Tour Packages covering Uganda and Rwanda. Are you planning for a visit to cover Uganda and Rwanda? East Africa packs more wildlife, culture and dramatic scenery into two neighboring countries than many travelers expect. Uganda and Rwanda make a superb pair for an unforgettable safari: Uganda’s vast savannas, mighty Nile, and misty gorilla forests combine beautifully with Rwanda’s compact, well-run parks, scenic volcanoes and warm city culture. Below I’ll walk you through the best combined tour ideas, typical itineraries, what to expect on the ground, and how to tailor a package to different traveler types — family, couples, photographers and adventure-seekers.

Why combine Uganda and Rwanda?

Combining the two countries lets you experience the best of both worlds with relatively short overland transfers or quick flights. Uganda offers classic African safari landscapes (think Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth) plus excellent chimpanzee and gorilla tracking; Rwanda is smaller, easier to navigate, and world-famous for Volcanoes National Park gorilla experiences and tidy, vibrant Kigali. Together they deliver: iconic gorilla encounters, dramatic waterfalls, big-game safaris, birding, cultural visits and lake-side relaxation — all in one trip.

Signature highlights you should include

Gorilla trekking (Bwindi / Mgahinga in Uganda; Volcanoes in Rwanda)

The core highlight for many travelers is mountain gorilla trekking. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park host habituated gorilla families. Treks vary in length and difficulty: you may spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours hiking through dense forest before arriving at the gorillas’ location, where rules limit visitor time to an hour to protect the apes. Permit systems and park regulations differ slightly by country, so a combined package coordinates permits and timing to make the most of your visits.

Classic wildlife safaris (Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Akagera)

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is great for game drives and boat safaris — famous for its wetlands, tree-climbing lions and prolific birdlife. Murchison Falls National Park is dramatic: the Nile thunders through a narrow gorge, creating one of Uganda’s most memorable spectacles. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park provides a classic savanna safari close to Kigali, with recent successful reintroductions of big species and good chances for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and lions. These parks let you add a “big game” flavor to your gorilla- and culture-heavy itinerary.

Primate encounters beyond gorillas (Kibale, Nyungwe)

If you’re a primate lover, include Kibale Forest in Uganda for outstanding chimpanzee tracking, or Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda for chimpanzees and a canopy walk through ancient rainforest. These visits are often paired with cultural experiences and community visits to broaden the trip beyond wildlife.

Lakes, culture and cities (Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Kivu, Kigali, local communities)

Relaxing lake stays make an excellent bookend to strenuous trekking and long drives. Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) and Lake Kivu (Rwanda) both offer calm waters, island hopping, community visits and scenic lodging. Kigali — a safe, tidy capital with growing culinary and arts scenes — is a perfect place to start or end your trip with museums, local markets and food tours.

Sample combined itineraries

Below are three practical package templates you can adapt depending on time and budget.

8-day Best-of-Uganda-and-Rwanda (active, highlights)

Day 1: Arrive Kampala — transfer to Entebbe or stay in the city.
Day 2: Fly or drive to Murchison Falls — evening boat/relax.
Day 3: Morning game drive, afternoon boat at the falls.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale (chimp tracking next day).
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale; drive to Queen Elizabeth — evening game drive.
Day 6: Morning game drive or boat in Queen Elizabeth; transfer to Bwindi (overnight).
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi; transfer toward Rwanda border/Butogota.
Day 8: Cross into Rwanda / return via Kigali — fly home from Kigali or extend to Volcanoes for a second gorilla day.

This compressed itinerary gives you one gorilla permit and a taste of big-game Uganda. Permit timing and travel distances are the limiting factors, so internal flights (Kampala–Kisoro/Mbarara) can save hours.

10–12 day Classic (more relaxed, 2 gorilla encounters)

Days 1–3: Kampala → Murchison → Kibale.
Days 4–6: Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi (gorilla trek + community visit).
Days 7–9: Cross into Rwanda → Volcanoes National Park for second gorilla trek + golden monkey trekking.
Days 10–11: Lake Kivu for relaxation or Kigali for city and cultural tours.
Day 12: Depart from Kigali.

This is excellent if you want both countries’ signature gorilla experiences and some downtime on a lake.

14-day Immersive (photography / conservation focus)

Add extra days at Bwindi and Volcanoes for multiple gorilla encounters, schedule dedicated photography-guided treks, include Nyungwe canopy walk and a conservation or community project visit, and spend more time in Akagera for long game drives and boat safaris.

Trip planning, permits & practical advice

• Gorilla permits: These are limited and in high demand — book well in advance (especially for high season travel). Permit rules and fees vary by park and country; your tour operator manages this.

• Best season: Dry months (roughly June–September and December–February) are generally easier for trekking and wildlife viewing, but Uganda and Rwanda have year-round wildlife and gorilla viewing is possible outside dry months.

• Health & safety: Vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis and travel insurance are essential. Gorilla trekking requires good fitness and sturdy footwear; porters are often available to help carry gear.

• Transport: Internal flights cut travel time dramatically but add cost. Overland transfers are scenic and a great way to meet local people and see rural life.

• Accommodation: Options range from luxury lodges with private guides and hot showers to comfortable mid-range eco-lodges and simple guesthouses near park gates. Combine a luxury gorilla-lodge experience with a few nights in comfortable, locally-run accommodations for balance.

Who should take a combined Uganda–Rwanda tour?

• Wildlife lovers: To combine big-game safari with primate encounters.

• Photographers: Diverse terrain and close animal encounters offer extraordinary images — gorillas are a once-in-a-lifetime subject.

• Couples & honeymooners: A mix of adventure and private lodges fits romantic trips well.

• Conservation-minded travelers: Both countries emphasize community-based tourism and conservation; tours often include visits to local projects.

How to customize your package

• Add on: Cultural homestays, community-led walking tours, coffee or cocoa farm visits, and conservation volunteer experiences.

• Make it active: Include white-water rafting around Jinja (for Uganda), volcano hikes in Rwanda, or mountain biking and canoeing options.

• Luxury vs Budget: You can easily scale the same routing up or down by choosing different lodges, transport and private vs. group guiding.

Booking & local operator tips

Work with a reputable local operator who handles gorilla permits, park fees, internal logistics, and has strong local guides. A good operator will also advise the best order for park visits to minimize transit time and to secure permits in advance.

Book with Kenlink Tours

If you’d like to get a fully customized and a ready-made package or a fully tailored itinerary, we specialize in combined Uganda and Rwanda safaris, offering guided gorilla treks, chimp tracking, big-game safaris, cultural visits and lake-side extensions. We can arrange permits, internal flights, comfortable or luxury lodge options, transfers and all necessary local logistics. A combined Uganda–Rwanda tour is one of the most emotionally powerful and varied safari experiences you can take: intimate, conservation-focused gorilla encounters; expansive African wildlife and waterways; vivid cultural contact; and serene lakes to relax at the end. Whether you have one week or two, it’s possible to design an itinerary that hits your bucket-list highlights while leaving room for genuine connection with local people and landscapes. 

Kenlink Tours — Your East African safari specialist
Email: info@kenlinktours.com 
WhatsApp / Tel: +256 789 210 067