Best Combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari Tours

Best Combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari Tours

Discover the best combined Rwanda and Uganda safari tours, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These tours include gorilla trekking, game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and rich cultural experiences that will help you plan a perfect East African adventure.

Are you planning an unforgettable African safari and unsure where to find the most authentic experience? The best combined Rwanda and Uganda safari tours offer the perfect answer. These two neighboring countries in central Africa feature stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and exceptional wildlife encounters, including gorilla trekking across two different habitats.

By linking Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, travelers can enjoy a more varied and immersive safari experience. Including iconic savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls will turn your itinerary into a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with primates, big game, and vibrant local culture.

Why combine Rwanda and Uganda on one Trip?

Combined Rwanda and Uganda safari tours provide travelers with the opportunity to explore the finest of East Africa within a single, cohesive itinerary. Rwanda boasts luxurious gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and convenient access through Kigali, whereas Uganda presents more cost-effective gorilla permits and an array of wildlife experiences in savannah parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.

Through the combination of these two nations, travelers gain advantages that include:

Unique Wildlife Experiences in Each Country

While both countries consist of diverse wildlife experiences, each country has unique wildlife experiences that offer an incredible safari adventure. Rwanda is often referred to as the land of a thousand hills renowned for the rugged landscapes dotted with lush green vegetation and exceptional gorilla trekking which is only done in Volcanoes National Park and the big Game Drive where you can have a chance spot all the Big 5 animals in Akagera National Park in a single Game drive.

Uganda is often dubbed the pearl of Africa, consisting of 10 National Parks offering unique wildlife experiences that create an incredible adventure. Uganda’s prime visited national parks include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is renowned for an exceptional gorilla trekking experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park with tree-climbing lions, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking, Murchison Falls National Park with an iconic game drive, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, and other national parks.

Uganda consists of broader savannah regions that provide both big five and gorilla trekking experiences, while Rwanda mainly focuses on primates and conservation for these endangered species.

Ease of Border Crossing Between Rwanda and Uganda

Border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda is generally an easy experience requiring no expertise as long as travelers have the required documentation, which includes a Visa, ID, and Passports. Gatuna and Cyanika are the most commonly used land borders for tour operators and travelers who are on a Rwanda and Uganda safaris, including pick-ups and drop-offs. These borders remain safe and efficient for visitors to cross.

Top Highlights of a combined Rwanda and Uganda Trip

• Gorilla Trekking in both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
• Experience and Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
• Cultural encounters with Batwa pygmies and Rwandan communities
• Scenic road trips through tea plantations, rolling hills, and stunning lakes

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Vs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that involves trekking through the deep forests in search of endangered gorillas and spending 1 hour in their natural habitats. Mountain Gorilla Trekking is done in only 3 countries, which are limited to the existence of mountain gorilla, including Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, though Gorilla trekking in Congo is not popular due to political instabilities in the country.

Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of the country, spanning about 160 sq km, and is Rwanda’s prime gorilla trekking destination, consisting of about 300 mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is easier due to an open and hilly terrain, thus being more accessible for most travelers since it is in proximity to Kigali, though it is regarded as a luxury gorilla trekking destination.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is a popular gorilla trekking destination, renowned for housing almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas and other primate species. This national park consists of 4 gorilla trekking destinations, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, which offer options and comfort for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a more rugged and adventurous trekking experience through the dense forest, which seems challenging but is a rewarding experience.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park: Explore Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, located in the northwestern part of the country, popular for the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 120 mammal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, and over 450 bird species that offer a mix of wildlife sightings, boat cruises to the bottom of Murchison Falls, and Guided game drives through the dramatic landscapes. Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are done in the northern sector of the park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Discover the sweetness and beauty of Uganda’s most visited national park and the second largest after Murchison Falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and volcanic crater lakes, including the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park, which makes it a medley of wonders. The park is also a birder’s paradise, harboring over 600 bird species, and is divided into southern and northern parts by the stunning Kazinga Channel, which offers a thrilling boat cruise experience, offering magical views of the Rwenzori Mountains and aquatic wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

 Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Imagine a close encounter with the chimpanzees in their natural sanctuary? Kibale National Park is Uganda’s prime chimpanzee trekking destination, located in the western part of the country, and consists of a diverse array of wildlife, including a total population of over 1500 chimpanzee individuals located which are a popular tourist attraction, making the park a popular chimpanzee trekking destination. Kibale National Park is also home to 13 primates, including 6 endemic species, 450 bird species, and over 150 species.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park involves an immersive and educational experience where visitors are allowed to spend 1 hour with the chimpanzees in the forest while they learn more about their behavior as well as the forest ecology. The chimpanzee trekking experience is available in the early morning and afternoon, and therefore can be done at any time according to your safari itinerary.

