How do I plan a Uganda–Rwanda combined safari?

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How Do I Plan a Uganda–Rwanda Combined Safari?

Planning a Uganda–Rwanda combined safari is one of the most exciting and rewarding travel experiences in East Africa. These two neighboring countries offer some of the continent’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters — from tracking mountain gorillas in misty volcanic forests to cruising among hippos on the Nile and exploring savannah plains teeming with elephants and lions. Together, Uganda and Rwanda form a seamless circuit of adventure, beauty, and cultural connection that feels both wild and deeply human.

However, combining two countries in one safari requires thoughtful planning. You’ll need to consider logistics, border crossings, permits, accommodation, and the right balance between primate tracking and traditional game viewing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning a Uganda–Rwanda combined safari — and why traveling with Muhiga Safaris ensures a smooth, safe, and extraordinary experience from start to finish.

Why Combine Uganda and Rwanda?

Uganda and Rwanda complement each other perfectly. While both are famous for their mountain gorillas, each offers a different flavor of safari and scenery. Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is clean, compact, and efficiently managed, ideal for travelers who want a luxury experience in a short timeframe. Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is larger and wilder, offering a more varied adventure with savannah safaris, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and mountain hikes.

By combining both countries, you enjoy the best of both worlds: Rwanda’s refined hospitality and scenic beauty with Uganda’s raw wilderness and diversity. You can start your trip in Kigali, cross into Uganda through the Cyanika or Gatuna border, and continue exploring the highlands, lakes, and national parks that make this region so exceptional.

Step 1: Choose the Right Entry Point and Direction

Most combined safaris start or end in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, because it’s the most convenient international gateway to the region’s gorilla trekking areas. Kigali International Airport is modern and well-connected, with flights from major African hubs like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg, as well as direct connections from Europe and the Middle East.

From Kigali, it’s only a 2–4-hour scenic drive to cross into southwestern Uganda, depending on your chosen border point.

  • Cyanika Border Post connects to Kisoro, close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Gatuna/Katuna Border Post leads toward Kabale and the northern sector of Bwindi.

Many travelers prefer starting in Rwanda and ending in Uganda, as it allows for a smoother transition in altitude and easier access to gorilla trekking regions. Others do the reverse, beginning with Uganda’s big-game parks before relaxing in Rwanda’s highlands.

Step 2: Select Your Key Destinations

A combined Uganda–Rwanda safari offers countless possibilities, but here are the must-visit highlights to include in your itinerary:

In Rwanda:

  • Volcanoes National Park:
    This is Rwanda’s crown jewel — home to around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It’s where Dian Fossey conducted her famous research, and it remains one of the best-managed gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Trekking here is well-organized and often paired with cultural visits to Iby’Iwacu Village or scenic hikes to the Dian Fossey Tomb.

  • Akagera National Park:
    Rwanda’s only savannah park, Akagera has made a remarkable conservation comeback and now boasts the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Game drives here offer a beautiful contrast to the forested parks of the region.

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial:
    A visit to this moving memorial helps travelers understand Rwanda’s powerful journey of healing and resilience. It’s an essential cultural stop that adds depth to your safari experience.

In Uganda:

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
    One of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth, Bwindi is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking here is a raw, immersive experience — often more rugged than in Rwanda but equally life-changing. You’ll trek through dense vegetation, guided by experienced rangers who know each gorilla family’s habits intimately.

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
    Smaller and quieter than Bwindi, Mgahinga lies in Uganda’s Virunga range and is home to one habituated gorilla family as well as golden monkeys. Its stunning scenery makes it a photographer’s dream.

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park:
    This is Uganda’s most popular savannah park, known for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, large elephant herds, and the beautiful Kazinga Channel, where boat cruises reveal hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds.

  • Kibale Forest National Park:
    The primate capital of East Africa, Kibale offers the best chimpanzee trekking in the region. Spending an hour with these intelligent and social apes is one of Uganda’s most thrilling wildlife experiences.

  • Murchison Falls National Park:
    For travelers with more time, Murchison offers classic African landscapes and dramatic waterfalls where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge. It’s perfect for those who want to extend their safari northward.

Step 3: Secure Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits Early

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any Uganda–Rwanda safari, but permits are limited and sell out fast — often months in advance.

  • Rwanda Gorilla Permits: USD 1,500 per person per trek.
    The higher cost reflects Rwanda’s luxury positioning and excellent infrastructure.

