This action-packed 12-day safari brings you the very best of Uganda and Rwanda – with time to track gorillas in both Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains. Your journey kicks off in Entebbe and wraps up in Kigali, taking in chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, big game and birdlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, unforgettable gorilla encounters in both Bwindi and the Virungas – plus a powerful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and time to soak up Rwanda’s natural beauty. You can even opt for a second gorilla trek or a golden monkey hike.

Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes. Gorilla trekking is strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%. Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.

Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Optional activities that may be enjoyed in and around the park include forest walks, visits to a local school/orphanage/Batwa pygmy village/Ride for a Woman project, or curio shopping.

Overnight Buhoma Lodge.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace. Choose to embark on a second gorilla trek for another magical encounter or enjoy one of the other optional experiences available in the area.

The Bwindi Forest Walk, led by a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide, is a peaceful hike through the forest to a scenic waterfall — keep an eye out for monkeys and colourful birdlife along the way.

Join the Bwindi Village Walk, a fascinating 3–4 hour journey through the local community, where you might visit a traditional healer, stop by a village school or orphanage, or watch how local banana brew is made.

Overnight Buhoma Lodge.

Travel through the lush highlands of southwestern Uganda — often called the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ — along winding mountain roads and through rural villages en route to Rwanda. On clear days, the towering Virunga Volcanoes line the horizon like silent sentries. It’s a scenic but full travel day, with around 7–8 hours on the road and a +- 1-hour border crossing.

Straddling the Rwandan border with the DRC, Volcanoes National Park is a refuge for rare mountain gorillas. Treks through the jungle-covered slopes offer the chance to spend another unforgettable hour with these gentle giants in the wild. Beyond gorilla tracking, you can hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, visit the Karisoke Research Centre, track Golden Monkeys or climb Mount Bisoke to its stunning crater lake.

Experience the beauty of Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, where stunning views of Volcanoes National Park await. Located near gorilla trekking adventures, this eco-friendly lodge offers locally sourced meals and sustainable practices that support the local community. Enjoy comfortable accommodations designed to enhance your connection with nature.

Set off to Volcanoes National Park and the trekking start point. After an early coffee, you’ll be grouped according to fitness level and head into the forest with expert guides and scouts. Trek times vary depending on the gorilla family’s location — from a quick half-hour to a full day of hiking through bamboo forest and up into steep, dense forest.

Not trekking today? Choose between a golden monkey walk or a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave — both offer a different glimpse into this remarkable region. All activities start in the morning and must be pre-booked.

Afternoon drive to Rwanda’s bustling capital, Kigali.

Experience the Kigali Serena Hotel, situated in the vibrant center of Kigali, providing convenient access to the city's attractions. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel also offers exquisite dining options and contemporary design that beautifully showcases Rwandan culture.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial — a powerful and moving tribute to the lives lost in 1994. It’s a place of remembrance, reflection and learning, also highlighting other global tragedies.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of safari.