Planning a safari to Uganda but flying into Rwanda? You’re not alone — and in fact, starting your Uganda wildlife safari from Kigali-Rwanda is one of the smartest ways to explore East Africa. Thanks to excellent road connections, stunning scenery along the way, and shorter drive times to Uganda’s top parks, this route has become increasingly popular with travelers seeking a seamless and rewarding safari experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable Uganda wildlife safari starting from Kigali.
Why Start Your Safari From Kigali?
Kigali International Airport in Rwanda is modern, efficient, and very well connected to international destinations. For many travelers, flights into Kigali are more affordable and convenient than flying into Entebbe in Uganda.
More importantly, Kigali is significantly closer to southwestern Uganda’s famous national parks than Uganda’s own capital. For example, the drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home of the mountain gorillas — is just about 4–5 hours, compared to nearly 9–10 hours from Entebbe.
This makes Kigali the perfect gateway for anyone who wants to maximize time in the parks and minimize time on the road.
Wildlife Highlights to Expect in Uganda
Starting your safari in Kigali doesn’t mean missing out on Uganda’s incredible diversity. Once across the border, you’ll enter a world of dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
The most popular reason for starting from Kigali is the proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Both parks offer world-class gorilla trekking, where you can spend an hour in the company of habituated mountain gorilla families — an experience that is as moving as it is unforgettable.
You can also opt for the gorilla habituation experience, which allows for more time with these gentle giants as they get accustomed to human presence.
Golden Monkeys and Volcano Views
If you choose to trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can add on a visit to see the rare and beautiful golden monkeys. Mgahinga is also famous for its scenic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes, which dominate the skyline and provide breathtaking photography opportunities.
Game Drives and Big Five Safaris
From the southwest, it’s easy to continue your journey deeper into Uganda for a classic wildlife safari. You can visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, massive hippo pods, and hundreds of bird species. The nearby Ishasha sector is famous for lions lounging in fig trees, while the Kasenyi plains offer incredible sightings of elephants, buffalo, and more.
For a more remote adventure, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River tumbles through a narrow gorge and herds of giraffe, elephant, and antelope roam the savannah.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
On the way north, don’t miss Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of chimpanzees. Spending time with our closest cousins is another unforgettable wildlife experience unique to Uganda.
Border Crossing and Logistics
Crossing the Rwanda–Uganda border is straightforward at the main points, such as Cyanika or Katuna. All you need is your passport, a valid visa (or an East African Tourist Visa, which covers both countries), and your yellow fever vaccination card.
Most safari operators will assist with all logistics, making the transition seamless.
Best Time to Go
The best months for a Uganda wildlife safari are during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking and wildlife viewing are at their best. However, Uganda’s parks are open year-round, and even the wetter months offer fewer crowds and lush, green scenery.
Combining the convenience of Kigali with the wild beauty of Uganda is an inspired way to craft your East African safari. You’ll save travel time, enjoy diverse landscapes, and experience some of the continent’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re after gorilla trekking, classic game drives, or chimpanzee trekking, starting your Uganda wildlife safari from Kigali is not just practical — it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to explore this incredible corner of Africa.
