12 Days Rwanda Congo Uganda safari

This 12 Days Rwanda Congo Uganda Safari is an extraordinary East African adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking, lowland gorilla encounters, volcanic hiking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic wildlife experiences across three countries. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Experience the rare opportunity to encounter different gorilla species, including mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas, explore the active Mount Nyiragongo volcano, enjoy thrilling game drives, and discover the diverse landscapes of the Albertine Rift region.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali city tour visiting cultural and historical attractions, including local markets, craft centres, and important landmarks that tell the story of Rwanda.

Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Eagle View Lodge Kigali

Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive north towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.

The journey takes approximately two and a half hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, farms, and traditional villages.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing. You may choose an optional cultural visit or nature walk around the park area.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Kinigi Guest House

Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Virunga Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced rangers.

Begin your trek through the bamboo forests and mountain slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact within their family groups.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Goma, Congo

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey tracking experience.

Follow the energetic golden monkeys through the bamboo forests while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains.

After the activity, cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Gisenyi border and continue to Goma.

Enjoy views of Lake Kivu and the volcanic landscape before checking into your lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Kibumba Tented Camp

Mid-range: Bukima Tented Camp

Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the Virunga National Park headquarters for registration and briefing.

Begin your mountain gorilla trek through the ancient forests of Virunga. The park is one of Africa’s oldest protected areas and offers a unique gorilla experience away from the more crowded trekking locations.

Once the gorillas are located, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge and relax.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Adventure

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kibati Ranger Post for registration and a safety briefing.

Begin the challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo. The trail passes through forest areas, volcanic landscapes, and rugged terrain.

The hike normally takes five to seven hours depending on fitness level and weather conditions.

Upon reaching the summit, settle into the shelters and enjoy spectacular views of the glowing lava lake as darkness falls.

Accommodation

Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Descend Nyiragongo and Transfer to Bukavu

Wake up early to enjoy sunrise views over the Virunga Mountains and Lake Kivu.

After breakfast, descend Mount Nyiragongo and return to Goma.

Continue the journey south towards Bukavu, following the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.

Arrive in Bukavu and relax at your lodge.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Exodus Bukavu Hotel

Mid-range: Panorama Hotel Bukavu

Luxury: Orchid Safari Club

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for an Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking adventure.

After a ranger briefing, enter the rainforest in search of these magnificent gorillas, the largest gorilla subspecies in the world.

Spend one hour observing the gorilla family as they move, feed, and interact in the forest.

After the trek, return to Bukavu for relaxation.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

After breakfast, depart Bukavu and travel towards Uganda through the Rwanda border.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the world’s most important habitats for mountain gorillas.

Arrive at your lodge and relax while preparing for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing.

Begin your trek into Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Once found, spend one hour observing the gorillas before returning to the lodge.

In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience and learn about the traditional lifestyle, music, dance, and history of the indigenous forest people.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the famous Ishasha Sector.

Enjoy a game drive searching for the area’s famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and birds.

Continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages

Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Cruise and Departure

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Explore the Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife.

After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and bird species.

After the cruise, transfer to Entebbe International Airport or your next destination, marking the end of your Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda safari.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Activities

Rwanda

• Dian Fossey Tomb hike
• Twin Lakes excursion
• Mount Bisoke hiking
• Kigali cultural tour
• Gorilla Guardians Village visit

Congo

• Lake Kivu boat cruise
• Goma city tour
• Virunga forest nature walks
• Bird watching excursions
• Coffee farm visits
• Community cultural experiences

Uganda

• Gorilla habituation experience
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
• Lion tracking experience
• Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion