Starting a Safari from Rwanda to Uganda. More and more travellers are discovering that one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience Uganda is to begin the journey in Rwanda. Kigali’s modern international airport, its short drive to Uganda’s southwestern gorilla parks, and Uganda’s more affordable gorilla permits make starting a safari from Rwanda to Uganda a smart choice for first-time visitors and experienced safari-goers alike. From Kigali, you can be trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga within a day, and then continue to tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, crater lakes and the mighty Nile.

This guide explains everything you need to plan a Uganda safari that starts in Rwanda: why it works so well, which border crossings to use, visas and documents, travel times, sample itineraries from three to ten days, costs, the best time to go, and practical tips. At Kenlink Tours, we start Uganda safaris from Kigali every week, and this is the advice we share with our own travellers.

Why Start Your Uganda Safari in Rwanda?

• Closer to the gorillas: Bwindi’s southern sectors and Mgahinga are only about 3 to 5 hours from Kigali, compared with 8 to 10 hours from Entebbe.
• Lower permit costs: a Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda. Read how to save USD 700 on permits by trekking in Uganda from Kigali.
• Excellent flight connections: Kigali International Airport is served by RwandAir and many international carriers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• Smooth roads: Rwanda’s well-maintained highways make the first part of the journey fast and comfortable.
• Two countries in one trip: you can enjoy Kigali’s culture and history before heading to Uganda’s wildlife.
• Flexible endings: finish your safari back in Kigali or fly home from Entebbe.

Read our guides on whether you can start a Uganda gorilla safari from Rwanda and why to book a Uganda safari starting from Rwanda. Pick and Transfer Safaris also explains starting a gorilla safari in Uganda from Rwanda.

Kigali: The Perfect Gateway

Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest, safest and most welcoming capital cities. Arriving here gives you a gentle introduction to East Africa before you head into the wild. Many travellers spend a night or two in Kigali to recover from their flight and explore the city.

Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which tells the moving story of Rwanda’s history and recovery; lively markets such as Kimironko; craft centres and art galleries; and a growing restaurant and café scene. A half-day or full-day city tour is an ideal way to start your trip. See our 1-day Kigali city tour.

Arriving in Kigali: What Happens on Day One

When you land at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board. After a warm welcome, you are taken to your hotel in Kigali or, if you land early, you may set off directly towards the Uganda border. Your guide will brief you on the itinerary, check your documents and answer any last questions.

If you arrive in the afternoon or evening, it is best to spend the night in Kigali. Border posts have set opening hours, and night driving on rural roads is best avoided. A night in Kigali also gives you time to change money, buy a local SIM card and rest before the adventure begins.

What Uganda Offers on a Safari From Rwanda

Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa” for its extraordinary variety of landscapes and wildlife. A safari starting in Rwanda can include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. See our guide to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: gorillas, golden monkeys and volcano hikes, just 3 hours from Kigali. See our guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Lake Bunyonyi: a peaceful lake with 29 islands, perfect for relaxing after a gorilla trek. See our guide to Lake Bunyonyi after a gorilla trek.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. See our Ishasha tree-climbing lions tour.
• Kibale Forest National Park: the best place in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking.
• Lake Mburo National Park: zebras, impalas, elands and boat trips, on the route between Rwanda and Kampala.
• Murchison Falls National Park: where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, with excellent game drives and boat cruises.

How Uganda Differs From Rwanda on Safari

Rwanda and Uganda are neighbours with much in common, but a safari in Uganda feels quite different:

• Scale and variety: Uganda is much larger, with ten national parks ranging from rainforest to savannah, wetlands and semi-desert.
• Wildlife: alongside gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda offers classic big-game safaris with lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and more.
• The Nile: Uganda is home to the source of the Nile and Murchison Falls, with boat cruises, white-water rafting and spectacular scenery.
• Value: gorilla permits and many lodges are more affordable than in Rwanda.
• Adventure: travel distances are longer and roads rougher in places, which adds to the sense of exploration.

Starting in Rwanda lets you enjoy Kigali’s polish and convenience, then experience Uganda’s wilder, more varied landscapes.

Border Crossings From Rwanda to Uganda

There are three main road border crossings used by safari travellers, and the right one depends on where your safari begins in Uganda:

Cyanika border. In the northwest of Rwanda, via Musanze. This is the quickest route to Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi’s southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Katuna (Gatuna) border. North of Kigali. This is the main route to Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi, and Bwindi’s Ruhija and Buhoma sectors, and onward to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kagitumba – Mirama Hills border. In the northeast of Rwanda, near Akagera National Park. This route leads towards Mbarara and Lake Mburo, and suits travellers heading to Kampala or combining Akagera with Uganda.

Border crossings usually take 30 to 60 minutes, and an experienced driver-guide will help you with the formalities. See our guides on how to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for a safari and which border points to use from Kigali. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains how to plan a cross-border gorilla trek from Rwanda to Uganda.

Visas and Travel Documents

The simplest option for most visitors is the East Africa Tourist Visa, which costs USD 100 and allows multiple entries into Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days. It is ideal if you start in Rwanda, travel to Uganda and possibly return to Rwanda. It can be applied for online through the official immigration portals before travel. Make sure your first entry is into the country that issued the visa, and check the latest requirements before you apply.

If you are only travelling one way from Rwanda into Uganda, you may instead choose separate single-entry visas for each country. You will also need:

• A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Your gorilla or chimpanzee permit confirmations
• Travel insurance, strongly recommended

Pick and Transfer Safaris explains the visa rules in their guide on whether you need a visa to cross from Rwanda to Uganda.

Travel Times From Kigali

• Kigali to Mgahinga: about 3 hours via Cyanika
• Kigali to Rushaga or Nkuringo (Bwindi): about 4 to 5 hours via Cyanika
• Kigali to Lake Bunyonyi: about 3 to 4 hours via Katuna
• Kigali to Ruhija (Bwindi): about 5 to 6 hours via Katuna
• Kigali to Buhoma (Bwindi): about 6 to 7 hours via Katuna
• Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park: about 7 to 8 hours, usually broken up with a stop in Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi

Times include border formalities but can vary with road conditions and stops.

Starting With Gorillas: The Most Popular Plan

Because Uganda’s gorilla parks are so close to the Rwanda border, most safaris from Kigali begin with a gorilla trek. This plan has several advantages: you trek while you are fresh, your permit date anchors the rest of the itinerary, and the rest of your safari flows naturally north towards Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and beyond.

For gorilla trekking, Bwindi’s Rushaga sector is a popular choice because it has the most habituated gorilla families and is easy to reach from Kigali. Mgahinga is the closest option. See our guide to gorilla trekking in Rushaga from Kigali, our article on starting a Uganda tour from Rwanda with gorillas, and our guide to booking a gorilla safari in Uganda from Rwanda. Pick and Transfer Safaris also answers whether you can begin a Uganda gorilla safari from Rwanda.

Sample Itinerary: 3 Days From Kigali

Day 1: pickup in Kigali and drive via the Cyanika border to Kisoro and a lodge near Rushaga or Mgahinga.

Day 2: gorilla trekking in the morning, followed by a relaxing afternoon or a Batwa cultural experience.

Day 3: a canoe trip on Lake Mutanda or a stop at Lake Bunyonyi, then return to Kigali via Katuna.

This short safari is perfect for travellers with limited time who want to combine gorillas with Uganda’s beautiful highland lakes.

Sample Itinerary: 5 Days From Kigali

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi’s southern sector via Cyanika.

Day 2: gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Day 3: drive north through Bwindi’s forest to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon search for tree-climbing lions.

Day 4: morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.

Day 5: drive back to Kigali via Mbarara and Kabale, or continue to Kampala or Entebbe.

See our 5 days Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari from Rwanda, and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 5 days Uganda safari from Rwanda and 5 days Uganda gorilla and chimps safari from Rwanda.

Sample Itinerary: 7 Days From Kigali

Day 1: Kigali city tour and overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika border.

Day 3: gorilla trekking.

Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha, looking for tree-climbing lions.

Day 5: game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Day 6: drive to Kibale Forest National Park, with an afternoon visit to the crater lakes.

Day 7: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, then continue to Kampala or Entebbe for your flight home.

See our 7 days Uganda safari from Kigali and our tour from Kigali covering Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Bunyonyi. Pick and Transfer Safaris offers a 7 days Uganda wildlife safari from Kigali. For chimpanzee permits, read our guide on how to book chimpanzee tracking permits in Uganda.

Sample Itinerary: 10 Days From Kigali

A ten-day safari from Rwanda lets you experience the best of Uganda at a relaxed pace:

• Days 1 to 2: Kigali city tour, then drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga.
• Day 3: gorilla trekking.
• Day 4: relax at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda.
• Days 5 to 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park, including Ishasha and the Kazinga Channel.
• Days 7 to 8: Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking and the Bigodi Wetland walk.
• Days 9 to 10: Murchison Falls National Park, or Lake Mburo on the way back towards Kampala and Entebbe.

See our 10 days Uganda safari starting from Rwanda, our 8 days Uganda safari beginning from Rwanda, and our guide to holiday safaris in Uganda starting from Rwanda.

Return to Kigali or End in Entebbe?

One of the great advantages of starting in Rwanda is flexibility at the end of your trip:

Return to Kigali if your safari focuses on southwestern Uganda (Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth), or if your return flight departs from Kigali. This is often simpler and cheaper for shorter trips.

End in Entebbe if your safari continues north to Kibale, Murchison Falls or Kampala. Flying out of Entebbe avoids a long drive back south, and you can book an “open-jaw” ticket, arriving in Kigali and departing from Entebbe.

Pick and Transfer Safaris explains these options in their guides to Uganda safaris starting in Kigali and ending in Entebbe and beginning a tour at Kigali airport and ending at Entebbe airport.

How Much Does a Safari From Rwanda to Uganda Cost?

The total cost depends on the length of your safari, your accommodation level, group size and activities. Key costs include:

• Gorilla permit: USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents (USD 700 for foreign residents of East Africa)
• Chimpanzee permit in Kibale: around USD 250 per person
• Park entrance fees for parks such as Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Murchison Falls
• Transport: a private 4×4 with driver-guide, usually priced per day or per vehicle
• Accommodation and meals: from budget to luxury
• Visa: USD 100 for the East Africa Tourist Visa
• Extras: porter fees, tips, drinks and optional activities

For transport benchmarks, Pick and Transfer Safaris estimates that a private 4×4 transfer from Kigali to Bwindi typically costs USD 180 to 350 one way per vehicle. See their Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trek cost guide and their comparison of Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking costs. Prices and fees change, so always confirm current rates. For a tailored quote, see how our Uganda safari bookings work.

Choosing Your Travel Style

Budget safaris use comfortable but simple lodges and guesthouses, shared or smaller vehicles, and focus on key activities such as gorilla trekking. They are ideal for backpackers, students and travellers who want to put their money into permits rather than accommodation.

Midrange safaris offer comfortable lodges with en-suite rooms, good food and beautiful locations, together with a private 4×4 and driver-guide. This is the most popular choice for couples and families.

Luxury safaris include exclusive forest and savannah lodges, fine dining, spa treatments and, in some cases, domestic flights between parks. They suit honeymooners and travellers seeking maximum comfort and privacy.

Whatever your style, starting in Rwanda keeps the gorilla leg of your trip short and efficient, leaving more time and budget for the rest of your safari.

Safaris for Families, Couples and Groups

Families love safaris from Rwanda to Uganda because the drives between Kigali and the gorilla parks are relatively short. Remember that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years and for chimpanzee tracking is generally 12 years, so families with younger children can enjoy boat cruises, game drives, community visits and lake activities instead.

Couples and honeymooners can combine a romantic stay in Kigali with a gorilla trek and luxury lodges overlooking forests, lakes and savannah.

Groups of friends benefit from sharing a safari vehicle and driver-guide, which makes a private safari much more affordable per person.

Best Time to Start a Safari From Rwanda to Uganda

• Dry seasons (June to September and December to February): the best time for gorilla trekking, game drives and road travel. This is peak season, so book permits and lodges early.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and sometimes lower lodge rates. Roads to the parks can be muddy, and trekking trails are more slippery.

Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking are possible all year round, so the right time also depends on your holiday dates and priorities.

Other Ways to Travel From Rwanda to Uganda

By road with a driver-guide: the most popular and flexible option, allowing you to stop along the way and cross the border with expert help.

By self-drive: possible with a cross-border authorised rental vehicle, suitable for experienced drivers.

By air: direct flights connect Kigali with Entebbe in about an hour. From Entebbe, domestic flights can take you to airstrips near Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Murchison Falls. This is ideal if you want to explore northern Uganda without a long drive.

By public bus: buses run between Kigali and Kampala, but they are not practical for reaching national parks.

Combining Rwanda and Uganda on One Safari

Starting in Rwanda also makes it easy to include Rwanda’s own highlights before or after your Uganda safari. Popular additions include golden monkey tracking or the Dian Fossey tomb hike in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, a classic savannah safari in Akagera National Park, and relaxing on the shores of Lake Kivu. Pick and Transfer Safaris offers a Uganda wildlife and gorilla safari starting from Kigali and a Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park tour.

Health and Safety

• Yellow Fever: a vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda.
• Malaria: present in many parts of Uganda, especially lower-lying areas. Speak to a travel health professional about prevention, and use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
• Drinking water: drink bottled or treated water.
• Altitude: gorilla parks are at high altitude, so pace yourself on treks.
• Safety: Rwanda and the main tourist areas of Uganda are generally safe for visitors. Follow your guide’s advice and check your government’s latest travel advice before departure.

Money, SIM Cards and Practicalities

Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc and Uganda uses the Uganda shilling. US dollars are widely accepted for permits, lodges and tours, but notes should be recent and in good condition. ATMs are available in Kigali and major Ugandan towns such as Kabale, Kisoro and Mbarara, but not in national parks.

Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy in both countries, and mobile money is widely used. Some Ugandan networks work near the border, but coverage can be patchy in parks. Rwanda and Uganda both use Type G plug sockets (the three-pin British style).

What to Pack

• Waterproof hiking boots and gardening gloves for gorilla trekking
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
• A rain jacket and warm layers for cool highland mornings
• Lightweight clothing for warmer savannah parks
• Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat
• Your passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate and permit confirmations

Your Planning and Booking Timeline

• 6 to 12 months before: choose your travel dates and safari length, and book gorilla permits, especially for the dry seasons.
• 4 to 6 months before: book international flights into Kigali (and out of Entebbe if you are travelling one way), plus lodges and chimpanzee permits.
• 2 to 3 months before: apply for your East Africa Tourist Visa, arrange travel insurance and visit a travel health clinic for vaccinations and malaria advice.
• 1 month before: confirm your final itinerary, pickup times and payment details with your tour operator, and start packing.
• 1 week before: check the latest travel advice, print your documents and share your flight details with your driver-guide.

Travelling Responsibly

Safaris in Rwanda and Uganda directly support conservation and local communities. Gorilla permit fees fund rangers, research and anti-poaching patrols, and a share of park revenue goes to communities living around the parks. You can add to this positive impact by hiring porters on your trek, buying crafts from local cooperatives, joining community walks and choosing lodges that employ local staff.

Respect local customs by asking before photographing people, dressing modestly in villages and following your guide’s advice. Rwanda has banned single-use plastic bags, so pack reusable bags and avoid bringing plastic bags across the border. Small actions like these help ensure that tourism continues to benefit both wildlife and people.

Tips for Starting Your Safari in Rwanda

• Book gorilla permits first, then build your itinerary around them.
• Get the East Africa Tourist Visa if you might return to Rwanda.
• Spend at least one night in Kigali to rest and enjoy the city.
• Choose the right border for your first destination in Uganda.
• Consider an open-jaw flight, arriving in Kigali and leaving from Entebbe.
• Travel with an experienced driver-guide who knows both countries.
• Allow buffer time between your final activity and your international flight.

Why Start Your Uganda Safari With Kenlink Tours?

• Cross-border specialists running Uganda safaris from Kigali every week
• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits secured
• Experienced driver-guides who know Rwanda and Uganda
• Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles
• Flexible itineraries from 3 days to 3 weeks
• Accommodation for every budget
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a Uganda safari in Rwanda?

Yes. Many travellers fly into Kigali and drive to Uganda’s gorilla parks, which are closer to Kigali than to Entebbe.

Which border should I use from Rwanda to Uganda?

Cyanika for Mgahinga, Rushaga and Nkuringo; Katuna (Gatuna) for Lake Bunyonyi, Ruhija, Buhoma and Queen Elizabeth; and Kagitumba – Mirama Hills for Lake Mburo and Mbarara.

Do I need a visa for both countries?

Yes. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya with multiple entries for 90 days.

How long does it take to get from Kigali to Bwindi?

About 4 to 5 hours to Bwindi’s southern sectors, and 6 to 7 hours to Buhoma.

Can I end my safari in Entebbe?

Yes. Many travellers arrive in Kigali and fly home from Entebbe, especially on longer safaris that include Kibale or Murchison Falls.

Is it cheaper to trek gorillas in Uganda than Rwanda?

Yes. A Uganda permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda.

Start Your Safari From Rwanda to Uganda

Starting a safari in Rwanda and continuing into Uganda gives you the best of both worlds: the ease and elegance of Kigali, and the wild, varied beauty of the Pearl of Africa. Whether you have three days for gorillas and lakes or ten days for gorillas, lions, chimpanzees and the Nile, this route offers outstanding value and unforgettable experiences.

Ready to plan? Contact Kenlink Tours with your travel dates, group size and interests, and we will design the perfect safari from Rwanda to Uganda for you.