14 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Uganda Ultimate Safari

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and welcoming capital. After your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your comfortable lodge or hotel. Settle in, relax, and take in the serene atmosphere of the land of a thousand hills.

Head northwest to the legendary Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll embark on an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience. Hike through lush bamboo forests to encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat—a truly moving and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Spend your evenings unwinding at your lodge, reflecting on the powerful moments shared with these magnificent creatures.

Travel south through Rwanda’s stunning countryside to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. After checking in at your lodge, venture into the forest for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. As you walk through the dense canopy, expect to hear the calls of the chimps echoing through the trees, along with sightings of colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife.

Leave Rwanda behind as you cross into Uganda, heading towards the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the forest and prepare for another chance to connect with these gentle giants.

Over the next two days, dive deeper into the jungle for two exhilarating gorilla treks. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you’ll hike through thick vegetation to spend time with one of the habituated gorilla families. Each visit offers unique insights and unforgettable photo opportunities. In your downtime, you can choose to explore nearby communities or enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

Leave the forest behind as you make your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations. Known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, the park offers a classic African safari experience. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelope species across the Kasenyi Plains.

Today offers even more opportunities to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set out on a game drive during peak wildlife activity and keep an eye out for elusive predators and large herds of game. Later, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel—one of the park’s highlights—where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species gather along the water’s edge.

Continue your journey north to Uganda’s largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park. This scenic drive offers a glimpse into rural Uganda and rolling savannahs. Arrive at your lodge near the Nile River and prepare for more thrilling wildlife encounters.

Spend two incredible days discovering the diverse ecosystems of Murchison Falls. Enjoy classic game drives across the park’s vast savannahs, where you may encounter giraffes, lions, elephants, leopards, and more. A boat cruise to the base of the thundering Murchison Falls provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle as the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into the river below.

Bid farewell to the wild as you begin your journey back to Uganda’s urban centers. Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe and check into your hotel. Depending on your schedule, you may wish to visit a local craft market, cultural site, or simply relax before your departure.

After two weeks of unforgettable experiences, your East African safari comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport in Kampala or Entebbe for your international flight, carrying memories of gorillas, chimps, and the incredible beauty of Rwanda and Uganda.

Delve deeper into the beauty and history of Lake Bunyonyi. A guided boat tour will take you to several islands, each with its own story. You may visit Punishment Island, a sobering historical site, or Bushara Island, a conservation project. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, go for a swim, or embark on a hillside hike for panoramic views of the lake and the distant Virunga volcanoes. This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.

• Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Overlook Resort (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Uganda and embark on a scenic drive to the Rwandan border. After completing border formalities, continue your journey through the stunningly beautiful "Land of a Thousand Hills." The road winds through lush, terraced landscapes up to the Volcanoes National Park, the base for your next primate adventure. Check into your lodge, with the dramatic peaks of the Virunga Massif providing a breathtaking backdrop.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will seek out another of the region's unique primates: the endangered golden monkey. After a briefing at the park headquarters, trek into the bamboo forests on the slopes of the volcanoes. Watching these striking, playful, and agile monkeys as they forage and leap through the bamboo is a delightful and photogenic experience. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or explore the nearby Musanze town.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choose from a selection of enriching optional activities (additional cost applies). For a deeply moving historical experience, embark on a challenging hike to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Karisoke Research Center and her final resting place, learning about her groundbreaking conservation work. Alternatively, choose a hike to the beautiful Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), visit a local community project, or simply enjoy a day of relaxation amidst the mountain air.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend from the highlands towards Rwanda's clean and vibrant capital city, Kigali. The journey is short, allowing for a relaxed arrival. Check into your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we highly recommend a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and essential visit to understand Rwanda's past and its remarkable journey of reconciliation and renewal. The evening is free to explore the city's excellent restaurants.

• Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven / Kigali Marriott Hotel / Ubumwe Grand Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, a city known for its safety, cleanliness, and innovation. Your tour may include visits to vibrant markets like Kimironko, where you can immerse yourself in the colors and sounds of local life, the Inema Arts Center to see contemporary Rwandan art, or other cultural sites. This is also an ideal opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping for authentic Rwandan crafts, such as Imigongo art or hand-woven baskets.

• Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven / Kigali Marriott Hotel / Ubumwe Grand Hotel (or similar)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute explorations. Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in good time for your departure flight, marking the end of an extraordinary 18-day safari.

• Meals: Breakfast