined safari ranges from:

• Midrange: USD 4,500 – 6,500

• Luxury: USD 7,500 – 12,000+

Luxury vs Midrange Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safaris

Luxury travelers enjoy:

• Helicopter transfers

• Exclusive gorilla permits

• Private guides

• High-end eco-lodges

Midrange safaris offer:

• Excellent wildlife experiences

• Comfortable lodges

• Strong value for money

Both options deliver exceptional safari experiences.

Cultural Experiences on a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari

Beyond wildlife, a Rwanda & Uganda combined safari includes:

• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• Batwa community visits

• Local markets & traditional cuisine

• Coffee & tea plantation tours

These experiences add meaning and human connection to your journey.

Is a Rwanda & Uganda Combined Safari Worth It?

Absolutely. A Rwanda & Uganda combined safari is one of the most complete, emotional, and rewarding safari journeys in Africa. It combines primate encounters, classic wildlife safaris, culture, scenery, and conservation into one seamless adventure.

If you want the best of East Africa in one trip, nothing compares to a Rwanda & Uganda combined safari itinerary.