Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Destinations to visit

Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Safari Overview

Experience the very best of East Africa on this unforgettable 12 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari, a journey that combines two of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations into one remarkable adventure. Starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda, this carefully crafted safari takes you through lush rainforests, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, tranquil lakes, and wildlife-rich savannahs.

This safari is designed for travellers seeking an authentic African experience featuring the famous mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, rare golden monkeys, incredible birdlife, scenic boat cruises, and classic wildlife game drives.

Explore the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, before trekking endangered chimpanzees and experiencing the famous canopy walkway. Continue to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, before crossing into Uganda to discover the beauty of Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi, and the wildlife paradise of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From tracking gorillas through mist-covered forests to cruising along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel and searching for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, every day offers unforgettable memories.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, bird watcher, honeymooner, or first-time visitor to Africa, this safari delivers the perfect combination of wildlife encounters, adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Safari Activities

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Meet one of the world’s most endangered primates in its natural habitat. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes before spending one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family. Watching these gentle giants interact in the wild is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Track habituated chimpanzees deep inside Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Listen to their calls echoing through the forest before observing them feeding, grooming, swinging through the trees and communicating with one another.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Explore the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the rare and colourful golden monkeys. These energetic primates are fascinating to observe as they leap effortlessly through the bamboo vegetation.

Nyungwe Forest Nature Walk

Discover one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests on a guided walk. Encounter colourful butterflies, orchids, medicinal plants, waterfalls, monkeys and hundreds of bird species while learning about the forest ecosystem.

Optional Canopy Walk

Walk above the rainforest on East Africa’s famous suspended canopy bridge, offering spectacular aerial views of Nyungwe Forest and opportunities to spot birds and primates from above the treetops.

Visit to Rugarama Hot Springs

Relax at the natural hot springs near Nyungwe while enjoying the peaceful rural landscapes and surrounding tea plantations.

Kigali City Tour

Discover Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city through visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, colourful local markets, craft centres, historical sites and bustling city streets.

Visit to Rwanda’s King’s Palace and National Museum

Explore Rwanda’s cultural heritage at the reconstructed King’s Palace in Nyanza before visiting one of East Africa’s finest ethnographic museums in Butare.

Explore Lake Mutanda

Admire one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes surrounded by the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy spectacular photography, birdwatching and breathtaking scenery.

Visit Lake Bunyonyi

Relax beside Uganda’s deepest and most scenic lake, famous for its 29 islands, cool climate and peaceful surroundings.

Wildlife Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hyenas, warthogs, lions, leopards and many antelope species while exploring Uganda’s most visited national park.

Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Visit the famous Ishasha Sector, renowned for its rare population of lions that spend much of the day resting in giant fig trees.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Explore the dramatic “Valley of Apes” in search of habituated chimpanzees living within a spectacular underground rainforest.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy one of Africa’s finest wildlife boat safaris, where enormous concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of water birds gather along the shoreline.

Bird Watching

Throughout the safari, bird lovers can enjoy exceptional birdwatching opportunities in Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to hundreds of bird species.

Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Engeya Tours and Travel safari guide. After a short briefing about your adventure, transfer to your hotel in Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional Kigali city excursion.

Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando / Hôtel des Mille Collines or similar

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kigali – Butare – Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive south through Rwanda's famous rolling hills towards Butare.

En route, visit the historic King's Palace Museum in Nyanza before continuing to the National Museum of Rwanda, where you'll learn about Rwanda's fascinating cultural history.

Continue through tea plantations and beautiful countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Overnight near the forest.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guest House or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Wake early for one of the safari's highlights.

Following a ranger briefing, enter Nyungwe Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, you may also encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys and numerous forest birds.

Spend one magical hour observing the chimpanzees before returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Guided Nature Walk and Rugarama Hot Springs

Enjoy a guided forest walk through one of Africa's oldest rainforests.

Look out for colourful birds, waterfalls, butterflies and unique forest plants.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rugarama Hot Springs or choose the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk for spectacular rainforest views.

Return to the lodge.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest – Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north through Rwanda's breathtaking countryside towards Volcanoes National Park.

Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, villages and volcanic mountains before arriving in Kinigi.

Relax at your lodge as you prepare for tomorrow's gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / La Palme Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek.

Led by experienced rangers, hike through dense forest until you locate a mountain gorilla family.

Spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge.

The afternoon is free for relaxation.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Uganda

After breakfast, enjoy another exciting primate adventure by tracking the playful golden monkeys.

Later, cross the Cyanika Border into Uganda before continuing to Kisoro.

Enjoy magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes along the journey.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel / Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Lake Mutanda – Lake Bunyonyi

Visit the stunning Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hills.

Enjoy scenic photography, birdwatching and beautiful landscapes before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi.

Spend the evening relaxing beside Uganda's most beautiful lake.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort / Arcadia Cottages

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Lake Bunyonyi for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, where you'll search for the unique tree-climbing lions resting in giant fig trees.

Continue with an afternoon wildlife game drive as you search for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Kyambura Chimpanzee Trekking and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day by trekking chimpanzees in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge.

After lunch, enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its incredible concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and water birds.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner