Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey that combines the thrilling experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda with the vibrant cultural encounters of Rwanda. This adventure offers a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and community immersion — giving travelers a deep insight into East Africa’s beauty and traditions.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional guide from Kenlink Tours. After a brief orientation, you’ll start your scenic journey to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, tea plantations, and local communities.
Arrive in Fort Portal town in the evening, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner while relaxing in the cool highlands of western Uganda.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Isunga Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing before embarking on a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. The trek takes you through dense rainforest where you’ll encounter chimpanzees swinging through the canopy and other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After the tracking experience, enjoy lunch and proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular wildlife reserve. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and relax at your lodge, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge / Park View Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Here, you’ll spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and warthogs roaming freely in the savanna. After the game drive, enjoy a mid-morning breakfast and later embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. The cruise offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic drive through the rolling hills of Kigezi, known as the “Switzerland of Africa,” provides stunning photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp / Buhoma Haven Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
This is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, you’ll report to the Bwindi Park Headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. You’ll then begin your gorilla trekking adventure, venturing deep into the forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can last between 2–6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas.
Once you locate them, you’ll spend a magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants as they go about their daily activities. This close encounter is a truly life-changing experience that connects you deeply with nature.
After trekking, you’ll return to the lodge for relaxation and later enjoy an optional evening Batwa cultural performance to learn about the forest’s indigenous people.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp / Buhoma Haven Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Uganda-Rwanda border (Cyanika or Gatuna), cross into Rwanda, and proceed to Volcanoes National Park in the beautiful Virunga ranges. The journey offers scenic views of terraced hills, local markets, and the countryside.
Arrive at your lodge near the park and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to take a short community walk or visit local craft shops around Musanze town.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Cultural Tour and Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Today is dedicated to experiencing Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. After breakfast, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan life. Participate in activities like traditional dancing, drumming, and visiting a replica king’s palace to understand the country’s pre-colonial history.
You’ll also meet local healers and blacksmiths, and get a chance to taste local banana beer. This cultural experience provides a deep connection with Rwanda’s people and their inspiring resilience.
Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation or enjoy an optional visit to Musanze Caves or the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) for scenic views and photography.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Kigali Convention Center. Later, have lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your flight home or onward journey.
This marks the end of your 7 Days Uganda Gorilla and Rwanda Culture Safari, filled with wildlife adventures, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
