Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Kigali, visiting sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and experiencing the vibrant culture of this modern city. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda. This park is home to the famous mountain gorillas and the stunning Virunga Volcanoes. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and have the rest of the day to relax or explore the surrounding area. Optional activities include visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or taking a cultural tour of the nearby communities.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is one of the highlights of your safari—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out on your trek. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will hike through the dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. Once found, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, you will cross the border into Uganda and make your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive offers stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the lush landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax for the evening.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Experience another unforgettable gorilla trek, this time in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early morning briefing, you will set out with your guide to track a different gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of witnessing these magnificent creatures up close is well worth the effort. After your trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on your incredible experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Today, you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savanna park, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. The drive takes you through the beautiful countryside, with chances to spot local wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and more.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you’ll have the best chance to see predators like lions and leopards as they hunt. Later in the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which is famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The boat cruise also offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife along the shoreline.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Virunga National Park, DR Congo
After breakfast, drive towards the Uganda-DR Congo border and cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will proceed to Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse parks. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge or camp near the park. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge or Camp near Virunga National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking or Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Virunga National Park
Today, you have the option to either go gorilla trekking in the lush forests of Virunga National Park or embark on a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano famous for its lava lake. Both experiences are equally rewarding, offering breathtaking views and unique encounters with nature. After your chosen activity, return to your lodge or camp to rest.
Accommodation: Lodge or Camp near Virunga National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Return to Kigali, Rwanda, and Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Virunga National Park and begin your journey back to Kigali. The drive offers a final chance to take in the beautiful landscapes of this region. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kigali before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Conclusion
This 10-day safari across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo offers an unparalleled experience of gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. From the lush forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks to the savannas of Queen Elizabeth and the rugged landscapes of Virunga, this journey showcases the diverse beauty and adventure that East and Central Africa have to offer.
