8-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari – Chimpanzees, Gorillas and Cultural Experiences
Tour Overview
Some journeys are remembered for the places you visit; others stay with you because of the experiences you have along the way. This 8-day Rwanda and Uganda safari brings both together, taking you through two of East Africa’s most beautiful countries.
Your adventure begins in Rwanda, a country known for its rolling green hills, welcoming communities and remarkable natural beauty. Explore the cultural heritage of Huye before heading into Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s most important rainforest habitats. Here, you will have the opportunity to track wild chimpanzees and experience the forest from above on its impressive canopy walkway.
From the rainforest, travel towards the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, where the scenery changes to quiet waters, green hills and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Continue north to the Volcanoes region for a meaningful cultural experience before crossing into Uganda.
In Uganda, the journey takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The highlight comes on trekking day, when you enter the forest with experienced guides in search of a gorilla family. Seeing these magnificent animals in their natural environment is a rare privilege and an experience that many travellers remember for a lifetime.
Your final day brings you back to Kigali, where you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before departure.
This is a wonderful journey for travellers who want more than a traditional wildlife safari. It combines close encounters with great apes, beautiful scenery, local culture and the opportunity to discover Rwanda and Uganda in one carefully planned trip.
Route: Kigali → Huye → Nyungwe Forest → Lake Kivu → Kinigi → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest → Kigali
Safari duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Main highlights: Chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe Forest canopy walk, Lake Kivu, Iby’Iwacu cultural experience, mountain gorilla trekking and Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Starting-price basis: 2 travellers · January–December
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Arrival in Kigali
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your Afromasai safari representative and transferred to your accommodation in Kigali.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a little time to settle in and get your first impression of Rwanda’s welcoming capital. Kigali is known for its clean streets, green surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant introduction to the country.
Your guide will brief you about the journey ahead and answer any questions you may have before the safari begins.
Accommodation & meals: Hotel in Kigali. Meals as per the confirmed package.
Day 2: Huye's Cultural Treasures and Nyungwe Forest Retreat
After breakfast, leave Kigali and travel south towards Huye, a town with an important place in Rwanda’s cultural and historical story.
Enjoy an opportunity to discover the country’s heritage before continuing towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and small communities along the way.
As you approach Nyungwe, the scenery becomes increasingly green and forested. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and is particularly important for its rich biodiversity and remarkable primate population.
Arrive at your accommodation near the forest, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting day ahead.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of Nyungwe Forest.
After an early breakfast, head into the forest for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park guides, follow the forest trails in search of one of our closest living relatives. Listen for calls echoing through the trees and watch the forest come alive as you approach the chimpanzees.
Seeing these intelligent and energetic primates moving through their natural habitat is a special experience. Their playful behaviour, family interactions and remarkable agility make them fascinating to observe.
Later, experience Nyungwe from a different perspective on the famous canopy walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers wonderful views across the treetops and an opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of this ancient rainforest.
Return to your lodge after a rewarding day surrounded by nature.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Lake Kivu – A Relaxing Escape by the Water
After breakfast, leave the forest behind and make your way towards Lake Kivu, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Great Lakes region of East Africa.
The drive offers lovely views of Rwanda’s countryside, with green hills and small settlements along the route. On arrival, settle into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Lake Kivu is known for its calm waters, scenic islands and beautiful surrounding hills. After the activities of the previous days, this is a chance to slow down and enjoy a different side of Rwanda.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake or simply enjoying the views. Depending on the arrangements and time available, you may also have the opportunity to explore the lake and its surroundings.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge or hotel near Lake Kivu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Kinigi and Iby'Iwacu – Culture and Connection
After breakfast, continue your journey towards Kinigi, in Rwanda’s beautiful Volcanoes region.
This area is famous for its dramatic volcanic scenery, green hills and rich cultural heritage. It is also closely connected to Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation story.
Today, enjoy a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn more about traditional Rwandan life. Through local performances, stories, music and cultural demonstrations, you will gain a better understanding of the customs and traditions that remain an important part of community life.
It is also an opportunity to meet local people, hear their stories and appreciate the role that community involvement plays in conservation and responsible tourism.
After the visit, return to your accommodation and prepare for the journey into Uganda the following day.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge in the Kinigi area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Crossing into Uganda – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, leave Rwanda and travel towards Uganda, crossing the international border on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey takes you through beautiful highland scenery, with green hills, winding roads and rural communities along the way. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and forested.
Bwindi is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural treasures. Its ancient rainforest provides a home to endangered mountain gorillas, forest elephants, numerous bird species and other wildlife.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy some time to relax. Your guide will also brief you on the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including what to expect and how to prepare.
There is a special feeling around Bwindi as you get ready for one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – An Encounter of a Lifetime
Today is the highlight of your journey.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing. Park rangers will explain the trekking guidelines, safety procedures and what to expect during your time in the forest.
You will then enter Bwindi’s dense rainforest with experienced guides and trackers, following forest trails in search of an assigned gorilla family.
The time spent trekking can vary depending on where the gorillas are located. The terrain can be steep and sometimes challenging, but the reward is extraordinary.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, rest, move through the forest and interact with one another. Their size, expressions and close family relationships make this a truly remarkable wildlife experience.
Visitors are allowed a strictly limited time with the gorillas under park regulations, making every moment especially valuable.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on an experience that is difficult to put into words.
Accommodation & meals: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Return to Kigali – Kigali Genocide Memorial and Departure
Wake up to your final morning surrounded by the mist-covered forests of Bwindi. Enjoy breakfast while taking in the peaceful atmosphere before beginning your return journey to Kigali.
Travel back through Uganda’s beautiful countryside and cross into Rwanda through the Gatuna Border. The drive offers one last opportunity to appreciate the green hills, valleys and rural landscapes that make this region so special.
Upon arrival in Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply meaningful place dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Through its exhibitions and memorial spaces, visitors gain a better understanding of Rwanda’s history, the tragedy it experienced and the country’s journey towards healing and reconciliation.
After the visit, enjoy lunch in Kigali before being transferred to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
Your 8-day journey through Rwanda and Uganda comes to an end, leaving you with memories of chimpanzees in the rainforest, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, meaningful cultural encounters and the unforgettable experience of meeting mountain gorillas in the wild.
Thank you for travelling with Afromasai Eastern Safaris. We hope to welcome you again for another adventure in East Africa.
Accommodation & meals: Accommodation not applicable. Breakfast and lunch, subject to departure arrangements.
Tour Inclusions
- All national park entrance fees for non-residents.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary, unless indicated as optional.
- Accommodation throughout the safari.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Private safari transportation.
- Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the daily itinerary.
- Drinking water during the safari (approximately 1 litre per person per day).
Tour Exclusions
- International flights.
- Rwanda and Uganda visa fees, where applicable.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Tips and gratuities (suggested guideline: US$10 per person per day).
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry and other personal purchases.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Any government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees or permit charges after confirmation.
Safari Prices
All rates are in USD per person sharing. Group columns show the number of travellers.
| Travel dates | Solo traveller | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January – December | On request | 4,625 | 4,625 | 4,625 | 4,625 | 4,625 | On request |
The safari starts at US$4,625 per person, based on two participants. Solo and larger group arrangements are available upon request.
Travel with Afromasai Eastern Safaris
At Afromasai Eastern Safaris, we believe a memorable safari is about more than visiting beautiful places. It is about the people you meet, the stories you hear and the care taken to make every part of your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
As a locally owned East African safari company, we take pride in offering personal assistance, knowledgeable guides and carefully arranged experiences. From your arrival in Kigali to your final departure, our team will help you enjoy this remarkable journey through Rwanda and Uganda with confidence.
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