Entebbe
Kigali
INCLUSIONS
Meals, Accomodation, Overland Travel
COUNTRIES
Uganda, Rwanda
DURATION
DESTINATIONS
Entebbe ,Queen Elizabeth , Bwindi NP , Kigali
Overview
A seamless journey combining Uganda’s classic savannah wildlife with the ultimate mountain gorilla encounter — ending smoothly in Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
Highlights
🦁 Big Game in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha)
Elephants, buffalo, leopards
Classic African savannah landscapes
🚤 Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
One of Africa’s most concentrated hippo populations
Elephants drinking at the shoreline
Incredible close-range wildlife photography
🦍 Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector)
1 full hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
Lush rainforest trekking experience
Option for second trek or gorilla habituation
🌄 Scenic Highland Drives
Rolling tea plantations
Crater lakes and dramatic rift valley views
Authentic rural Uganda
🌍 Cross-Border Adventure
Seamless transfer from Uganda into Rwanda
Optional city experience in Kigali
No backtracking — efficient safari routing
Itinerary
Itinerary
Overnight in Kampala
Why this works: Easy arrival day to recover from long-haul travel.
Wildlife highlights: Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, antelope.
Early morning game drive
Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Massive hippo pods
Elephants at close range
Rich birdlife
Overnight near park
Why this day stands out: Savannah wildlife & water safari in one destination.
Scenic highland drive to southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga)
Leisure time or optional village visit
Overnight with jungle views
Early ranger briefing
Trek through rainforest to locate a gorilla family
1 unforgettable hour with the gorillas
Return to lodge & relax
Why Rushaga: Highest number of habituated families in Uganda.
Choose your experience
A. Second Gorilla Trek or Gorilla Habituation
B. Birding & forest nature walks
C. Batwa Cultural Experience
Overnight in Bwindi
Morning departure from Bwindi
Cross border at Kyanika or Katuna
Drive to Kigali (~4–5 hrs total)
City tour option (Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft centers)
Overnight in Kigali
Why this is better Saves 8+ hours of driving back to Entebbe
Transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL)
International flight home
FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can range from moderate to challenging. Treks may last 1–6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located. Rangers pace the hike according to the group’s fitness level, and porters are available to assist.
The $800 permit includes
Park entry for the day
Professional ranger guides
1 full hour with the gorilla family
Conservation contribution
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and must be booked in advance
Uganda is a year-round destination. The driest months (June–September and December–February) are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
However, gorilla sightings are excellent all year.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park you commonly see lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.
Rhinos are not found in this park (they are located at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary). So this itinerary offers four of the Big Five.
The boat safari on the Kazinga Channel is one of East Africa’s best water-based wildlife experiences. Expect:
Large pods of hippos
Elephants along the shoreline
Crocodiles
Rich birdlife
Yes;Day 6 is flexible and can include:
A second gorilla trek
Gorilla habituation (longer 4-hour experience)
Cultural or nature experiences
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Most travelers require visas for both countries.
Many nationalities qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya under one application.
Always check your nationality requirements before travel
No. The drive from southern Bwindi to Kigali via Cyanika or Katuna takes about 4–5 hours total including border formalities.
Your guide assists throughout the process
A reasonable level of mobility is recommended for gorilla trekking. If needed:
Request an easier gorilla family
Hire a porter
Use a sedan chair service (available at extra cost)
Absolutely. This itinerary combines:
Savannah wildlife in open plains
Boat-based wildlife photography
Intimate rainforest gorilla encounters
Professional cameras are allowed. Flash photography is not permitted during gorilla visits.
We recommend booking 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons, due to limited gorilla permits and high-quality lodge availability.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as listed (budget hotels, lodges & tented camps)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Shared 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park & reserve entrance fees
- All game drives and safari activities
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Bottled water during safari
- Government taxes & levies
Payment Terms
- 30% non-refundable deposit required to confirm booking
- Bookings within 45 days require full payment
- 70% balance due 45 days before departure
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: deposit forfeited
- 45–60 days: 50% of total cost
- 30–44 days: 75% of total cost
- <30 days / no-show: 100% non-refundable
Why This Safari Stands Out
- Combines savannah wildlife + primates in one trip
- Balanced pacing (no back-to-back intense hiking days)
- Private vehicle & professional guide
- Arrival in Uganda, departure from Rwanda for logistical efficiency