UGANDA & RWANDA SAFARIS
Discover Uganda & Rwanda Safaris combining mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, classic African wildlife, tropical forests, volcanic landscapes, scenic lakes and cultural experiences in one carefully planned private journey. Our Uganda Rwanda safari packages range from focused gorilla adventures to longer journeys combining primates, wildlife and the diverse landscapes of both countries.
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, provides exceptional variety, from Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks to Kibale, Bwindi, the Rwenzori Mountains and the lakes of south-western Uganda. Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, adds the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali and Lake Kivu. Together, they create a distinctive Uganda Rwanda private safari experience that can be tailored around your interests, available time and preferred accommodation.
Private Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
A private Uganda Rwanda safari gives you the flexibility to explore two of East Africa’s most rewarding destinations at your own pace, with private transportation, professional guiding and carefully selected accommodation.
Depending on your interests, your journey can combine Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, wildlife viewing, Boat Safaris, scenic landscapes and cultural experiences. You can begin in Uganda and finish in Rwanda, travel in the opposite direction, or customise the route around your international flights, permits and available time.
Our Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari options range from focused 8-day journeys to broader 12-day primate and wildlife experiences and comprehensive 16-day itineraries. Each can also serve as a starting point for a tailor-made journey.
Why Combine Uganda & Rwanda?
Uganda and Rwanda are close neighbours, yet each offers a distinctive safari experience. Combining them allows travellers to experience mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, tropical forests, volcanic landscapes and scenic lakes within one carefully planned private journey.
Gorilla Trekking Across the Great Lakes Region
A Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari can combine the rainforest setting of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This creates a distinctive Gorilla Trekking experience across two remarkable mountain environments.
Chimpanzees, Primates & Tropical Forests
Uganda adds exceptional primate experiences to Uganda and Rwanda safaris, particularly through Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park. A Uganda Rwanda chimpanzee safari can combine chimpanzees and other forest primates with Gorilla Trekking and Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes.
Savannah Wildlife & Classic Safari Experiences
A Uganda Rwanda wildlife safari can extend beyond primates into classic African wildlife viewing. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks offer game drives, while the River Nile and Kazinga Channel add memorable Boat Safaris to selected Uganda Rwanda safari packages.
Culture & Community Experiences
Uganda Rwanda safari packages can also incorporate cultural and community experiences, including village visits, coffee experiences, local activities and community-led encounters. These experiences add a human dimension to the wildlife journey and provide opportunities to connect with communities surrounding the destinations.
Explore by Safari Collections
One of the easiest ways to choose among Uganda Rwanda safari collections is to begin with the experience you most want to have. From Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking to wildlife, birding, Boat Safaris and cultural experiences, each can be incorporated into a private safari itinerary.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking is a defining experience of many Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari journeys. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offer distinctive settings for encountering mountain gorillas, with opportunities to combine trekking with wildlife, primates, scenery and cultural experiences.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee Tracking adds a rewarding forest experience to Uganda and Rwanda safaris, with Kibale National Park providing one of Uganda’s leading chimpanzee destinations. A Uganda Rwanda chimpanzee safari can combine habituated chimpanzee encounters with Gorilla Trekking, wildlife viewing and other forest experiences.
Wildlife Safaris
A Uganda Rwanda wildlife safari adds classic African wildlife to a primate-focused journey. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks provide opportunities for guided Game Drives and wildlife viewing, while longer Uganda Rwanda safari tours can incorporate additional wildlife destinations.
Birding Safaris
Uganda and Rwanda offer diverse birding environments spanning tropical forests, wetlands, savannahs, lakes and highland ecosystems. Travellers with a strong birding interest can request a Uganda Rwanda private safari tailored around preferred habitats, bird species, photography opportunities and a more flexible safari itinerary.
Cultural Safaris
Cultural Experiences add a human dimension to Uganda Rwanda safari tours, connecting travellers with communities, traditions, crafts, food, music and village life. Selected itineraries can incorporate locally led experiences alongside wildlife and primate activities, creating a more rounded journey through Uganda and Rwanda.
Explore by Destination
Uganda and Rwanda offer a remarkable variety of destinations, and the best combination depends on the experiences you want to prioritise.
Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: is one of the defining destinations for Gorilla Trekking and forms the Uganda component of several cross-border journeys.
Kibale National Park: is central to Chimpanzee Tracking and primate-focused safaris.
Murchison Falls National Park: combines savannah wildlife with the River Nile and one of Uganda’s most dramatic landscapes.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: provides classic game drives and the renowned Kazinga Channel Boat Safari.
Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda add scenic highland landscapes and opportunities for relaxation around the south-western lakes.
Rwenzori Mountains: provide a completely different mountain experience for travellers interested in landscapes, foothill nature walks and community experiences without necessarily undertaking a summit expedition.
Semuliki National Park: introduces a lowland tropical forest environment and the spectacular Sempaya Hot Springs.
Jinja: provides an adventure-oriented extension through the River Nile, the Source of the Nile, city experiences and white-water rafting.
Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park: is the principal Rwanda destination within our cross-border gorilla journeys, offering dramatic volcanic scenery and access to the Virunga landscape.
Kigali: provides the country’s principal urban and cultural gateway and can be used as either the beginning or conclusion of a safari.
Lake Kivu: provides a peaceful lakeside extension, particularly suitable for travellers who want to slow the pace after wildlife or primate experiences.
Akagera National Park: adds classic wildlife viewing and Big Five experiences to Rwanda-focused journeys.
Nyungwe National Park: provides ancient rainforest, primate experiences and another important ecosystem for travellers exploring Rwanda in greater depth.
Cross-Border Journeys
The greatest advantage of combining Uganda and Rwanda is that the destinations do not need to be treated as separate holidays. A well-designed private journey can begin in Entebbe, travel through Uganda’s wildlife and primate destinations, cross into Rwanda and conclude in Kigali.
Alternatively, travellers arriving in Rwanda can begin around Kigali or Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda for Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale or other destinations.
Cross-border itineraries can be arranged around international flights, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, border procedures, accommodation availability and preferred travel pace.
Explore by Stay Collection
Accommodation is an important part of the safari experience. The same itinerary can feel very different depending on where you stay, which is why Njagi Safaris uses carefully selected Stay Collections to give travellers a clear choice in comfort, setting and service.
Mid-Range Collection
The Mid-Range Collection is designed for travellers seeking comfortable, well-located accommodation and excellent safari value without presenting the journey as a budget safari. Carefully selected properties provide comfort, character and strategic access to the experiences that matter most, allowing more of the travel budget to be directed towards Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and wildlife.
Premium Collection
The Premium Collection provides more refined accommodation, stronger settings, enhanced comfort and elevated service. The safari itinerary remains the focus, but accommodation plays a greater role in the overall experience, with carefully selected properties chosen for their setting, character and quality.
Signature Collection
The Signature Collection is available on selected itineraries for travellers seeking exceptional accommodation, distinctive wilderness settings and greater exclusivity. Availability depends on the destination and itinerary, making it particularly suitable for travellers who place strong emphasis on accommodation, privacy and elevated service.
Top Safari Experiences
Uganda & Rwanda offers a diverse range of experiences beyond traditional game viewing. Explore our featured activities to discover the experiences that can be incorporated into your Uganda & Rwanda Safari.
- Gorilla Trekking – Encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Chimpanzee Tracking– Explore Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest in search of chimpanzees and Kibale National Park, the Primate Capital.
- Wildlife Safaris– Search for the Big Five in Akagera National Park in Rwanda, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park of Uganda.
- Birding– Discover Rwanda’s 703 recorded bird species and ovr 1000 bird species in Uganda.
- Canopy Walk– Experience spectacular views above Nyungwe Forest.
- Golden Monkey Tracking– Search for golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Nature Walks– Explore forests, wetlands and scenic landscapes in Uganda & Rwanda.
- Cultural Experiences– Discover Uganda & Rwanda’s royal heritage, traditions, music and dance.
- Boat Safaris– Explore Lake Ihema, Kazinga Channel and River Nile and other scenic waterways.
Browse our complete Activities collection to discover the experiences that best complement your Uganda & Rwanda Safari.
Choose Your Safari Style
Every traveller experiences Uganda & Rwanda Safaris differently. Explore our Luxury Safaris, Mid-Range Safaris, Private Safaris, Fly-in Safaris, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, Self-Drive Safaris, and Tailor-Made Safaris to find the travel style that best matches your preferred pace, comfort level, interests and available time.
Featured Uganda & Rwanda Safari Packages
Our Uganda & Rwanda safari packages are designed around different travel priorities and available time. Choose a focused gorilla journey, a broader primate and wildlife safari, or an extended cross-border adventure covering both countries in greater depth.
Featured itineraries include:
- 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Explorer | Virunga & Bwindi Odyssey
- 12-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari | Primate & Savannah
- 16-Day Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari | Pearl & Thousand Hills Grand Safari
Browse All Safaris Packages to discover the complete collection of professionally crafted Uganda & Rwanda safari packages.
