The Ultimate East African Safari – Big Game, Two Gorilla Treks & Two Incredible Countries
Experience the very best of East Africa on one extraordinary journey.
Imagine watching a pride of lions prowling the African savannah at sunrise, cruising among hundreds of hippos on the legendary Kazinga Channel, searching for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and standing just a few metres away from endangered mountain gorillas—not once, but twice.
Our 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari is thoughtfully designed for travellers who refuse to settle for ordinary. Combining Uganda’s spectacular wildlife with two unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda, this safari delivers the perfect balance of classic game viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime primate encounters.
From the sweeping savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and finally to the mist-covered volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, every day unveils a new adventure. If you’re searching for the most complete gorilla and wildlife safari in East Africa, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for.
Safari Highlights
- Airport meet and greet in Entebbe or Kampala
- Scenic journey across Uganda’s beautiful countryside
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat safari on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel
- Search for the legendary tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic cross-border safari from Uganda to Rwanda
- Second gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park
- Optional Kigali City Tour before departure
- Flexible safari ending in Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda – Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Your East African adventure begins the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our professional safari guide will warmly welcome you.
Sit back and relax as you’re transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, giving you time to unwind after your international flight and prepare for the incredible experiences ahead. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Uganda’s capital before settling in for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Serena Kampala Hotel
- Sheraton Kampala Hotel
- Imperial Royale Hotel
Mid-range
- Hotel Africana
- Cassia Lodge
- Hotel Triangle
Budget
- Namirembe Guest House
- Holiday Express Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, begin one of Africa’s most scenic road journeys as you travel southwest toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier wildlife destination. Along the way, stop at the Equator for memorable photographs and the unique opportunity to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once. You will continue through lush farmlands, rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages before arriving at the park.
If time permits, enjoy your first game drive, where your safari officially begins with opportunities to encounter elephants, buffalo, antelopes, warthogs, and many other species.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
Mid-range
- Ihamba Safari Lodge
- Hippo Hill Camp
Budget
- Simba Safari Camp
- Albertine River Camp
- Mweya Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Today is dedicated to discovering one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Head out before sunrise for an exciting morning game drive across the vast savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your experienced guide will help you track elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and numerous other wildlife species that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem. Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife experiences—the Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
Often regarded as one of the finest wildlife boat safaris in Africa, this cruise brings you incredibly close to enormous pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking along the shoreline, buffaloes cooling in the water, and hundreds of colourful bird species. As the African sun begins to set, return to your lodge surrounded by unforgettable memories.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
Following breakfast, travel south through the remote Ishasha sector, home to one of Africa’s rarest wildlife spectacles—the legendary tree-climbing lions.Watch as these magnificent predators lounge high in giant fig trees, a remarkable behaviour found in only a handful of places on Earth.Continue through breathtaking mountain scenery toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.Finally arrive at your lodge surrounded by mist-covered hills and ancient forest, where tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla adventure awaits.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Gorilla Forest Camp
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range
- Lake Kitandara Camp
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
Budget
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Bwindi View Bandas
- Nkuringo Safari Centre
- Virunga Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today promises one of the most emotional wildlife encounters anywhere on Earth. Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing before entering Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Guided by experienced trackers, journey through dense jungle, towering trees, cascading streams, and tangled vines while following fresh gorilla signs.
Every trek is unique, adding excitement and anticipation to the adventure. Then comes the unforgettable reward. Standing quietly among a family of wild mountain gorillas as they feed, groom, play, and care for one another is an experience that touches every traveller deeply.You’ll spend one precious hour observing these incredible primates before returning to your lodge. If time allows, enjoy an optional cultural village visit or guided forest walk to experience the traditions of the local communities living alongside Bwindi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Cross into Rwanda – Journey to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, continue your cross-border safari into the beautiful nation of Rwanda. Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes before arriving in Volcanoes National Park, where dramatic volcanic peaks dominate the skyline.
This remarkable park became world-famous through the pioneering conservation work of Dian Fossey and remains one of Africa’s finest destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. Spend the afternoon relaxing while taking in breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge
- Hotel Gorillas Kinigi
Budget
- Kinigi Guest House
- Hotel Muhabura
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Prepare for your second extraordinary gorilla encounter. Following breakfast, head to the park headquarters before beginning your trek into the lush bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Unlike Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park offers a completely different trekking environment, making this second gorilla experience wonderfully unique.
As your expert guides locate your assigned gorilla family, you’ll once again witness the remarkable social lives of these endangered giants—from protective silverbacks and nurturing mothers to energetic youngsters playing beneath the forest canopy. Having trekked gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the unique beauty and conservation success of each destination. Return to your lodge for a memorable final evening in Africa’s legendary gorilla country.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kigali City Tour & Departure
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming cities. Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy a brief city tour featuring local craft markets, cultural landmarks, or the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a meaningful insight into Rwanda’s remarkable history and transformation.
Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport, bringing your unforgettable East African safari to a close. You’ll leave with extraordinary memories of wildlife encounters, breath-taking landscapes, and the rare privilege of trekking mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up in Entebbe and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
- Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
- All park entrance fees
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Cross-border transfer between Uganda and Rwanda
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees where applicable
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Why This Safari?
This isn’t simply a wildlife holiday—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through two of East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. From thrilling game drives and unforgettable boat cruises to two life-changing gorilla trekking experiences, this carefully crafted itinerary delivers the very best of Uganda and Rwanda in one seamless adventure.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, fulfilling a lifelong dream, or seeking the ultimate African safari, this journey promises extraordinary wildlife, world-class guiding, exceptional accommodations, and memories that will stay with you forever.