Venture on a 9-day Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations, blending gorilla and chimpanzee treks with immersive cultural encounters. Travel from the misty Volcanoes of Rwanda to Uganda’s lush forests, vibrant wildlife parks, and serene lakes. This tour offers unforgettable primate experiences, boat safaris, and moments of relaxation wrapped in East Africa’s rich landscapes and traditions
This 9 day Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations is an extraordinary trip through the heart of East Africa with this 9-day Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations an immersive experience that blends wildlife encounters with rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Kigali and traverse Rwanda’s lush volcanic highlands, where you’ll meet endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys. Venture into Uganda’s renowned national parks, from the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth to the mystical forests of Kibale and Bwindi, where chimpanzees and rare tree-climbing lions await. This Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations also introduces you to vibrant communities like the Batwa and tranquil retreats like Lake Bunyonyi, where island hopping and boat safaris offer serene contrast to the adrenaline of treks and game drives. With every day offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment, this itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a transformative African experience. Whether it’s your first safari or your next great expedition, prepare to be inspired and amazed by nature’s most remarkable wonders
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali, pickup and transfer to Volcanoes
Day 2 Gorilla Trekking with Dian Tomb Hike
Day 3 Golden Monkey Trekking with Hike to Musanze Cave
Day 4 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park for Evening Boat at Kazinga Channel
Day 5 Early Game Drive and Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha, Transfer to Kibale
Day 6 Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Nature Walk
Day 7 Transfer to Bwindi for Batwa Cultural Experience
Day 8 Second Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation
Day 9 Return to Kigali for City Tour, Craft Markets and Departure
The 9-day Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. You’ll be greeted by your expert guide who will brief you about your journey, then transfer you through Rwanda’s scenic hills to Volcanoes National Park. This area, known for its lush terraced slopes and misty volcanoes, sets the perfect tone for your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Along the way, enjoy views of rural life, local markets, and the Virunga ranges. Settle into your cozy lodge nestled near the park and prepare for days filled with primates and adventure. The crisp mountain air and tranquil forests will immediately immerse you into Rwanda’s natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry
Today’s highlight is an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park a crown jewel of any Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. After an early briefing, you’ll venture into the forest with expert trackers to find a gorilla family. Spending an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring. Afterwards, hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to mountain gorilla conservation. Her resting place, shrouded in mist and forest foliage, adds a profound, historical dimension to your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. This day combines thrilling wildlife encounters with a moving tribute to pioneering conservation efforts in the region
Continue your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations with a morning trek to find the golden monkeys playful, charismatic creatures found only in this region. Their bright fur and social antics make them a joy to observe. After your trek, enjoy a hike to the Musanze Caves, formed by ancient lava flows and once used as shelter during times of conflict. The caves offer a window into the geological and cultural history of Rwanda, enriching your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. You’ll descend into chambers echoing with local legends while learning about the area's unique biodiversity and history from your guide
Say goodbye to Rwanda's volcanoes and cross into Uganda, shifting your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations to the vibrant savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a scenic transfer through rolling hills and villages before arriving for an evening boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway teems with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants cooling off along the banks. The boat cruise offers intimate, photo-worthy moments with wildlife, making it a highlight of any Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Sunset paints the skies as flocks of birds soar overhead, setting a magical tone as you settle into your lodge beside the park
Begin at dawn with an exhilarating game drive through Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector home to the rare tree-climbing lions. Spotting these big cats lounging in fig trees is an iconic moment of your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. You may also encounter buffaloes, elephants, and antelope scattered across the plains. After the drive, continue your journey to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world. Here, your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations pivots to lush rainforest landscapes, where chimps and other monkeys swing through the canopy. Check into your forest lodge and listen to the symphony of birds and primates as night falls
Set off early into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking a dynamic highlight of your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Track these intelligent and expressive primates with the help of experienced guides, observing their complex social interactions up close. After your encounter, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary with a guided nature walk. Rich in biodiversity and community conservation efforts, Bigodi adds a human and ecological dimension to your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Here, birdlife dazzles, and curious colobus monkeys peek through the trees. Interactions with local guides provide a window into sustainable ecotourism and grassroots wildlife protection
Continue deeper into Uganda’s southwestern highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest another must-see stop in your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a moving Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa, forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers, share their traditions through dance, music, and storytelling. Learning about their heritage and conservation struggles adds soulful depth to your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. As evening descends, relax at your lodge nestled in Bwindi’s misty folds, preparing for another extraordinary gorilla trekking experience the following day amid ancient forest trails and vibrant birdlife
Your second gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers a distinct yet equally powerful experience, as no two encounters are the same. This intimate primate moment solidifies your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations as truly once-in-a-lifetime. After your trek, drive to the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi Uganda’s most scenic lake, dotted with islands and encircled by terraced hills. Here, your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations slows down, inviting you to unwind. Enjoy panoramic views, cool breezes, and the soothing ambiance of nature, setting the perfect stage for reflection and rest after days filled with discovery
Wrap up your adventure with a return to Kigali, where your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations concludes with a cultural flourish. Explore the city’s clean, modern streets and significant sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, learning about Rwanda’s remarkable resilience. Wander vibrant craft markets where artisans sell woven baskets, beads, and traditional fabrics ideal keepsakes from your Rwanda safari with Uganda vacations. Enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the city’s green hills before your guide transfers you to the airport for departure. It’s the perfect balance of reflection, cultural immersion, and comfort to end this transformative East African adventure