9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday: Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife and Scenic Lakes
Discover the beauty of East Africa on our 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday, an unforgettable journey combining wildlife safaris, mountain gorilla trekking, cultural experiences and breathtaking lakeside scenery. This cross-border adventure takes you from Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala, through some of its remarkable national parks before continuing into Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Explore the savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, relax beside the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and experience the extraordinary opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Your journey also includes time to discover Lake Kivu and the highlights of Kigali.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or in a small group, this itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferred accommodation category, interests and travel budget.
9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday at a Glance
- Duration: 9 days
- Countries visited: Uganda and Rwanda
- Starting point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- Ending point: Kigali, Rwanda
- Main experiences: Gorilla trekking, game drives, boat cruises, city tours and scenic lakes
- Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury options on request
- Best for: Travellers seeking wildlife, primates, culture and East African landscapes in one itinerary
Tour Rates and Accommodation Options
Our 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday is available with flexible accommodation choices. The rates below are the starting prices supplied for this itinerary and should be reconfirmed when booking.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people sharing | From $2,182 |
| 4 people sharing | From $1,786 |
| 6 people sharing | From $1,704 |
| Single supplement | From $319 |
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated. Final costs depend on travel dates, accommodation availability, gorilla trekking permit availability and the confirmed package inclusions.
We can arrange budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation depending on your preferences. For a personalised quotation, contact Epic Uganda Vacations.
Detailed 9-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Epic Uganda Vacations and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. After your journey, settle in, enjoy dinner and relax ahead of the safari.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to enjoy a short introduction to Uganda’s capital.
Suggested accommodation: Hotel Rutch, Minister Village Hotel, Cassia Lodge, Kampala Serene Hotel or Hotel Africana.
Meal plan: Dinner, subject to the confirmed package.
Day 2: Kampala City Tour and Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, explore Kampala on a city tour showcasing Uganda’s history, culture and urban life. Visit selected attractions such as Makerere University, Kasubi Tombs, the Bahá’í Temple, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum and the National Theatre.
Your visits will introduce you to Uganda’s cultural heritage, religious history, educational institutions and contemporary arts. The attractions visited may depend on opening hours, travel time and the final itinerary.
Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Suggested accommodation: Hotel Rutch, Minister Village Hotel, Cassia Lodge, Kampala Serene Hotel or Hotel Africana.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Kampala and travel west towards Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at the Uganda Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photographs and an introduction to this well-known landmark.
Continue through the countryside towards the park, arriving in time for lunch, depending on road conditions and the day’s schedule.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. The lake supports aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, and offers opportunities to observe waterbirds and appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Suggested accommodation: Arcadia Cottages, Mihingo Lodge or Mantana Luxury Tented Camp, subject to availability.
Day 4: Lake Mburo Game Drive and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day with a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Look out for wildlife such as zebras, impalas, elands and other savannah species, along with birds that inhabit the park’s grasslands, woodland and wetland areas.
After your wildlife experience, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s best-known safari destinations. After lunch and depending on the timing of your arrival, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise.
The channel connects Lakes Edward and George and is renowned for its concentration of hippos, buffaloes and waterbirds. Keep your camera ready as you cruise past the shoreline and observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Suggested accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge or Simba Safari Camp.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Rise early for a game drive in the Kasenyi area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This savannah region offers opportunities to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, other antelopes and a variety of bird species. Wildlife sightings vary with the season, weather and animal movements.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for refreshments before travelling south-west towards Lake Bunyonyi via Kabale.
Known for its green hills, terraced landscapes and scenic islands, Lake Bunyonyi provides a peaceful contrast to the savannah parks. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the views over the lake.
Suggested accommodation: Bushara Island Camp, Arcadia Cottages or Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
Day 6: Cross into Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel towards the Uganda–Rwanda border at Gatuna. Complete the required immigration formalities before continuing into Rwanda and travelling towards the Volcanoes National Park area.
Depending on your arrival time, explore Ruhengeri, also known as Musanze, or enjoy the surrounding scenery before checking in at your lodge.
This is an important transition day as you prepare for the highlight of the Rwanda portion of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking.
Suggested accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guest House or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, subject to availability.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing from the park authorities. You will receive guidance on gorilla trekking rules, safety and responsible wildlife viewing before setting off with the authorised guides and trackers.
Trek through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated mountain gorilla group. The length and difficulty of the trek depend on where the gorillas are located, the terrain and prevailing conditions.
Once your group reaches the gorillas, you will normally be allowed up to one hour to observe them, following the rules set by park authorities. Watching these remarkable primates in their natural habitat can be one of the most memorable experiences of an East African safari.
After the trek, return to your lodge to rest. If time and arrangements permit, visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or enjoy an optional cultural experience in the surrounding community.
