UGANDA RWANDA SAFARIS-UGANDA RWANDA TOURS
Top Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda Primate Tracking Tours Primate tracking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda involve engaging in the following activities. Gorilla trekking Gorilla […]
Uganda Rwanda Safaris: Uganda Rwanda Safari | Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Viewing & Cultural Community Uganda and Rwanda Tours
Personalized Affordable Rwanda Tanzania Safari For Single And Small Group Travellers, Amazing Gorilla Trekking, African Wildlife Viewing With Unique Community Cultural Rwanda Tanzania Safari Tours That Offer The Best African Safari Experiences And Value For Your Money
Embark on unforgettable Uganda Rwanda safaris, the ultimate East African adventure. You will enjoy thrilling primate trekking and then relax in the region’s incredible savannah wildlife. Along the way, you will enjoy vibrant cultural encounters in both countries, creating a bucket-list journey you’ll never forget.
Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa because of its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity. This was coined by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1908.
Rwanda is affectionately called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” (and originally “Pays des Mille Collines” in French) because its landscape is almost entirely defined by endless, lush, rolling terrain.
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a variety of tourism types, including religious tourism, leisure and wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.
The two countries, Rwanda and Uganda, are politically stable, assuring safety for travellers.
Key Highlights About Uganda Rwanda Safaris
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
- A detailed overview of the top tours to engage in on a Uganda-Rwanda trip
- Detailed overview of the top travel destinations to visit, where to stay, costs to incur, best time to travel, packing list, and other important information.
Although these countries share some similarities in their national parks and cultures, each destination has unique points limited to itself making it a haven of wonders. The great cultures and their traditions among these two countries are also rewarding to explore. In contrast to Rwanda’s homogenous setting, Uganda is a culturally diverse country with over 64 tribes each featuring varying traditions and customs.
Sample Uganda Rwanda Safaris: Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris Itineraries | African Wildlife & Cultural Uganda And Rwanda Tours Packages
Top Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda
Primate Tracking Tours
Primate tracking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda involve engaging in the following activities.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is among the most interesting safari adventures that travellers on Uganda Rwanda safaris should not miss.
Travelers on mountain gorilla trekking safaris/gorilla tours should be prepared for varying weather conditions when trekking in the jungles. Before they embark on such a trip, they should pack specific items and gear.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking involves trekking through the dense forests of the gorilla parks in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
The gorilla trek usually includes a briefing on the dos and don’ts before the hike. During the briefing, the travelers are grouped in a maximum of 8 people, which is allowed to track a particular gorilla family per day.
Gorilla treks to locate a particular gorilla group take about 2 to 6 hours, and once it is found, visitors are given one hour of observation where they witness different behaviors of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The best time for a gorilla trekking adventure/gorilla tour is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
Other Destinations for Gorilla Tours
- Virunga National Park of DR Congo – Home to over 350 mountain gorillas living in the southern sector, making it the top destination for gorilla tours.
- Kahuzi Biega National Park of DR Congo – With over 400 lowland gorillas living in the highland sector. The eastern lowland gorillas are the biggest gorilla subspecies.
To engage in Rwanda, Congo, or Uganda gorilla tours, you must have a gorilla trekking permit, and each of these countries charges a different price.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation is another interesting activity to do when on Uganda gorilla tours or Uganda Rwanda safaris. Habituating gorillas prepares wild mountain gorillas for human interaction, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park exclusively conducts this process.
Unlike the usual gorilla trekking experience, travelers on gorilla habituation are given more time, about 4 hours, to spend with these endangered primates.
The entire habituation process lasts approximately 3 years, allowing wild mountain gorillas to acclimatise to human presence and become accessible for gorilla tourism.
Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the amazing safaris to engage in while on a Uganda Rwanda safari.
This interesting safari activity involves tracking through the forest with chimps and observing their unique behaviors. Chimps have 98% DNA similar to that of humans, which makes them our closest relatives.
