Day 1: Arrival in Kigali | City Tour & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be met by your professional driver-guide for a guided city tour of Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kandt House Museum, and a local market, depending on your arrival time.
After lunch, transfer through the scenic southern highlands to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane forests and home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk | Transfer to Lake Kivu
Rise early and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on a chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe. Follow expert trackers through the rainforest to encounter these energetic primates in their natural habitat.
After the trek, enjoy a short canopy walk offering elevated views of the forest, then transfer to Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing evening. Accommodation: Rwiza Village
Day 3: Full Day at Lake Kivu
Today is all about unwinding at the picturesque Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and a perfect destination for water-based activities.
Start with a boat cruise on the calm waters — Lake Kivu has no hippos or crocodiles, making it one of the safest lakes to swim in. Optional activities include kayaking, island hopping, birdwatching, and even a coffee tour on nearby islands. Accommodation: Rwiza Village
Day 4: Transfer to Musanze | Cross to Uganda
After breakfast, travel north to Musanze District, stopping to explore the Musanze Caves, lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Later, opt for a Dian Fossey hike or a visit to the nearby Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo).
In the afternoon, proceed to cross the Cyanika Border into Uganda and check in at your lodge near Mgahinga. Accommodation: Mount Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp
Day 5: Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Today is the highlight of the trip — a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking experience.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Mgahinga park headquarters for a briefing. Enter the dense rainforest with trained guides to track one of the endangered mountain gorilla families. Once found, you’ll have one magical hour with them in the wild. Accommodation: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi | Island Exploration
After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa, dotted with 29 scenic islands.
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride visiting historical spots such as Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant women were once abandoned. The lake is free from bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos — making it safe for swimming. Accommodation: Crater Bay Cottages and Camp
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Today’s journey takes you north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse parks.
En route, stop at Kitagata Hot Springs, famed for their local healing folklore. After lunch near the springs, continue to Queen Elizabeth and check into your lodge.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for having one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos and excellent birdlife. Accommodation: Tembo Safari Lodge
Day 8: Game Drive & Return to Kigali
Start your final day with an early game drive in Queen Elizabeth’s Kasenyi Plains, in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more. The park is home to 4 of the Big 5 (excluding rhinos), and hundreds of bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Kigali, with an estimated arrival in the evening for your departure flight.
