8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safaris

Our outstanding 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safaris offers unforgettable chances of enjoying double gorilla trekking in two of the best gorilla Parks-Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks with a bonus of wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This trip kicks off and concludes in Kigali City with cross-overs to/from Uganda via Cyanika Border points.

Volcanoes National Park is a 160-square kilometer Protected Area in the North-western side of Rwanda and boasts of at least 35% of the World’s Mountain gorilla population. Visitors to this Park are introduced to the 12 habituated gorillas groups in addition to several other animals including golden monkeys, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, duikers, bushbucks, spotted hyenas as well as over 200 bird species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of Uganda is an incredible hot spot with almost 50% of the World’s mountain gorillas, which are part of the 120 mammal species that call the Park home. Also expect chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and over 350 bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular wildlife viewing destination in western Uganda with over 95 mammal species and about 600 bird species. It stands out as one of the two places to see tree-climbing lions alongside elephants, buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, chimpanzees, Topis, warthogs, and many others.

Itinerary highlights of 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in the country and transfer to the beautiful Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 2: The incredible Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking adventure and afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian Village.
• Day 3: Scenic drive to the spectacular Lake Kivu for relaxation.
• Day 4: Connect to Kigali for a City excursion and cross over to Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
• Day 5: Second encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 6: Set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector.
• Day 7: Wildlife viewing and Launch Cruise within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Day 8: Long drive back to Kigali City.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the driver guide from Silverback Gorilla Tour will  be there waiting for you. After meet and greet, start up  the  drive north westwards headed to Volcanoes National Park , home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive from Kigali to Volcanos is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes through the beautiful rolling hills of Rwanda.

Depending on the time of arrival, you will undertake a  City excursion  to visit some of the popular tourism destinations in kigali such as the Kigali Genocide Memorail Centre, Kimironko Market, Kigali Convention Centre and the Inemo Art Gallery among others. before being transferred to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda. Refresh, dine and slumber at the booked place of stay.

Accommodation options:

Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse or Hotel Muhabura.

Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Villa Gorilla.

Upmarket: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Virunga Lodge.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: The incredible Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking adventure and afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian Village

Early morning breakfast will warm up your body, after which you transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations of trekking and being in the presence of mountain gorillas. Several hours, usually 1-6 hours will be spent searching for the allocated gorilla group but once contacts are made, you are given a maximum of one hour to interact before descending to the Park headquarters for the trekking certificate.

Enjoy a hot meal and siesta before undertaking a cultural tour at Gorilla Guardian village to learn about the rich history, traditions, and lifestyle of Banyarwanda people before retiring to the Lodge.

Accommodation options:

Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse or Hotel Muhabura.

Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Villa Gorilla.

Upmarket: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Virunga Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Scenic drive to the spectacular Lake Kivu for relaxation

Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge and start off with your scenic drive to Lake Kivu, whereby you will undertake a boat ride on arrival. Enjoy Lunch at one of the Islands, while dinner and overnight will be at a fantabulous accommodation facility on the pristine shores of the Lake.

Accommodation options

Budget: Paradis Malahide.

Midrange: Palm Gardens Resort.

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Connect to Kigali for a City excursion and cross over to Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Park

Get served Breakfast then check-out for a transfer to Kigali City. Be treated to a more rewarding City excursion that involves visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Kimironko market, different art and craft markets/centers exhibiting Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania souvenirs/crafts, and many other sites. Enjoy Lunch and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, whereby you will go straight to the booked Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options

Budget: Bwindi View Bandas.

Midrange: Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Second encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On this day you will get the chance to experience another life-changing gorilla trek, this time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meet other trekkers and Ranger guides for briefing at the Park Headquarters before venturing into the steep, muddy, and dense forest to search for the mountain gorillas.

The trek lasts 1-6 hours but is worthwhile as the thrill of staring into the gentle eyes of Giant Apes is second to none. One hour is viewing and photographing time once contacts are made with the gorillas after which return to the Lodge for refreshment.

Accommodation options

Budget: Bwindi View Bandas.

Midrange: Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector

On this day, you will bid farewell to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and prepare for a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector. The tree climbing lions are the highlight of this scenic drive and settle for Lunch at the reserved accommodation facility. Spend the evening at leisure-game drive or relaxation at the Lodge with beautiful views of the sweeping plains.

Accommodation options:

Budget: Kingfisher Lodge or Kazinga Channel View Resort.

Midrange: Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge.

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Wildlife viewing and Launch Cruise within Queen Elizabeth National Park

This will be a fun and game-filled day that starts with breakfast at the Lodge, followed by a game drive with chances of encountering giant forest hogs, bushbucks, elephants, lions, buffaloes, Topis, leopards, Defassa waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, and many others. Expect views of birds then return back to the Lodge for Lunch.

Relax and prepare for another adventure-Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where high concentrations of Nile crocodiles and Hippos will leave you speechless. Several other animals will be spotted at the banks hence expect relaxation, photography, birding, and game viewing in this activity. A warm bath, hot meal, bonfire, and evening entertainment await you at the Lodge.

Accommodation options:

Budget: Kingfisher Lodge or Kazinga Channel View Resort.

Midrange: Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge.

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Long drive back to Kigali City

Be up early enough for breakfast and start the long drive back to Rwanda with cross-overs at Cyanika border point and reaching the City in the evening. This marks the end of our rewarding 8 days Uganda Rwanda safaris.

End of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safaris

Inclusions

• 2 Gorilla Permits-Uganda at $700 and Rwanda at $1500.
• Park entrance fees.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Border crossing.
• Bottled water.
• Driver allowances.
• A comfortable ride with our customized 4WD Vehicle.
• Wildlife viewing.
• Boat cruises.
• Cultural tours at Gorilla Guardian Village.
• City excursion.
• 7 nights’ accommodation in Volcanoes, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
• En-route meals.

Exclusions

• Travel and medical insurance.
• Optional activities are not on the itinerary.
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone expenses.
• Beverages and cigarettes.

What to pack for on 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safaris

• Waterproof backpack to store the items (permit, drinking water, snacks, rain jacket, sweater, and many others) needed during gorilla treks.
• Gorilla permits.
• Travel documents (passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, visa, and air ticket).
• Breathable safari pants.
• Hiking boots.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Insect repellant.
• Ankle gaiters.
• Toiletries (sunscreen, lip gloss, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer).
• First aid kit with basic items.
• Energy giving snack.
• Gardening gloves.
• Wide brim hat.
• Camera with extra batteries and sufficient memory space.