When on a Uganda Rwanda safari, chimpanzee trekking is commonly done in Kibale National Park, which has the highest population of chimps in the world (over 1,500 individuals).
Other chimpanzee tracking destinations include the following: Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Nyungwe National Park of Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking is another primate safari activity to engage in when on Rwanda Uganda safaris.
It involves tracking through the bamboo forest of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are highly sought after by travelers due to their striking golden fur, playful personalities, and undeniable charm.
Savannah Wildlife and Big Five Safaris
Savannah wildlife and Big Five safaris, when on Uganda Rwanda tours, involve engaging in various activities to spot several wild animals, and these activities include
Game Drives
In Uganda and Rwanda, game drives provide an opportunity to see a variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, and lions, among others.
These game drives are done using 4X4 safari vehicles that have pop-up roofs where visitors can spot various wildlife species in the field.
You can choose from an early morning game drive, afternoon excursions, or evening and night drives to spot elusive nocturnal animals.
These safari drives are done in national parks like Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.
Nature Walking Tours
Nature walking tours are among the most captivating safari activities that will bring you face-to-face encounters with smaller wildlife, rare bird species, plants, and dramatic landscapes.
In Uganda, nature walks are done in Lake Mburo National Park because the park lacks lions; Bwindi NP, Kibale NP, Budongo Central Forest Reserve along the Royal Mile, Kidepo NP, Semuliki NP, among others.
In Rwanda, these nature walks are done in Nyungwe NP along trails like Igishigishigi Trail, Volcanoes NP, and Akagera NP, among other places.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another thrilling safari activity, providing a distinctive viewpoint of the park and its wildlife from the saddle.
Given the fact that wild animals view a horse and rider as a single, non-threatening herbivore, they remain relaxed, allowing for incredibly close wildlife encounters.
In Uganda, this fascinating safari activity is done in Lake Mburo NP, and it is operated out of the luxury Mihingo Lodge, and it ranges from a 30-minute introductory stroll to a 4-hour trek.
Horseback riding in Rwanda takes place near Volcanoes National Park, allowing exploration of the Virunga Mountains’ foothills and the area around Kigali.
Bird Watching Tours
Rwanda and Uganda form one of the world’s premier birding corridors, spanning diverse Albertine Rift habitats.
Together, these East African nations offer an unmatched opportunity to spot over 1,700 combined avian species, including iconic birds like the elusive Shoebill stork and numerous endemic forest dwellers.
Uganda, being the birding capital of Africa, is home to 1070 recorded species, which is 50% of the country’s birdlife. Key species include the shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, and African Green Broadbill.
Top Hotspots in Uganda
- Mabamba Wetland on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, famous for Albertine Rift endemics, including the rare shoebill stork. These are commonly spotted when on a boat cruise.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with over 350 species
- Queen Elizabeth NP, with over 600 species
Top Hotspots in Rwanda
- Nyungwe Forest National Park, with over 44 of the 44 Albertine Rift endemics in Rwanda
- Akagera NP, excellent for savannah and water birds
Cultural Tours
Cultural tours enrich a Uganda-Rwanda safari by introducing you to ancient traditions, royal histories, and community-led conservation initiatives. Combining these experiences with your wildlife tracking bridges the gap between East Africa’s famous nature and its vibrant people.
Uganda has over 50 distinct tribes, but the most famous of the cultural tours is with the Batwa pygmies (Keepers of the Forest). These live at the outskirts of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, and they are known for demonstrating traditional survival skills, hunting skills, among others.
In Rwanda, the profound cultural tours take place in the Gorilla Guardians Village, outside Volcanoes NP, where you will watch the Intore dance, try your hand at archery, and even experience a mock coronation to be crowned “King” or “Queen” for the day.
Engaging in cultural experiences in the Gorilla Guardian Village is a good addition to gorilla tours in Volcanoes NP.
Other cultural tours take place at the King’s Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, among others.
