Experience the very best of Rwanda and Uganda on this unforgettable East African adventure. Discover Rwanda’s spectacular wildlife, lush rainforests, scenic lakes and vibrant culture before crossing into Uganda for the ultimate mountain gorilla trekking experience. From the Big Five in Akagera National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest to golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, the Batwa cultural experience in Echuya Forest and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, this safari offers an exceptional blend of wildlife, nature, culture and relaxation
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour to discover one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for an inspiring introduction to Rwanda’s remarkable history and resilience before exploring colourful craft markets and vibrant local neighbourhoods. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting safari ahead.
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel Kigali
Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the Big Five. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills before arriving at the park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive across open plains, acacia woodlands and wetlands while searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. Explore different sections of the park with your experienced guide in search of predators and grazing animals. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and an incredible variety of water birds thrive. This is one of Rwanda’s finest birdwatching experiences and offers fantastic photographic opportunities before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 4: Akagera National Park – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Following breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park on one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives. Travel through picturesque villages, rolling hills, tea plantations and lush countryside before arriving at one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests. Nyungwe is internationally recognised for its remarkable biodiversity, with over 13 primate species, hundreds of bird species and countless indigenous plants.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure deep within Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, hike through the rainforest in search of playful chimpanzees while also spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and colourful forest birds. Later, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 70 metres above the forest floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 6: Nyungwe Forest – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, embark on a relaxing boat cruise across its crystal-clear waters, visiting nearby islands, traditional fishing villages and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at your lakeside resort while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 7: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
After breakfast, continue north to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Former poachers now share their traditions through cultural performances, storytelling, traditional hunting demonstrations, herbal medicine, music, dance and local craftsmanship. This inspiring community project demonstrates how conservation has transformed local livelihoods.
Accommodation: Amikus Hotel
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Begin the day with an early breakfast before reporting to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing. Venture into the bamboo forests in search of the endangered golden monkeys, admired for their striking golden-orange fur and playful behaviour. After the trek, return to your lodge before crossing into Uganda via the Cyanika Border. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through the dense rainforest, following experienced guides as they track one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between two and six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is extraordinary. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play and interact in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
Day 10: Batwa Cultural Experience in Echuya Forest – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, depart for Echuya Forest to experience the fascinating Batwa cultural trail. Accompanied by Batwa community guides, discover how this indigenous forest community once lived in harmony with nature through traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine, storytelling, music and dance. Following this memorable cultural encounter, continue to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” because of its spectacular terraced hills and 29 beautiful islands. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise while taking in the tranquil scenery and rich birdlife.
Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Kigali via Katuna Border – Departure
After breakfast overlooking the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi, begin your scenic journey back to Rwanda via the Katuna (Gatuna) Border, the most convenient route between southwestern Uganda and Kigali. Enjoy the picturesque drive through rolling hills, fertile farmlands and charming rural communities as you make your way to Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
Upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your international flight schedule, you may stop for lunch, refreshments or last-minute souvenir shopping before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Your unforgettable Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari comes to an end, leaving you with lifelong memories of Big Five game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain gorilla encounters, authentic Batwa cultural experiences, the beauty of Lake Kivu and Lake Bunyonyi, and the breathtaking landscapes that make East Africa one of the world’s premier safari destinations.
End of Services
Charges in us dollars
Charges per person = $5487.5
| Includes | Excludes |
| Meet and greet upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the safari. Accommodation for 10 nights as specified in the itinerary. Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Full Board during the safari and Bed & Breakfast in Kigali, where applicable). Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle throughout the trip. Kigali City Tour. All park entrance fees. Akagera National Park game drives. Lake Ihema boat safari. Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Canopy Walk fee. Lake Kivu boat cruise. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit. Golden Monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Batwa cultural experience in Echuya Forest. Lake Bunyonyi evening boat cruise. Government taxes and VAT where applicable. Ranger guide fees for all trekking activiti | International and domestic flights. Rwanda and Uganda visa fees (where applicable). Travel insurance (strongly recommended). Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not included with meals. Tips and gratuities for the driver/guide, lodge staff and park rangers. Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Additional accommodation before or after the safari. Personal hiking gear and clothing. Medical expenses and personal medications. Porter fees during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (optional but highly recommended). Any increase in government taxes, park fees or permit costs beyond our control. Any items of a personal nature not specifically mentioned under the safari inclusions. |
