Rwanda and Uganda itinerary - 16 day roadtrip

Discover both southwestern Uganda and Rwanda on this 2-week self-drive adventure. If you're interested in nature and culture, this Rwanda road trip is the one for you.

  • Trek the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
  • Spot chimpanzees in Kibale tropical rainforest.
  • Enjoy plenty of wildlife spotting on your self-drive safaris in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Visit Kigali and be moved by its captivating history.
  • Relax at Lake Gisenyi and you'll understand why Rwanda is named the land of a thousand hills.

Scroll down below to see the day-to-day itinerary with route descriptions and travel tips for Rwanda and Uganda. The trip includes car rental, accommodation (available in four price categories), gorilla and chimp permits. 

This itinerary is for you if...

  • ...you want to get a taste of Rwanda, combining 2 countries into 1 roadtrip
  • ...you want to see gorillas ánd chimps

You'll also love this if...

  • ...you enjoy rolling hills and lush landscapes
  • ...want to modify the trip to a one-way, starting in Kigali and ending in Entebbe

Day-to-day itinerary | Uganda & Rwanda road trip

Day 1

Day 1 of 16

Destination: Entebbe

Drive: 10 km | 0.5 hour

Gyebalo Ko, and Welcome to Uganda! As soon as you enter the airport you will be welcomed by a pleasant temperature, slight chaos, and hopefully a charming smile from the immigration officer. Take this day to relax from your flight in Entebbe. Entebbe is a peaceful lakeside town, an hour and a half away from the busy capital Kampala.

A glimpse of our lodge selection: 

Budget / Mid-range: Via Via Guesthouse

Semi-Luxury: The Boma Hotel

2 weeks in Uganda and Rwanda | This is what you need to know

Travel time and road conditions

We recommend 16 days / 14 car rental days for this Uganda & Rwanda itinerary. You'll cover southwestern Uganda, Kigali and Kivu Luke District in Rwanda. On an average travel day, you drive for 5 hours. Keep in mind that with photo and picnic stops, this still makes a full travel day. 

Road conditions are good - asphalt with the occasional pothole and speed bumps. The most adventurous part is driving from Kisoro to Lake Mutanda (volcanic and dirt road) and from Hamurwa to Ishasha (off-road). Take note that the maximum speed in Rwanda is 60km/h

Consult our Driving in Uganda Guide, which contains essential information when planning a self-drive holiday in Uganda. 

The Uganda & Rwanda itinerary is possible to travel year-round. 

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Find your budget & travel style

Our Uganda & Rwanda trip can be booked in three price categories:

Budget: Some mid-range lodges offer 'Lazy Camping' (glamping), where you sleep in an already set-up tent. There is a sanitary block that you share with other campers. Adding some 'Lazy Camping' nights in your Uganda tour works favourably for your budget, while you can still enjoy the lodge facilities. 

Mid-range: This is your best option for comfortable, self-contained ('en suite') accommodations set in stunning locations which do not cost a fortune. 

Semi-luxury: If you opt for luxury, we select barefoot luxury resorts which are intimate, have lots of privacy and high-quality service. Not every stop in Uganda allows for a stay in this segment, therefore we rather call it a semi-luxury trip.

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Experiences from fellow Roadtrippers
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Splendid and amazing trip in Uganda and Rwanda

Gerrit from the Netherlands

The lodges were extraordinary at great locations near the National Parks and we enjoyed the whole trip very much. We are leaving with tons of new memories and even more pictures of these beautiful countries with their very friendly inhabitants, go...
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The election of lodges exceeded our expectations

George from Greece

We took a self driving trip in Uganda and Rwanda planned by Roadtrip Africa. The experience was amazing and everything well planned. When issues arised during the trip, the team quickly took care of everything. Highly recommended!
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If you're up to self-drive adventures, do it with Roadtrip Africa!

Katharina from Germany

We did a self-drive holiday and booked our car rental, all accommodations and trekking permits and would anyone highly recommend doing so as well. Communication prior to the trip was flawless, fast and super friendly by Madelon. Uganda is an incre...
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Included in your Uganda and Rwanda roadtrip

Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit USD 800
  • Chimp trekking permit USD 250
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Car rental with unlimited mileage. Fuel own expense
  • Car delivery to airport or hotel
  • Car insurance
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • On the road manual, Bradt Travel Guide, roadmap
  • Travel Notes with driving directions and stops along the way

Optional

  • Driver - Guide
  • Electrical fridge

Create & book your 2-week Uganda & Rwanda adventure

Book the Uganda & Rwanda self-drive tour with stays in budget, mid-range or luxury lodges - or adjust it to your liking.

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Uganda & Rwanda Tour | Indicative prices

Low season | March - April + Nov - 21 Dec

RAV4

Landcruiser

Hilux

Budget

€2,650

€2,930

€3,070

Mid-range

€2,890

€3,170

€3,310

Semi-luxury

€3,990

€4,270

€4,410

Peak season | July - Sept + 22 Dec - Feb

RAV4

Landcruiser

Hilux

Budget

€2,930

€3,350

€3,490

Mid-range

€3,170

€3,590

€3,730

Semi-luxury

€4,270

€4,690

€4,830

Rest of year

RAV4

Landcruiser

Hilux

Budget

€2,790

€3,140

€3,280

Mid-range

€3,030

€3,380

€3,520

Semi-luxury

€4,130

€4,480

€4,620

The price is per person based on 2 people sharing a car and includes 15 hotel nights, 14-day car rental, airport pick up, gorilla (USD 800 pp) and chimp (USD 250 pp) permit. 

Easy and secure online payment to our Roadtrip Africa Bookings office in the Netherlands. 

Prefer a guided road trip? Travel with a driver-guide (€40/day). This is an option you can select in the online booking form. 

Planning to visit Uganda during peak season? Book your tour several months in advance! 

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