2 days and 2 nights
Daily Tour
10 people
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African safari tour adventures don’t get more thrilling than a two-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda. This luxury tour begins in Rwanda and can conclude in either Uganda or Rwanda, at your discretion. In just 48 hours, you’ll trek mountain gorillas (the focus of this trip), explore lush national parks, enjoy wildlife safaris, and soak in local culture and landscapes. Mountain gorillas are found only in this region– they are an endangered species surviving in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo – making this African safari tour truly unique. You’ll also visit scenic Lake Kivu and see wildlife like elephants, hippos, and monkeys. Every detail is handled by expert guides, from permits to luxury lodges.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes NP): The ultimate adventure. Wake up early to trek in rainforests, tracking the endangered mountain gorillas. Visitor groups are small, and the experience is unforgettable.
Golden Monkey Trekking (Volcanoes NP): Lesser-known but equally rewarding. Follow habituated golden monkeys up the slopes of the Virungas for close-up views of these colorful primates.
Game Drive in Akagera NP: After gorillas, you might visit Akagera National Park (east Rwanda) for a Big Five safari. See elephants, giraffes, lions, and more on a morning or evening drive.
Kigali City & Culture Tour: In the capital, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets (Caplaki), and modern cafés. This city tour highlights Rwanda’s recovery and culture.
Nyungwe Forest Chimp Trek & Canopy Walk: Though far southwest, Nyungwe is Rwanda’s largest rainforest. Trek for chimpanzees or walk high in the canopy on a suspension bridge for panoramic views.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi/Mgahinga: Uganda’s most famous draw. Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga NP to see gorillas in their natural habitat. (Bwindi is a UNESCO site).
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale NP: Known as the primate capital, Kibale offers chimp tracking or “Bigodi” swamp walks to see chimps, red colobus monkeys, and birds.
Game Drive & Boat in Queen Elizabeth NP: Look for elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. Don’t miss the Kazinga Channel boat cruise – it’s packed with hippos and water birds.
Whitewater Rafting on the Nile (Jinja): For thrill-seekers, head to Jinja to raft the Nile’s rapids. On a short tour, this might be less doable, but it’s a top Uganda adventure if you extend your trip.
Top of the World (Rwenzori) or other nature parks: If you have more time, you might trek the Rwenzori Mountains or visit Murchison Falls.
This is the best African Safari Tour because it combines close wildlife encounters with smooth, luxury service. You can see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, on a guided trek that feels personal. Small groups and expert local guides make each trek safe and full of learning. We handle permits, transport, and lodge choices so you can relax completely. The routes pass green hills, crater lakes, and quiet villages that feel timeless.
Meals are fresh, lodges are warm, and staff welcome you like family. The trip helps protect wildlife and brings jobs to nearby communities. Photos and memories stay with you, from quiet forest moments to lively boat safaris. Whether you travel alone, with family, or as a couple, the tour fits well. This is more than a trip; it is a calm, memorable way to meet Africa’s wildlife.
The tour begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s modern capital, or nearby. From Kigali, we'll drive northwest through Rwanda’s rolling “Land of a Thousand Hills” to the Volcanoes National Park area. Volcanoes NP is one of only four places in the world where you can see wild mountain gorillas. Here you have two options for today, depending on your gorilla preference:
Gorilla Trekking Option (Rwanda): Early morning, you’ll join a ranger briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi (permits required in advance). Then trek with your guide into the misty forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Each trekking group has just 8 visitors and can spend up to one hour with a gorilla group (trekking can take 3–5 hours total). The trail is steep and muddy, so wear long sleeves, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and carry rain gear. A walking stick and packed lunch are provided. This close encounter is the highlight of the safari. (For golden monkey fans, you may also trek to see those rare monkeys around here.)
City/Cultural Option: If you prefer gorilla trekking in Uganda instead, use today to explore Kigali’s sites. Visit the Genocide Memorial or a local market, then have lunch and cross into Uganda in the afternoon. This gives you more rest before tomorrow’s trek.
On Day 2, your activities depend on whether you trekked gorillas in Rwanda on Day 1:
If you trekked gorillas in Rwanda: Today head into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a classic Uganda safari. In the morning, enjoy a game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, antelope and maybe lions or leopards in the Ishasha sector (known for tree-climbing lions). In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. On this wide river, you’ll see pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and countless water birds along the banks. This relaxing cruise offers great wildlife viewing and photography. Return to your lodge by evening.
If you chose city/cultural day: Today is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (or nearby Mgahinga). Again, you’ll be briefed at a ranger station early, then trek through thick jungle to find mountain gorillas. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible biodiversity – home to gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and rare primates. Porters can be hired (about $15 each) to help carry your daypack. After tracking for 30 minutes to 2 hours, you’ll spend one hour with the gorillas. Then return to the lodge to rest.
On both options, the afternoon is yours. If time allows, you might do a short nature walk or visit a local Batwa community. Finally, you can end your tour in Uganda or return to Rwanda.
Trekking gorillas involves hiking through steep, muddy mountain trails. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on where the gorillas are. You should be in good health and able to walk several kilometers at a slow pace. Porters can help carry your bag (for about $15), and guides go at your pace. If you have any health concerns (asthma, knee problems, etc.), consult your doctor first.
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are ideal. The trails are less slippery, and wildlife gathers around water sources. The rainy months (March–May, October–November) still work but trails can be muddy, and some lodges close. Book early for June–September, as gorilla permits sell out quickly.
Yes. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for both Rwanda and Uganda. Also bring malaria prophylaxis, as both countries are in malaria zones. Your guide will have basic First Aid supplies, but carry personal meds (headache, diarrhea, etc.). Drink only bottled or purified water.
You can photograph gorillas (they often show curious expressions), but no flash is allowed so as not to disturb the animals. Use a zoom lens and avoid sudden movements. On safari drives and the boat cruise, wildlife photos are great – bring binoculars if you have them.
Children are welcome, but gorilla trek age limits apply: Rwanda requires children be at least 15, while Uganda’s Mgahinga allows 12+, and Bwindi usually 15+. For younger kids, the itinerary can be adjusted to focus on safari drives and boat cruises instead of gorilla trekking.
Yes. The tour is flexible. If you prefer, you can finish back in Rwanda after Day 2’s activities. Let us know your preference. For example, we could drive back to Kigali for your flight, or continue onward from Entebbe/Kampala if ending in Uganda.
This is a custom itinerary. Contact us with your travel dates and any preferences (e.g., which gorilla trek you want). We’ll secure permits, choose lodges, and arrange everything. Remember, gorilla permits must be booked days in advance.
# | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Group size | 2 | 4 | 7% |
2 | Group size | 5 | 9 | 12% |