Experience East Africa beyond the ordinary on this 15-day Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi safari, combining remarkable wildlife, primate encounters, beautiful landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences across three countries.
After starting in Kigali, you travel to Uganda for a wonderful mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi. Thereafter, you can unwind at Lake Bunyonyi and go golden monkey trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. After passing through Kigali to Akagera National Park for traditional savanna wildlife and a picturesque boat safari, head to Burundi for chimpanzee tracking in Kibira National Park, the renowned Royal Drummers experience, the Source of the Nile tour, and Lake Tanganyika. Returning to Kigali for your international flight marks the end of the adventure. This trip combines wildlife, primates, culture, and breathtaking East African scenery, making it perfect for tourists who want more than a typical safari.
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations: Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi
Safari Style: Private | Wildlife | Gorilla Trekking | Chimpanzee Tracking | Culture | Nature
Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, families, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, culture lovers, and adventurous travelers
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda and the beginning of your three-country East African adventure. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation after your international flight. Settle into your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Overnight: Eagle View Lodge, Kigali
Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Bwindi, Uganda
After breakfast, begin with a guided exploration of Kigali. Visit selected historical and cultural attractions, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while discovering the character of Rwanda’s capital.
Later, leave Kigali and travel through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside toward the Uganda border. After completing immigration formalities, continue into southwestern Uganda and on to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive at your lodge, settle in, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforests.
Overnight: Bwindi Mahogany Springs Four gorilla lodges
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today brings one of the greatest highlights of the entire safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from the ranger guides. You will then enter the rainforest and begin searching for your assigned habituated gorilla family.
Once you locate the gorillas, enjoy the permitted time observing their behavior, interactions, and remarkable similarities to humans. Afterwards, trek back through the forest and return to your lodge for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Bwindi Bwindi Mahogany Springs Four gorilla lodges
Day 4: Batwa Cultural Experience & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, enjoy a cultural experience around the Bwindi region, offering an opportunity to learn about the traditions and forest heritage of the Batwa people.
Later, continue to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by green terraced hills and scattered islands.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the lake. You may also enjoy an optional canoe experience before settling into your lodge for a peaceful evening.
Overnight: Birdnest Resort
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Wake up to the peaceful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your journey back into Rwanda.
Cross the border and continue toward Volcanoes National Park, traveling through Rwanda’s spectacular mountainous landscapes.
Arrive in the Musanze area and settle into your lodge overlooking the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga region.
Overnight: Tolirezo Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for another exciting primate encounter: golden monkey trekking.
Follow experienced guides into the bamboo forest in search of these energetic and colorful primates. Watch them leap between bamboo branches and move through their natural habitat.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before leaving the Virunga region and travelling to Kigali. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Chez Lando Lodge
Day 7: Kigali to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, leave Kigali and travel east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah safari destination.
The scenery gradually changes from Rwanda’s famous rolling hills to open plains, woodland, and wetlands.
Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy the atmosphere of the wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short introductory game drive.
Overnight: Ruzizi tented lodge
Day 8: Akagera Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Begin your day with an exciting game drive through Akagera National Park.
Explore its savannahs and woodland while searching for wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators.
Later, experience another side of Akagera during a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Cruise across the water while watching hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Ruzizi tented lodge
Day 9: Transfer from Akagera to Burundi
After breakfast, leave Akagera and begin your journey toward Burundi, adding a fascinating third country to your East African adventure.
Travel through Rwanda before reaching the border and completing immigration procedures. Continue through Burundi’s beautiful highland landscapes toward your accommodation.
Spend the evening relaxing after the day’s scenic overland journey.
Overnight: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Day 10: Transfer to Kibira National Park
After breakfast, continue toward Kibira National Park, one of Burundi’s most important protected rainforest ecosystems.
The journey introduces you to a quieter side of East Africa, with green hills, rural communities, and beautiful landscapes along the way.
Arrive near Kibira and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your forest adventure.
Overnight: Kibira Park Lodge
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibira National Park
Rise early for a guided forest experience in Kibira National Park.
Accompanied by local guides, explore the rainforest while searching for chimpanzees and discovering the wider biodiversity of the forest. Kibira is also home to other primates, forest birds, and rich vegetation.
After your forest experience, return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by Burundi’s highland scenery.
Overnight: Kibira Park Lodge
Day 12: Gishora Drum Sanctuary & Royal Drummers Experience
Today introduces you to one of Burundi’s most celebrated cultural traditions.
Travel to the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, where you will discover the history and significance of Burundi’s famous royal drums. Enjoy a powerful traditional drumming performance filled with rhythm, movement, and cultural storytelling.
It is an opportunity to experience a tradition deeply connected to Burundi’s royal and cultural heritage.
Overnight: Hotel Club Du Tanganyika
Day 13: Sou of the Nile Tour & Transfer to Bujumbura
After breakfast, travel toward the Rutovu area for an excursion to the site associated with Burundi’s southern source of the Nile.
Learn about the geographical significance of the area while enjoying Burundi’s beautiful countryside.
Afterwards, continue to Bujumbura, located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening beside one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Overnight: Hotel Club Du Tanganyika
Day 14: Bujumbura to Kigali, Rwanda
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Rwanda.
Travel through Burundi’s countryside, cross the international border, and continue toward Kigali.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening at leisure. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your journey through three very different East African destinations.
Overnight: Hotel Chez Lando Kigali
Day 15: Kigali & International Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in Rwanda and some spare time depending on your international flight schedule.
Later, your safari guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Your 15-day journey concludes with memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, savannah wildlife, chimpanzees, royal drummers, tropical forests, and the landscapes of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
End of Safari
Tour Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- Meals as indicated in the final safari quotation
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit
- Rwanda golden monkey trekking permit
- Kibira chimpanzee experience
- Akagera National Park game drive
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Kigali city tour
- Batwa cultural experience
- Gishora Royal Drummers experience
- Source of the Nile excursion in Burundi
- National park entrance fees
- Drinking water during safari transfers and activities
- All scheduled road transfers between Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Entry visas and border fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and shopping
- Laundry and other personal hotel services
- Tips and gratuities
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions