Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport where your guide will meet and brief you. After a short city tour or visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional), drive north through scenic rolling hills and local villages to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the setting of Dian Fossey’s legendary research.

Check into a luxurious lodge near the park boundary and enjoy the evening surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Cross to Uganda

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families and set out with expert trackers into the forest. The trek can vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural environment—a humbling and unforgettable experience.

After the trek and lunch at the lodge, transfer to Uganda via the Cyanika border post, heading toward the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in Rushaga or Nkuringo, unwind, and prepare for your second gorilla adventure.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today marks your second gorilla trekking experience, this time in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terrain here is more rugged and the vegetation denser than in Rwanda, offering a very different trekking environment. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, spend another precious hour in their presence—each trek offers unique interactions and group dynamics.

Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest, enjoying views of the forest canopy and a relaxed evening in nature.

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi – Canoeing & Cultural Visit

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 small islands, it offers a serene and scenic break from trekking. Take a canoe ride on the lake, visit local communities, or simply relax at your lodge. This peaceful retreat provides a great contrast to the forest trekking experience.

Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy breakfast with a view, then begin your journey back to Kigali, passing through lush highlands and rural villages. Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon for your onward flight, or opt for a final overnight stay in the city.