4-Day Rwanda–Uganda Safari: Mountain Gorillas & Big Game Adventure

Our 4-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari begins in Akagera National Park, Rwanda's largest protected savannah landscape. Covering approximately 1122 km² (433 square miles) in northeastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera offers an outstanding blend of wildlife, wetlands, and open plains. Enjoy morning, afternoon, or night game drives, a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, birdwatching, guided nature walks in approved areas, and excellent photography opportunities. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are particularly rewarding for wildlife viewing, as animals gather near reliable water sources.

The journey continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering about 331 km² (128 square miles). This ancient rainforest is one of the world's most important sanctuaries for mountain gorillas, sheltering nearly half of the global population. Gorilla trekking through its dense, mist-covered forest is an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Bwindi is also exceptionally rich in Afro-montane vegetation, butterflies, birds, and other forest wildlife. June to September and December to February are usually the driest months and ideal periods for trekking.

The safari also includes time at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, often called the "Switzerland of Africa" for its terraced hills, calm waters, and scenic islands. Known as the Lake of 29 Islands, Bunyonyi takes its name from a local word linked to the area's many small birds. Its peaceful setting makes it a perfect retreat after gorilla trekking and a popular stop for visitors exploring the Bwindi region.

This Rwanda and Uganda safari offers a rare chance to experience both classic savannah wildlife and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environments. After enjoying the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, the journey concludes in the vibrant city of Kigali.

• Game Drives & Canoe Safaris in Akagera National Park
• Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Scenic Boat Tour on Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's deepest lakes
• Kigali Cultural & Heritage Experience, including a memorial visit
• Rwanda–Uganda Cross-Border Adventure
• Comfortable, Scenic Accommodation in carefully selected locations

Your adventure begins as your driver-guide collects you from the airport or hotel for a scenic 2.5-hour drive (108 km) eastward from Kigali to Akagera National Park. Once you arrive, this Rwanda safari unfolds with a guided nature walk through the park's varied landscapes, offering a closer look at its rich ecosystems, before you unwind with a peaceful canoe excursion on Lake Ihema. Day one draws to a close at Akagera Rhino Lodge, ideally situated to set the stage for the wildlife encounters awaiting you tomorrow.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

After breakfast, depart for an exciting game drive in Akagera National Park, Rwanda's renowned savannah reserve along the country's north-eastern border with Tanzania. Though compact in size, the park shelters an impressive variety of large mammals rarely seen elsewhere in Rwanda. Keep your camera close and watch the open plains for elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and the reintroduced lions. Game drives are usually conducted in the northern sector and may last several hours, depending on wildlife activity and sightings.

Return to your lodge for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos and crocodiles thrive alongside wildlife gathering on the lake shores. Your Rwanda safari then takes a new direction as you continue to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

The long-awaited day has arrived—your unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas. Begin with an early breakfast at your lodge before transferring to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing, depending on the location of your accommodation. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes place across four sectors: Buhoma and Ruhija in the northern part of the park, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.

After the briefing, set off on your day's trek through the ancient rainforest. Tracking the gorillas can take approximately 2–5 hours, depending on where the family was last seen the previous day. Once located, you will spend one magical hour taking photos and videos, observing their natural behaviour, and asking the rangers and guides questions about these remarkable great apes. After this extraordinary encounter, conclude the day with a scenic 2-hour, 80 km drive to Lake Bunyonyi. This evening safari experience brings you to your lodge overlooking Africa's second-deepest lake.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

Conclude your Rwanda safari with morning activities around Lake Bunyonyi, including scenic hikes and nature walks, cultural community visits, canoeing, and a relaxing boat ride. Later, travel approximately 220 km over 5 hours back to Kigali, where a city tour and a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial await. Your Rwanda safari concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch