Cost of a 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Cost of a 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari varies based on your travel choices and preferences. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer amazing wildlife experiences with different pricing structures for their national parks. Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 per person while Rwanda charges $1,500 for the same experience. Your total budget depends on accommodation choices, seasonal timing and included activities throughout your journey. Safari companies provide various packages from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences for all travelers. Most people spend between $4,500 to $8,000 per person for a complete 10-day adventure. Planning ahead helps you secure better rates and guarantee permit availability during peak travel seasons.

Safari Permit Costs

Uganda Gorilla Permits

Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents visiting the mountain gorillas. Foreign Residents pay $700 while Africans Outside East Africa pay $500 for permits, East African Residents pay UGX300,000 for the same gorilla tracking experience in Uganda. These permits allow you one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat. You must book permits at least three months before your planned travel dates. Peak season demand often requires even earlier booking to secure available spots for travelers.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 for visitors from outside Africa who want gorilla experiences. Foreign residents pay $500 while East African citizens pay $200 for the same permit. Rwanda’s higher prices reflect their premium positioning and easier access to gorilla families. The permit includes one hour with gorillas plus ranger protection throughout your forest trek.

Accommodation Options

Budget Accommodation

Budget hotels cost between $50 to $130 per person per night for basic lodging. These lodges offer basic amenities including clean rooms, shared bathrooms and simple meal options. Many budget options provide stunning views of mountains and forests surrounding the national parks. Local guesthouses near national parks often charge $30-$60 per room nightly for travelers.

Mid-Range Lodges

Mid-range accommodation typically costs $150-$400 per person per night including all daily meals. These lodges feature private bathrooms, comfortable beds and restaurant services for guest comfort. Most include breakfast and dinner while lunch comes as packed meals during activities. Locations offer excellent access to park gates and wildlife viewing areas for guests.

Luxury Safari Lodges

Luxury Rwanda safaris range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person for premium experiences. Premium lodges charge $500-$1,200 per person nightly with all meals included in rates. These properties feature spa services, fine dining and exclusive wildlife experiences for guests. Many offer helicopter transfers and private guide services for enhanced safari experiences.

Total Budget Breakdown

Budget Safari Option

Budget 10-day Uganda and Rwanda safaris typically cost around $3,000 per person total. This includes basic accommodation, ground transportation, one gorilla permit and standard meal options. Budget travelers often share vehicle costs and choose local guesthouses near the parks. Total expenses stay under $3,500 including tips and personal purchases during the trip.

Mid-Range Safari Package

Mid-range 10-day safaris cost $4,500-$6,500 per person including comfortable lodge accommodations throughout. These packages feature private vehicles, professional guides and quality accommodation for the journey. Most include both Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits plus additional wildlife tracking activities.

Luxury Safari Experience

Uganda safaris range from $1,000 to over $10,000 per person depending on choices. Luxury 10-day packages cost $7,000-$12,000 per person with premium services included throughout. These experiences feature helicopter transfers, exclusive lodges and private guide services for guests. All meals, drinks and activities come included in the quoted final prices.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will meet our experienced driver guide. He or she will brief you on the safari details and schedule. You’ll take the 6 to 7-hour drive along Kampala – Bombo – Masindi Road. You will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhinoceros tracking experience with guides. Here you will learn about the rhino stories and their near extinction history. You’ll continue with lunch in Masindi town before reaching Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll check into your earlier booked lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight rest.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

You’ll have an early morning breakfast at around 6:30 am before meeting your guide. You will then go for a wonderful game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This is the best time for seeing at least half of the Big Five animals. During this game drive you will see several bird species including Rift Valley endemics. Some of these birds include the Abyssinian ground hornbill and other forest species. After the game drive you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later you’ll go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River for spectacular experiences. You will encounter several aquatic animals such as Nile crocodiles and hippos. You’ll continue and hike to the top of the falls for amazing views.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After morning breakfast you’ll check out of the lodge and drive to Kibale Forest. You will have lunch en route in either Hoima or Fort Portal town. The journey takes you through banana and tea plantations with scenic Rift Valley views. You will then visit the Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru caves and Nyakasura Falls near town. During the tour you will explore the Karambi royal tombs and Toro Kingdom palace. You’ll continue to Kibale Forest National Park and check into your lodge for dinner.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After morning breakfast you will go to the visitor’s center for chimpanzee trekking briefing. From there you will enter the forests of Kibale and search for human-like chimps. Upon encountering the chimps you will have an hour in their presence taking pictures. You’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before checking out. After lunch you’ll drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through lush green vegetation. The journey offers views of rolling hills, crater lakes and mighty Rwenzori Mountains. You’ll check into the lodge upon arrival for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

You’ll have an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains for wildlife viewing. You stand a high chance of seeing night hunters like leopards before hiding. It is also a moment of enjoying sunrise views over snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. The area hosts multiple species of both birds and animals for wildlife enthusiasts. You will encounter animals such as elephants, buffalo, zebras and leopards during drives. You’ll return to your lodge for late breakfast before the afternoon boat cruise. During the boat cruise experience you will enjoy views while sailing the waters. You will see many animals converging at the channel to drink water daily. You’ll return to your lodge for late lunch and evening game drive activities.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

After morning breakfast you’ll check out and go for game drive via Ishasha. This is the best moment to see the kings of the jungle resting. These tree-climbing lions are found only in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Meeting them during hunt or mating season is always a remarkable wildlife experience. Our guides are experienced enough to help you see these lions without trouble. You will enjoy them as they lie in the acacia tree branches resting. You’ll continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through hills of Kabale and Kisoro. You’ll check into the lodge and go for guided nature walks with Batwa communities.

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This day is the day that many travelers have been waiting for during their trip. You will take a full-day adventure to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest. The trek will start with a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules for safety. You will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter giants. You will follow the expert guides looking for signs of gorillas and changing directions. After this rare and memorable experience you will spend the rest of day. You will spend the night in Bwindi National Park at your chosen lodge.

Day 8: Community Activities and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

This day offers a unique opportunity to learn about local community tragic history through activities. Choose between the Batwa cultural experience where you visit local communities and traditions. Other activities include paddling at Lake Mutanda and coffee-making experience with local industry. After the local activity you’ll drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. You will cross via the Kyanika border between Uganda and Rwanda for processing.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Museum

This trip will take you to trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You will enter the forest and walk through bamboo vegetation and various plants. Your national park guide will tell you about the park’s history and wildlife. The golden monkey trek should take about 5 hours of forest walking and tracking.

Day 10: Kigali Genocide Museum and City Tour

After a relaxed morning breakfast at your lodge you will drive to Kigali. You’ll enjoy the views of the surrounding areas during the final drive today. You will visit the Rwanda genocide memorial Center and see thousands of names. You’ll have lunch at any hotel in Kigali city before your final departure. Later the driver will drop you at either a hotel or airport.