Explore both Uganda and Rwanda on this road trip with rooftop tent experience. If you’re interested in nature and culture alike, this road trip is the one for you. Discover why Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills and be moved by its captivating history. 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. Offline navigation is easier if you download Maps.

Uganda & Rwanda are good to visit year-round. Temperatures will be mild and pleasant, as you’re exploring the cooler regions of Uganda and Rwanda is at higher altitude. The hottest months to visit Uganda and Rwanda are January and February.

April – May and November is low season. Be prepared for more rainfall. Some lodges will offer low season rates. Peak season is June to September and around Christmas. Although the parks don’t feel crowded, you must still reserve your car, gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance.

June to August and December to February is dry season. In Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park, vegetation becomes scarce and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot on safari. Rain forests are wet year-round.

The most important thing is to narrow down the points to visit and create a route based on available days, considering driving distances and the necessary budget. If your focuses are the gorillas and the lakes in Uganda, it’s better to land in Kigali (Rwanda) as its closest to the Bwindi Forest.

The drive from Kigali takes about 5hours and it is tar road until the end, where it becomes bumpy and gravel road. You need a 4×4 self-drive vehicle. Take up your preferred lodge on arrival to Bwindi, take dinner and overnight.

There are different activities offered from the lodge that you can do, but they all require you to pay. It’s quite a surprise to see even hikes have to be done with a guide. They also require (at least in the Bwindi surrounding area) to hike with an armed guard in case you encounter forest elephants or other wildlife. The prices range from 15 USD per person to 60 USD per person.

You need the stick. It is not a hard hike at all, but the area of Bwindi is slippery and lush – the stick will save your ass from hitting the floor a couple times. The hike is stunning, goes through fields of fruits and local communities, dense jungle and fenced animals. The waterfall is deep in the jungle and then you get to understand why you need a local guide. There is no sign or much of a path, and you would not found it without a guide. The waterfall is about 4 or 5 metres high and unfortunately you cannot swim in it. It is so cool to see this – and a very nice activity for a day.

Go Gorilla trekking is the most incredible wildlife experience. It leaves you speechless. And you would do it again in a heartbeat. The permit is expensive (700USD per person) but contributes to making the forest and surrounding areas habitable for the gorillas.

Chilling by Lake Mutanda; most of the activities here either need a car or a guide. Self-drive on the main road and go to have a beer at Chameleon Lodge, to change the angle of the spectacular views. Upon returning, you can swim in the lake, canoe around the island closest to the lodge’s peninsula and go for a Sun downer cruise.

Transfer from Lake Mutanda to lodge in Lake Bunyonyi (about 2h30) and spend the day enjoying the views, playing chess on deck and guess what – you also got a room upgrade (perks of traveling during shoulder season!).

Should you prefer to go on nature walks or hikes, you need to know that they don’t require you to be very fit. Plus, guides go with you, so you won’t get lost or miss any of the highlights on your walk. If you prefer to explore the area around the lake by bike, you also get a guide

Long transfer to Gisenyi, Rwanda – Gisenyi is the coastal town with a nice vibe on the shores of Lake Kivu, the volcanic lake that separates DRC and Rwanda. You will stay at a lodge about 10 minutes away from town, in a very tranquil and idyllic setting, with palm trees, private beach and lodge orchard. The friendliness and warm ambience of the lodge staff is over the top.

The private beach sunset is amazing and you can order a bottle of wine and your dinner to be served at the beach, picnic mode. The food is extremely good; the pictures don’t do it justic. One of the main activities in the area is the hot springs. You take a boat from the lodge to their sister property, Paradise Malahide, and from there kayak to the hot springs and back. On arrival you pay the permit to enter the hot springs. The hot springs are two pools of hot water surrounded by sandbags, where you sit.

Head to Kigali city as it is the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali deserves at least one day to be discovered. The bustling streets and winding boulevards together with its lush hillsides, recommend Rwanda’s capital as one of the most attractive cities in Africa. Located roughly at the centre of the country, it is an excellent entry point for your explorations.

Head to Kimironko Market, where vendors from the country, as well as East, Central, and West Africa sell their wares. Aside from fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, you can also find crafts, souvenirs, and fabric.

Rwanda is also a foodie destination you should not miss. And Kigali is a great place to dig into the local cuisine. A classic dish is Big Fish (giant tilapia) which can be found in the capital’s restaurants. Grilled and stuffed with onions and spices, one can feed up to 3 people.

If you like your meat on the stick, then go for brochettes. And should you prefer pork meat, and then don’t miss tasting akabenz. Vegetarians and vegans should try matoke, a hot and spicy dish made from plantains steamed in banana leaves.

Take a self-drive in Kigali to volcanoes national park. Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan part of the Virunga Mountains, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is famous for being home to the dedicated primatologist Dian Fossey, who fought to save these magnificent primates.

Most travelers come here to track mountain gorillas. The forest is, however, also alive with the chirping of about 200 colourful birds and chattering of golden monkeys. There are 10 habituated families of mountain gorillas. Trekkers need to get a permit (USD 1500) to be able to interact with them for an hour. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and need to be secured in advance.

Travelers may also track golden monkeys in this region. They can only be found here and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) so getting a chance to see them is a unique experience. Permits are required (USD 100).