Embark on a 13-day magical journey through Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exploring the rich and diverse attractions of these remarkable destinations. This unforgettable round-trip adventure offers the chance to witness the iconic Big Five on a thrilling game drive in Akagera National Park, experience an intimate chimpanzee trek, enjoy an exhilarating canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, and encounter the rare lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the DRC. Relax by the serene shores of Lake Kivu before heading to Volcanoes National Park for more breathtaking landscapes. The journey culminates in Uganda with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This expertly crafted itinerary combines excitement with tranquility, ensuring a truly rewarding and memorable adventure.
Day 1: Airport Transfer to Hotel
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will complete the necessary customs and immigration formalities. Our company guide will then extend a warm welcome, embodying the renowned hospitality of Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Following this, you will be transferred to your reserved hotel to enjoy dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard: Chez Lando Hotel
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park. Travel time + 2.5 hours
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, you will complete registration at the park office before embarking on an exciting game drive to explore the park’s diverse wildlife. Later, check into your accommodation and prepare for a scenic sunset boat trip on Lake Ihema at 3:00 PM. During the boat ride, you may spot hippos and crocodiles in the water or lounging along the shores, as well as buffaloes and elephants wallowing nearby. After the excursion, return to your lodge to enjoy dinner and unwind with an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Full day Game drive in Akagera National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge or camp before setting off on a full-day game drive in Akagera National Park with your safari driver-guide. A packed lunch from the lodge will be provided, as you will spend the day immersed in the park’s incredible wildlife. This predominantly savannah park is home to a variety of species, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, topis, and the recently reintroduced lions. You will also have the opportunity to spot numerous bird species. The game drive typically lasts 5 to 7 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and your interests, promising an exciting and memorable adventure.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Short game drive and drive back to Kigali
In the morning, after enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a short final game drive in the southern part of Akagera National Park, offering one last opportunity to spot wildlife in this stunning savannah landscape. Following the game drive, you will begin your journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to Rwanda’s history, followed by an exploration of the bustling and colorful Kimironko Local Market, where you can experience local culture and crafts.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard: Chez Lando Hotel
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park. Travel time +5 hours
Begin your day with an early buffet breakfast before checking out of your hotel and embarking on a scenic journey to Rwanda’s Western Province. Along the way, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum in the Southern Province, where you will delve into the rich history of Rwandan traditional life and the heritage of kingship. After enjoying a delightful en route lunch, you will arrive at Nyungwe National Park in the afternoon. The rest of the day will be yours to unwind and enjoy at your leisure.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Ken Barham Guest House
- Midrange: Maravilla Kivu Resort
- Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk
After an early breakfast, you will set out to explore the natural wonders of Nyungwe Forest, a haven for biodiversity and home to 13 primate species. Upon arrival, you will attend a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend an hour observing their behavior in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience. After the trek, enjoy a well-deserved lunch before heading to the renowned canopy walk, a 70-meter-long suspended metallic bridge offering breathtaking views of the forest. With some luck, you might spot additional primates or unique bird species during your walk. In the afternoon, return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Guest House
- Midrange: Essencia Lake Kivu
- Luxury: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega
Begin your day with an early morning cup of coffee before crossing the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Upon arrival, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on your highly anticipated gorilla trekking adventure. Equipped with a packed lunch, you will venture into the jungle to track the elusive lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend an hour observing their fascinating social behavior and capturing unforgettable photographs. This trek requires a reasonable level of fitness, along with essential items such as sturdy walking shoes, packed food, mineral water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. The duration of the trek can vary from a few hours to a full day, depending on the gorillas’ movements. After this extraordinary experience, return to enjoy lunch before heading back to Rwanda. You will then be transferred to Rwanda at your booked hotel where you can relax and unwind for the rest of the day.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Guest House
- Midrange: Essencia Lake Kivu
- Luxury: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, boat trip on Lake Kivu Travel time +4hrs
In the morning, following breakfast, set out on a picturesque boat trip to explore the stunning Lake Kivu. During this excursion, you will have the chance to visit several islands and observe the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. After the boat trip, continue your journey with a transfer to Volcanoes National Park, stopping en route at the Kinunu Coffee Plantation for an insightful visit. Enjoy lunch before proceeding to Volcanoes National Park, where you will settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Diana Fossey Tomb Hike
After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the park. At 7:00 AM, you will arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi Village, where a ranger will provide a detailed briefing on the rules and guidelines for the hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. Following the briefing, you will begin your journey into the jungle. Upon reaching the tomb, you will have an hour to explore the historic site, soak in the tranquil surroundings, and capture memorable photographs. After the hike, return to your lodge to enjoy dinner and unwind with an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Transfer for Climbing the Volcano Bisoke
After breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters to begin your day’s adventure. At the RDB Office, a park ranger will brief you on the hiking guidelines and what to expect during the trek. Following the briefing, you will embark on the ascent to the summit of Mount Bisoke, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of its stunning Crater Lake. The hike typically takes 5 to 7 hours, depending on your group’s pace and level of experience. Once the trek is complete, you will return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Golden monkeys & Transfer to Bwindi via Cyanika border Travel time + 5 hrs
After a relaxed breakfast, you will set off for Volcanoes National Park to embark on an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure. This unique experience offers the opportunity to observe these playful and endangered primates in their natural habitat. Later, you will continue your journey across the border to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Upon arrival, spend the evening at your leisure, resting and preparing for the incredible gorilla trekking experience that awaits you. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa cultural experience
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on your gorilla trekking adventure. Equipped with your packed lunch, you will venture into the jungle on an exhilarating trek to find the majestic mountain gorillas. As you explore their natural habitat, you will have the chance to observe their unique behaviors and social interactions in the wild. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll enjoy the extraordinary privilege of spending one hour in their presence, capturing unforgettable photos and creating lifelong memories. The trek duration can vary from half a day to a full day, depending on the gorillas’ movements. After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa Cultural Village for an enriching cultural experience, where you will immerse yourself in the traditions and heritage of the Batwa people. Later, return to your lodge to relax, reflect on the day’s incredible encounters, and review your photos before settling in for a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi boat and transfer back for the departure
After a leisurely breakfast, pack your belongings and prepare for the return journey to Kigali. Along the way, take a serene boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant birdlife, and tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of this natural paradise before continuing your drive to Kigali. You will arrive in the city with ample time to catch your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Package Includes
- Transportation on a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop up roof
- Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person.
- 1 Gorilla permit per person in Uganda
- 1 Gorilla permit per person in DRC
- 1 golden monkey permit per person
- Enroute lunches
- Boat cruises as mentioned in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Community encounter
- Bottled mineral water
- Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- And other day excursions as described in the itinerary
Package Excludes
- Airfare: International and domestic flights.
- Visas: Entry visas for Rwanda, Uganda, or DRC.
- Personal Expenses: Including drinks, laundry, telephone bills, porter fees during trekking, personal insurance, shopping, and cigars.