8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Published by Andrew on October 27, 2026

8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Discover the best of Uganda and Rwanda on this 8-day safari combining wildlife, mountain gorillas and vibrant local culture. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, and trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Cross into Rwanda to discover Kigali’s history and culture before concluding your East African adventure.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax or enjoy an optional visit to Entebbe town.

Main destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive southwest through Uganda’s countryside, passing local villages, tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photographs before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Main destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles and abundant water birds gather along the shores.

Main destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, travel toward Bwindi through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. Depending on the route and wildlife conditions, enjoy views of rolling hills, rural communities and forested landscapes. Arrive at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced rangers. Trek through Bwindi’s dense vegetation in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these remarkable primates before returning to your lodge. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive toward Rwanda through the Cyanika or Katuna border, depending on your route. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through the green hills of the region. Complete immigration formalities and continue to Kigali, Rwanda’s lively capital.

Main destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Cultural Discovery

Explore Kigali with your guide, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and journey toward reconciliation. Continue through selected city landmarks, local markets and craft shops, depending on your interests and available time. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this clean, vibrant capital.

Main destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 8: Departure from Kigali

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. If your flight schedule allows, you may have time for a short final visit or souvenir shopping.

Main destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast