Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport for a warm welcome and safari briefing.
Begin with a Kigali city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Continue to Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a hands-on cultural experience where you may participate in traditional cooking, weaving, or tailoring activities before enjoying a local lunch.
After lunch, drive to Akagera National Park through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.
Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge and relax before heading out for an exciting night game drive in search of lions, hyenas, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Sunset Boat Cruise
Start your morning with a breathtaking hot air balloon safari over Akagera’s savannah plains. Spot wildlife from above as the sun rises over the park.
After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to the lodge.
In the afternoon, take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Return to Kigali
Enjoy an early morning game drive — the best time to see predators and grazing wildlife.
After the drive, exit the park and return to Kigali. Drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Cultural Gateway to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and briefed about your safari adventure.
If time permits, embark on a Kigali city tour including a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Afterward, depart on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, lush countryside, and vibrant local communities.
Before heading to your lodge, enjoy a cultural experience at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Centre in Kinigi. Here, you’ll witness traditional dances, music performances, and learn about Rwanda’s customs and heritage.
Later, check into your lodge near the park and relax in preparation for your first gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trekking briefing.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you will hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat — watching them feed, groom, and interact.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and refreshment.
Before crossing into Uganda, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum in Musanze to learn about Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy and the ongoing protection of mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon, cross the Rwanda–Uganda border and continue to Lake Mutanda, a stunning crater lake at the edge of Bwindi Forest. Arrive in the evening and check into your lakeside lodge.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Boat Ride on Lake Mutanda
Today you trek gorillas for the second time — this time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense rainforest and incredible biodiversity.
After briefing at the park headquarters, begin your trek through the misty forest. The terrain can be steep and challenging, but the reward is extraordinary — another intimate one-hour encounter with a different gorilla family in a completely different ecosystem.
In the afternoon, return to Mutanda Lake Resort and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Mutanda. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hills, this peaceful experience provides time to reflect on your remarkable gorilla encounters.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, enjoying panoramic countryside views across Uganda and Rwanda.
If you were unable to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Day 1, you may do so today (time permitting).
You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your international departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Day 1: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s charming and vibrant capital, before heading north through rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive cultural visit at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience the traditional Rwandan way of life — from drumming and dancing to local crafts and storytelling.
Meals & Accommodation: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge (Full Board)
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking – Dian Fossey Museum – Transfer to Uganda
After breakfast, head into Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey tracking experience. Watch these lively primates leap through bamboo forests with their distinctive golden-orange fur shimmering in the sunlight.
After lunch, visit the Dian Fossey Museum in Musanze to learn about her groundbreaking conservation work and lifelong dedication to protecting mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon, cross the border into Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna, arriving at Mutanda Lake Resort, perched above the scenic Lake Mutanda.
Meals & Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the highlight of your safari — gorilla trekking in the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a briefing, venture deep into the forest with expert trackers until you locate a gorilla family. Spend one precious hour in their presence, observing their behavior, interactions, and sheer power in the wild.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection on this truly moving encounter.
Meals & Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 4: Canoeing on Lake Mutanda – Return to Kigali
Enjoy a peaceful morning canoe ride on Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hillsides. Spot aquatic birds and take in the serene atmosphere before beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali, where your safari concludes.
(Note: Canoe activity is subject to flight departure time)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, either at the airport or your hotel. After introductions, embark on a city tour that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and present. A moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers reflection on the tragic events of 1994, while the city’s vibrant craft markets and bustling local stalls showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. In the afternoon, you will drive across the border into Uganda, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey, lasting 4–6 hours, is filled with scenic hills, farms, and roadside communities. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Awake to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of animals including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. After lunch, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This excursion reveals large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and an impressive range of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals & Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees, Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, descend into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, lush tropical forests hide a resident population of chimpanzees, along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a host of forest birds. The trek can last 2–5 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements. Continue southwards to the Ishasha sector, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them lounging in fig trees while scanning the savannah for prey. After lunch (packed or hot, depending on timing), drive through picturesque landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals & Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp | Alternative
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kisoro
This day is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Once assigned a gorilla family, you will set out with experienced rangers through dense forest and rugged terrain. The trek may take 1–7 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending a precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Watch them forage, groom, and interact, while marveling at their striking resemblance to humans. After trekking back, begin your scenic drive to Kisoro, passing through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. The route offers stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
Meals & Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This morning, venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Led by a ranger, you will navigate bamboo forests in search of these endangered primates, whose playful antics and striking golden coats make for an enchanting experience. After an hour of observation, return to Kisoro and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” it is the second-deepest lake in Africa and a perfect retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the islands.
