10 Days Rwanda–Uganda Cross-Border Safari

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, embark on a city tour of Kigali—one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive capitals. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand the country’s moving history and inspiring recovery. Later, explore local art galleries and bustling craft markets where you can interact with artisans. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner featuring Rwandan dishes and storytelling.

After breakfast, set off on a beautiful drive through Rwanda’s northern highlands. Pass terraced hills, banana plantations, and colorful roadside villages on your way to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. After checking in at your lodge, enjoy an optional nature walk or visit a local cultural center to learn about the Intore warrior dance, basket weaving, or banana beer making.

Today offers a life-changing experience: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, you’ll venture into the forest with expert trackers to meet a family of endangered mountain gorillas. Spend up to an hour in their presence—an intimate, unforgettable wildlife moment. If your trek is planned in Uganda instead, today you’ll travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, crossing the Cyanika border and enjoying stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes en route.

If your gorilla permit is for Uganda, today is the big day! With a packed lunch and guide, enter the dense rainforest of Bwindi—home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After locating a gorilla group, you’ll spend time observing their behaviors and social interactions. Later, return to your lodge for a well-earned rest or an optional visit to a Batwa (forest pygmy) community.

Depart Bwindi and head north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, pass through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive—seeing these majestic predators lounging in fig trees is a rare treat. Arrive at your lodge overlooking the park’s vast savannah in time for sunset and dinner.

Start early with a game drive through the Kasenyi plains, a prime wildlife viewing area. Expect sightings of elephants, Uganda kob, buffalo, hyenas, and possibly leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. Watch elephants drink along the shore, pods of hippos lounging, and an array of birdlife including kingfishers and African fish eagles.

After breakfast, visit Lake Katwe, where local communities harvest salt using centuries-old techniques. Learn about this fascinating process and the challenges of working in this highly saline environment. Continue your scenic journey to Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking lake dotted with 29 green islands. Settle into your eco-lodge and soak in the views.

Today is yours to relax and reflect. Enjoy a peaceful morning with birdsong and lake views, or join an optional canoe excursion to visit some of the lake’s islands. You may explore Punishment Island, learn about local folklore, or visit school projects supported by community tourism. Alternatively, swim, hike, or simply enjoy a coffee with the sunrise.

Before departing, take a short guided village walk or visit a local women's cooperative to learn how tourism empowers communities. Then begin your return journey to Rwanda, arriving in Kigali in the evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant or garden terrace, sharing memories from your cross-border journey.

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast or visit a local market for last-minute souvenirs. You’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport (or Entebbe if your route requires) for your onward journey. Safe travels!