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15-Day Rwanda and East Africa Safari

15-Day Rwanda and East Africa Safari: A Journey Through Africa’s Wildlife and Culture

Discover the beauty, diversity, and charm of East Africa on this 15-day Rwanda and East Africa Safari. This adventure takes you through the rolling hills of Rwanda, the savannah plains of Kenya or Tanzania, and the pristine wilderness of Uganda. Packed with thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, this safari showcases the best of East Africa in an unforgettable way.

Safari Highlights

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Explore the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park and meet endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Big Five Game Drives in the Serengeti or Masai Mara: Witness Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda: Get up close to playful chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest or Kibale National Park.
  • Cultural Experiences: Interact with local communities and learn about their traditions.
  • Lake Victoria and Lake Kivu Retreats: Relax by East Africa’s largest lakes, enjoying serene views and activities.
  • Dramatic Landscapes: Explore the Great Rift Valley, savannahs, forests, and volcanoes.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

  1. Welcome to Rwanda
    • Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your private guide will greet you.
    • Transfer to your hotel in Kigali for a safari briefing.
  2. Optional Kigali City Tour
    • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and vibrant local neighborhoods.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven.
  • Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

  1. Drive to Akagera
    • Enjoy a scenic 2–3 hour drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park.
    • Check into your luxury lodge and relax amidst stunning wilderness.
  2. Afternoon Boat Safari
    • Cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Magashi Camp.
  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Game Drives in Akagera National Park

  1. Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
    • Spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) and other wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and antelope.
  2. Community Engagement
    • Visit a nearby village and learn about community-led conservation initiatives.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

  1. Scenic Drive to Nyungwe
    • Embark on a full-day drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with stops at tea plantations and local markets.
  2. Relaxation at the Lodge
    • Check into your lodge and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Nyungwe’s lush rainforest.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House.
  • Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

  1. Morning Chimpanzee Trekking
    • Track playful chimpanzees in the dense forest, learning about their behaviors from expert guides.
  2. Afternoon Canopy Walk
    • Walk through the forest canopy for stunning views and birdwatching opportunities.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu

  1. Drive to Lake Kivu
    • Travel to the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, and enjoy breathtaking views.
  2. Afternoon at Leisure
    • Relax by the lake, swim, or take a boat ride to nearby islands.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
  • Mid-range: Cormoran Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

  1. Drive to Volcanoes National Park
    • Journey through Rwanda’s northern highlands to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas.
  2. Arrival and Relaxation
    • Check into your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Bisate Lodge.
  • Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

  1. Gorilla Trekking Adventure
    • Trek through lush forests to spend an hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family.
    • Learn about gorilla conservation efforts and their role in Rwanda’s ecosystem.

Accommodation: Same as Day 7.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Village Visit

  1. Morning Golden Monkey Trekking
    • Track endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
  2. Cultural Experience
    • Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions, ejnjoy traditional dances, and try local dishes.

Accommodation: Same as Day 7.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to Uganda (Lake Victoria)

  1. Cross the Border into Uganda
    • Drive to Uganda’s Lake Victoria region, enjoying scenic views along the way.
  2. Arrival and Relaxation
    • Check into your lodge by the lake and unwind.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
  • Mid-range: 2Friends Beach Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 11: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

  1. Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Enjoy a morning drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
  2. Afternoon Game Drive
    • Spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
  • Mid-range: Mweya Safari Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 12: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

  1. Morning Game Drive
    • Explore more of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannahs.
  2. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
    • Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of waterbirds.

Accommodation: Same as Day 11.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 13: Transfer to Masai Mara or Serengeti

  1. Fly to Kenya or Tanzania
    • Transfer to the Masai Mara (Kenya) or Serengeti (Tanzania) via a domestic flight for the next chapter of your safari.
  2. Arrival and Game Drive
    • Check into your luxury lodge and embark on an evening game drive.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Angama Mara (Masai Mara) or Serengeti Serena Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 14: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara/Serengeti

  1. Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
    • Explore the park’s vast plains, known for the Big Five and the annual Great Migration (seasonal).
  2. Sundowner Experience
    • End your day with a luxurious sundowner in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Same as Day 13.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 15: Departure

  1. Morning at Leisure
    • Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and one final game drive (time permitting).
  2. Airport Transfer
    • Transfer to the nearest airport for your international departure.

Meals: Breakfast.

Safari Costs

  • Gorilla Trekking Permit: $1,500 (Rwanda).
  • Chimpanzee Trekking Permit: $90–$150 (Rwanda/Uganda).
  • Accommodation: $500–$2,000 per night (luxury).
  • Internal Flights: $300–$600 per flight.
  • Private Safari Vehicle and Guide: $150–$300 per day.

Best Time to Visit

  • June–September: Ideal for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking.
  • December–February: Great for birdwatching and game drives.

Why Choose This Safari?

This 15-day Rwanda and East Africa Safari is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of wildlife adventure, cultural immersion, and luxury experiences. From trekking with gorillas to game drives across iconic savannahs, it offers a complete exploration of East Africa’s beauty and charm.

Start planning your dream safari today!