6-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari
6-Day Rwanda and Uganda Midrange Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Tour Overview
Greenway Nature Tours is delighted to present this magnificent 6-day trip to the pearl of Africa and the land of a thousand hills! On this safari, you will discover the Albertine Rift Valley, a western branch of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, which extends across a large portion of East Africa.
You will see some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife and stunning landscapes. In the forests, you will meet many primates. Watch golden monkeys leap between branches. Spot chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. The highlight is the majestic mountain gorillas. But the adventure does not stop with primates.
You will also explore the savannah, rivers, and lakes. Go on a safari boat cruise and spot hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Drive through the plains in search of tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and more. This safari can start and end in Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda.
Your Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Golden Monkey Trek and Travel to the Pearl of Africa, Uganda
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 4: On to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 5: Kasenyi Plains Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
- Day 6: Hike through Kyambura Gorge in search of chimps. Drive back to Kigali
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
A Greenway Nature Tours guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and drive you to Volcanoes National Park. If you arrive in Kigali the same day as your tour, airport pickup can also be arranged. Before heading to the park, you can choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This visit is a powerful and moving introduction to Rwanda’s history and resilience.
The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, green valleys, and small villages. On arrival, you can visit the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Centre to learn about Rwandan traditions, music, dance, and daily life.
For wildlife and conservation enthusiasts, there is also the option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Centre for Conservation, dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a comfortable midrange lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trek and Travel to the Pearl of Africa, Uganda
After an early breakfast, you will set out on a trek to see the rare Golden Monkeys. Several habituated groups live in Volcanoes National Park. The trek begins at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. Once in the forest, you can spend about an hour with these playful monkeys. They jump, swing, and play in the trees. Photographing them can be a challenge, but the experience is unforgettable.
After the trek, you will travel around the volcanoes toward Bwindi, Uganda, famously called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. You will pass through the tri-border area and eventually arrive at Lake Mutanda. The views of the volcanic peaks and the lake are stunning. There is plenty to do here. You can swim among the otters, try paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing. A motorboat ride across the lake is also a great way to enjoy the scenery. Hiking in the hills around the lake offers amazing views and a chance to explore the lush landscape.
Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda lies in far southwestern Uganda, at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. This volcanic chain stretches across Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The lake is surrounded by rainforests that are home to the endangered mountain gorilla, making it an ideal base for gorilla trekking. Nearby parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Bwindi & Lake Mutanda Excursions – (optional)
This green and diverse environment has something for everyone. Around Lake Mutanda, you can go sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking. A sundowner cruise on a motorboat is highly recommended for a relaxing end to the day. In Mgahinga National Park, you can climb the Virunga Volcanoes or enjoy another Golden Monkey trek. In the Bwindi rainforest, besides gorilla trekking, you can take several scenic walks through the forest. Cultural experiences are also available, such as visiting the Batwa pygmies or exploring nearby villages.
If you have specific interests, our travel specialist can help. They can advise on what to book in advance and what to arrange on-site. Lake Mutanda and Bwindi are full of adventure, wildlife, and culture, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is a very special day: gorilla trekking! You will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will receive a full briefing about this incredible experience. Your guides will explain how to behave around the gorillas and what to expect during the trek.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi is a dense montane rainforest and one of the most important places in the world for gorilla trekking. Along with the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, Bwindi is home to almost half of all wild mountain gorillas. The forest is alive with wildlife. There are over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species. Every step takes you deeper into a world that feels untouched by time. The air is cool, the forest thick, and the sounds of birds, monkeys, and insects fill the environment.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
During the trek, you will walk slowly through dense forest trails. You may crouch under low branches, climb steep paths, and step carefully over muddy sections. Experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will lead you, sharing knowledge about the forest and wildlife along the way. You will look for signs of the gorillas: dung, nests, broken bamboo, and twigs. These clues tell the rangers how close the gorillas are. Then comes the unforgettable moment: you see a silverback. He may be calm, watching you quietly, while his family moves around him. Seeing them in their natural habitat is truly life-changing and will stay with you forever.
