5 Days Safari in Uganda & Rwanda

Tour overview

Uganda first, Rwanda second — this 5-day Uganda and Rwanda safari suits arrivals at Entebbe who want Uganda’s more affordable gorilla permit (USD 800) in Bwindi, followed by Rwanda’s polished capital culture and optional golden monkey encounter near Volcanoes NP.

The Cyanika border near Kisoro is the natural crossing point after Bwindi, keeping Day 4 drives manageable. East Africa Tourist Visa recommended.

Places you visit

Key stops along this itinerary — customise dates and lodges when you enquire.

Entebbe / Kampala, Uganda (Start)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Cyanika Border
Volcanoes National Park / Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali (End)

Day-by-day itinerary

Entebbe / Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Pick up from Entebbe or Kampala. Fly Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes) or drive via Mbarara and the Kigezi highlands (8 hours). Lodge check-in on the forest edge.

Evening pre-trek briefing: porter hire, sector headquarters location, packing list and photography rules for tomorrow's gorilla trek.

Drive time8 hours by road; 1 hr 10 min by air

Day 1 | Accommodation

Meal plan: Lunch, dinner

Bwindi forest lodge

Options based on your package

Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Gorilla trekking — Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

07:00 UWA briefing and allocation to your habituated gorilla family. Trek 2–6 hours through steep montane forest; porters available at the trailhead.

Safari activity | Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi

One hour with habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi's ancient forest — UWA rangers lead the trek and present your certificate on return.

One hour with mountain gorillas on contact; certificate on exit. Afternoon rest or optional Batwa cultural walk in the community.

Uganda gorilla permits are currently USD 800 per person (UWA foreign non-resident rate). Sector allocation (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija or Nkuringo) follows your permit booking.

Trek duration2–6 hours round trip

Day 2 | Accommodation

Meal plan: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Bwindi forest lodge

Options based on your package

Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp

Bwindi to Rwanda via Cyanika border

Morning transfer to Cyanika border (approx. 1 hour from Rushaga/Nkuringo sector). Clear Uganda exit and Rwanda entry — your guide manages both immigration posts.

Continue to Volcanoes area or Kigali (3–4 hours total). Optional afternoon Kigali Genocide Memorial if time allows before 17:00.

Drive time1 hr to border; 3–4 hr total to Kigali/Musanze

Day 3 | Accommodation

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Kigali or Musanze

Options based on your package

Luxury: Kigali Serena, Bisate Lodge (Musanze)
Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel, Five Volcanoes
Budget: Step Town Hotel, Muhabura Hotel

Golden monkeys or Kigali cultural tour

Choose at booking: golden monkey trek in Volcanoes NP (RDB permit required, approx. USD 100) OR full Kigali city tour.

Safari activity | Golden monkey trek or Kigali city tour

Golden monkey trek in Volcanoes bamboo forest — or explore Kigali's Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko market and coffee tastings.

City tour covers memorial, Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko market and coffee tastings. Flexibility built in for your interests.

Trek duration2–3 hours (golden monkey option)

Day 4 | Accommodation

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Kigali hotel

Options based on your package

Luxury: Kigali Serena, The Retreat
Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Budget: Step Town Hotel

Departure from Kigali

Breakfast and transfer to Kigali International Airport. Optional craft shopping en route at Kimironko market if your flight departs afternoon or evening.

Your guide assists with airport check-in. East Africa Tourist Visa covers both Uganda and Rwanda for eligible nationalities. End of services — Entebbe arrival, Kigali departure, no backtracking to Kampala.

Drive time20–30 min city to airport

Day 5 | Accommodation

Meal plan: Breakfast