4-Day Safari: Kigali – Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi – Kigali

This 4-day safari is perfect for travelers looking to combine wildlife, gorilla trekking, and scenic landscapes within a short trip from Rwanda. It covers Uganda’s iconic national parks while starting and ending in Kigali.

Day 1: Kigali – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart early from Kigali, Rwanda, and drive north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The journey passes through the stunning Rwandan countryside with rolling hills, tea plantations, and small villages.
Cross the Rwanda-Uganda border at Cyanika or Gatuna and continue to the park, arriving by afternoon.
On arrival, check into your lodge and relax. Later, enjoy an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains, home to lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, head south into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. Spend the morning exploring this unique area and photographing wildlife.
Continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the world’s mountain gorillas. The drive is scenic, passing through local communities and terraced hills.
Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi by evening, check in, and rest for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Lodge in Bwindi

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Start early with a briefing at the Bwindi Park Headquarters. Embark on gorilla trekking in the dense rainforest, an unforgettable experience that can take 2–7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
Once located, spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas. Witness their social interactions and behaviors up close.
Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the remarkable encounter. Evening optional: cultural interaction with the Batwa community near Bwindi.

Accommodation: Lodge in Bwindi

Day 4: Bwindi – Kigali via Queen Elizabeth (Optional Game Stop)

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. The journey can take 8–10 hours, so depart early to allow for border formalities.
Optional: stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park for a brief game drive or lunch en route. Capture photos of the scenic landscapes and local villages along the way.
Continue across the Uganda-Rwanda border and arrive in Kigali by evening for hotel drop-off or onward departure.