Planning Your Rwanda Safari
Planning a cross-border safari means balancing destinations, experiences, travel time, permits, accommodation and international flights. The ideal itinerary depends on how much time you have and whether your priority is Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, wildlife, scenery, culture or a combination of experiences.
Choosing the Right Safari Length
Our Uganda Rwanda safari packages range from focused 8-day journeys to comprehensive 16-day adventures. Around 8 days suits travellers concentrating on Gorilla Trekking and the Virunga region, while 12 days allows a broader combination of primates, wildlife and Boat Safaris. A 16-day journey provides greater scope for additional destinations, scenic lakes, cultural experiences and a more relaxed pace.
When to Travel & How to Plan
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. June–September and December–February are popular for trekking and wildlife viewing, while March–May and October–November bring greener landscapes and potentially fewer visitors. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking permits should be planned early, particularly during busy periods. Private itineraries can also be adjusted around international flights, border arrangements, accommodation preferences and additional nights.
Why Travel with Njagi Safaris?
At Njagi Safaris, we design private Uganda and Rwanda journeys around the relationship between destinations, experiences, accommodation and the traveller’s priorities. Our Uganda & Rwanda expertise allows us to combine Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences into coherent itineraries, supported by carefully selected Stay Collections and practical cross-border planning.
Every journey is planned around the traveller rather than a fixed formula, with private transportation, professional guiding and flexibility around interests, pace, accommodation and travel arrangements. Whether your priority is gorillas, wildlife, chimpanzees, birding, photography, culture or a refined accommodation experience, we can help match your priorities with the right Uganda Rwanda safari package.
Conservation & Responsible Tourism
Uganda and Rwanda are home to important wildlife and forest habitats, with tourism contributing to conservation and surrounding communities. Gorilla and chimpanzee tourism, in particular, helps support the protection of forest ecosystems and local livelihoods.
During wildlife, gorilla and chimpanzee experiences, travellers should follow the guidance of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), respect wildlife and observe all conservation protocols.
Njagi Safaris incorporates responsible tourism into itinerary planning by working within protected-area regulations, supporting appropriate local experiences and encouraging travellers to respect wildlife, communities and natural environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trek gorillas in Uganda and visit Rwanda?
The ideal duration depends on your interests and travel pace. 8 days can focus on gorilla trekking and the Virunga region, while 12 days allows a broader combination of primates, wildlife and boat safaris. Journeys of 16 days or more provide more time for wildlife, scenery, culture and relaxed exploration.
Can I include Chimpanzee Tracking?
Yes. Uganda and Rwanda safaris are well suited to private cross-border journeys. Uganda Rwanda safari packages can combine Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls with Volcanoes National Park, Kigali, Lake Kivu and other destinations in Rwanda.
Does a Uganda & Rwanda Safari include Boat Safaris?
Both offer exceptional experiences. Uganda’s Bwindi provides an ancient rainforest setting, while Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The best choice depends on your itinerary, budget, travel time and preferred experience.
What is the best time to travel?
Yes. This is one of the advantages of Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari itineraries. You can trek gorillas in Bwindi and continue across the border to Volcanoes National Park, Kigali or Lake Kivu.
Are Uganda & Rwanda Safaris private?
Yes. Kibale National Park can be included in a Uganda Rwanda chimpanzee safari, allowing travellers to combine chimpanzee tracking with gorilla trekking and classic wildlife viewing.
Can I start in Uganda and finish in Rwanda?
Yes. Uganda offers Big Five wildlife viewing in selected national parks. Sightings depend on habitat, season and animal movements, so wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Are these safaris suitable for families?
Selected Uganda Rwanda safari tours include boat experiences, such as the Nile Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park and the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Can I add Jinja to a Uganda & Rwanda Safari?
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. June to September and December to February are popular for trekking and wildlife viewing, while March to May and October to November generally offer greener landscapes and potentially fewer visitors.
Can I add Jinja to a Uganda & Rwanda Safari?
Uganda Rwanda safari cost varies according to duration, accommodation collection, number of travellers, permits, park fees, transportation, activities and season. Our published Uganda Rwanda safari packages and prices provide starting prices, while tailor-made journeys are quoted according to the final itinerary.
Ready to Plan Your Uganda & Rwanda Safari?
When you already know exactly where you want to go or are still deciding between Uganda, Rwanda or a combination of both, our safari specialists can help you identify the itinerary that best matches your interests, available time and preferred accommodation collection. From a focused gorilla journey to a comprehensive wildlife and primate adventure, Uganda and Rwanda offer the opportunity to experience remarkable landscapes and wildlife within one carefully planned private journey.