18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari
18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps and Big Game
An 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari is the ultimate primate holiday in East Africa. First, you watch lions and elephants in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth. Then you trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Finally, you cross into Rwanda for a second gorilla trek, golden monkeys and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
This 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari starts in Entebbe and ends in Kigali. In fact, it suits wildlife lovers, couples, families and photographers. Because the route links two countries, you see more primates than on any single-country trip.
18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 days, 17 nights |
| Countries | Uganda and Rwanda |
| Parks visited | Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Volcanoes and Nyungwe |
| Also includes | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi, Kigali and Lake Kivu |
| Start and end | Entebbe in Uganda, Kigali in Rwanda |
| Transport | 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges and camps |
| Meals | Full board on safari days |
| Price | From about $9,500 per person, depending on lodge level and season |
| Best for | Wildlife lovers, couples, families and photographers |
Why Choose an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Uganda and Rwanda are neighbors, but each has its own strengths. For instance, Uganda offers big game and several forests full of primates. Rwanda, on the other hand, offers neat roads, calm cities and excellent gorilla and chimp trekking. As a result, an 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari gives you a complete East African experience.
In addition, the trip is easy to follow. First, you drive through Uganda’s western parks. Then you cross the border at Katuna and continue by road through Rwanda. Therefore, you avoid extra flights between the two countries.
The route also covers a wide range of experiences.
- Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth: big game, Nile and channel cruises.
- Kibale and Nyungwe: chimpanzees in two different forests.
- Bwindi and Volcanoes: mountain gorillas in two countries.
- Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu: calm water and easy rest days.
- Kigali: a modern capital with strong history and culture.
Moreover, this combination builds toward a big finish. Best of all, you end in Nyungwe with a walk on the forest canopy.
18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Route and Travel Times
First, this table shows your trip at a glance. Meals are full board on safari days, and each day below lists them. Please note that drive times are approximate, because stops and border checks add time.
| Day | Route | Travel time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Short transfer | Entebbe |
| 2 | Entebbe to Murchison via Ziwa | 5 to 6 hours | Murchison Falls |
| 3 | Game drive and Nile cruise | Local game drives | Murchison Falls |
| 4 | Murchison Falls to Kibale | 6 to 7 hours | Kibale |
| 5 | Chimp tracking and Bigodi walk | Short local transfers | Kibale |
| 6 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | 2.5 to 3 hours | Queen Elizabeth |
| 7 | Game drive and Kazinga cruise | Local game drives | Queen Elizabeth |
| 8 | Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | 5 to 6 hours | Bwindi |
| 9 | Gorilla trekking in Uganda | Short transfer | Bwindi |
| 10 | Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi | 3 to 4 hours | Lake Bunyonyi |
| 11 | Cross the border to Kigali | 4 to 5 hours with border | Kigali |
| 12 | Kigali to Volcanoes | 2 to 2.5 hours | Volcanoes area |
| 13 | Gorilla trekking in Rwanda | Short transfer | Volcanoes area |
| 14 | Golden monkeys and Lake Kivu | 1.5 to 2 hours | Lake Kivu |
| 15 | Lake Kivu to Nyungwe | 5 to 6 hours | Nyungwe |
| 16 | Chimp tracking and canopy walk | Short local transfers | Nyungwe |
| 17 | Nyungwe to Kigali | 5 to 6 hours | Kigali |
| 18 | Departure from Kigali | Short airport transfer | Departure |
18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Travel time: Short transfer. Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
Welcome to Uganda. Your driver-guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport. Then you transfer to your hotel and rest after your flight.
Later, your guide walks you through your 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari. Together, you check the plan and note any dietary needs.
Mid-range stay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Luxury stay: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive north. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A ranger guides you on foot, so you can stand close to the white rhinos.
Next, continue to Murchison Falls National Park. By late afternoon, you reach your lodge and settle in.
Mid-range stay: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start early with a game drive on the northern plains. You may find lions, elephants, giraffes and buffaloes. In fact, morning light is best for photos.
After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. Meanwhile, you travel toward the base of Murchison Falls. Hippos, crocodiles and birds line the banks.
Mid-range stay: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Travel time: 6 to 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is a long drive, so you leave early. You cross the Nile by ferry and travel through farmland and villages. By evening, you reach the hills near Fort Portal.
Once you arrive, eat and rest. Then sleep early, because tomorrow starts with chimpanzees.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Cottages
Luxury stay: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Travel time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
First, join a ranger briefing. Then walk into Kibale Forest to track habituated chimpanzees. The forest is home to 13 primate species, so you will see and hear much more than chimps.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Once there, a local guide leads you along the swamp trail. Also look out for monkeys and birds.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Cottages
Luxury stay: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes scenic crater lakes, so keep your camera ready. After lunch, join an afternoon game drive. In fact, early evening is a good time to spot animals on the plains.
Mid-range stay: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Begin with a sunrise game drive across the savannah. You may find elephants, buffaloes, lions and kobs. In fact, early morning is the best time for lions.
After lunch, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is 32 kilometers long. It is packed with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. In addition, elephants often come to the shore to drink.
Mid-range stay: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours, including the Ishasha route. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you travel south toward Bwindi. On the way, search the Ishasha Sector for the famous tree-climbing lions. Then the road climbs through the terraced hills of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.”
By late afternoon, you reach your lodge. Prepare your gear for tomorrow’s trek, because the forest can be wet and steep.
Mid-range stay: Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury stay: Buhoma Lodge
Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Travel time: Short transfer to the trailhead. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
This is the first big highlight of your 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari. After a briefing, trackers lead you into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be short or long. Either way, the reward is worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend one magical hour with them. You watch them feed, play and care for their young. Later, you can visit the Batwa community. However, this visit is optional.
Mid-range stay: Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury stay: Buhoma Lodge
Day 10: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel time: 3 to 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive through the hills toward Lake Bunyonyi. The road winds past terraced farms and valley views. By afternoon, you reach the lake.
Then settle in and relax. After a big trek, your body will thank you for the rest.
Mid-range stay: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Luxury stay: Arcadia Cottages
Day 11: Cross the Border to Kigali
Travel time: 4 to 5 hours, including the border. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you cross from Uganda into Rwanda at the Katuna border. First, your guide helps with the exit and entry checks. Then you continue by road to Kigali, Rwanda’s tidy capital.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or explore the city. Because the visit is moving, allow time to reflect.
Mid-range stay: Lemigo Hotel
Luxury stay: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 12: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The road climbs through green hills and farms. By midday, the Virunga volcanoes come into view.
In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or visit a local community. Meanwhile, your guide briefs you for tomorrow’s trek.
Mid-range stay: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury stay: Virunga Lodge
Day 13: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Travel time: Short transfer to the trailhead. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Today you trek again, this time on the Rwandan side of the Virungas. First, trackers lead you up the slopes through bamboo and mist. Then you meet another gorilla family and spend one hour with them.
Because each gorilla family has its own character, this trek feels fresh. Afterwards, return to your lodge and share the day over dinner.
Mid-range stay: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury stay: Virunga Lodge
Day 14: Golden Monkeys and Lake Kivu
Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
First, track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest. These rare primates are playful and easy to watch. Then drive west to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes.
By afternoon, you reach the shore. Because the day is gentle, you can swim, walk or watch the sunset.
Mid-range stay: Paradis Malahide
Luxury stay: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel
Day 15: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive south along the Lake Kivu shore. The road winds through tea hills and small towns. Finally, you reach Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Once you arrive, rest and enjoy the cool forest air. Then prepare for an early start tomorrow.
Mid-range stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury stay: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 16: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Travel time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
At dawn, set out to track chimpanzees in Nyungwe. The group is large and lively, so the morning can be exciting. In addition, other primates may appear along the trail.
Later in the day, walk the canopy walkway above the trees. From there, you look across the forest roof. However, the bridge is high, so tell your guide if heights worry you.