Meals & Accommodation: Birdnest Resort
Day 6 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion around Lake Bunyonyi. With 29 islands, each steeped in folklore and history, the lake offers cultural stories such as the infamous Punishment Island, once used to exile young women. Birds, lush terraced hills, and the calm waters make this a memorable outing. In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours) in time for your onward flight from Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable 6-day safari.
Day 1: Entebbe to Bwindi – Into the Jungle
Highlights:
- Domestic flight or scenic road transfer to southwestern Uganda
- Stunning views of volcanic peaks and terraced hills
- Optional cultural walk (time permitting)
Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro (or drive overland through the lush countryside), where your Wild Compass Africa guide will greet you. Transfer to your lodge in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in, unwind with views of the forest canopy and soak in the serene jungle atmosphere.
Optional: Take a short nature walk or visit the Batwa community for a glimpse into the forest’s indigenous culture.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Cross to Kigali
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Scenic drive to Rwanda via Cyanika or Gatuna border
- Optional Kigali drop-off or overnight stay
Rise early for your gorilla trek—an unforgettable experience deep in the rainforest. After a pre-trek briefing, hike through the jungle with your expert guide to find one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. You’ll spend up to an hour observing their behaviors, from powerful silverbacks to playful juveniles.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a freshen-up, cross the border into Rwanda and drive to Kigali. Arrive by early evening for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Accommodation: Not included (optional Kigali add-on)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – The Heart of Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional driver guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a short city tour to explore Kigali’s highlights—visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, enjoy the city’s green hills, shop local crafts, or take a stroll through open markets.
Meals & Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel – Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Dian Fossey Museum
After breakfast, journey north through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside to Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. This 4-hour scenic drive offers striking views of terraced hills and rural life. On arrival, visit the Dian Fossey Museum to learn about her dedication to gorilla conservation.
Meals & Accommodation: Sambora Kinigi Lodge – Full Board
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
A magical day begins with an early breakfast followed by a short drive to the park headquarters. Enjoy a hot cup of Rwandan coffee during your pre-trek briefing. You’ll then set off into the thick forest with an expert ranger in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking time varies from 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, and you’ll spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. If time allows, an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village provides a glimpse into Rwandan traditions.
Meals & Accommodation: Sambora Kinigi Lodge – Full Board
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cross into Uganda
With the same trekking gear, set out once more to find the rare and playful golden monkeys, known for their energetic jumps and social behavior. After your trek, proceed to the Uganda border and continue through scenic landscapes toward the southern sector of Bwindi. The drive takes around 6 hours, with beautiful forested views along the way.
Meals & Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge – Full Board
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Ishasha (Tree-Climbing Lions)
Set out into the mystical Bwindi Forest for another incredible encounter with mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with biodiversity—expect a chorus of birds and distant primate calls as you hike. After the trek, drive through the remote Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its population of tree-climbing lions.
Meals & Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Full Board
Days 6–8: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife, Chimpanzees & Boat Safaris
Spend the next three days uncovering the wonders of Uganda’s most diverse park. Begin with game drives in Ishasha searching for lions lounging in fig trees, then head north for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge—a lush sunken forest within a savannah. Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species. Drive through volcanic crater lakes and visit the open Kasenyi plains for prime big cat viewing.
Meals & Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge – Full Board
Days 9–10: Kibale Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Africa’s primate haven. On arrival, relax with views of crater lakes or enjoy a complimentary massage. The next day, trek into the tropical forest in search of chimpanzees—watch them play, feed, and call in their natural habitat. You may also visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a cultural and ecological experience involving local brew tasting, traditional dances, and basket weaving.
Meals & Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale – Full Board
Days 11–13: Fly to Murchison Falls National Park – Wildlife Bonanza on the Nile
Catch a domestic flight to Murchison Falls National Park from Kasese Airstrip. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury riverside lodge with sweeping Nile views. Explore the northern game-rich tracks, cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, and witness elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and birds in abundance. Visit the top of the falls for a dramatic view of the Nile crashing through a 7-meter gorge. Optional experiences include a Delta birding cruise or a romantic sundowner boat ride.
Meals & Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge – Full Board
Day 14: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, exit Murchison Falls National Park and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—the only place in Uganda where rhinos roam freely. Trek on foot with a ranger to see these endangered giants up close. After lunch, continue to Entebbe for your overnight stay in comfort.
