4 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour to Akagera, Bwindi Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
This 4 Days Rwanda and Uganda Tour to Akagera, Bwindi Gorillas and Golden Monkeys will take you to the renowned Akagera National Park for a game drive and boat ride, mountain gorilla tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a habitat with a minimum of 400 mountain gorillas, which is close to half of the 880 numbers that are known to thrive in the world. The gorilla destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a rich habitat for Afro-montane flora. Afterwards, you'll go for a golden monkey trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park; one of the top adventures in Rwanda.
The Rwanda and Uganda Tour adventure balances thrilling wildlife encounters with comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers, allowing you to focus entirely on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences awaiting you. From tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi to observing playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, each day reveals new wonders of the natural world and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour highlights
Game viewing in Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savanna reserve
Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema to observe hippos and water birds
Cross-border experience between Rwanda and Uganda
Gorilla tracking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
Cultural encounters in local communities
Spectacular mountain and forest landscapes
Expert guides sharing in-depth knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- Gorilla and golden monkey tracking permits
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and treks
- Full board accommodation as specified
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda and Uganda Visas (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park
Your Rwanda and Uganda Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your Kigali accommodation for the scenic 110 km journey eastward to Akagera National Park, known locally as "Parike y'Akagera," taking approximately 2½ hours. This exciting Rwanda and Uganda Tour Day includes a nature walk along the park's eastern boundary, followed by lunch at Akagera Game Lodge overlooking Lake Ihema. Your afternoon Rwanda and Uganda Tour activity features a tranquil two-hour canoe ride on Lake Ihema, where you'll observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, including the elusive shoebill stork, before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
- Day2Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The second day of your Rwanda and Uganda Tour starts with an early breakfast followed by a thrilling game drive across Akagera's diverse habitats, where you might spot the "Big Five" and numerous antelope species in this 1,122 sq km protected area. Your Rwanda and Uganda Tour continues with a 250 km cross-border journey (approximately 5-6 hours) through Rwanda's northern province to Chanika border post, then onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known as "Ishyamba rya Bwindi" in local Kinyarwanda. The final segment of today's Rwanda and Uganda Tour takes you through picturesque countryside to your accommodation near Bwindi Forest, where you'll enjoy dinner while preparing for tomorrow's gorilla encounter.
- Day3Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Musanze in Rwanda
Today's Rwanda and Uganda Tour highlight begins with a 6:30 AM breakfast before walking to Bwindi Park headquarters for an 8:00 AM briefing on gorilla trekking protocols. The most anticipated Rwanda and Uganda Tour experience follows as you venture into the ancient forest with expert trackers, trekking between 2-8 hours (depending on gorilla movement) through dense vegetation to spend one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family. After this transformative Rwanda and Uganda Tour encounter, you'll return to the trailhead and transfer approximately 120 km (3-4 hours) back across the border to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) in Rwanda's northern province, arriving at your hotel in time for a well-deserved dinner.
- Day4Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali Airport to Fly Out
The final day of your Rwanda and Uganda Tour begins with an early breakfast before a short 15-minute drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters for your 7:00 AM golden monkey tracking briefing. This special Rwanda and Uganda Tour activity takes you into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, known locally as "Parike y'Ibirunga," where you'll spend one hour observing these playful, endangered primates as they acrobatically navigate their bamboo habitat. Your unforgettable Rwanda and Uganda Tour concludes after lunch with a 107 km (approximately 2-hour) transfer back to Kigali International Airport, where you'll depart with extraordinary memories of East Africa's wildlife treasures.