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9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
The 9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari is an incredible East African adventure combining the best of Uganda and Rwanda’s primate experiences, wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters.
This cross-border safari takes you from the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, through the beautiful landscapes of Rwanda and into Uganda’s famous national parks. Experience unforgettable gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, explore Rwanda’s wildlife haven Akagera National Park, track chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale Forest, and enjoy classic wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Designed for travelers seeking a complete East African safari experience, this itinerary combines mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, big game, scenic lakes, and cultural discoveries.
Safari Highlights
✔ Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda
✔ Wildlife safari in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
✔ Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Uganda
✔ Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
✔ Kazinga Channel boat cruise
✔ Ishasha tree-climbing lions search
✔ Lake Kivu scenic views
✔ Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit (optional)
✔ Batwa cultural experience (optional)
✔ Uganda Equator crossing
Detailed 9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your safari guide and begin your Rwanda adventure.
Enjoy a Kigali city tour including:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Local markets
- Cultural sites
- City viewpoints
Later, transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s largest protected area.
Accommodation: Akagera safari lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Akagera National Park Game Drive & Boat Safari
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Enjoy a full-day wildlife adventure in Akagera National Park.
The park is home to:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Over 500 bird species
Activities:
✔ Morning game drive
✔ Lake Ihema boat cruise
✔ Wildlife photography
Accommodation: Akagera safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda / Lake Kivu
After breakfast, travel towards northern Rwanda.
Enjoy scenic views of:
- Rwanda’s famous rolling hills
- Tea plantations
- Local communities
Optional activities:
- Lake Kivu relaxation
- Cultural experiences
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
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Today is your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
After a ranger briefing, enter the beautiful Virunga rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Spend one magical hour observing:
- Gorilla social behavior
- Family interactions
- Young gorillas playing
- Forest biodiversity
Optional afternoon activities:
- Iby’iwacu cultural village visit
- Golden monkey trekking
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, cross from Rwanda into Uganda through the scenic southwestern region.
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular wildlife destination.
Enjoy beautiful views of:
- Mountains
- Lakes
- Villages
- Farmlands
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Cruise
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Start your day with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Look for:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Uganda kobs
- Leopards
- Warthogs
In the afternoon, enjoy the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Possible sightings:
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Elephants
- Water birds
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi or Kibale
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Explore the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Continue to either:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, or
- Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking
depending on your chosen itinerary option.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest / Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
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Option 1: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest
Track chimpanzees in Uganda’s famous rainforest and discover one of Africa’s best primate destinations.
Option 2: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi
Enjoy a second gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s ancient rainforest.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Return to Kigali or Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey.
Depending on your flight arrangements:
- Transfer to Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, or
- Transfer to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
Optional stop:
✔ Uganda Equator crossing
✔ Souvenir shopping
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Package Inclusions
✔ Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda: USD 800 / Rwanda: USD 1,500 per person)
✔ Chimpanzee trekking permit (where included)
✔ Akagera National Park fees (where included)
✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide
✔ Accommodation for 8 nights
✔ Meals as indicated
✔ National park entrance fees
✔ Game drives
✔ Boat cruises
✔ Border transfers
✔ Bottled drinking water
Safari Package Exclusions
✘ International flights
✘ Uganda/Rwanda visas
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ Optional activities
9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Cost
| Safari Category | Estimated Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Budget Safari | USD 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Midrange Safari | USD 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Luxury Safari | USD 8,000 – 12,000+ |
Prices depend on gorilla permit choice, accommodation level, travel season, and group size.
Best Time for Uganda – Rwanda Safari
June – September ⭐
- Best gorilla trekking conditions
- Excellent wildlife viewing
December – February
- Dry weather
- Ideal safari season
March – May & October – November
- Green scenery
- Fewer visitors
- Great photography
Why Book With Openbill Safaris Uganda?
Openbill Safaris Uganda specializes in unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari experiences, offering expertly planned gorilla, wildlife, and cultural adventures.
Why travel with us:
✔ Customized Uganda-Rwanda safari packages
✔ Gorilla permit booking assistance
✔ Experienced local driver-guides
✔ Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles
✔ Budget, midrange & luxury options
✔ Carefully selected accommodations
✔ 24/7 safari support
Our mission is “Changing Lives Through Tourism.” Through OpenVision Foundation Uganda, we support conservation and community projects that protect wildlife and create positive impacts for local communities.
Book Your 9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Experience the best of East Africa with gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes across Uganda and Rwanda.
📧 Email: openbillsafarisuganda@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +256 745843863
Contact Openbill Safaris Uganda today for your customized 9 Days Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari quotation.