Top Travel Destinations in Uganda and Rwanda
There are several travel destinations you can visit when on Uganda Rwanda tours, and these include
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Famous for Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top travel destinations you shouldn’t miss on your Uganda Rwanda tours.
It was established in 1991 in southwestern Uganda in the Kanungu district and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its ecological biodiversity.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world, over 459 individuals, making it the best destination for a Uganda gorilla tour or African safari.
The park has over 25 habituated mountain gorilla families (gorilla groups) that are split across four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo).
Besides gentle giants, the park shelters 120 other mammals, 350 bird species, 220 butterflies, and various reptiles and amphibians.
Many tourists do gorilla trekking safaris/gorilla tours in Uganda but prefer to access it via Rwanda due to shorter travel distances.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s most visited game park, is undoubtedly one of the must-visit destinations when on a combined Uganda Rwanda safari.
This savannah park spans districts like Rubirizi, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, and Kasese, covering an area of 1,978 square kilometres.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and the park’s unique feature makes it one of the most visited places on an African safari. Other animals include leopards, spotted hyenas, cape buffalo, hippopotamuses, etc., and over 600 bird species, which are worth seeing when on wildlife safaris.
Interesting activities may include a boat cruise, a game drive, and bird watching, among others.
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Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest and oldest national park in Uganda, which must not be left out of a combined safari.
The park is in northwestern Uganda in the districts of Nwoya, Buliisa, Masindi, and Kiryandongo, covering approximately 3,870 km².
It is renowned for the Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall, which forms where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow canyon. This makes it a must-visit destination on any African safari.
Murchison Falls NP is home to over 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant), spotted hyenas, Rothschild’s giraffes, etc., and more than 450 bird species.
Note: In Uganda, rhinos are found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is on the same route to Murchison Falls NP, and the two wildlife areas can be toured on the same trip. However, to see rhinos, you must have booked a rhino tracking tour.
Interesting things to do include a boat cruise, hiking to the top of the Falls, game drives, bird watching, etc.
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Kibale Forest National Park (The Primate Capital of The World)
Kibale Forest National Park is a place to visit when on Rwanda Uganda tours, especially for chimpanzee trekking safaris.
The park is in the Kabarole District in the western region of the country, 26 km from Fort Portal, and covers about 766 km².
Kibale National Park is home to over 13 primate species, including more than 1500 chimpanzees, making it the destination for chimpanzee trekking in Africa.
Though Kibale is the most popular destination for Chimpanzee tracking, this primate species can also be tracked near Queen Elizabeth NP in Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Budongo Forest.
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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga gorilla NP is another gorilla park that you can visit on a combined Uganda Rwanda safari. The park is in south-western Uganda in Kisoro District, covering about 34 km².
The park is popular for being home to over 30 mountain gorillas, making it the second destination for a Uganda gorilla tour.
It is the only park in Uganda that shelters the endangered golden monkeys, making it one of the best destinations for golden monkey tracking when on Rwanda Uganda tours.
Mgahinga NP, the second park for golden monkey tracking after Volcanoes NP, is undoubtedly one of the must-visit parks on an African safari.
Mgahinga National Park is also home to Bushbucks, Duikers, Forest Elephants, bushpigs, etc., and various bird species, 14 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
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Kidepo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the Kaabong District in the extreme Northeastern corner of Uganda along the international borders of South Sudan and Kenya.
Covering 1,442 km², this remote wilderness is a rugged haven where rare wildlife species await adventurous travelers.
Over 77 mammals, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, and massive herds of Cape buffalo, as well as over 475 bird species, inhabit Kidepo Valley National Park.
It is a wonderful place for game drives, guided nature strolls, birding, and cultural tours, especially with the Karamojongs, among others.
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Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park of Uganda, in the Bundibugyo District, is another safari park to visit on a combined trip.
The park protects East Africa’s only true lowland tropical rainforest, spanning 220 square kilometres across the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley.
