Experience a powerful mix of history, culture, beautiful scenery and wildlife on a 5-day Rwanda-Uganda Safari. Learn about the heartbreaking past of Rwanda, see local life unfold on the streets, and witness a country that’s working hard to move forward. Track the rare golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and enter the world of mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend a day tracking and observing these amazing creatures, with a giant silverback gorilla watching over them.
Murakaza neza! Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. You’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel to relax and get ready for the adventure ahead. If you arrive early, feel free to start exploring at your own pace. Visit Nyamirambo, the Muslim quarter, to try some delicious grilled tilapia, or stop by a local café to taste why Rwandan coffee is known as one of the best in the world. Overnight at Eagle's View Lodge.
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which opened in 2004 to mark the 10th anniversary of the horrific genocide against the Tutsi people. This memorial serves as a museum that tells the story of the genocide and its impact, as well as a place for people to mourn their lost loved ones. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Rwandan lunch and try some local dishes before taking a tour of the city and Kimironko market with your guide. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival, you can visit the Gorilla Doctors headquarters, the only organization in the world dedicated to saving mountain and eastern lowland gorillas. They use veterinary medicine and science to monitor gorilla health, detect diseases early, and provide medical care for gorillas suffering from human-related injuries or diseases. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Get ready for an exciting trek to see the rare Golden Monkeys! In Volcanoes National Park, there are several groups of these habituated monkeys. The trek takes you to the foot of the stunning Virunga volcanoes. Once in the forest, you’ll spend an hour with the monkeys, who love to jump, swing, and play, making it a fun challenge to get good photos. After the trek, you'll enjoy lunch and then travel around the volcanoes to Uganda, a country which Winston Churchill once called the Pearl of Africa. You'll pass the three-country point and finally reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the views are breathtaking. Overnight at Orugano Bwindi Lodge.
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before taking a short drive to the park headquarters, where you'll get a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority about today's gorilla trek. The trek can be challenging, wet, and uncomfortable at times, but the chance to see the rare mountain gorillas in the beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable Forest makes it all worth it. It’s a good idea to hire local porters who can carry your bag and offer helpful support along the way. This not only makes the trek more comfortable but also gives locals a valuable job opportunity. Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated, with limited permits available each day. Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll spend one hour with them, watching them groom, play, and interact, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Have a picnic lunch in the peaceful rainforest after the trek. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sundowner experience at a scenic viewpoint, weather permitting. Overnight at Orugano Bwindi Lodge.
After breakfast, you’ll leave Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and start your journey back to Kigali. Once you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your adventure will come to an end. Safe travels!
