Embark on an enchanting 18-day safari adventure through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. Immerse yourself in the exceptional beauty and diversity of these remarkable destinations. From Rwanda’s verdant, rolling hills to Uganda’s awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and Burundi’s rich cultural heritage, every moment of this journey promises to captivate your senses. Discover the very best of Africa in just 18 days as you explore the wonders that make this continent truly extraordinary.
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a detailed briefing about the unforgettable safari adventure ahead. Enjoy a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, as you prepare for the exciting journey to come.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Chez Lando Hotel
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi/ Uganda
Start your day with an insightful city tour of Kigali, exploring notable landmarks such as the Genocide Memorial Center, which offers a profound glimpse into Rwanda’s history. After enjoying a leisurely lunch, set off on a scenic drive through breathtaking landscapes en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and take some time to relax and prepare for the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure that awaits you the next day
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meals: Breakfast , lunch and Diner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
Begin your day early with an exhilarating gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing from the park rangers, venture into the dense forest accompanied by expert guides who will lead you to the mountain gorillas’ habitat. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural environment as they interact, forage, and care for their young. Take the opportunity to capture remarkable photographs of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. After the trek, return to your lodge to freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
After a leisurely breakfast in the morning, check out from your lodge and embark on your journey. Along the way, enjoy a serene boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its stunning scenery and rich birdlife. Delight in birdwatching as you glide across the lake’s calm waters, surrounded by its iconic islands. Following the boat excursion, savor a delicious lunch before continuing your transfer to Volcanoes National Park via the Cyanika border. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, enjoy a hearty dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Begin your day with a refreshing early morning coffee before heading to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on the day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced guides, venture deep into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, carrying a packed lunch for the journey. As you trek through the jungle, you will track the elusive mountain gorillas, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. Once you locate them, enjoy the extraordinary privilege of spending an hour with these majestic creatures, witnessing their interactions and capturing unforgettable photographs.
After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to your lodge to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to gain insights into ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these incredible primates. End your day with some downtime back at your lodge, reflecting on the remarkable experiences of the day.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Garden Palace Hotel
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Rusizi with enroute Boat Trip on Lake Kivu
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before departing from Volcanoes National Park for Nyungwe National Park. Along the way, enjoy a fascinating visit to a local coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and the region’s rich coffee-growing heritage. Continue your journey to Kibuye, where you will embark on a relaxing boat trip on the serene waters of Lake Kivu. Explore its picturesque islands, soak in the stunning views, and discover the lake’s unique charm. After the boat excursion, proceed to Rusizi. Check in at your accommodation and unwind, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of this remarkable destination.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Peace Guest House
- Midrange: Essencia Lake Kivu
- Luxury: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a drive to the Congo border. Complete the necessary migration formalities and cross into Congo, continuing your journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Upon arrival, proceed to the park headquarters for registration and a detailed briefing about the lowland gorilla trekking experience. The trek, which lasts between 2 to 4 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, will take you through the park’s dense forest. Once you locate the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat, capturing stunning photographs of these incredible creatures. After the trek, return to the starting point, enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and then drive back to your lodge in Rwanda, reflecting on this unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Ken Barham Guest House
- Midrange: Maravilla Kivu Resort
- Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trek and Canopy Walk
Embark on an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure in the lush rainforest of Nyungwe National Park. Accompanied by expert guides, track these fascinating primates, which share an incredible 99% of their DNA with humans. Observe their behavior up close as they swing through the trees and interact within their groups, offering a rare glimpse into their natural world. After this unforgettable encounter, return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch. Later in the afternoon, elevate your experience with a breathtaking canopy walk, providing a unique bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. This walk through the treetops offers stunning perspectives of the forest’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Conclude the day by returning to your accommodation to unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day’s remarkable experiences.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: EAR Ken Barham Guest House
- Midrange: Maravilla Kivu Resort
- Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Fly to Kigali, connect flight to Bujumbura
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kamembe Airport to board a Rwandair flight connecting to Bujumbura in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you on a walking tour of the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, followed by a delightful local lunch. Afterward, you will return to the airport for your onward flight. Upon arrival in Bujumbura at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, your driver-guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Hotel la Palmerie
- Luxury: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Karera Waterfall Hike and Gishora Drum Sanctuary
After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to visit the spectacular Karera Waterfalls, located in southeastern Burundi, south of Rutana. This breathtaking natural wonder spans over 142 hectares and features six cascading branches divided across three landings, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
Following your exploration of the waterfalls, you will proceed to Gitega city for a delicious lunch. Afterward, you will visit the renowned Gishora Drum Sanctuary, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage site. Here, you will meet the master drummers who will share insights into the history and significance of traditional Burundian drumming. You will return to Gitega city briefly before continuing your drive back to Bujumbura.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Hotel la Palmerie
- Luxury: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Bujumbura City Tour and Rusizi Boat Ride
After breakfast, your day begins at 8:30 AM with a boat ride through Rusizi National Park. Cruise along the Rusizi River, extending to Lake Tanganyika, where you will have the opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Following the boat ride, you will embark on a city tour of Bujumbura, exploring key landmarks and attractions. Return downtown for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterward, visit the Muse Vivant to learn more about the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Conclude the day with a transfer back to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Hotel la Palmerie
- Luxury: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to the Airport for Departure to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to explore more of Burundi or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide. After a brief introduction, you will be provided with refreshing bottles of mineral water and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Arusha Planet Lodge
- Midrange: Kibo Palace
- Luxury: Arusha Gran Melia
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Explore Tarangire National Park on Game Drives
Begin your day with an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park, a haven renowned for its majestic elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Spend the day immersed in the park’s natural beauty, embarking on game drives to spot an array of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. The park’s diverse landscape, featuring ancient trees and picturesque riverbeds, provides a truly unique and captivating safari experience. As the day concludes, exit the park and drive to Karatu, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for an overnight stay at your lodge, reflecting on the day’s incredible encounters.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Fam of Dream Lodge
- Midrange: Moonbow Lodge
- Luxury: Karatu Acacia Fam Lodge
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Journey to Central Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an enriching Maasai cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the traditions and daily life of the Maasai people, enjoying their vibrant dances and intricate beadwork. After this unique cultural interaction, continue your journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park.
As you travel through the park, enjoy game drives that provide a glimpse of the abundant wildlife and the vast, open plains. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, just in time for a delightful dinner under the stars, reflecting on the day’s cultural and wildlife encounters.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Serengeti Thorn Tree Camp
- Midrange: Acacia Central Camp
- Luxury: Sametu Tented Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: En Route Game Drives from Central Serengeti to North
Embark on game drives from Central Serengeti to the Ndutu Plains in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. While the wildebeest migration is the highlight of the season, the Serengeti is home to a diverse range of fascinating wildlife. Keep an eye out for lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and elephants as your experienced guide expertly navigates the terrain.
After an exciting day, settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at your camp in the heart of the wilderness.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Baobab Migration Camp
- Midrange: Acacia Migration Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti River Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Witness the Wildebeest Migration
Spend a full day exploring the Ndutu Plains, where the spectacular wildebeest migration is at its peak. Witness incredible wildlife interactions, such as lion prides hunting, cheetahs stalking their prey, and vultures scavenging. The plains also host other wildlife, including impalas, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs, and a wide variety of bird species. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your camp, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Baobab Migration Camp
- Midrange: Acacia Migration Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti River Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drives & Return to Karatu
Experience a day of unparalleled wildlife viewing in the famous Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden.” Descend into this remarkable volcanic caldera to discover a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, from majestic lions to graceful zebras and elephants.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery before ascending from the crater. As the day comes to an end, drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Standard: Fam of Dream Lodge
- Midrange: Moonbow Lodge
- Luxury: Karatu Acacia Fam Lodge
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Tanzania and carry home unforgettable memories of your safari adventure.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Package Inclusions:
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Meet-and-greet service at the airport
- Gorilla permits:
- $1,500 per person in Rwanda
- $800 per person in Uganda
- $400 per person in Congo
- Kigali city tour
- Park entrance fees
- Local flight from Kamembe to Kigali
- Drinks at the lodge
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- 1-liter bottled water per person per day during the safari
- All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees
Package Exclusions:
- International and regional flights (e.g., flight to Bujumbura)
- Visa fees
- Drinks not included at the lodge
- Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenses
- Porter fees during trekking
- Travel insurance
- Personal shopping bills and cigars