7-Days Rwanda – Uganda Gorilla, chimp & Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Pick up in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe National Park, with a stop at King’s Palace Museum.

At 7:00 AM, your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport and begin the scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park, about a 5-hour trip.

En route, you will visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you will discover Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history. The museum offers an opportunity to learn about the former Rwandan monarchy and experience an important part of the country’s cultural identity.

After the visit, continue your journey southwards through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside toward Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax in preparation for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Overnight: Munazi Lodge or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Early morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park and return to Kigali.

Wake up early and enjoy a cup of coffee before departing at approximately 5:00 AM for the park headquarters. You will receive a briefing from the park authorities before heading into the ancient tropical rainforest of Nyungwe in search of chimpanzees.

The trek takes you deep into the forest, where you will have the opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Once you locate them, you will spend approximately one magical hour observing their behavior as they feed, groom, play, move through the trees, and interact with one another.

After the chimpanzee experience, return to your lodge for lunch before beginning your journey back to Kigali at around 12:00 noon.

Upon arrival in Kigali, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Hotel Des Mille Collines
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer from Kigali  to Akagera National Park for Night Game Drive

After breakfast, at approximately 10:00 AM, you will depart Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park, a journey of approximately 2½ hours.

Upon arrival at the park, complete the registration formalities before proceeding to your lodge for check-in and lunch.

In the late afternoon, at approximately 4:30 PM, embark on a night game drive. As darkness falls, experience a completely different side of Akagera, with opportunities to spot nocturnal wildlife and observe predators and other animals becoming active after sunset.

At approximately 8:00 PM, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive across the beautiful landscapes of Akagera National Park.

The park is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. With some luck, you may also encounter lions, leopards, and other predators.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your game drive through the afternoon. The diverse scenery of savannah plains, wetlands, lakes, and rolling hills makes Akagera an exceptional wildlife destination.

Later in the afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer from Akagera National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

After breakfast, depart Akagera and begin your journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

The journey takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside before crossing the border into Uganda. Continue toward the Bwindi region, enjoying the changing landscapes and rural communities along the way.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Overnight: Kiho safari Lodge or Tracker safari lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the morning and afternoon Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

Wake up early and have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

You will then embark on your mountain gorilla trekking adventure through the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to observe them closely in their natural habitat while following the park’s trekking guidelines.

This is a truly unforgettable wildlife experience and one of Africa’s most remarkable encounters.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lake, with the option of taking a boat ride to explore the scenic waters and islands, or simply unwind while taking in the spectacular surroundings.

Overnight: Bird Nest Resort Lake Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning around the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey back to Kigali.