  • Uganda Gorilla Permits: USD 800 per person per trek (as of 2025).
    Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, costing USD 1,500, which allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group — perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Chimpanzee tracking permits in Kibale Forest cost around USD 250, while those in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest are slightly cheaper. Booking through an experienced operator like Muhiga Safaris ensures all permits are secured and your trek logistics are flawlessly organized.

Step 4: Plan Your Route and Travel Duration

The ideal Uganda–Rwanda safari lasts 7 to 14 days, depending on your pace and interests.

Here’s a sample outline:

10-Day Classic Uganda–Rwanda Safari

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City tour and overnight.

  • Day 2: Drive to Volcanoes National Park – Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

  • Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP.

  • Day 4: Cross to Uganda via Cyanika – Explore Lake Mutanda.

  • Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening game drive.

  • Day 7: Morning game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

  • Day 8: Drive to Kibale Forest – Afternoon at leisure.

  • Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk.

  • Day 10: Return to Entebbe or Kampala for departure.

Muhiga Safaris can customize this itinerary to your travel style, whether you want a mid-range adventure, a luxury safari, or a private honeymoon journey across the two countries.

Step 5: Understand Border Crossings and Visas

Traveling between Uganda and Rwanda is straightforward with the East Africa Tourist Visa, which costs USD 100 and allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days on a single visa. You can apply online or obtain it through your first point of entry.

When crossing borders, carry your passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and any pre-arranged visas or eVisas. The Cyanika and Gatuna border posts are both efficient and safe, with processing taking about 15–30 minutes.

Step 6: Choose the Right Accommodations

From rustic eco-lodges nestled in forested hills to luxury safari camps overlooking crater lakes, both Uganda and Rwanda offer a wide range of accommodation options.

  • In Volcanoes National Park, luxury lodges like Bisate, Sabyinyo, and Five Volcanoes offer breathtaking comfort.

  • In Bwindi, choices like Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Mahogany Springs provide cozy forest retreats.

  • Around Queen Elizabeth NP, options range from mid-range lodges like Elephant Plains to luxury stays like Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

  • For Kibale and Murchison Falls, accommodations span from tented camps to boutique lodges with stunning views.

Muhiga Safaris partners with reputable lodges to match your preferences and ensure every stop enhances your journey — whether it’s sipping coffee as mist drifts over the hills or relaxing by a fire under the African stars.

Step 7: Pack Smart and Prepare Well

A Uganda–Rwanda safari combines mountain trekking and classic savannah experiences, so packing requires versatility.

  • For gorilla trekking: Good hiking boots, rain gear, long sleeves, gloves, and gaiters are essential.

  • For game drives: Light, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are key.

  • For evenings: A warm jacket — highlands can get chilly at night.

  • Other essentials: Binoculars, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and camera gear.

Both countries are malaria zones, so consult your doctor for prophylaxis and carry basic first-aid supplies.

Step 8: Travel Responsibly and Culturally Aware

East Africa’s beauty lies not only in its wildlife but also in its people. Interact respectfully with local communities, support local artisans, and follow conservation rules during your safaris and treks. Muhiga Safaris promotes eco-conscious and community-based tourism, ensuring your trip contributes positively to the regions you visit.

Why Travel with Muhiga Safaris

When planning a multi-country safari, experience and local knowledge make all the difference — and that’s where Muhiga Safaris excels.

  • Expert Coordination: They handle every detail — border paperwork, permits, transfers, and timing — ensuring your safari flows smoothly across both countries.

  • Certified Guides: Muhiga’s guides are seasoned professionals passionate about East Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

  • Custom Itineraries: Whether you’re a photographer, honeymooner, or adventure seeker, they tailor every itinerary to your vision.

  • Ethical and Sustainable: Muhiga Safaris supports wildlife conservation and local communities, ensuring your journey benefits both people and nature.

  • Seamless Comfort: From luxury lodges to 4×4 vehicles, every aspect of your safari is designed for safety, comfort, and unforgettable storytelling moments.

Traveling with Muhiga Safaris turns a complex cross-border adventure into a beautifully choreographed journey through the heart of Africa.

Final Thoughts

A Uganda–Rwanda combined safari is more than a vacation — it’s a journey through two worlds that share a heartbeat. It’s early morning mist over Bwindi, the echoing call of a silverback in Volcanoes, the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth, and the warmth of Rwandan hospitality. Together, these experiences weave a narrative of wild beauty, resilience, and connection that few other destinations can match.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of walking with gorillas, cruising the Nile, and exploring two of Africa’s most enchanting countries in one unforgettable adventure — it’s time to make it happen. Let Muhiga Safaris craft your perfect Uganda–Rwanda journey and lead you through the forests, savannahs, and smiles that define East Africa’s soul.

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