5-Day Kigali to Uganda Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Safari.

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with an early pickup from Kigali, followed by a scenic drive toward the Cyanika or Katuna border. Rwanda’s rolling, terraced hills create a vibrant backdrop as you leave the city behind. After a smooth border crossing, Uganda’s Kigezi Highlands rise dramatically—ridges wrapped in mist, valleys carved with farms, and dense forested slopes that signal your approach to Bwindi. By early afternoon, you arrive at your lodge perched along the forest edge. The atmosphere is enchanting: cool mountain air, birdsong drifting through the trees, and distant ridges glowing softly. The rest of the day is spent relaxing, enjoying forest views, and preparing mentally for your gorilla encounter.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Morning light filters through the forest canopy as you gather at the ranger station for your trekking briefing. Soon after, expert trackers lead you into the heart of Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. The trek is immersive—vines brushing your path, moss underfoot, and the distant rustle of wildlife signalling the forest’s hidden life. Each step builds anticipation until you finally come face-to-face with your gorilla family.

The encounter is moving beyond words. The silverback’s calm dominance, the playful curiosity of juveniles, and the gentle bond between mothers and infants create an emotional connection that stays with you long after the hour ends. When you return to the lodge, the afternoon unfolds in peaceful reflection, surrounded by the timeless aura of the forest.

Day 3: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, you begin the scenic drive north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes through the Ishasha sector—a remote, wildlife-rich region famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them draped lazily across fig branches, surveying the plains below. After exploring Ishasha, the road opens into the savannah and wetland landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. By late afternoon, you check into your lodge overlooking the sweeping plains or crater lakes. The evening settles with soft golden light, distant animal calls, and the serene ambience of the African wilderness.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

At sunrise, you head out for a classic game drive across the Kasenyi plains. In the early morning light, elephants wander gracefully, buffaloes feed in large herds, antelopes graze across the open fields, and lions may be seen hunting or resting under acacia trees. After lunch, the afternoon offers one of Uganda’s most memorable wildlife experiences—a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The channel bursts with life: hippos crowd the water’s edge, crocodiles glide silently beneath the surface, elephants cool themselves along the banks, and countless birds shimmer above the water. The slow, scenic cruise allows you to observe wildlife at close range, creating a perfect blend of tranquillity and excitement.

Day 5: Return to Kigali

Your final day begins with a relaxed breakfast before starting the drive back toward Rwanda. The journey retraces the beautiful southwestern landscapes—rolling hills, crater lakes, tea estates, and vibrant rural communities. After crossing back into Rwanda, the road descends gently toward Kigali, where your safari concludes. You arrive with lasting memories of gorillas in the mist, lions among the fig trees, elephants along the Kazinga waters, and the breathtaking fusion of Rwanda’s and Uganda’s wilderness.