This 15 days Uganda and Rwanda safari takes you through two of East Africa’s most rewarding countries in one road trip. You trek gorillas in both countries, track chimpanzees, cruise past hippos and stand at the source of the Nile. Below you will find the full day-by-day itinerary, with lodges, meals and realistic drive times.
Uganda and Rwanda Safari Overview
The trip starts in Kigali and heads to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzees and the canopy walk. Next, you drive to Volcanoes National Park for gorillas or golden monkeys. Then you cross into Uganda.
In Uganda, you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for more gorillas. After that, you enjoy game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale Forest follows for chimpanzees and a wetland walk, then Murchison Falls for wildlife and the famous falls. Finally, you see the source of the Nile at Jinja and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Entebbe.
Self-Drive or With a Driver
You can do this route in a self-drive 4×4 or with one of our professional driver-guides. A driver is a good idea on a trip this long, because the Uganda legs include some long days. Our cross-border car hire covers all the paperwork for Uganda.
Days 1–4: The Rwanda Leg
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Our guide meets you at Kigali International Airport. First, enjoy a short city tour of Kigali. Then drive south-west to Nyungwe for the night.
- Lodge: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
- Meal plan: Lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 5–6 hours.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking or Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
After breakfast, head to the trailhead for chimpanzee trekking or the canopy walk. The walkway hangs high above the forest and offers a superb view. In the evening, relax at your lodge.
- Lodge: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 45 minutes.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Today is a long but scenic drive north, often along Lake Kivu. You arrive in the late afternoon.
- Lodge: Lebambou Gorilla Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 6–7 hours.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Trekking
After an early breakfast, join the briefing at Kinigi. Then trek to a gorilla family or a golden monkey troop. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and a relaxed afternoon at the lodge.
- Lodge: Lebambou Gorilla Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Days 5–8: Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive north to the Cyanika border and cross into Uganda. Continue to Bwindi and check in at your lodge.
- Lodge: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Nkuringo Gorilla Camp.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 3 hours, plus border time.
Day 6: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
Trek through Bwindi’s dense forest to find a habituated gorilla family. If you prefer, choose a forest walk or a community visit instead.
- Lodge: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Nkuringo Gorilla Camp.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You arrive in time for an evening game drive.
- Lodge: Bush Lodge or Enganzi Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 4–5 hours.
Day 8: Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Expect hippos, buffaloes, elephants and many water birds.
- Lodge: Bush Lodge or Enganzi Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Days 9–12: Kibale and Murchison Falls
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After a final morning drive, head north to Kibale Forest in Uganda. You reach your lodge in the afternoon.
- Lodge: Kibale Forest Camp or Rwenzori View Guest House.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 3–4 hours.
Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees. In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland to spot birds and monkeys.
- Lodge: Kibale Forest Camp or Rwenzori View Guest House.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 11: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
This is the longest driving day, so leave early. You arrive at Murchison Falls in the evening.
- Lodge: Murchison River Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: about 8–9 hours.
Day 12: Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls
Go on a morning game drive north of the Nile. Then, in the afternoon, cruise upstream to the foot of Murchison Falls, where the river forces through a narrow gorge.
- Lodge: Murchison River Lodge.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Days 13–15: Jinja, Ngamba Island and Departure
Day 13: Visit the Source of the Nile
Drive south-east to Jinja. On the way, you can stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track white rhinos on foot. In Jinja, visit the source of the Nile.
- Accommodation: Two Friends or Nile River Explorer Camp.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Drive time: a long day, so leave early.
Day 14: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Drive to Entebbe, which takes about 2–3 hours from Jinja. Then take a boat across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island to see rescued chimpanzees.
- Accommodation: African Roots Guest House.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, ask us about a one-way drop-off arrangement.
Planning Your Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Permits and Fees
Rwanda gorilla permits are set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The widely published price is US$1,500. Uganda’s permits are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Both authorities change fees from time to time, so check current rates and book early.
Best Vehicle
We recommend a Land Cruiser Safari with a pop-up roof for game drives. Couples on a tighter budget can choose a Toyota RAV4. Either way, a 4×4 is essential for Bwindi’s steep roads.
Documents
Bring your passport, a valid driving licence and any visas you need. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on one visa. We prepare the car’s cross-border papers for you.
For shorter trips, see our other Rwanda car hire safaris.
Book Your 15 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari
This trip packs gorillas, chimps, big game and waterfalls into two unforgettable weeks. Tell us your dates and group size, and we will tailor the route and vehicle. Message us on WhatsApp at +250 725 074659 or email info@4x4carrentalrwanda.com.