12 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
Embark on a thrilling 12-day journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular national parks in Rwanda and Uganda. This safari offers a combination of rich wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences. The itinerary covers Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. From game drives to boat rides and gorilla trekking, this safari offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in East Africa.
Overview
- Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Destinations: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Activities: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, boat rides, cultural experiences
- Tour Starts and Ends: Kigali, Rwanda
- Accommodation: Luxury, mid-range, or budget options available
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
- Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest Enroute City Tour
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Canopy Walk
- Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation
- Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Gorilla Trek and Iby’wacu Cultural Experience
- Day 8: Mt. Bisoke Hike
- Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Day 10: Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experience
- Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- Day 12: Return to Kigali for Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will greet you and brief you on the adventure ahead. You’ll then set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife park. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your lodge and unwind, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Luxury: Magashi Camp / Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge / Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
MEAL PLAN: Lunch/Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive through Akagera National Park. The park is home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest via Kigali City Tour
After breakfast, you’ll return to Kigali for a short city tour. You’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a key historical and cultural site. After lunch, the journey continues south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, famous for its primate population and rich biodiversity. Arrive at your lodge in the evening.
Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House / Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Canopy Walk
Early in the morning, set out for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe’s dense rainforest. You’ll follow experienced trackers to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing through the trees and forage for food. In the afternoon, embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge walk offering breathtaking views of the forest.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation
After breakfast, head to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. Upon arrival, spend the day relaxing on the shores of this scenic lake. You can choose to enjoy water activities like kayaking or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Mid-range: Cormoran Lodge
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a peaceful morning at Lake Kivu, you’ll transfer to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the afternoon, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trek.
Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/ Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’wacu Cultural Experience
This is the highlight of the trip! Early in the morning, set off on your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, you’ll hike into the misty mountains in search of a gorilla family. Once you find them, you’ll spend an hour observing these majestic creatures. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Iby’wacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience Rwandan traditions, dances, and customs.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mount Bisoke Hike
Challenge yourself with a full-day Mount Bisoke hike. This dormant volcano, standing at 3,711 metres, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including a beautiful crater lake at the summit. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation after the hike.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park
Start the day with a unique golden monkey tracking experience in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, cross the border into Uganda and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
UpMarket – Mt Gahinga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Lodge/ Midluxury -Four Gorilla Cousins Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge/ Luxury- Lake Mulehe, Uchumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Midrange – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Budget – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Broadbill
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trek at Bwindi and Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experience
Experience another gorilla trek, this time in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. After your encounter with the gentle giants, you’ll enjoy a cultural visit to the Batwa Pygmies, one of the indigenous tribes who will share their traditions, songs, and way of life.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife reserves. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife along the water’s edge.
Up Market: Kyambura Gorge lodge/Ishasha Wilderness Camp/ Mid Luxury: Buffalo Safari Lodge Deluxe/Kyangabi Safari Lodge/Elephant Plains/Luxury: Kyangabi Safari Lodge/Mweya safari lodge / Midrange: Eganzi Lodge/Budget: Simba Safari Lodge /Bush lodge
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Return to Kigali for Departure
After breakfast, embark on the scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for souvenir shopping or a quick city tour before being dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast and Lunch
END OF ADVENTURE
This 12-day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trek and Wildlife Safari offers an unforgettable journey through two of Africa’s most beautiful countries. Combining wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural experiences, this safari is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From Rwanda’s Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Parks to Uganda’s Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth, you’ll witness the best of East Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.