Our 11-day Uganda and Rwanda safari is one of the ultimate primate and wildlife adventure you can ever opt for. You will explore Kibale National Park for chimpanzees, trek mountain gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, and enjoy savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tour highlights for 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari
Track wild chimpanzees
Explore swamp wetlands
View Rwenzori mountains
Spot savannah lions
Cruise Kazinga channel
See climbing lions
Trek golden monkeys
Encounter Rwandan gorillas
Cross beautiful borders
Trek Ugandan gorillas
Learn Batwa culture
Depart via Kigali
Day by day 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer
Your journey will begin as you touch down at Entebbe International Airport, stepping out into the warm heart of East Africa. Your expert guide will welcome you warmly, brief you on the incredible adventure ahead, and assist you into your comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle. From Entebbe, you will embark on a scenic drive toward Fort Portal, winding through vibrant green tea plantations and rolling hills. This long but beautiful journey marks the official start of your unforgettable 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. As the landscape shifts from urban towns to lush countryside, you will feel the anticipation building for the wildlife encounters ahead. You will arrive at your lodge near Kibale National Park in the late afternoon, just in time to check in, unpack, and enjoy a relaxing dinner. The sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest will lull you to sleep tonight.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking
An exhilarating morning awaits you as you head into the dense canopy of Kibale National Park after an early breakfast and safety briefing. You will join experienced rangers to track the wild chimpanzees that call this ancient forest home. Hearing their booming pant-hoots echoing through the trees before you spot them is a thrill that will highlight this day of your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. Once you locate them, you will spend a magical hour watching them swing through branches, groom, and play. In the afternoon, your adventure will continue with a guided swamp walk through the vibrant Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This community-run reserve is a haven for biodiversity, where you will spot exotic birds like the Great Blue Turaco, alongside several monkey species. You will return to your lodge for dinner, completely captivated by Uganda's primates.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, you will bid farewell to the primate capital and journey south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. This transition day on your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari will treat you to some of the most spectacular geography in East Africa. As you drive, the majestic, jagged peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains—the legendary "Mountains of the Moon"—will dominate the horizon on a clear day. You will also wind past dramatic volcanic crater lakes, which offer incredible panoramic views and perfect photography stops. Descending into the Great Rift Valley, the savannah plains will begin to unfold before you. You will enter the park and spot your first grazing herds of Ugandan kob or majestic elephants along the way. You will reach your new lodge by afternoon, leaving plenty of time to relax on the veranda and watch the sunset over the savannah.
Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
You will wake up before dawn to catch the savannah as it comes alive with activity. Your morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains will focus on tracking big cats, and you will have an excellent chance of spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and towering caped buffaloes. The crisp morning air and golden light make this a standout game viewing experience on your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. After a midday rest at the lodge, you will head down to the Kazinga Channel for a celebrated afternoon boat cruise. This natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos. You will glide safely past massive pods of yawning hippos, giant Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and herds of elephants coming down to drink, all alongside an incredible array of colorful waterbirds.
Day 5: Tree-Climbing Lions & Border Crossing
Your morning will begin with a drive through the remote Ishasha sector in the southern region of the park. This area is world-famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, which lazily drape themselves across the sturdy limbs of old fig trees to escape the heat. Searching the branches for these regal predators is a thrilling highlight of your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. After this final Ugandan game drive, you will head toward the Cyanika or Katuna border post to cross over into Rwanda. The flat savannahs will quickly transform into the steep, terraced landscapes that give Rwanda its nickname, the "Land of a Thousand Hills." You will drive onward to the mist-shrouded base of Volcanoes National Park, checking into your lodge for a restful evening ahead of tomorrow's encounter.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trek
Today, you will experience the lighter, playful side of primate tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you will trek into the unique alpine vegetation to find the endangered golden monkeys. These striking primates, with their bright orange coats and energetic personalities, are incredibly fun to watch as they leap nimbly through the bamboo canopy. This specific trek adds wonderful variety to the primate encounters featured throughout your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. Because they are habituated to humans, they will carry out their daily routines right before your eyes, offering fantastic photo opportunities. You will return from the forest by midday, allowing for a relaxed afternoon to enjoy your lodge's amenities, read a book, or take a peaceful guided walk through a local village.
Day 7: Rwandan Gorilla Trek
This morning marks one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth: tracking the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. You will rise early, eat a hearty breakfast, and gather at the park headquarters to be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level. Your trek will take you up the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, pushing through thick vines and muddy paths. The effort will be instantly forgotten the moment you find them on this milestone day of your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. You will spend one unforgettable hour sitting quietly just feet away from a magnificent silverback and his family. Watching them eat, interact, and care for their infants is a deeply moving experience. Afterward, you will trek back down the mountain, filled with awe, to celebrate your successful trek.
Day 8: Cross into Uganda
After breakfast, you will leave the majestic Virunga mountains behind and make your way back across the border into Uganda. Your destination is the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. This cross-border transition is a seamless and scenic segment of your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari, showing off the shifting landscapes between the two neighboring countries. As you approach Bwindi, the forest wall rises dramatically ahead of you—an ancient, dense jungle that has survived for over 25,000 years. You will check into your lodge, which likely overlooks the pristine forest canopy. The evening will be yours to unwind, listen to the lively nighttime chorus of the jungle, and prepare yourself mentally and physically for your second momentous gorilla trekking experience tomorrow.
