Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure, where you’ll experience the wonders of Uganda and Rwanda. Encounter the playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, observe the majestic mountain gorillas in the lush depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. For an added thrill, take the optional excursion to the stunning Kyambura Gorge for a chance to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Conclude your journey with a serene day of relaxation by the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, making for the perfect end to an extraordinary adventure.

Highlights

  • Kigali City Tour
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Golden Monkey Trekking
  • Scenic road trips
  • Tropical rain forest walks
  • Boat cruise
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Culture
  • Two country safaris

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali city tour and transfer to Volcanoes national park

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Kigali, where you’ll first visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This poignant stop offers a deep insight into Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey towards becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Afterward, depart Kigali for a scenic 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the breathtaking Virunga Mountains. As you travel, enjoy stunning views of the rugged mountain landscape. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, later visit the Dain Fossey Gorilla Camp indulge in a delicious dinner, and relax, preparing for the thrilling gorilla tracking experience that awaits you the next day.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Golden monkey tracking and transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, we head to the visitor center for a briefing session led by park rangers, where you’ll learn about the guidelines for tracking either golden monkeys or gorillas, depending on your choice. Once briefed, we venture into the lush tropical rainforest, accompanied by experienced trackers, to begin our adventure. When the golden monkeys are located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them up close—discovering their fascinating behavior, social dynamics, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Rwanda-Uganda border, continuing our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where your gorilla tracking experience awaits. Enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at a lodge nestled on the edge of the forest. (Please note: your accommodation on this night will depend on the location of your gorilla permits or where you will be tracking gorillas the following day.)

Accommodation: Bweza Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: full board

Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Community Tour

After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, you’ll enjoy a short drive to the UWA briefing center, where park rangers will walk you through the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Once you’ve been assigned to a gorilla family, you’ll join a small group of 8 participants and head into the forest with your armed ranger guides in search of these magnificent creatures. When the gorillas are located, you’ll have a full hour to observe them in their natural habitat, maintaining a respectful distance of 7-10 meters. Watch in awe as they go about their daily activities, providing you with a truly unforgettable experience.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. For those who wish to explore further, there is an optional community walk to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Accommodation: Bweza Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park for your Afternoon Kazinga Boat cruise

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart from Bwindi and make our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Katunguru for a scenic boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. This community-focused activity supports the local residents while offering an incredible wildlife experience.

The Kazinga Channel is renowned for its impressive hippo population, considered to be the highest in Africa. As you cruise along the water, you’ll also have the chance to spot other wildlife, including African elephants, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species, as well as reptiles like the Nile crocodile.

After the boat ride, return to your lodge in the Kasenyi sector for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.

Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Optional Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short 20-minute drive to your chimpanzee tracking starting point, where you’ll embark on a remarkable encounter with our closest living relatives, sharing 99% of our DNA. Led by expert UWA guides, who possess an intimate knowledge of the forest, you’ll search for these intelligent and playful primates in their natural habitat. Once sighted, you’ll have one full hour to observe them as they go about their daily routines.

We recommend bringing water, quick snacks, and, of course, rain gear, as this tropical rainforest can be unpredictable. After your chimpanzee encounter, return to the lodge for a hot, satisfying lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, where you’ll relax and unwind, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Explore Bunyonyi and transfer back to Kigali

After a leisurely morning enjoying optional activities at the lodge by the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, you’ll begin your journey back to Kigali for your international flight. The transfer will take about 3 hours, with roughly an hour spent crossing the border back into Rwanda. This marks the end of your unforgettable safari adventure. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you again soon!

Accommodation: None

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included

  • 4×4 Customized Safari Vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • 1 Gorilla Permit per person
  • 1 Golden monkey permit per person
  • Accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary

Excluded

  • Porter fees $20 per person
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura (100$) per person
  • Tips or any additional costs of personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary