Safari Overview

Uganda & Rwanda

Experience the ultimate primate and wildlife odyssey with our 7-day Rwanda & Uganda cross-border safari. This intricately crafted journey begins in the savannahs of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, before moving to the somber yet inspiring history of Kigali.

The adventure reaches its peak as you cross into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a profound encounter with Mountain Gorillas. This safari is uniquely designed to offer both a standard Gorilla Trek and a rare Gorilla Habituation experience, concluding with the playful Golden Monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is a transformative journey through the heart of the Albertine Rift.

 

 

Safari Highlights

• Day 1-2: Big Five game drives and boat safaris in Akagera National Park.
• Day 3: Cultural immersion in Kigali City and the Genocide Memorial visit.
• Day 4-5: Scenic crossing to Uganda and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi.
• Day 6: Exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 hours with the gorillas).
• Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and departure.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your guide will pick you up for a tour of Kigali, ranked as Africa’s cleanest city. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute that provides vital context to Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation. Afterward, embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park.

• Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Upmarket) / Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Full-Day Big Five Adventure in Akagera

Spend the day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Akagera, from low-lying mountains to swamp-fringed lakes.

Travel Note: Since game drives can last 6+ hours, we provide a packed picnic lunch at a scenic lookout point, allowing you to stay immersed in the wilderness while searching for lions, rhinos, elephants, and the elusive leopard.

• Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Behind the Scenes & Return to Kigali

Enjoy a Behind the Scenes tour at the park headquarters to learn about conservation efforts. Later, drive back to Kigali for an evening of relaxation or exploring the local artisan markets.

• Accommodation: Serena Hotel Kigali (Upmarket) / Onomo Hotel (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

Cross the border into Uganda through a landscape of a thousand hills.

Travel Note: This 4–5 hour journey takes you into high-altitude regions. We include stops for photography at the Gatuna/Cyanika border and the rolling hills of Kabale, ensuring a comfortable transition into the misty Gorilla highlands.

• Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Upmarket) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience

Enter the Bwindi jungle for your first gorilla encounter. After the trek, visit the Batwa Cultural Village to learn how the Keepers of the Forest lived for generations.

• Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Gorilla Habituation & Transfer to Volcanoes Park

Participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing you 4 hours with a semi-habituated family. This is a deeper, educational encounter limited to only 4 guests per day. In the afternoon, transfer back across the border to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.

• Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Upmarket) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking & Departure

Trek through the bamboo forests to find the endangered Golden Monkeys. These vibrant primates are extremely active and offer incredible photography opportunities. Afterward, transfer back to Kigali for your international flight home.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is included)	Exclusions (What is NOT included)
Permits	1 Gorilla Permit ($800) & 1 Golden Monkey Permit	International Flights
Special Activity	Gorilla Habituation Experience	East African Tourist Visa ($100)
Transport	Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with Wi-Fi	Tips and Gratuities
Lodging	6 Nights accommodation (Full Board)	Personal Travel Insurance
Culture	Kigali Genocide Memorial & Batwa Village Visit	Alcoholic drinks & Premium beverages
Service	Professional English-speaking Driver-Guide	Personal items (Laundry, Souvenirs)

 

Safari Quotation (Estimated Per Person)

Accommodation Tier	Group Size (2 Pax)	Group Size (4-6 Pax)
Upmarket (Luxury)	$5,850	$5,200
Mid-Range	$4,300	$3,750

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Akagera & Volcanoes (Rwanda), Bwindi (Uganda).
• Key Wildlife: Lions, Rhinos, Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys.
• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September and December–February).
• Border Requirements: Yellow Fever certificate and East African Tourist Visa.
• Insight: This itinerary is highly recommended by experts for travelers wanting a mix of traditional Big Five safari and rare primate habituation.

Exceptional Best 2 Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda and Rwanda