Rwanda

This 7-day safari blends gorilla trekking in two countries—Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—with a hike up Mount Karisimbi and a serene boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. Ideal for adventurers seeking deep jungle encounters and breathtaking highland landscapes.

What to Expect

• 🦍 Gorilla trekking in two iconic parks (1-hour encounters each)
• ⛰️ Summit hike on Mount Karisimbi (Rwanda’s highest volcano)
• 🛶 Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi (historic islands & birdwatching)
• 🏞️ Scenic drives through Virunga massif and Kigezi Highlands
• 🏛️ Kigali Genocide Museum visit (Day 1)

Key Notes

✔️ Fitness Level: Moderate to strenuous (gorilla treks & Karisimbi hike require stamina).
✔️ Visa: East African Tourist Visa recommended (covers Rwanda & Uganda).
✔️ Packing Tips: Waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing, binoculars, camera.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

• Pickup from Kigali hotel/airport
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional)
• Scenic drive to Volcanoes NP (~3 hours)

Arrive in Kigali, where your guide will meet you. En route to Volcanoes National Park, pause at the Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history. Continue through rolling hills to Da Vinci Lodge, your base for gorilla trekking.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP

• Morning briefing at park headquarters
• 4–6 hour trek to meet mountain gorillas
• 1-hour encounter with a habituated family

After breakfast, head to the park for a trekking briefing. Hike through bamboo forests, tracking gorillas with your guide. Once found, spend an hour observing their behavior. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Karisimbi Volcano Hike

• Full-day hike (summit at 4,507m)
• Camp overnight on the mountain

Trek through lush slopes, spotting monkeys and birds. Reach the summit for panoramic views of the Virunga massif. Set up camp, enjoy dinner, and sleep under the stars.

Accommodation: Mountain Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Descend → Transfer to Bwindi (Uganda)

• Morning summit views (weather permitting)
• 3-hour descent → Cross into Uganda
• Drive through Kigezi Highlands

After breakfast, descend and meet your driver. Cross into Uganda, passing terraced hills en route to Bwindi. Check in at Gorilla Mist Camp, nestled near the forest.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Trek through dense rainforest (4–6 hours)
• 1-hour gorilla encounter

Another thrilling trek—this time in Bwindi’s ancient forest. Listen for chimpanzees and birds as you hike. Celebrate finding gorillas with photos and quiet observation. Return to camp for lunch.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise

• 3–4 hour cruise to islands
• Visit "Akampene" (Punishment Island)
• Birdwatching (African fish eagles, cormorants)

Glide across Africa’s second-deepest lake, learning its dark history and spotting wildlife. Return to camp for a leisurely afternoon.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Kigali

• Scenic drive back to Rwanda
• Drop-off at hotel/airport

After breakfast, journey back to Kigali, reflecting on your twin gorilla encounters and mountain adventures.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Safari

A once-in-a-lifetime journey through Rwanda and Uganda’s primate heartlands—from volcanic peaks to misty forests and island-dotted lakes.

✅ Included

• All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
• Safari vehicle and fuel
• English speaking tourist guide
• Game drives and walks
• Entrance fees to the national parks. All boat tours
• Taxes
• Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
• AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
• Gorilla Permit

❌ Excluded

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Drinks / alcoholic drinks / additional meals
• Tips
• Activities not part of the described program
• International travel insurance
• Items of personal nature / souvenirs

PLEASE NOTE

The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this program. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid range or budget versions of this safari upon request.

Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.