This 20-day self-drive road trip across Uganda and Rwanda offers you the ultimate African adventure, from tracking great apes in ancient forests to cruising rivers teeming with wildlife. You’ll traverse two of East Africa’s most scenic countries at your own pace, with the freedom to explore epic landscapes, interact with local communities, and experience wildlife encounters that stay with you for a lifetime.

Details of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Settle in Entebbe or Kampala

Once you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, pick up your pre-arranged 4×4 vehicle and head to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala. This first day gives you time to rest, recover from your flight, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Depending on your budget, you can stay in anything from a cozy guesthouse to a luxury hotel, all within a short drive of Uganda’s international gateway.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, hit the road toward Murchison Falls National Park with an essential detour at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It’s your chance to see rhinos on foot in the wild—the only place to do so in Uganda. After your guided rhino walk, continue northward through Nakasongola for a scenic drive to Murchison Falls, where you’ll check into your safari lodge inside or near the park.

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Murchison Falls

Start your morning with a self-drive game safari along the northern bank, where you might see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and countless antelope species. In the afternoon, leave your car and take a boat cruise to the bottom of the thunderous falls—an unforgettable experience with sightings of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birdlife along the Nile. Later, you can hike to the top of the falls before returning to your lodge.

Day 4: Journey to Kibale Forest – Primate Capital of the World

Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park. This long but rewarding journey takes you through Fort Portal’s beautiful landscapes, tea plantations, and crater lakes. Once in Kibale, relax at your lodge and prepare for chimp tracking the next day.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast, drive to the Kibale visitor center for a briefing before heading into the forest for an intimate encounter with a chimpanzee troop. You’ll spend an hour observing their social behavior and vocal communication. After lunch (at your lodge or as a packed picnic), explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nearby, famous for its rich birdlife and primates. End your day with dinner back at your accommodation.

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you’ll make your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through beautiful countryside and, if you wish, detouring through the scenic Kasese area to glimpse the Rwenzori Mountains. Once in the park, check into your lodge and enjoy the views over the vast savannas or crater lakes.

Day 7: Safari in Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Set off early for a self-guided game drive through the Kasenyi plains where you’ll have the chance to see lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, and possibly leopards. In the afternoon, park your vehicle and join a guided boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel—a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and birds. This water safari offers a close-up view of animals at the water’s edge.

Day 8: Drive to Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lion Territory

From the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth, continue to the remote Ishasha region. This area is famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. Take a game drive to try your luck spotting these elusive predators resting in fig trees, then check into a lodge in the wild southern sector of the park.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you’ll leave the lowlands behind and ascend into the forested hills of Bwindi, home of the mountain gorillas. The drive to Bwindi through Ishasha offers a great chance to spot more wildlife en route. Once in Bwindi, check in at your lodge and prepare your gear for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. After an early breakfast, drive to the gorilla trekking start point. Here, you’ll receive a briefing before heading into the forest with a local guide. The trek can be challenging, but the reward—an hour with a gorilla family in their natural habitat—is unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-earned rest.

Day 11: Scenic Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

After the energy spent in the forest, today offers a relaxing change of pace. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most beautiful lakes. Here you can unwind in peaceful surroundings, take a canoe ride, or simply enjoy views from your lodge perched on the lakeside hills.

Day 12: Cross the Border into Rwanda

After breakfast, drive to the Cyanika or Katuna border post and enter Rwanda. The landscape begins to change as you approach the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Continue to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, resting up for your next gorilla trek—this time in Rwanda.

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park or Visit Dian Fossey’s Grave

Today, you have two incredible options. Head out for your second gorilla trek, which in Rwanda tends to be more open and scenic compared to Bwindi. Alternatively, you can hike to Dian Fossey’s grave for an insightful look into her groundbreaking work with gorillas. Either option offers rich rewards and a deeper connection to the species and their habitat.

Day 14: Head to Lake Kivu for a Waterside Retreat

Drive west to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake and a perfect place to relax after days of trekking and driving. Whether you choose to stay in Gisenyi or Kibuye, you’ll enjoy swimming, lakeside walks, or simply soaking in the views.

Day 15: Full Day of Relaxation at Lake Kivu

Spend today at your leisure. You might hire a boat for an island tour, read by the beach, or take a guided walk through the lake’s surrounding countryside. It’s a moment to breathe and reflect on your incredible journey so far.

Day 16: Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After a peaceful morning, take your time as you drive south toward Nyungwe Forest—Rwanda’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforest. Along the way, you’ll pass tea plantations and lush hills before reaching your lodge nestled near the park.

Day 17: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Walk in Nyungwe

Wake up early for your chimpanzee tracking adventure. The forest is alive with calls and movement, and expert guides will lead you to where the chimps were last seen. After the trek, you can opt for a canopy walk or birdwatching trail, or simply rest back at your lodge for the afternoon.

Day 18: Drive to Kigali City

Today, head east to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean, green, and welcoming capital. It’s an easy drive on good roads. Once in the city, check in at your hotel and explore some of Kigali’s cafes or craft markets, depending on your energy levels.

Day 19: Kigali City Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Take a day to better understand Rwanda’s past and its hopeful present. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, art galleries, and local museums. You’ll also have the chance to buy souvenirs at local craft markets before returning to your hotel for your final night in East Africa.

Day 20: Departure from Kigali

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before making the short drive to Kigali International Airport for your flight home. Your self-drive safari adventure across Uganda and Rwanda comes to an end, full of extraordinary memories, wildlife encounters, and spectacular landscapes.

End

 

Important info for clients taking up the 20-day self-drive Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Choosing a Rental Vehicle for Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Prioritize 4WD (4×4) Vehicles

Most roads in national parks and remote areas are unpaved, especially during the rainy season. A 4×4 is essential for places like Bwindi, Ishasha, Kibale, and Volcanoes National Park.

Top choices:

• Land Cruiser Prado Car rental – Comfortable, high clearance, great for game drives and rough terrain.
• Toyota Rav4 car hire  – More budget-friendly, still 4WD but better for solo travelers or couples.
• Safari Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof – Ideal if you plan to do a lot of game drives and want great wildlife photography angles.

Consider Roof Tents or Camping Gear (Optional)

We offer Land Cruisers with rooftop tents and full camping kits. This is great for flexibility and saving on accommodation, especially in Uganda.

Automatic vs Manual

Manual vehicles are more common and cheaper, but automatics are available if you’re less comfortable with stick-shift—request in advance.

Luggage Space

Ensure the vehicle has enough boot space if you have camera gear, backpacks, and trekking equipment.

Cross-Border Car Hire: Uganda to Rwanda

Crossing between Uganda and Rwanda by rental car is possible, but requires advance planning:

1. Get Cross-Border Insurance (COMESA):  You’ll need a COMESA Yellow Card, which is a third-party liability insurance valid across East Africa. As a car rental company, we can assist in arranging this.
2. Get a “Vehicle Border Crossing Letter”: This is a notarized letter from the car owner allowing you to drive the car across borders. It’s a legal requirement.
3. Border Posts to Use: From Uganda to Rwanda: Gatuna (Katuna) or Cyanika are the main crossings. Cyanika is closer to Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park. Expect passport checks, vehicle inspection, and customs paperwork.
4. Currency Tip: Ugandan Shillings aren’t accepted in Rwanda and vice versa. Change currency at the border or withdraw from an ATM in the next town.

Gorilla Permit Booking Tips

Gorilla permits are mandatory and must be booked in advance, especially in high season (June–Sept, Dec–Feb).

Where to Book:

1. Uganda

• Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): https://www.ugandawildlife.org
• Cost: $800 per person (as of 2024)
• Trekking areas: Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla NP

2. Rwanda

• Rwanda Development Board (RDB): https://www.visitrwanda.com
• Cost: $1500 per person
• Trekking area: Volcanoes National Park
• You can also book through a local tour operator if you want convenience.

When to Book:

• 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak months.
• Last-minute permits are rare.

What You’ll Need:

• Passport number
• Trekking date and location
• Payment in full to secure the permit

Bonus Tips:

• Choose a lodge near your trekking starting point (permits are allocated by trailhead).
• You can trek gorillas once in Uganda and once in Rwanda—it’s allowed and a great way to compare the experience.
• Hire a porter for your trek—they help with bags, balance, and support local employment.