10-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Volcanoes & Wildlife Adventure
Overview
Experience a 10-day Rwanda and Uganda adventure combining Kigali, the Virunga Volcanoes, a Mount Bisoke hike, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, wildlife drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The journey crosses two countries and brings together volcanic landscapes, mountain forests, savannah wildlife and unforgettable gorilla encounters.
Trip at a glance 10 days
Route: Bwindi National Park → Kigali City → Lake Kivu → Queen Elizabeth NP
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali | Welcome to Rwanda
- Day 2: Kigali to Musanze | Journey to the Virunga Volcanoes
- Day 3: Mount Bisoke | Volcano Hiking Adventure
- Day 4: Musanze to Rushaga | Rwanda to Uganda
- Day 5: Rushaga, Bwindi | Gorilla Trekking
- Day 6: Rushaga to Ishasha | Journey into Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Ishasha to Northern Queen Elizabeth | Morning Game Drive
- Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
- Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Kigali | Uganda to Rwanda
- Day 10: Kigali | Departure
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali | Welcome to Rwanda
Arrive in Kigali and begin your Rwanda adventure. After meeting your representative, settle into the city and take some time to relax after your journey. Kigali provides a comfortable introduction to Rwanda before you head north towards the volcanic landscapes of Musanze.
Overnight: Kigali
Kigali to Musanze | Journey to the Virunga Volcanoes
Travel from Kigali to Musanze, the gateway to Rwanda's Volcanoes region. The journey takes you into the northern highlands, where the landscape changes to rolling hills and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring around Musanze and preparing for your Mount Bisoke hike the following day.
Overnight: Musanze
Mount Bisoke | Volcano Hiking Adventure
Today, take on Mount Bisoke, one of the volcanoes of the Virunga Massif.
The hike takes you through changing vegetation and steep mountain terrain towards the summit and its crater lake. The experience offers a different perspective of the Virunga landscape and complements the gorilla trekking experience that follows.
Mount Bisoke rises to approximately 3,711 metres, and hiking conditions can include steep and muddy sections, so suitable hiking equipment is important. visit-rwanda.com
Overnight: Musanze
Musanze to Rushaga | Rwanda to Uganda
Leave Musanze and travel south-west towards the Cyanika border, crossing from Rwanda into Uganda.
Continue through Kisoro and into the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The landscape changes again as you approach Uganda's mountain forests, setting the stage for tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience.
Spend the evening resting and preparing for your trek.
Overnight: Rushaga, Bwindi
Rushaga, Bwindi | Gorilla Trekking
Today is the centrepiece of your journey: gorilla trekking in Rushaga.
Enter the forest with your guide and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take you through dense vegetation and uneven mountain terrain, but the experience culminates in time observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Take time to watch their behaviour, interactions and family dynamics before returning from the forest.
Gorilla encounters in the region are carefully managed, with guides and trackers helping visitors follow the required conservation and wildlife guidelines. visit-rwanda.com
Overnight: Rushaga, Bwindi
Rushaga to Ishasha | Journey into Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave the forests of Bwindi and continue north towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After arrival, head out for an afternoon game drive. The Ishasha landscape provides a striking change from the rainforest, with open savannah and wildlife habitats.
Keep watch for elephants, buffaloes, antelope and other wildlife as you explore the area.
Overnight: Ishasha
Ishasha to Northern Queen Elizabeth | Morning Game Drive
Start the morning with another game drive in Ishasha before continuing north through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The morning drive provides another opportunity to explore the Ishasha sector before the journey continues towards the northern part of the park. As you travel, the landscape transitions between woodland, savannah and the wider ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Spend the morning exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive, looking for wildlife across the park's varied landscapes.
Later, experience one of the park's signature activities: a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. The channel is known for its concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as a wide variety of birdlife. KASESE DISTRICT
It is a fitting final wildlife experience before returning to Rwanda.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth to Kigali | Uganda to Rwanda
After breakfast, begin the journey back towards Rwanda.
Travel from Queen Elizabeth National Park towards the Katuna/Gatuna border, crossing back into Rwanda before continuing to Kigali.
Arrive in Kigali and spend your final evening relaxing after a journey that has taken you from Rwanda's volcanic highlands to Uganda's gorilla forests and savannah parks.
Overnight: Kigali
Kigali | Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Kigali before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Your Rwanda and Uganda adventure comes to an end, taking with you memories of volcanic landscapes, gorilla trekking and wildlife encounters across two remarkable East African destinations.
End of journey.
What's Included
Included & not included 7 included
Included
- Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary
- Scenic boat trip on Lake Kivu
- Guided excursion to nearby volcanoes
- Transportation to and from Kigali
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Experienced tour guides
- All entrance fees and permits
Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes, every trip can be tailored to your dates, budget and interests.
How do I book, and what deposit is needed?
Reserve a departure on the website or send us an inquiry for a customized engagment and payment link.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations?
Most visitors need an East African Tourist Visa and a yellow fever certificate.
What People Say
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