8-Day Rwanda, Uganda & Congo Gorilla Trekking
Overview
A Africa Safari Tour offers travelers the chance to experience some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife and landscapes. This 8-day journey combines the best of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo into one unforgettable primate adventure. It is designed for travelers who want to experience both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas while exploring beautiful forests, volcanoes, lakes, and rich cultures.
This unique Africa Safari Tour begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, before taking you to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to chimpanzees. From there, you will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to track the rare eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The adventure then continues to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and later to Uganda’s famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Throughout this Africa Safari Tour, you will enjoy close encounters with some of the world’s most endangered primates. You will have opportunities to trek chimpanzees, golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and eastern lowland gorillas while enjoying breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences. The journey also includes the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, beautiful views of Lake Kivu, and optional volcano hikes.
Luxury accommodation, professional guides, and comfortable 4×4 transportation ensure that every part of this Africa Safari Tour is both exciting and comfortable. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, this safari provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the very best that East and Central Africa have to offer.
Tour Plan
Your Africa Safari Tour begins upon arrival in Kigali. After meeting your guide, you will receive a briefing about the journey ahead. Before leaving the city, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important site that tells the story of Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.
After the visit, begin the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s richest rainforests and a key destination on this Africa Safari Tour. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: Ken Barham Guesthouse or Similar
Today’s Africa Safari Tour starts early with breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Forest visitor center. After a briefing, begin your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Follow experienced guides through the forest as you search for wild chimpanzees moving through the trees.
After the trek, enjoy the famous canopy walk, one of the highlights of any Africa Safari Tour. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers stunning views of the rainforest and surrounding hills.
Later, travel to Rusizi near Lake Kivu, where you can relax by the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu Resort
A major highlight of this Africa Safari Tour is the opportunity to trek eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. After breakfast, cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo and continue to the park.
Guided by expert rangers, trek through the forest in search of these rare gorillas. Once found, spend one hour observing their behavior, taking photographs, and learning about conservation efforts.
This unique wildlife experience sets this Africa Safari Tour apart from many other African safaris. After the trek, return to your accommodation for relaxation.
Accommodation: Nediva Bed & Breakfast or Peace Guesthouse
After breakfast, continue your Africa Safari Tour with a scenic drive along Lake Kivu before heading north toward Volcanoes National Park.
The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s countryside, villages, and volcanic landscapes. Volcanoes National Park is famous worldwide for mountain gorilla trekking and is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa.
Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge while preparing for the exciting activities ahead.
Accommodation: Gorillas Hotel or Similar
Today offers one of the most exciting experiences of your Africa Safari Tour. Guests may choose to participate in mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with an additional permit.
Accompanied by park rangers, hike through the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Spending time with these gentle giants is a truly unforgettable experience and a dream for many travelers.
Those not participating in gorilla trekking may choose to hike Mount Bisoke and enjoy spectacular views of the volcanic region. Both activities make this Africa Safari Tour a remarkable adventure.
Accommodation: Gorillas Hotel
After breakfast, continue your Africa Safari Tour with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These rare monkeys are known for their bright golden fur and playful nature.
Watching them move through the bamboo forests is a wonderful wildlife experience. After the trek, cross into Uganda and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Both destinations are famous for mountain gorilla conservation and provide beautiful natural scenery.
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel or Similar
Today is another highlight of your Africa Safari Tour. Guests may choose to take part in mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.
The trek takes you deep into the rainforest where you will search for one of the habituated gorilla families. Once found, spend an hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
For travelers who prefer not to trek, a hike on Mount Sabyinyo offers stunning views across Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. This flexibility makes the Africa Safari Tour suitable for different interests and fitness levels.
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy the final moments of your Africa Safari Tour before beginning the drive back to Kigali.
The journey offers one last opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes of Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of an incredible Africa Safari Tour that combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, cultural experiences, and unforgettable scenery across three African countries.
