Uganda and Rwanda Safari Vacation
Gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes, savannah wildlife in Akagera and Queen Elizabeth — one trip, two countries.
Uganda and Rwanda sit side by side, and their best experiences complement each other. Uganda offers variety — chimpanzees, big game, the Nile — while Rwanda offers a compact, polished gorilla experience and Akagera National Park's Big Five. Travelling between the two takes a short drive or flight, and a combined itinerary can include gorilla treks in both countries.
Our Rwanda safaris page lists every Rwanda tour we run; this page explains how to combine them with Uganda as part of a broader Uganda safari vacation.
At a glance
- Overland crossings: southwest border posts near Kisoro and Kabale link the Bwindi area with northern Rwanda
- Flights: Entebbe and Kigali are connected by regular flights
- Gorillas: permits are separate for each country and must be reserved for fixed dates
- Suggested length: ten days or more for a comfortable pace
Ways to Combine the Two Countries
By road: a typical route starts with wildlife and chimpanzees in Uganda, trekking in Bwindi, then crossing the south-west border into Rwanda for Volcanoes National Park, and finishing in Kigali. The scenery on this route is outstanding, and the border crossing is straightforward with the right documents.
By air: if time is short, fly between Entebbe and Kigali and base yourself in each country for the activities you want most.
Each direction has advantages, and we plan whichever suits your dates, permits and budget.
What to Do in Each Country
- Uganda: Bwindi gorillas, Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. See Uganda safari packages.
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park gorillas and golden monkeys, Nyungwe Forest chimpanzees, Akagera wildlife and Kigali. Try the 3-day Rwanda gorilla trek or 8-day Rwanda primates safari.
Visas and Border Crossing
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which simplifies a multi-country trip; check the current rules for your nationality before you book, as requirements change. Carry your passport, yellow fever certificate and proof of onward travel. See the Uganda safari travel documents article for details.
Sample Combined Itinerary
- Days 1 to 3: Entebbe, Kibale Forest and chimpanzee trekking.
- Days 4 to 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel.
- Days 6 to 7: gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- Days 8 to 10: cross to Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park or Akagera, and onward to Kigali.
We adjust the order and add a second gorilla permit if you want to trek in both countries.
Making the Crossing
Uganda and Rwanda border each other, and the crossing near Kabale and Cyanika allows travellers to move between Bwindi or Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park. Check visa requirements for both countries and any multi-country options. See entry requirements and Uganda vs Rwanda.
Sample Structure
Spend several days in Uganda for chimps and savannah, then gorillas in Bwindi, cross into Rwanda for golden monkeys and Kigali. See our Rwanda gorilla adventure.
Rwanda and Uganda Itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda tours, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.