A Rwanda – Uganda combined tour is one of the most popular travel experiences in East Africa, offering a unique mix of adventure, wildlife, primate encounters, and cultural exploration. While both countries share many similarities, including incredible landscapes and primates, they also offer distinct attractions and experiences that make a cross-border tour highly rewarding. Below is a detailed guide to the top things to do on a Rwanda-Uganda combined tour.
- Primate Trekking
The highlight of a Rwanda-Uganda combined safari is the opportunity to encounter the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys in their natural habitats.
- In Rwanda:
- Volcanoes National Park: Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking.
- Nyungwe National Park: Chimpanzee and colobus monkey trekking.
- In Uganda:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: The best destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Trek gorillas and golden monkeys.
- Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Budongo Forest Reserve: Renowned for chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences.
Why Combine?
- Cost Differences: Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more affordable (USD 800) compared to Rwanda (USD 1,500). Many travelers choose to combine both countries to enjoy the more budget-friendly gorilla trekking in Uganda while exploring other attractions in Rwanda.
- Diverse Experiences: Double gorilla trekking allows visitors to enjoy encounters in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga.
- Primate Habituation in Uganda: Uganda offers unique habituation experiences for gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, not available in Rwanda.
- Wildlife Safaris
While both countries offer amazing wildlife safaris, Uganda has more savannah parks compared to Rwanda.
- In Rwanda:
- Akagera National Park: The only savannah park in Rwanda, offering game drives, boat cruises, and Big Five sightings.
- In Uganda:
- Murchison Falls National Park: Known for the world’s most powerful waterfall and abundant wildlife.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: A remote wilderness with breathtaking scenery.
- Lake Mburo National Park: Ideal for walking safaris and boat cruises.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A great place to see white rhinos and shoebill storks.
Why Combine?
- Uganda offers a variety of savannah parks with diverse landscapes and wildlife, while Rwanda complements this with its single savannah park and ease of access.
- Hiking and Mountain Trekking
For hiking enthusiasts, both countries boast incredible mountains and trails:
- In Rwanda:
- Mount Karisimbi: The highest peak in the Virunga ranges.
- Mount Bisoke: Famous for its crater lake.
- Congo Nile Trail: A multi-day hiking and biking trail along Lake Kivu.
- Mount Kabuye: Perfect for a shorter trek.
- In Uganda:
- Mount Rwenzori: The legendary Mountains of the Moon, offering glacier trekking.
- Mount Elgon: Known for its ancient volcanic crater.
- Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo: Part of the Virunga ranges, offering stunning views.
- Ivy River Trail: A scenic trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Why Combine?
- Experience the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda and the glacial peaks of Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, offering diverse trekking experiences.
- Cultural Experiences
Both countries offer unique cultural experiences that allow travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions, history, and cuisine:
- In Rwanda:
- Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park to learn about traditional Rwandan culture.
- Explore Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.
- In Uganda:
- Visit the Batwa Pygmies near Bwindi and Mgahinga to learn about their ancient forest-dwelling lifestyle.
- Explore the Ndere Cultural Center in Kampala for traditional music and dance performances.
- Interact with the Karamojong people near Kidepo Valley National Park.
Why Combine?
- Both countries have rich but distinct cultural heritages, offering travelers a deeper understanding of East Africa’s diverse societies.
- Bird Watching
Both Uganda and Rwanda are birding paradises, boasting over 1,000 bird species. Highlights include:
- In Uganda:
- Mabamba Swamp: Famous for the shoebill stork.
- Semuliki National Park: Home to rare Albertine Rift endemics.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for water birds and savannah species.
- In Rwanda:
- Nyungwe National Park: A haven for Albertine Rift endemics.
- Akagera National Park: Ideal for savannah birds.
- Lakes and Rivers
Both countries are blessed with spectacular water bodies:
- In Rwanda:
- Lake Kivu: Perfect for boat rides, kayaking, and relaxation.
- Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo): Scenic beauty near Volcanoes National Park.
- In Uganda:
- Lake Victoria: The source of the Nile and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, great for boat cruise and spot fishing
- Kazinga Channel: Known for boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Nile River: Offers adventure activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja.
- Ease of Travel Between Countries
Traveling between Uganda and Rwanda has been made seamless, thanks to the East Africa Visa, which allows multiple entries across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for only USD 100. Additionally:
- Both countries have international airports (Kigali International Airport and Entebbe International Airport), making it easy to start or end your safari in either country.
- Safari vehicles can cross borders without extra charges, and knowledgeable guides in both countries ensure a smooth experience.
- Flexible Safari Itineraries
With local DMCs like One More Adventure Safaris operating in both Uganda and Rwanda, visitors can enjoy tailored safari experiences that meet their interests and budgets. Whether you want to focus on gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural exploration, or a mix of everything, these itineraries are fully customizable.
Why Choose a Rwanda-Uganda Combined Tour?
- Diversity in Attractions: From primates to savannah wildlife, volcanic landscapes to glaciers, the combination of Rwanda and Uganda offers unmatched variety.
- Cost-Effective: Uganda offers budget-friendly gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, while Rwanda provides a luxury touch to your African adventure.
- Convenience: Easy cross-border travel, East Africa Visa, and the presence of knowledgeable guides make this combination smooth and stress-free.
- Cultural Richness: Unique cultural experiences in each country add depth to your trip.
At One More Adventure Safaris, we specialize in designing unforgettable Rwanda-Uganda combined tours. Whether you’re looking for primate trekking, wildlife safaris, hiking, or cultural experiences, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for you. Contact us today to start planning your East African adventure!