Day 9: Ugandan Gorilla Trek
Today will offer you the rare and incredible privilege of trekking mountain gorillas for a second time, this time in Uganda's Bwindi forest. Tracking in Bwindi provides a completely different atmosphere than Rwanda, as you navigate a much denser, more untamed jungle terrain. This dual-trek design is the true crown jewel of your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. You will plunge into the thick undergrowth alongside expert trackers, following machete-cleared paths until you locate your assigned gorilla group. Spending another hour with these gentle giants allows you to truly appreciate their distinct personalities, facial expressions, and complex social structures without the pressure of trying to capture it all on camera the first time. You will walk out of the jungle in the afternoon, tired but deeply fulfilled by this double primate honor.
Day 10: Cultural Experience
After several days of active trekking, today will be dedicated to relaxation and rich cultural immersion. You will set out on the fascinating Batwa Pygmy community trail to learn about the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest. The Batwa people will share their ancient secrets, demonstrating how they used to hunt, gather honey, and use forest plants for medicine before the park became a protected reserve. Their vibrant traditional dances and stories add immense depth to your 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. The afternoon will be completely yours to relax at the lodge, massage your tired muscles, pack your bags, and reminisce with your travel companions over a delicious final dinner. You will spend your last evening in the African wilderness listening to the peaceful sounds of the ancient jungle swirling around you.
Day 11: Departure
On the final day of your journey, you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge while absorbing your last views of the mist rising off Bwindi. Your guide will then drive you south across the border back into Rwanda, heading straight for Kigali. This route is highly convenient, as Kigali International Airport is significantly closer to Bwindi than returning all the way to Entebbe. Arriving in Kigali, you will conclude your remarkable 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari with a brief city drive or a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial if your flight schedule allows. Your guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your evening departure flight home, marking the end of an extraordinary East African adventure that you will undoubtedly remember for the rest of your life.
When is the best time for 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari
The absolute best time to embark on this 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari is during the region’s two dry seasons: from June to August and from December to February. During these months, the tracks through Kibale, Bwindi, and Volcanoes National Park are significantly less muddy, making the steep, forested slopes much easier to navigate during your primate treks. In the savannah sectors like Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dry weather thins out the dense bush, and wildlife naturally congregates around remaining water sources like the Kazinga Channel, offering you spectacular, clear game viewing. While you can certainly travel during the wet seasons (March to May and September to November) to enjoy lower lodge rates and lush, emerald-green landscapes for photography, you should expect heavy downpours that can make forest trails slippery. Choosing the dry season ensures optimal trekking conditions and maximum comfort throughout your cross-border journey.
Where to stay on 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari
Your accommodation options on this 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari cater to every preference, ranging from cozy mid-range eco-lodges to ultra-luxury forest pavilions. In Kibale, options like Primate Lodge place you right at the edge of the chimp forest. Transitioning to Queen Elizabeth National Park, properties like Mweya Safari Lodge offer dramatic views of the Kazinga Channel, while Ishasha Wilderness Camp provides luxury canvas tents right next to the tree-climbing lion territory. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you can choose between the opulent Bisate Lodge or the highly comfortable Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Back in Bwindi, choices like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Mahogany Springs offer beautiful forest views. Roads of Adventure Safaris handpicks these properties based on their exceptional hospitality, strict eco-friendly practices, and strategic proximity to the park briefing points, ensuring you never have to rush in the morning before your tracking experiences.
What to pack on 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari
Packing smart is essential for the variable weather conditions you will encounter during this 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari. Essential items include sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with excellent ankle support for the rugged terrain, paired with long, moisture-wicking socks that you can tuck your trousers into to keep ants out. You will need lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and durable safari pants in neutral earth tones to protect your skin from stinging nettles and scratches in the dense jungle. A waterproof rain jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, and heavy-duty gardening gloves are invaluable for grabbing onto branches while tracking gorillas. Do not forget to bring a high-quality camera with a strong zoom lens, a reliable power bank, and a pair of binoculars for birding. Finally, ensure you pack high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent containing DEET, a personal first-aid kit, and enough cash for tips and beautiful community-made souvenirs.
Booking 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari with us Roads of Adventure safaris
Booking this spectacular 11 days Uganda Rwanda safari with us at Roads of Adventure Safaris guarantees a seamless, deeply authentic, and expertly managed East African travel experience. Based locally in Kampala, we operate as a premier ground handler and Destination Management Company specializing in cross-border primate expeditions and bespoke wildlife circuits. Our dedicated team manages every intricate detail of your trip—from securing the highly competitive Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits in both countries to providing top-tier, custom-built 4x4 safari land cruisers. You will travel in absolute safety and comfort, accompanied throughout the entire journey by our highly knowledgeable, passionate local safari guides who know these terrains inside and out. By choosing to partner with us, you are not just booking a vacation; you are unlocking an expertly curated, stress-free adventure that directly supports local conservation and honors the vibrant communities we visit.
