9-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Lake Bunyonyi Safari
9-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Lake Bunyonyi Safari | Akagera & Apes
Tour Overview
Two Countries. Two Gorilla Treks. One Unforgettable Journey.
This 9-day cross-border safari is the definitive gorilla trekking experience in East Africa — the only itinerary that gives you two separate mountain gorilla encounters across two different countries and two distinct habitats. Beginning in Rwanda's vibrant capital Kigali, you'll journey through the mist-shrouded Virunga volcanoes for golden monkey trekking and a first gorilla encounter in Volcanoes National Park, home of Dian Fossey's legendary Karisoke Research Center.
Crossing into Uganda, you'll enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's oldest rainforests — for a second, completely different gorilla trekking experience. The journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions, the famous Kazinga Channel boat safari, and big game drives across the Kasenyi Plains.
The finale is Lake Bunyonyi — one of Africa's most beautiful and serene lakes — where a canoe safari among 29 islands and terraced hillsides provides the perfect, peaceful close to an extraordinary adventure.
Parks & Destinations
Safari Gallery
Volcanoes NP, Rwanda
Bwindi Forest, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth NP
Kazinga Channel
Lake Bunyonyi
Kigali, Rwanda
Primary Highlights
What You'll Experience
Day-by-Day
Detailed Itinerary
Activity
Welcome at Kigali International Airport by your expert Akagera & Apes driver-guide. Begin with a comprehensive Kigali City Tour: vibrant Kimironko Market, striking modern architecture, and a deeply moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Highlights
Experience the heart of Rwanda's remarkable story of resilience and transformation before the wilderness calls. Overnight in Kigali.
Activity
Scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest through Rwanda's iconic "Land of a Thousand Hills" to Volcanoes National Park. Afternoon golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
Highlights
The striking golden monkey — found only in the Albertine Rift — leaps and tumbles through bamboo groves in one of the most charming wildlife encounters in East Africa. Evening cultural village visit with traditional Rwandan drumming and dance.
What's Covered
Included & Excluded
Included
- Meals (full board throughout)
- Bottled water
- Private safari vehicle & driver-guide
- English-speaking expert guide
- Accommodation (8 nights)
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes NP)
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- All national park entry fees (Rwanda & Uganda)
- Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial
- Dian Fossey hike to Karisoke Research Center
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Lake Bunyonyi canoe safari
- All activities detailed in the itinerary
Not Included
- Tips & gratuities
- Laundry services
- Beverages & alcoholic drinks
- International flights
- Rwanda & Uganda visas
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional activities not listed
Logistics
Departure & Return
Departure / Return
Starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda
Departure Time
Flexible — tailored to your arrival flight
Border Crossing
Rwanda → Uganda on Day 4 (Cyanika border)
Group Size
Maximum 8 guests — intimate private experience
Price on Request
Custom Quote
tailored to your group & travel dates
No payment required to enquire
Destinations Visited
- 🇷🇼
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trek · Golden monkeys · Dian Fossey hike
- 🇺🇬
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Second gorilla trek · UNESCO World Heritage
- 🇺🇬
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions · Kazinga Channel
- 🇺🇬
Lake Bunyonyi
Canoe safari · 29 islands · Scenic tranquillity
The Ultimate Cross-Border Gorilla Safari
Begin Your Rwanda & Uganda Safari
Gorilla trekking permits are strictly limited and sell out months in advance. Our team will reach out within 48 hours to confirm availability and handle every detail of your 9-day cross-border adventure.
Book a Safari