It protects over 53 mammals, including forest elephants, forest buffaloes, and leopards, and primates like chimpanzees, among others. It is also a birder’s haven with over 440 avian species, including 35 Central African species found nowhere else in East Africa.
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Mount Elgon National Park
Uganda’s Mount Elgon NP is another place to visit on a combined safari, lying along the border of Uganda and Kenya.
Both countries share the park, with Uganda occupying the largest portion of 1110 km² and Kenya retaining 169 km².
Mount Elgon National Park has one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, covering over 40 km².
Key hotspots in the park include Mt Elgon, ancient caves, various mammal species, over 300 bird species, and distinct plant zones with rare plant species, among others.
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Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is in the extreme southwestern region of Uganda, nestled within the scenic Kigezi Highlands.
It is known to be the second deepest crater lake in the world. Lake Bunyonyi boasts 26 islands, with some inhabited and others uninhabited.
Lake Bunyonyi is named after a local word that means “a place of many birds.” Some of the interesting activities to enjoy include a boat cruise, birdwatching, safe swimming, and island exploration, among others.
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Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is among the top destinations to visit on a Uganda Rwanda safari. The park is located in the far northwestern corner of the country. It neighbours Uganda’s Mgahinga NP and the Virunga National Park in the DRC.
The park is home to around 380 mountain gorillas, some of which are distributed among 12 habituated gorilla families and more, making it the best destination for a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.
Besides mountain gorillas, it is home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, duikers, and bushbucks, among others.
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Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park worth visiting on a combined safari, situated in the northeastern region of the country.
The main attraction is the high population of the Big Five (lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, and leopards), water bodies like Lake Ihema, and various bird species, among others.
Key activities include game drives, birdwatching, and boat cruises, among others.
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Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is in southwestern Rwanda, covering approximately 1,019 square kilometres.
It is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with two main groups fully habituated for morning tracking safaris. It also shelters L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, silver monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
The park is famous for canopy walking tours, where travelers from a suspended bridge can see various attractions in the park, making it a must-visit destination on an African safari or Rwanda Uganda tour.
Activities in the park include canopy walking, birdwatching, and chimpanzee tracking, among others.
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Gishwati Mukura National Park
This is Rwanda’s newest and smallest national park, covering just 34 square kilometres, established in 2015. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its biological importance.
It is home to eastern chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red river hogs, black-fronted duikers, and over 230 bird species, among other attractions.
Key activities include nature strolls, bird watching, and community tours, among others.
Costs To Incur on A Uganda-Rwanda Safari
There are various costs to incur when on this African safari, and some of these include
Park Entrance Fees in Uganda: This ranges from $35-$45 for foreign non-residents, $25-$35 for foreign residents, $20-$30 for the rest of Africa, and UGX15,000-$25,000 for East African citizens.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda: Permits cost $800 for foreign residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi NP: Permits cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, $1,000 for the rest of Africa, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permits in Kibale NP: Permits cost $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African citizens.
Park Entrance Fees in Rwanda: Entry fees are about $100 for foreign non-residents, $40-$60 for foreign residents, and RwF 10,000 for Rwandan/EAC citizens.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit: $1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African residents. There is also a discounted gorilla permit in Rwanda during the low season, but to obtain it, some conditions must be met.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permits in Nyungwe: Permits cost $150 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East African citizens per person.
Note: Travelers should book gorilla and chimpanzee permits at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability.
Where To Stay When on a Uganda-Rwanda Safari?
There are various accommodation options, including luxury lodges, mid-range, and budget facilities across Rwanda and Uganda. Your choice of lodging will depend primarily on your budget and the travel destinations you’re going to.
Budget options and campsites provide low-cost lodging, mid-range facilities offer comfortable stays at fair prices, and luxury accommodations deliver high-end services at a premium.
Best Time for Uganda and Rwanda Safaris
The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season between June and September and December to February.
During this time, the roads leading to different travel destinations are passable, and vegetation in the park withers, which eases wildlife spotting, game drives, mountaineering, among other safari activities.
