Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP

After breakfast, head north to Murchison Falls National Park with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. Proceed to Murchison Falls NP, where you’ll enjoy scenic views and your first wildlife sightings.

Overnight: Lodge inside or near Murchison Falls NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Murchison Falls NP – Game Drive & Boat Safari

Start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile where you might see elephants, lions, giraffes, and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the way.

Overnight: Lodge in Murchison
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Top of the Falls – Transfer to Kibale Forest

Before leaving, visit the “Top of the Falls” to witness the Nile River squeeze through a 7-meter gorge. Then drive to Kibale Forest, known as the primate capital of the world. Enjoy scenic countryside views en route.

Overnight: Lodge near Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands Walk

Head into Kibale Forest for a morning chimpanzee tracking adventure. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands, a community-run sanctuary rich in birdlife and local plant medicine.

Overnight: Lodge in Kibale area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Crater Lakes Tour – Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, visit the nearby crater lakes before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an evening game drive as you enter the park.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Embark on a sunrise game drive to search for lions, elephants, and leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large concentration of hippos and birdlife.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions

Drive to the southern Ishasha sector of the park, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep an eye out for buffaloes, topis, and herds of elephants.

Overnight: Lodge in Ishasha or near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking

Today is a highlight of the safari! Enter the dense forests of Bwindi to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can take a few hours, but the encounter is deeply rewarding.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Batwa Cultural Experience – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park via Cyanika Border

Start your day with a relaxed morning before delving into a fascinating cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies. Learn about their ancestral forest lifestyle, including traditional hunting, gathering, and survival skills.

Later, cross the Cyanika Border into Rwanda and continue your journey to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking – Volcanoes National Park & Evening Community Visit

Spend the day tracking the rare and playful golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These charming primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and offer a unique wildlife experience. In the evening, enjoy a cultural visit to a nearby community to gain insight into local traditions and daily life.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda side)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Transfer to Lake Kivu 

After breakfast, depart for the scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a variety of activities such as a boat trip on the lake, cultural visits, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Overnight: Hotel at Lake Kivu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Transfer to Goma (DR Congo) – Virunga NP

Cross the border into the DRC and transfer to Goma. Get briefed by the Virunga National Park rangers and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek or volcano climb.

Overnight: Lodge or camp in Virunga NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking – Virunga National Park

Another extraordinary opportunity to track gorillas—this time in Virunga, Africa’s oldest national park. This area offers fewer tourists and a wilder experience.

Overnight: Lodge or camp in Virunga NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Mount Nyiragongo Hike (Optional / Subject to Safety)

Begin the hike up Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Reach the summit to witness the fiery lava lake (weather and security permitting), and spend the night in basic cabins at the crater rim.

Overnight: Nyiragongo Summit Cabins
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Descend Nyiragongo – Return to Goma

Descend from the volcano and return to Goma for rest and reflection. Depending on the time and safety status, you may have a short Goma city tour or visit Lake Kivu.

Overnight: Hotel in Goma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Transfer Kigali City Tour – Genocide Memorial

Drive to Kigali and take a guided city tour, including a sobering visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Learn about Rwanda’s tragic history and incredible recovery.

Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through three of Africa’s most captivating countries.

Meals: Breakfast