8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – SAFARI DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Engage in a Kigali city tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On the first day of this 8 Days Uganda Rwanda safari, you wake up before 8:00 am and have a cup of Rwandan Coffee or tea accompanied with an assortment of freshly baked confectionaries then check out of the hotel and embark on a Kigali city tour drive. During this city tour, you have a chance to explore the Rwandan capital as you visit some of the pinnacle sites of Kigali and these include the Kigali Genocide Memorial which houses the remains of over 250 000 Rwandese who form part of over 1 million people who were massacred during Rwanda’s bloody genocide in 1994.

Visit the Kimironko market and encounter the local Rwandese people trade. From here you can choose any of the wide variety of crafts to act as a souvenir for this Africa safari adventure. After this drive, you will take a lunch break at any of the convenient restaurants in Kigali for lunch then you will get comfortable into our 4×4 safari car for a road transfer to Volcanoes National Park 116km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive. This exciting road trip lasts about 3 – 4 hours’ drive and it takes you a magical drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda of the Rwandan countryside that has formed the background of its naming as the land of a thousand hills and you will be able to see the elegantly standing Virunga ranges as you get close to the Virunga National Park.

A visit to the Genocide museum is something that will make this day a memorable one and it will be the highlight of the day

Accommodation in Volcanoes: –

• Top-Notch /Exclusive: Bisate Lodge/ One & Only Gorilla Nest
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Midrange/ Moderate: Da Vinci Lodge
• Budget/ Moderate: Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 116km or 2-3 hours

Activities and services: –

• Kigali city tour
• Transfer to Volcanoes

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –

• Local beer-making experience
• Coffee tour in Musanze
• Visiting the Musanze caves

Day 2 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes or engage a cultural visit to Iby’iwacu

On the third day of this amazing trip, you will wake up early to have your breakfast buffet which is aimed at energizing you for the epic gorilla adventure hike that’s ahead of you. From here, connect to headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park at Kinigi to attend a briefing at 8 am. If you arrive earlier, you catch up with the impressive Kinyarwanda performances and a free cup of coffee served at the site. After the gorilla family allocation and briefing, you head to the mist in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Trek through impressive landscapes with Volcanic soils that may not be all that firm and can be slippery.

However, you will be delighted to be in the company of Volcanoes’ impressive flora and fauna which include over 178 species of birds of which close to 13 of these are Albertine endemics. The eventual encounter with the gorillas involves one full hour of direct viewing as they forage and socialize, the young gorillas playing among other interesting aspects. Carry with you either a camera or a phone so that you have these moments forever. At the park center, your trekking efforts are handsomely rewarded with a gorilla trekking certificate that is presented to you.  After your encounter with the gorillas, you will make a visit to the Iby’iwacu community village to engage in a cultural thriller. While here, you have an opportunity to be entertained by the energetic Rwandan cultural dancers who will surely fascinate you with their rather unique high jumping and arm waving dance strokes. You will be presented with an opportunity to have an insight into the cultural lives of the Rwandese loyalty as you’re taken through how the royal families of Rwanda used to live, and if you like you can also get to wear some of their local garments to have yourself a royalty treatment.

An encounter with the Mountain gorillas will be the highlight of the day.

Accommodation in Volcanoes: –

• Top-Notch /Exclusive: Bisate Lodge/ One & Only Gorilla Nest
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Midrange/ Moderate: Da Vinci Lodge
• Budget/ Moderate: Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 120km or 2-3 hours

Activities and services: –

• Kigali city tour
• Transfer to Volcanoes

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –

• Local beer-making experience
• Coffee tour in Musanze
• Visiting the Musanze caves

Day 3 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Transfer to Bwindi and visit a Batwa community

This day of your 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari is quite relaxed and you will wake up at 9:00 am and have breakfast after which you will embark on a road transfer to Bwindi. This is a journey is quite a short one only lasting about 2-3 hours, you can choose to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or you can choose to visit the local Batwa Pygmies community and have a first-hand experience of how this small community of people has managed to live side by side with these giant beasts for over 1000 years. while here you will see how these guys used to hunt and use some of the trees and leaves from these forests to treat several for their ailments.