Cultural Encounters and Scenic Landscapes

Combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari tours offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of both countries, including the Batwa communities and Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, as well as local communities. During the cultural encounters, visitors get a chance to explore the traditional lifestyle of the local people, such as traditional dances, preparation of local brew, local food, coffee roasting experience, and traditional folks offering a heart-touching moment.

Both Uganda and Rwanda are endowed with rich natural attractions that add to the scenic beauty of both countries, including the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Bunyonyi, Rwandan rolling hills, crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, lush tropical forests such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Sample of 10 Days Rwanda and Uganda safari Itinerary

This 10 days Rwanda and Uganda safari itinerary combines the best of Rwanda and Uganda bringing you a chance to double-trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, cross to Uganda for other ultimate wildlife experiences such as game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park thus creating a perfect blend of adventure for wildlife and culture.

Day By Day Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and welcome to Rwanda

Meet and greet your guide at the Airport and later proceed for a city tour taking you to Kimironko Market and Kigali Genocide Memorial, which will give you a warm welcome to Rwanda. Later, you shall have an overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Musanze and visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, and later proceed to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park for your overnight.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After your breakfast, you will have a briefing at the park headquarters and later embark on your gorilla trekking experience that will take you about 5 hours. After this experience, you will spend the afternoon at leisure and have an overnight in Musanze.

Day 4: Cross into Uganda via Cyanika and Drive to Bwindi

After your breakfast, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which involves border crossing to Uganda. Arrive at your lodge and check in for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Community Visit

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and embark on a guided gorilla trekking experience where you will spend 1 hour with the gorillas. Later, you will proceed for an afternoon community tour taking you through the lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector

After breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a stopover at the Ishasha sector of the park for tree-climbing lions, and later proceed to the park. Enjoy an evening game drive and transfer to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Have a heavy breakfast at the lodge and later proceed for a morning game drive in the park, where you will spot a variety of wildlife, and later have an afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga channel. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy a restful breakfast and later transfer to Kibale National Park with a stopover at the Kikorongo Equator monument. Proceed to the park and check into your accommodation.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Have an early breakfast at the lodge and later proceed for a chimpanzee trekking experience, which starts with a briefing at the park headquarters. You will be allowed to spend 1 hour with the chimpanzees and later proceed for an afternoon Bigodi Wetland Walk, where you will spot some bird species and wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Drop off at Kigali/Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, you will check out and meet your guide, who will drive you to Kigali/Entebbe International Airport as you conclude your 10-day Rwanda and Uganda Safari.

Best Time of the Year to Travel

At any time of the year, visitors can visit Rwanda and Uganda depending on their interests in travelling. However, the best time to travel for a safari is typically a dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the weather is predictable and favorable for outdoor activities, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, iconic game drives, cultural experiences, and scenic drives. The dry season coincides with the tourist peak season, and therefore, travelers are advised to book their gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in advance.

Entry Requirements and Border Crossing Information

As you plan to combine a safari in both Uganda and Rwanda, it is worth having a valid Passport, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and an appropriate visa, though currently most travelers choose the East Africa Tourist Visa.

East Africa Tourist Visa

The East African Tourist Visa is a physical document that allows travelers to access multiple East African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, and this is applied through the first country you enter from at the Immigration center.

Land Border Crossing (Gatuna and Cyanika)

Gatuna Border: Located approximately 20 km from Kabale Town in the south western part of Uganda, and is mostly used by tour operators and visitors accessing Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and some of Uganda’s other tourism sites starting from Kigali.

Cyanika Border: Located approximately 11 km from Kisoro Town at the end of the Uganda Bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cyanika Border is mostly used by visitors and tour operators visiting Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mutanda, Lake Mulehe, or Volcanoes National Park, starting from Uganda or Rwanda.

