About this safari
One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Combined with chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, the boat crossing of Lake Kivu, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, and a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Two countries, one unforgettable journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to accommodation. Depending on arrival time, your guide will assist with currency exchange or a stroll through the calm streets of Kigali.
Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel / Mille CollinesAfter breakfast, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park — the largest tropical afro-montane rainforest in East or Central Africa. En route, stop at the Butare Genocide Museum. Nyungwe receives over 2,000mm of rain annually and is home to 86 mammal species, 280 birds, 100 orchid varieties, and is the most important birding site in Rwanda.
Gisakura Guest House / Top View HotelChimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest — spend one hour observing chimps going about their lives. Nyungwe is also home to 10 other primate species including silver monkeys, L'Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys and olive baboons. Afternoon: the spectacular canopy walk on a bridge 60m above the forest floor.
Gisakura Guest HouseDepart Nyungwe for Gisenyi on Lake Kivu — by road and by water. Drive to Kibuye on Lake Kivu's waterfront and take a boat to Gisenyi. Optional activities: kayaking, biking along the lake shores, fishing village visit.
Paradis Malahide / Hakuna Matata, GisenyiOptional morning activities on Lake Kivu. Evening drive to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park — home to Rwanda's habituated golden monkey troops.
Hotel Lapalme / Mt Gorilla View HotelGolden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park — an endangered species found only in the Virunga volcano bamboo forests. The activity takes 2–4 hours. After trekking and lunch, drive across the border into Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Valley Lodge / Ichumbi LodgeThe pinnacle of East African wildlife — mountain gorilla trekking. Set off into the tangled mist-shrouded forest with experienced guides and trackers. The search through thick rainforest can be arduous, scrambling over mossy rocks and through undergrowth, but watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a memory that lasts a lifetime. One hour with the gorilla family.
Gorilla Valley Lodge / Ichumbi LodgeDrive back to Kigali and take a city tour including the Gisozi Genocide Memorial — a resting place of thousands killed in 1994 and a powerful reminder of Rwanda's dark past. Visit a local market. After lunch, transfer to Kigali Airport.
Included
- Accommodation in all lodges
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Fuel, transportation and meals as indicated
- All activities in the itinerary
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- All entrance fees and government taxes
- Mineral water throughout
Not included
- International & regional flights
- Airport taxes
- Passport, visa and service fees
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Gratuities to driver/guides
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Travel insurance