Accommodation: –

• Top-Notch / Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Haven Lodge Buhoma
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Trekkers Tavern Ruhija

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Transfer to Bwindi
• Batwa/ Bakiga community walk

Day 4 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Do gorilla trekking and have the evening free to engage in any other optional activity  

This is a great day that will mark your re-union with your long lost cousins – the mountain gorillas. You will gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing in the morning at 8 am where you are also allocated the respective gorilla families to track. With your armed ranger in the lead, embark on a trek, searching for your allocated gorilla family. Along the way keep your eyes and ears on the lookout for several of the 350 bird species that are found in this park that might come your way, you will also be in a position to see some of the other primates here such as the Black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, different species of lizards such as the 3 horned chameleon and many more.  You are treated to impressive bird songs and beautiful flowers through the experience.

The encounter tends to take 2 – 8 hours depending on the Gorilla movements and one hour is availed to you to have a direct touch with the gorillas. Upon approaching gorillas, their reaction is not predictable as it can include them giving you a courteous welcome, minding less about you, and charging against you. However, as a result of habituation, Mountain gorillas are always welcoming with the Silverback beating a little of his chest to demonstrate his might and also welcoming you to the group.

The young gorillas are very playful and are at times not aware of the 7m rule thus can try to draw closer to even touching on your body – save it by taking some steps away to observe the distance. You are not limited in any way to ask as many questions about gorillas and their habitats along with taking pictures so long as you have the opportunity to do so. After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point and connect to the lodge for relaxation.

Being in close contact with wild Gorillas will be the highlight of the day

Accommodation: –

• Top-Notch / Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Haven Lodge Buhoma
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Trekkers Tavern Ruhija

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Gorilla trekking
• Batwa/ Bakiga community walk

Day 5 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Transfer to Bwindi. Do a game drive in the Ishasha sector

You will wake up early in the morning at 6:30 am for breakfast then get comfortable into our 4x4safari car and begin your 2-3 hours journey towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park. On arrival here, you will engage in a stunning game drive in this sector while you search for the tree-climbing lions that have made this park and particularly this sector a must-visit place for numerous Africa safari adventurers who are interested in having encounters with these rather unique lions as they usually find them taking a mid-morning rest while lodging their bodies in between tree branches.

After your game drive which lasts between 3-4 hours, transfer to a convenient lodge in this park sector for your lunch break which also helps you stretch your body for a while before you then embark on the remaining part of your journey to your lodge in the Northern side of Queen Elizabeth Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

A sighting of the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector logged in between tree branches is the highlight of the day

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Safari Lodge / Mazike Valley Safari Lodge
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Enganzi Game Lodge/ Marafiki Safari Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Pumba Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 160-240km or 7-9 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Game drive in the Ishasha sector
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

Day 7 of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari: Transfer to Lake Mburo Park & do an evening game drive upon arrival

You will wake up to the sweet melodies of birds that will be singing their hearts off to the dawn of a new day. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and choose from any of the available wide selection of confectionaries to slide your coffee down with. You will now embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Along the way to Mburo Park, you will drive through impressive south western Uganda landscapes covering 170km or 3-4  hours’ drive before making a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town the largest in the sub-region for a thrilling traditional lunch. You will proceed and visit the 1520AD solar eclipse monument which is found in Biharwe village.

If you wish you can hike up the hill on which this monument is set and enjoy spectacular views of the undulating Ankole plains which form a nice background for you to take photos. While here, the guide will take you through the intriguing history behind this solar eclipse and how it managed to greatly change the destiny of three great ancient kingdoms all at once. As you get closer to Lake Mburo Park you’re exposed to counts of long-horned Ankole cow with their beautiful physical spread, horn patterns, and body color.

