11-Day Rwanda–Uganda Wildlife, Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Safari Overview Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda. This safari combines the best of East Africa’s wildlife, including the Big Five in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a visit to Lake Bunyonyi—one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights Countries: Rwanda & Uganda Safari Highlights * Kigali City Tour * Akagera National Park * Lake Ihema Boat Cruise * Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park * Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest * Nyungwe Canopy Walk * Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park * Lake Bunyonyi * Queen Elizabeth National Park * Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise * Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour visiting: * Kigali Genocide Memorial * Kimironko Market * Local craft centres Accommodation * Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel * Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines * Budget: Heaven Boutique Hotel Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, leopards and numerous antelope species. Accommodation * Luxury: Magashi Camp * Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge * Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin with an early morning game drive followed by a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema. After lunch, drive to Volcanoes National Park. Accommodation * Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest * Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge * Budget: Kinigi Guest House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following an early breakfast, report to Kinigi Headquarters for a briefing before trekking one of Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Spend one magical hour with the gorillas before returning to your lodge. Optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Accommodation: Same lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive south through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Enjoy scenic tea plantations and panoramic mountain landscapes. Accommodation * Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House * Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel * Budget: Gisakura Guest House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Later, enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended above the rainforest. Return to your lodge for relaxation. Accommodation: Same lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Uganda via the Cyanika Border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in and relax at your lodge. Accommodation * Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge * Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge * Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for briefing. Trek through the ancient rainforest to locate one of Bwindi’s mountain gorilla families. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates before returning to your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Lake of a Thousand Islands.” Enjoy a relaxing canoe ride or boat excursion, visit local islands, interact with nearby communities, or simply unwind while taking in the stunning scenery. Accommodation * Luxury: Arcadia Cottages * Mid-range: BirdNest Resort * Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha Sector. Enjoy a game drive in search of the famous tree-climbing lions before continuing to your lodge. Accommodation * Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge * Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge * Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start the day with a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, Uganda kobs, waterbucks and numerous bird species. After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and spectacular birdlife. After the cruise, transfer to Kigali International Airport via the Katuna Border for your departure flight. Alternatively, the safari can end with a transfer to Entebbe International Airport upon request. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Safari Includes * Airport transfers * Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof * Professional English-speaking driver-guide * Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda) * Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda) * Chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe) * All park entrance fees * Lake Ihema boat cruise * Kazinga Channel boat cruise * Accommodation for 10 nights * Meals as indicated * Bottled drinking water throughout the safari Safari Excludes * International flights * Visa fees * Travel insurance * Alcoholic and premium beverages * Tips and gratuities * Personal expenses * Optional activities not mentioned