Mid-range stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Luxury stay: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 17: Nyungwe to Kigali
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast, drive north to Kigali. On the way, you cross rolling tea country and busy villages. By late afternoon, you reach the capital.
Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Meanwhile, you can browse local crafts or relax at your hotel.
Mid-range stay: Lemigo Hotel
Luxury stay: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 18: Departure from Kigali
Travel time: Short airport transfer. Meals: Breakfast.
Have a relaxed breakfast to end your 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari. Then your driver-guide takes you to Kigali International Airport. Please confirm your flight time with us when you book.
Where You Will Stay on an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Your lodge is more than a bed. After a long day, it is where you rest, eat and share stories. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Area | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe | Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa |
| Murchison Falls | Pakuba Safari Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| Kibale | Kibale Cottages | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| Queen Elizabeth | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Bwindi | Gorilla Mist Camp | Buhoma Lodge |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Arcadia Cottages |
| Kigali | Lemigo Hotel | Kigali Serena Hotel |
| Volcanoes | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Virunga Lodge |
| Lake Kivu | Paradis Malahide | Serena Lake Kivu Hotel |
| Nyungwe | Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | One&Only Nyungwe House |
Mid-range lodges and camps offer comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. They also serve good food and have friendly service.
Luxury lodges and camps offer spacious suites, fine dining and excellent views. Therefore, they suit honeymooners and special occasions.
Lodges near Bwindi and Volcanoes sell out early. For this reason, book your 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari well ahead for the dry months.
Meals on Your Safari
Good food keeps you strong on a long trip. For this reason, your lodge serves three meals a day on safari days.
- Breakfast: Hot or continental, often before the morning activity.
- Lunch: A lodge lunch, a picnic or a packed lunch on trek days.
- Dinner: A multi-course meal, often with local dishes.
Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book. Most lodges can then adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is also provided in the vehicle.
Travel Time and the Border Crossing
Overall, this trip has several long drives. However, rest days and short days balance them. For this reason, we plan early starts on long driving days.
- Entebbe to Murchison Falls (via Ziwa): 5 to 6 hours.
- Murchison Falls to Kibale: 6 to 7 hours.
- Kibale to Queen Elizabeth: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi: 5 to 6 hours.
- Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi: 3 to 4 hours.
- Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali, including the border: 4 to 5 hours.
- Kigali to Volcanoes: 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Volcanoes to Lake Kivu: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Lake Kivu to Nyungwe: 5 to 6 hours.
- Nyungwe to Kigali: 5 to 6 hours.
Your guide helps with the border formalities. However, queue times vary, so we build in extra time. As a result, the crossing is smooth and low stress.
How Much Does an 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari Cost?
An 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari costs from about $9,500 to $27,000 per person. The table shows typical prices for two travelers sharing a room. In short, your final cost is set by the choices that follow.
| Lodge level | Low season (March to May, November) | High season (June to October, Christmas) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | $9,500 to $11,200 per person | $11,500 to $13,500 per person |
| Luxury | $17,000 to $20,000 per person | $21,000 to $27,000 per person |
These prices usually cover lodges, meals, park fees, gorilla and chimp permits, the 4×4 vehicle and a driver-guide. Meanwhile, solo travelers pay a single supplement. However, larger groups often pay less per person, because they share vehicle costs.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle costs.
- Season: July to October and the Christmas period are the busiest and costliest.
- Permits: Rwanda gorilla permits cost much more than Uganda permits.
Permits and park fees are large parts of the cost. However, these fees change from time to time. Therefore, ask us for the current rates when you request a quote.
What Is Included in an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- A 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits as listed.
- Park entry fees, plus the Nile and Kazinga Channel boat cruises.
- Drinking water during the trip.
Usually not included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as the Batwa visit.
Inclusions depend on the package you choose. However, we confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best Time for an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Overall, you can travel all year. However, some months suit this route better.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry and warm | Great for treks and game drives |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, muddy trails |
| June to September | Driest season | Peak season, best trail conditions |
| October to November | Short rains | Lush forests, good birding |
The dry months are the easiest for gorilla trekking and game drives. Because trails are drier, hikes are easier. On the other hand, the green season has its own charm, with fewer visitors and lower prices.