Upon your arrival into this park, you will engage in a stunning game drive which puts you on a collision course with several of the wild animals that call this park their home such as the Burchell Zebras which are only found here and also in the far distant Kidepo Valley Park, sights of the Elands which are the biggest antelopes you can ever encounter on the African plains are eminent. Other animals you encounter include Giraffes, Hippos Kobs, and many others.

A highly rewarding evening game drive in Lake Mburo will surely be your day’s highlight

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mihingo Safari Lodge/ Matana Tented Camp
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Rwakobo Rock / Emburara Farm Lodge/ Arcadia Lodge Mburo
• Budget/ Basic: Eagles Nest Mburo

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Transfer to Lake Mburo
• Evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Optional activities include: –

• Banyankole cultural safari experience
• Game walk safari
• Evening boat cruise
• Biking safari experience
• Birding

Day 8 of the 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari: Do morning walking Safari & transfer to Kampala with a stop at the Equator.

This is your last on this 8 days uganda rwanda safari. You will wake up early in the morning at 7:00 am and have breakfast. After having breakfast, you will embark on a spectacular morning game walk which is also coupled with a game drive experience aimed at taking you easily and faster to sections of the park that have a high concentration of wild game.

During this game walk, you will visit the Kazuma hill and also various water ponds in this park which are home to a wide variety of wild mammals such as the Burchell zebras, Elands, Kobs, and Cape buffaloes.  While on this walk, you will have an opportunity to walk among these wild animals which will be only a few meters away from you, however, this shouldn’t scare you because you will be accompanied by an armed ranger who will ensure your security.

At the end of this activity, you will commence on your transfer to Kampala which covers 240km or taking about 3 – 4 hours’ drive This journey comes with interesting & exciting road stops done at the Equator where you get to have an equator experience on how to differentiate the Northern from the Southern hemispheres and also have a photo moment. Enjoy a locally inspired lunch buffet at the Equator cafeteria. Another stop is done at the Mpambire drum center and where you will have an encounter with local artists as they manufacture a wide variety of local musical instruments such as the drums, African chairs. From here proceed with the rest of your journey back to Entebbe where your safari will come to an end as you catch your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Drive distance & time: Approx. 240km or 4-5 hours

Activities & services: –

• Morning Game walk
• Equator experience
• Transfer to Kampala

End of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Volcanoes Park & Wildlife Game Viewing Tour in Lake Mburo & Queen Elizabeth

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – SAFARI INCLUSIONS

   Full-time English professional safari driver-guide

   4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing with functional A/C

   Full board accommodation

   Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permit fees

   Boat cruise fees

   Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle

   Bottled water

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari- SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

•    International &domestic flight fees
•    Visa fees
•    Laundry services
•    Items of personal nature
•    Gratuities and tips
•    Other beverages/ drinks
•    Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – GETTING THERE

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – PRICE PER PERSON

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – RELATED SAFARI ACCOMMODATION 

RELATED 8 DAYS UGANDA RWANDA SAFARI ITINERARIES – Tour Packages

Gorilla Safaris Uganda

• – Gorilla Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Bwindi Gorilla Safari & Wildlife 4 days
• – Gorillas & Wildlife Uganda Safari Tour 5 days
• – Primate Trekking Uganda Safari 6 days
• – Gorilla trekking Safari Tour 8 days
• – Rwanda Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari 8 days
• – Uganda Safari tour 9 days
• – 9 days Wilderness Camping Gorilla safari in Uganda
• – Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda & Chimps 10 days
• – Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari 11 Days
• – Uganda & Rwanda Safari 13 days
• – Birding & Gorilla trekking Uganda Safari 14 days

Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris In Uganda

• – Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Safari-Kibale 3 days
• – Uganda Safari Tour-Chimpanzees & Wild Life 5 days
• – Primate Safari in Uganda 6 days
• -Chimps Trekking & Wildlife Safari in Uganda 6 days
• – Gorilla Trekking & Chimps Safari in Uganda 10 days