Gorilla Habituation Day in Bwindi Forest (optional)
For a more immersive experience, you can join a gorilla habituation day instead of the standard trek. This allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family while researchers work to accustom the gorillas to human presence. The group is very small, just four people making the experience personal and unique. You can observe gorilla behavior closely and see how researchers study and protect them. This is a rare opportunity for those who want to witness gorilla conservation up close.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 4: On to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park
You leave Bwindi and Lake Mutanda with unforgettable memories. The time spent with the gorillas, inspired by Dian Fossey’s work in Gorillas in the Mist, will stay with you forever. The beauty and power of Uganda’s landscapes leave a lasting impression. Today’s drive is beautiful. You will pass rainforests, crater lakes, and coffee plantations. The scenery changes constantly, showing the incredible diversity of Uganda. Eventually, you reach the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a completely different world from the dense forests of Bwindi.
Ishasha
The southern section of Queen Elizabeth is called Ishasha. It is quiet and remote, lying near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its low visitor numbers make it feel wild and untouched. The savannah here is dotted with wild fig trees, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River flows through Ishasha, where you may see hippos lounging in the water. The area is lush and full of life, a true haven for wildlife.
Game Drive in Ishasha – Afternoon
Your afternoon safari takes you through the open savannah and along the Ntungwe River. You will look for tree-climbing lions resting in the branches of ancient fig trees. These lions are unique to this part of Uganda and are a rare sight. Ishasha is also home to buffalo, large herds of Ugandan kobs, and various antelope species. Hippos can often be seen in the river. Your guide will share interesting facts about the animals and the ecosystem as you drive.
As the sun begins to set, you will continue to your accommodation in the northern section of Queen. Enjoy a refreshing drink and relax. In the evening, you can gather around a campfire and listen to the sounds of the African wilderness—a perfect end to an exciting day.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
Start the day with an early breakfast at the lodge, then head back into the park for more wildlife adventures. The morning game drive through Kasenyi Plains is a perfect chance to see some of Africa’s most impressive animals.
You may spot African elephants, buffalo, kob, bushbuck, hippos, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, spotted hyenas, leopards, and many smaller creatures. The plains are also incredibly beautiful, especially in the golden morning light, making every moment a photo opportunity. Bird lovers will be thrilled. The park is home to dozens of rare and exciting species. You could see shoebills, African hobbies, Rüppell’s vultures, bateleurs, brown snake eagles, peregrine falcons, grey kestrels, African finfoots, African skimmers, broad-billed rollers, pel’s fishing owls, and many more. After the game drive, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Mweya Jetty for a 2 pm boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This is a must-do experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is alive with wildlife. From the boat, you will cruise just meters from hundreds of hippos. African buffalo graze on the shoreline, and elephants often wander nearby. Nile crocodiles sun themselves along the banks.
The boat also brings you close to many waterbirds, including African skimmers, pink-backed and great white pelicans, white-breasted cormorants, saddle-billed storks, African openbills, glossy ibises, and various terns. The calm water, the wildlife, and the surrounding park make this cruise unforgettable. After the boat tour, enjoy a short game drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge. The afternoon light and the peaceful scenery make this a perfect end to a day full of incredible wildlife encounters.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 6: Hike through Kyambura Gorge and Drive back to Kigali
Start the day with an adventurous hike through Kyambura Gorge. The gorge stretches for 11 kilometers, cutting through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the Kyambura River, a lush tropical rainforest thrives, home to chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. Rangers will guide you and try to spot the chimpanzees, but sightings are not guaranteed—about a 50% chance. Even if you don’t see them, the hike itself is breathtaking. The trail is full of steep climbs, rocky paths, and beautiful scenery. Every step through the dense forest, over the river, and along the gorge is an unforgettable experience.
After the hike, begin your drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 6–7 hours, passing through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs to farmland. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport if you are departing the same day. This final day wraps up your 6-day safari with memories of gorillas, golden monkeys, tree-climbing lions, hippos, elephants, and the stunning landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda.
Accommodation: (Not Included end of tour)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
6 Day RWANDA UGANDA Safari Price
Midrange Package Price
- 1 Pax: USD 4587
- 2 Pax: USD 2988 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 2732 per person
- 4 Pax: USD2446 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 2401 per person
- 6 Pax: USD 2266 per person
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kigali hotel or Kigali International Airport
- All transfers in a comfortable safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner where noted)
- Entry fees to all national parks visited
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Golden Monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha and Kasenyi Plains)
- Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Kyambura Gorge guided hike
- Cultural visit at Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle during drives
- All government taxes and service charges
exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions
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