Wildlife on an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
This route covers many different habitats. As a result, you see a wide range of animals.
Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth
Both parks offer classic savannah wildlife. Expect elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles. In addition, lions are possible on game drives.
Kibale National Park
Kibale has one of the highest primate counts in Africa. Chimpanzees are the stars. Also, red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi protects around half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The dense forest also shelters other primates, forest birds and butterflies.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes protects mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In fact, its bamboo slopes are among the best places to see these rare primates.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe is a huge, ancient rainforest. It shelters chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and many birds. Moreover, its canopy walkway gives you a view above the trees.
Who Is an 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari For?
This 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari works well for many travelers. For example, couples enjoy the lodges and quiet lake days. Families with older children also enjoy the variety. Finally, photographers love the changing light and landscapes.
It is also a strong choice for primate lovers. Because the route covers gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys, it is hard to beat. If you want more time, we can add Akagera National Park for big game in Rwanda.
What to Pack for Uganda and Rwanda
Good packing makes every day of your 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari easier. First, choose light, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors. Next, bring a warm layer for cool forest mornings. Also pack sturdy boots, gardening gloves and a rain jacket for gorilla trekking. A camera with a zoom lens and binoculars are useful, too. Finally, avoid plastic bags, because Rwanda bans them.
Visas, Health and Safety
In general, most visitors need an entry visa or travel authorization for each country. Fortunately, both Uganda and Rwanda let you apply online before you travel. Please check the latest rules for your passport on each official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Do not trek if you feel ill. Gorillas can catch human illnesses.
Uganda and Rwanda are welcoming countries, and a safari here is generally safe. Moreover, your guides know the roads and the rules of each park.
Tips for Your 18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari
- Book early. Gorilla permits sell out in busy months.
- Pack layers. Mornings are cool, and afternoons are warm.
- Leave plastic bags at home. Rwanda bans them.
- Carry cash for tips and small purchases.
- Ask about fitness levels. Gorilla treks can be steep.
- Keep your passport handy for the border crossing.
Ways to Extend Your 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Eighteen days is a great trip. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Akagera National Park: big game and boat trips in eastern Rwanda.
- Lake Kivu: extra beach days on the Rwandan shore.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: remote wilderness in northern Uganda.
- Tanzania: add the Serengeti for a three-country trip.
- Kenya: add the Maasai Mara for big cats.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can then add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. We plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our team knows the region well and plans every 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari with care.
First, we keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. As a result, you get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a shorter route? Explore our other Uganda and Rwanda safari packages. Alternatively, ask us to build a custom plan.
18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari FAQs
How much is an 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari?
Prices start from about $9,500 per person for mid-range and about $17,000 for luxury, with two travelers sharing. Prices rise in the peak months. Therefore, please contact us for a clear quote.
Which parks does the 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari visit?
It visits Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi in Uganda. It also visits Volcanoes and Nyungwe in Rwanda.
Does the 18-day Uganda and Rwanda safari include two gorilla treks?
Yes. You trek gorillas in Bwindi on day 9 and in Volcanoes on day 13. As a result, you meet two different gorilla families.
How do we cross the border on the Uganda and Rwanda safari?
We cross by road at the Katuna border on day 11. Your guide helps with the formalities. However, queue times vary, so we build in extra time.
How long are the drives on this safari?
The longest drives are Murchison Falls to Kibale, and the legs from Lake Kivu to Nyungwe and from Nyungwe to Kigali. They take 5 to 7 hours each. Meanwhile, your driver-guide makes regular stops.
Are meals included on the 18 days Uganda and Rwanda safari?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on safari days. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to September and December to February are the driest months. Meanwhile, the green season has fewer visitors.
How fit do I need to be?
Gorilla and chimp treks involve hiking in hills. However, moderate fitness is enough. Please tell us about any concerns, and we will then adjust the plan.
Plan Your 18-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Ready to see gorillas, chimps and big game in two countries? Contact Steady Safaris today. Then tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