Wildlife Safaris In Uganda

• – Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Murchison Falls National Park Uganda safari Tour 3 days
• – Kibale Forest National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Uganda safari 4 days
• – Game Viewing Safari in Uganda 5 days
• – Murchison Falls & Kibale Uganda safari- 5 days
• – Chimpanzee trekking & Wildlife safari in Uganda 6 days
• – Wildlife Tour in Uganda 8 days
• – Enjoy Agro Safaris in Uganda
• – Mountain Elgon Hiking Uganda Tour -8 days
• – Rwenzori Mountain Hiking safari in Uganda 9 days
• – Wildlife Camping Safari in Uganda 14 days
• – Birding Safari in Uganda 7 days
• – Birding Africa Safari in Uganda 21 days

Luxury Uganda Safaris

• – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Safari Trek in Uganda 3 days
• – Queen Elizabeth Uganda Safari 3 days
• – 3 days Murchison Falls Park
• – Chimpanzee trekking Safari in Uganda 5 days
• – Gorilla Tracking safaris in Uganda 6 days
• – Chimps & Wildlife Safari in Uganda 6 day

Short Safaris in Uganda

• – Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda Kibale-3 days
• – Gorilla Trekking safari & Wildlife in Uganda 5 days
• – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda- 5 days
• – Uganda Primate Safari 6 days
• – Chimpanzee Tracking & Wildlife safari in Uganda 6 days

Long Safaris in Uganda

• – Uganda Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari 8 days
• – Wildlife Safari in Uganda 8 days
• – Wildlife & Primates trekking Uganda Safari 9 days
• – Wilderness Camp Safari 9 days
• – Uganda Safari to Gorillas & Chimpanzee trekking- 10 days
• – Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla safari- 13 days
• – Birding Watching Safari in Uganda- 14 days
• – Uganda Birding Watching Safari -21 days

Day Tours in Uganda

• – Kampala City Tour
• – Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Day Tour
• – Entebbe City Short Tour
• – Jinja Source of the Nile Tour
• – White Water Rafting
• – Uganda Short Safari to Lake Mburo NP
• – Sipi Falls safari in Uganda
• – Mabamba Swamp Birding Excursion

Fishing Safaris In Uganda

• – 1 Days Fishing trip to Lake Victoria in Uganda
• – 1 Day Jinja Fishing Tour in Uganda
• – 3 Days Uganda Fishing & Wildlife Safari
• – 4 Days Luxury Fishing and Wildlife safari in Uganda
• – 5 Days Uganda Fishing Safari to Lake Victoria and Ssese Islands
• – 7 Days Luxury Fishing Safari in Uganda
• – Fishing Safari to Lake Victoria, Ssese Islands & Murchison Falls NP
• – 9 Days Nile Perch Fishing Safari in Uganda

Cultural Safaris

• – 3 Days Short Cultural tour in Uganda
• – 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking
• 8 Days Uganda Cultural Tour
• – 20 Days Grand Cultural Tour in Uganda

8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – GORILLA TREKKING TIPS

•   Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should ready yourself for a long walk and drink plenty of water.
•    Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
•    Smoking while inside the forest is strictly forbidden
•    Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
•    Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
•    Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
•    Long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
•    Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
•    Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge
•    As you prepare to come for your Uganda gorilla adventure, please do some exercises so that you prepare your body for gorilla trekking which can last between 3-8 hours
•    In case you can’t walk for a very long time, you shouldn’t really worry about not being able to do gorilla trekking because there are potters who can carry you throughout at a small extra cost.
•    Carry your sunscreen lotion to keep your skin safe from the tropical heat & sun rays
•    When you get to the gorillas, don’t make noise because this agitates the gorillas
•    For more information about gorilla trekking tips please follow these links to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved WHO Standard Operating Procedures and those by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with the goal of protecting our customers while traveling during their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and other African Countries.