Some tourists may also travel during the wet season between march to May and October to November because of discounts on some activities and accommodation facilities and the desire to tour with fewer crowds.
How To Get to Uganda and Rwanda for A Safari?
To get to Uganda and Rwanda for a safari, most visitors fly into the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda or the Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda.
Given that these two countries share the same border, you can easily land in one country and take a ground safari across it.
For convenience, when booking a flight, you can book an arrival flight into Kigali and a departure flight out of Entebbe International Airport, or vice versa, preventing you from having to travel back to your starting point.
When Using Regional Flights
To skip long road transfers, you can book scheduled flights either using Bar Aviation or Aerolink Uganda. These operate domestic flights to different airstrips in Uganda.
RwandAir also operates international flights connecting Entebbe International Airport (EBB) directly to Kigali (KGL) in under an hour.
When Using Ground Transportation
There are two border crossings that you can use.
- Cyanika Border Post: Best if you are travelling between Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
- Katuna Border Post: Best if you are travelling between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda).
Packing List for Uganda and Rwanda Safari
There are several essential items to pack for a successful trip, and they include
- Long-sleeved shirts & long trousers: These should be of neutral colours.
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Tough gardening gloves
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Electronics like a camera, a UK plug adapter, and a high-capacity power bank
- A waterproof daypack to be used for carrying some of the personal items.
- A Yellow Fever Certificate, as one of the entry requirements for both countries. You can read more about what to pack for a Uganda or Rwanda safari.
Reputable Travel Companies to Use for Uganda and Rwanda Safaris
Here are the top-rated tour companies specialising in exceptional, cross-border safaris through Uganda and Rwanda.
- Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Safari Uganda Safaris
- Gorilla Safaris And Tours
- A Uganda Safari
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Uganda Birding Safaris
- Gorilla Trekking Uganda
- Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
- Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
- Gorilla Safari Rwanda
Some Of the Top Rwanda and Uganda Safari Packages
From the following, you can choose a safari package that fits your budget and the time you would like to spend.
- 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali
- 6 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Tour – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife, Community
- 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – Gorilla Trekking tours in Bwindi & Volcanoes Park & Wildlife Game Viewing Tour in Lake Mburo & Queen Elizabeth
- 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari
- 10 Days Adventure Vacation Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Africa
- 13 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Tour – Gorilla Tracking, Chimps, Wildlife, Scenery, Community Viewing
- 14 Days Uganda & Rwanda Comprehensive Safari
- 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Community, and Wildlife Tour
Uganda Rwanda Safaris FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Is It Better to See Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda? / Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?
Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla tours depends on one’s choice.
Rwanda is ideal if you want maximum luxury, shorter hikes, and quick access from the airport, while Uganda is the better choice for budget travellers, longer, wilder trekking adventures, and more diverse overall wildlife safaris after the gorilla trek.
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Is Rwanda Good for Safari?
Rwanda is widely considered a fantastic safari destination in Africa, famous for premium ecotourism. It is celebrated for immersive primate trekking, varied savannah safaris, cultural tours, and a lot more.
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What Is The 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari?
The 10 days Uganda Rwanda safari may feature interesting gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, community tours, and a Kigali City tour.
Safari destinations to visit may be as follows:
Day 1 & 2: Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 3 & 4: Kibale National Park & Bigodi Village
Day 5 & 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 8 & 9: Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Village
Day 10: Kigali city and a drop-off at the Airport
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Does Uganda Have a Good Safari?
Uganda is excellent for safaris, offering an exceptional, world-class safari experience that uniquely combines traditional savannah game drives with unforgettable primate trekking.
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Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for A Safari?
The choice depends on your budget and travel style. Uganda is better for diverse, budget-friendly safaris and classic game drives. Rwanda is superior for premium, luxury travel and quick, hassle-free gorilla trekking.
Book your Uganda–Rwanda safari to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, warm local culture, and much more.
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