Safari Planning Inspiration: Sample Uganda & Rwanda Itineraries (3-Day, 7-Day, 14-Day Safaris)

Planning a safari can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from. To make it easier, here are sample itineraries for short, medium, and long safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Whether you have just 3 days or a full 2 weeks, these trips showcase the highlights of East Africa.

3-Day Safari Itineraries

1. Uganda: Murchison Falls Safari (3 Days)

• Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls NP; visit the top of the falls.

• Day 2: Morning game drive (lions, elephants, giraffes), afternoon boat cruise on the Nile.

• Day 3: Sunrise game drive, return to Kampala/Entebbe.

Highlights: Big game, boat safari, waterfalls.

2. Rwanda: Volcanoes NP Gorilla Trekking (3 Days)

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, city tour, transfer to Volcanoes NP.

• Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure in the Virunga Mountains.

• Day 3: Golden monkey trek or cultural village visit, return to Kigali.

Highlights: Gorilla trekking, culture, Kigali city.

7-Day Safari Itineraries

1. Uganda: Wildlife & Primates (7 Days)

• Day 1–2: Murchison Falls NP (game drives, Nile cruise).

• Day 3: Transfer to Kibale NP.

• Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.

• Day 5–6: Queen Elizabeth NP (game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruise).

• Day 7: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe.

Highlights: Big Five, chimps, boat safaris.

2. Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & Savannah (7 Days)

• Day 1: Kigali city tour.

• Day 2–3: Volcanoes NP (gorilla trekking + golden monkeys).

• Day 4–5: Nyungwe Forest NP (chimp trekking, canopy walk).

• Day 6–7: Akagera NP (game drives, Lake Ihema boat cruise), return to Kigali.

Highlights: Gorilla trekking, chimps, Big Five safari.

14-Day Safari Itineraries

1. Uganda Grand Safari (14 Days)

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe.

• Day 2–3: Murchison Falls NP (game drives, Nile cruise).

• Day 4: Transfer to Kibale NP.

• Day 5: Chimp trekking.

• Day 6–7: Queen Elizabeth NP (game drives, Kazinga Channel, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha).

• Day 8–9: Bwindi Impenetrable NP (gorilla trekking).

• Day 10–11: Lake Bunyonyi (relaxation, canoeing).

• Day 12–13: Lake Mburo NP (game drives, walking/horseback safaris).

• Day 14: Return to Entebbe, departure.

Highlights: Gorillas, chimps, Big Five, crater lakes.

2. Uganda + Rwanda Combined Safari (14 Days)

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, city tour.

• Day 2–3: Volcanoes NP (gorilla trekking + golden monkeys).

• Day 4–5: Nyungwe Forest NP (chimp trekking, canopy walk).

• Day 6–7: Cross into Uganda → Bwindi (second gorilla trek).

• Day 8–9: Queen Elizabeth NP (game drives, Kazinga Channel).

• Day 10: Kibale NP (chimps).

• Day 11–12: Murchison Falls NP (game drives, Nile cruise).

• Day 13: Jinja (Source of the Nile, white-water rafting).

• Day 14: Return to Kampala/Entebbe, departure.

Highlights: Gorillas in two countries, Big Five safaris, adventure on the Nile.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a quick gorilla trek in Rwanda, a week-long wildlife safari in Uganda, or a two-week grand tour across both countries, there’s an itinerary to suit your time and budget. With excellent road networks, domestic flights, and the East Africa Tourist Visa, combining Uganda and Rwanda into one safari is easier than ever.

Start small or go big, either way, your safari will be an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of Africa.