Meals & Accommodation: Hotel No.5 – Half Board
Day 15: Optional Entebbe Tour & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your flight schedule. Optional activities include a boat ride in search of the elusive shoebill stork on Lake Victoria, a visit to the botanical gardens, or craft shopping in local markets. You will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.
Meals: Breakfast Only
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide at your preferred pick-up point in Kigali. After a short briefing, embark on a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, take in Rwanda’s stunning countryside of rolling green hills, banana plantations, and lively roadside villages. Kigali, renowned for being one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities, sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Upon arrival at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, check in and relax. The evening is yours to unwind, enjoy the tranquil setting at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, and prepare for the adventure that awaits.
Meals and Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Optional Cultural Experience
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing. Rangers will explain gorilla trekking guidelines, safety measures, and what to expect during your hike. Essential items include trekking boots, drinking water, snacks, and a camera (without flash).
The trek itself can take 4 to 7 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. As you make your way through dense vegetation, keep an eye out for golden monkeys, forest birds, and beautiful plant life. Upon locating your assigned gorilla family, spend a magical one hour observing their interactions—whether it’s a playful juvenile swinging through branches, a nurturing mother cradling her infant, or the impressive silverback overseeing the group.
After this life-changing encounter, you may return to the lodge to rest. For those with energy and time, an optional afternoon visit can be arranged to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will learn traditional dances, music, and crafts, or take a short trip to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for scenic views.
Meals and Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Return to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park and embark on the drive back to Kigali. On arrival, enjoy a guided city tour that may include visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, the bustling Kimironko Market, and various art and craft galleries. This experience provides a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and creative spirit.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your safari.
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide in Kigali. After a short briefing, embark on a scenic 3–5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s crown jewels and home to both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. En route, stop at the picturesque twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you may take a canoe ride to admire the rolling hills, serene waters, and diverse birdlife.
By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and relax as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation & Meals: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 2: Hike Mount Bisoke Volcano
After breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before starting your trek. Led by an experienced ranger, begin the challenging yet rewarding hike up Mount Bisoke (3,711m), one of the Virunga volcanoes. The trail winds through lush forests alive with birdcalls and occasionally frequented by buffaloes, duikers, and forest elephants.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with views of the majestic crater lake, a shimmering blue jewel surrounded by alpine vegetation. On clear days, the vistas extend across the Virunga massif into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hike typically lasts between 5–7 hours depending on your pace.
In the evening, return to your lodge for relaxation, with an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich traditions through dance, storytelling, and local crafts.
Accommodation & Meals: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi – Uganda
This morning, set out for a guided trek to see golden monkeys—an endangered and rare primate species found only in the Virunga region. Known for their playful antics, these primates leap from tree to tree with astonishing agility. You will spend up to one hour observing their behavior and photographing them as they feed, play, and interact.
Following the trek, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda, driving through the rolling green highlands of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and prepare for the gorilla trek the next day.
Accommodation & Meals: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Ishasha Sector
Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set off with your ranger into the thick rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step is worth it once you come face-to-face with these gentle giants.
Spend an unforgettable hour watching the gorillas feed, groom, and play within their family units, led by a dominant silverback. This intimate encounter will leave you with lasting memories.
Afterward, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Settle into your lodge surrounded by the wilderness.
Accommodation & Meals: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)
Day 5: Game Drive in Ishasha & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
At dawn, head out for a game drive in Ishasha. The morning hours are ideal for spotting predators returning from a night’s hunt and grazers beginning their day. Look out for lions resting in fig trees, large herds of elephants, Uganda kobs, topis, hyenas, and numerous bird species.
Later, drive north toward the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. This two-hour voyage offers incredible opportunities to see hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants cooling off in the water. Bird enthusiasts will marvel at species such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. After the cruise, return to your lodge through the Kyambura game reserve for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation & Meals: Elephant Hab Lodge (Full Board)
Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Departure via Entebbe
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where chances are high to spot lions, buffaloes, and antelope species. Alternatively, opt for a chimpanzee tracking walk in Kyambura Gorge, nicknamed “The Valley of Apes,” before beginning the long drive back to Entebbe.
Along the way, stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe for a memorable photo opportunity, a chance to shop for handicrafts, and a hot lunch. By evening, your guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport or your preferred location in Kampala, marking the end of your safari.
Meals: Half Board (No accommodation)
Day 1 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, either at the airport or your hotel. After introductions, embark on a city tour that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and present. A moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers reflection on the tragic events of 1994, while the city’s vibrant craft markets and bustling local stalls showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. In the afternoon, you will drive across the border into Uganda, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey, lasting 4–6 hours, is filled with scenic hills, farms, and roadside communities. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Awake to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of animals including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. After lunch, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This excursion reveals large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and an impressive range of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees, Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, descend into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, lush tropical forests hide a resident population of chimpanzees, along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a host of forest birds. The trek can last 2–5 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements. Continue southwards to the Ishasha sector, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them lounging in fig trees while scanning the savannah for prey. After lunch (packed or hot, depending on timing), drive through picturesque landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals & Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kisoro
This day is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Once assigned a gorilla family, you will set out with experienced rangers through dense forest and rugged terrain. The trek may take 1–7 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending a precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Watch them forage, groom, and interact, while marveling at their striking resemblance to humans. After trekking back, begin your scenic drive to Kisoro, passing through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. The route offers stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
Meals & Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort | Alternative
Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This morning, venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Led by a ranger, you will navigate bamboo forests in search of these endangered primates, whose playful antics and striking golden coats make for an enchanting experience. After an hour of observation, return to Kisoro and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” it is the second-deepest lake in Africa and a perfect retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the islands.
Meals & Accommodation: Birdnest Resort | Alternative
Day 6 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion around Lake Bunyonyi. With 29 islands, each steeped in folklore and history, the lake offers cultural stories such as the infamous Punishment Island, once used to exile young women. Birds, lush terraced hills, and the calm waters make this a memorable outing. In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours) in time for your onward flight from Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable 6-day safari.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Begin your adventure in Rwanda’s capital city. After breakfast, your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel for a guided city exploration. Highlights include a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which tells the story of resilience and remembrance, a stop at the Inema Arts Center to admire contemporary African art, and a walk through the lively Kimironko Market, where traders display fresh produce, fabrics, and crafts.
After lunch, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and a sanctuary for the Big Five. The drive takes you eastward, revealing rolling hills, rural settlements, and scenic countryside. Depending on arrival time, you may embark on a short evening game drive before checking into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema (Optional Hot Air Balloon)
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through the park’s extensive savannah. Guided by expert rangers, traverse open plains, wooded hills, and swampy valleys in search of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelopes. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting species such as eagles, ibises, and hornbills.
For a unique perspective, you may opt for an early morning hot air balloon safari, offering sweeping aerial views of the lakes, hills, and wildlife below.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise. The calm waters reveal pods of hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and countless water birds including kingfishers and African fish eagles. As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meals & Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Visit to Twin Lakes
After breakfast, depart Akagera and drive north to the Volcanoes National Park in Musanze district. Along the way, stop at the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Here, enjoy a canoe excursion where local fishermen share stories of life on the lakes, while you admire the backdrop of hills, terraced farms, and birdlife.
Continue your journey to your lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, where you’ll unwind in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Meals & Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari—the gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, drive to Kinigi Park headquarters for a detailed briefing about the trek, rules of conduct, and conservation importance. With your assigned ranger-guide, set off into the misty rainforest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek can take several hours, but the reward is an unforgettable one-hour encounter with the gorillas. Observe them as they feed, groom, and interact—an awe-inspiring moment that creates a deep sense of connection with these great apes.
After returning to the lodge for some rest, in the afternoon visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where locals share their traditions, music, dance, and crafts, giving you an authentic taste of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Meals & Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a long but scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey is enriched by breathtaking views of terraced hillsides, sprawling tea plantations, dense forests, and the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu.
Arrive at your lodge by evening and relax in preparation for the next day’s chimpanzee trek.
Meals & Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing. With your guide, venture deep into Nyungwe’s dense rainforest to track wild chimpanzees. The forest is alive with calls of primates and birds, and along the way you may encounter species such as colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and numerous butterflies.
Once the chimpanzees are located, spend an hour observing their playful, energetic behavior—watching them swing through trees, communicate, and forage.
Return to the lodge for lunch before setting out on an afternoon canopy walk, a suspended bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. This exhilarating experience offers panoramic views of the treetops, birdlife, and primates crossing through the canopy. End the day back at your lodge for dinner and your final night in Nyungwe.
Meals & Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel
Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali International Airport. The 6-hour drive is scenic, passing through lush tea plantations, banana groves, and small rural towns. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for last-minute shopping or photography opportunities.
Arrive in Kigali in time for your onward flight, marking the end of your 7 Days Rwanda Classic Wildlife Safari.
Meals: Half board (Breakfast & Lunch) | No Accommodation