Suggested accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guest House or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Important: Gorilla trekking permits are limited and must be confirmed for your travel dates. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Day 8: Discover Lake Kivu and Transfer Towards Gisenyi
After breakfast, travel to Kibuye, now commonly known as Karongi, on the shores of Lake Kivu. This beautiful lake is surrounded by rolling green hills, small settlements and scenic islands.
Depending on the confirmed boat arrangements and weather conditions, enjoy a boat excursion to explore the lake and its islands, including the island commonly known as Napoleon’s Hat.
Your original itinerary also proposes continuing by boat towards Gisenyi, in Rwanda’s Rubavu area. This transfer must be confirmed with the operator in advance, as boat routes, schedules and availability can vary.
Enjoy the lake scenery and relax at your accommodation for the evening.
Suggested accommodation: Kivu Serena Hotel, Bethanie Hotel, Kibuye Guest House or Palm Hotel, depending on the final overnight location.
Day 9: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, travel towards Kigali for a city tour, depending on your departure flight time. Potential stops include selected genocide memorial sites, local markets and other cultural or historical attractions.
A visit to a genocide memorial should be approached respectfully, with sufficient time allocated for the experience. The final sightseeing programme will depend on opening hours, road conditions and your flight schedule.
After the city tour, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your nine-day Uganda and Rwanda safari.
Please note: If your international flight departs early, an overnight stay in Kigali the previous evening may be necessary. Confirm the Day 8 overnight location and transfer arrangements before booking.
Highlights of the 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Experience the forests of Volcanoes National Park and the opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A permit is required, and the trek can involve steep or muddy terrain.
Wildlife Safaris in Uganda
Explore Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks on guided game drives, with opportunities to search for zebras, antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, lions and many other species.
Boat Cruises on Scenic Lakes and Waterways
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo and a wildlife-rich excursion along the Kazinga Channel. The itinerary also features the scenic shores and islands of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Discover selected heritage sites in Kampala, learn about Rwanda’s history during a Kigali city tour, and explore local communities and landscapes along the route.
A Two-Country East African Adventure
This itinerary combines Uganda’s wildlife destinations with Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes and lakeside scenery, creating a varied journey through two neighbouring countries.
What Is the Best Time to Take This Safari?
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year, but weather conditions influence trekking, road travel and wildlife activities.
The relatively drier periods are often preferred for gorilla trekking and game drives because forest trails may be less muddy. Rainfall can occur in any season, however, and wet conditions may affect trekking difficulty and travel times.
When choosing dates, consider:
- Gorilla permit availability for your preferred trekking day.
- Seasonal weather and road conditions.
- Accommodation availability in the national parks and lakeside towns.
- Your international arrival and departure schedules.
Contact us with your intended travel dates so that we can help plan a suitable itinerary.
What Should You Pack for the Safari?
For comfort during game drives, gorilla trekking and lakeside excursions, consider packing:
- Sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for forest trekking.
- A lightweight waterproof jacket.
- Gardening-style gloves for holding vegetation on the trail, if needed.
- Binoculars and a camera.
- Sun protection, a hat and insect repellent.
- A small daypack and reusable water bottle.
- Personal medication and any required travel documents.
Follow the guidance provided by your trekking operator and park authorities, particularly regarding gorilla viewing and health precautions.
Important Booking Information
Before confirming your 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday, please review the following conditions:
- Rates and validity: The prices listed above were supplied for 2024, 2025 and 2026. As these dates have passed or are nearing their end, request an updated quotation for your intended travel dates before booking.
- Customisable itinerary: This itinerary is a suggested programme and can be tailored to your interests, available time, group size and accommodation preferences.
- Gorilla trekking permits: Gorilla trekking is subject to permit availability and confirmation by the relevant authorities. Permit costs and booking arrangements should be confirmed in your quotation.
- Accommodation: All named lodges and camps are subject to availability. Alternative accommodation may be proposed if your preferred property is unavailable.
- Cross-border arrangements: Travellers must meet Uganda and Rwanda entry requirements and carry the appropriate travel documents. Confirm visa requirements, border procedures and any applicable fees before departure.
- Transport and route changes: Road, weather and operational conditions may require adjustments to the itinerary. The final schedule will be confirmed with your safari operator.
- Package inclusions: Request written confirmation of accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, activities, gorilla permits, border-related costs and any exclusions before paying a deposit.
- Terms and conditions: By booking, clients agree to Epic Uganda Vacations’ Terms and Conditions.
Book Your 9 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday
Ready to discover Uganda and Rwanda through wildlife encounters, mountain gorilla trekking, scenic lakes and cultural experiences?
Epic Uganda Vacations can help customise this nine-day safari around your preferred travel dates, group size and accommodation category. Contact our team to confirm current rates, check gorilla permit availability and discuss the itinerary that best suits your travel plans.
Contact Epic Uganda Vacations for a personalised safari quotation and start planning your East African adventure.
