Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Your safari begins with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport. You will embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The 3-hour journey takes you through the stunning, lush landscape of a thousand hills. You will check into your lodge, with the remainder of the day at leisure to relax before the exciting primate treks to come.
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’iwacu Cultural Village After an early breakfast, you will go for a briefing on the golden monkey trekking rules and regulations. This shorter, and less strenuous trek, is a thrilling experience as you encounter the lively golden monkeys playing in the bamboo forest. Afterwards, you will visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about the traditional life and culture of the local Rwandan community, with dancing and music.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Following breakfast, you will depart Volcanoes National Park for the drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika Border. The journey offers stunning views of the Ugandan countryside, with opportunities to see the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and vast tea plantations. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will check into your lodge near the park, with time to settle in and prepare for your gorilla trekking experience the next morning.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park This morning, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will then be led into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once you find them, you will have a precious hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat. Afterwards, you will return to your lodge in the afternoon to rest and celebrate your achievement.
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park After a morning breakfast, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey is scenic, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains and beautiful tea plantations. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, with time to relax and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Today, you will have an exciting morning of chimpanzee tracking. You will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of these primates. The afternoon is dedicated to a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based project with a rich diversity of birds and other primates.
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Africa. The lake is a stunning sight, dotted with 29 small islands. You will have an opportunity to take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the peaceful, scenic environment. It’s a great place to relax and unwind before returning to Kigali.
Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge with views of Lake Bunyonyi. You will then begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda. You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