Rwanda and Uganda Tour Costs and Inclusions

The costs of Rwanda and Uganda safaris or even combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari tours largely depend on the duration of the trip, type of accommodation, activities to do on a safari, and inclusions of the tour. However, most tour itineraries include the following;

• Airport Transfers
• Transportation
• English-speaking guide
• Gorilla/chimpanzee trekking permit
• Accommodation
• Park Entry Fees
• Guided Tours and Treks

Gorilla Permit Prices in Rwanda Vs Uganda

A Gorilla Trekking Permit is a mandatory gorilla trekking requirement for visitors to access the gorillas in their natural habitats. Every gorilla trekking destination has a special body that is in charge of issuing these permits. In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and in Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit prices are more affordable to most travelers, thus making it a budget-friendly option to experience the gorillas without compromising the Quality.

In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, and USD 500 for Foreign Residents of Africa, and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens.

In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, USD 200 for East African citizens, and USD 200 for Rwandan citizens.

Budget Vs Luxury Safari Options

Budget Safaris: These are the most popular choices made by most travelers wishing to spend long days on a safari and therefore prefer to use budget/mid-range accommodation, shared vehicles, and bigger groups of other travelers, offering them a chance to experience the raw beauty of East Africa at an affordable price.

Luxury Safaris: These are the best choices for most visitors intending to have private tours, high-end accommodation, gourmet meals, exclusive safari experiences such as Fly-in tours, hot air balloon safaris, and other safari experiences.

However, depending on your budget as a traveler, the East African safari experience awaits you, and for budget-conscious travelers, Native Africa Tours offers customized safari itineraries to match both safari experience and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to cross between Uganda and Rwanda for a safari?

Yes, it is 100% safe for visitors to cross between Uganda and Rwanda, especially land border crossing for tourists on an East African Safari or combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari, provided you have all the necessary documentation. Furthermore, local guides assist with the right documentation and logistics, thus making it a smooth and safe experience.

Can I do gorilla trekking in both countries?

You can do double gorilla trekking in both countries, and this offers a chance to compare the gorilla trekking experience, including the trekking conditions, between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How can I choose between Volcanoes and Bwindi?

Choosing between Volcanoes and Bwindi largely depends on the kind of experience you want to have, your budget, and other preferred interests. Both Volcanoes and Bwindi offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, though gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is easier but expensive, while gorilla trekking in Bwindi is more challenging due to the rugged nature but is more affordable than that of Volcanoes National Park. Therefore, the Question of how to choose between Volcanoes and Bwindi largely depends on your interests and preferences.

Book your Rwanda and Uganda safari with Native Africa Tours.

So why not book your Combined Rwanda and Uganda safari tour today? Native Africa Tours is a boutique tour company specializing in tailor-made tours, including combining tours to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. With great knowledge and expertise on handling East African tours, we highly advise visitors to book in advance their safaris, which helps them to secure gorilla trekking permits, appropriate accommodation, and other necessities for the tour, thus ensuring an unforgettable East African safari Experience.

Why Choose Us?

Native Africa Tours is a trusted partner and reputable tour operator renowned for local expertise in customizing personalized travel experiences, whether you are a luxury or budget-conscious traveler, and this is why you should choose us.

• Expert Safari Guides
• Affordable and flexible safari packages
• Strong safety and operational standards
• Destination Knowledge and Tourism
• Commitment to sustainable travel

See our customized packages.

Are you interested in journeying with us on a safari? You can select or see more of our customized packages starting from 2 days gorilla trekking in Rwanda to the number of days you are interested in spending on a safari, even if you are combining your tour to Uganda and Rwanda. All our itineraries are flexible and can be tailor-made to match your budget and preferences. Book now your safari or send us an inquiry and let us curate your East African journey today.

The Best Combined Rwanda and Uganda Safari Tours provide a remarkable opportunity to experience East Africa at its finest gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will also have the chance to track golden monkeys in Mgahinga, and exciting game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park. These cross-border journeys are ideal for travelers looking for rich biodiversity, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes within a single itinerary.

Whether starting from Kigali or Entebbe, merging Rwanda and Uganda safaris allows for more wildlife sightings, deeper cultural insights, and enhanced value. With knowledgeable guides, adaptable packages, and unforgettable adventures, these tours are the perfect option for anyone planning an African safari in 2025 or 2026.

Allow Native Africa Tours to assist you in customizing the best combined Rwanda and Uganda safari for your upcoming adventure.