9-Day Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo Safari

Your safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your guide from Nakra Safaris Uganda. After a warm welcome and a briefing about the upcoming adventure, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for a restful night. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore local attractions, such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or enjoy views of Lake Victoria.

Overnight: Entebbe/Kampala

After your breakfast, you will begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda’s renowned gorilla trekking destination. This drive, which takes approximately 8-10 hours, offers a scenic journey through rolling hills, rural villages, and verdant landscapes. You will have lunch en-route and continue through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, arriving in Bwindi later in the afternoon.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a hearty  breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Here, rangers will explain the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and alocate you to a specific gorilla family. Once briefed, you’ll set off on your trek through Bwindi’s dense forest, with the guidance of expert rangers. The trek can last between 1 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group.

Upon coming close with  the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The encounter with the powerful silverback and playful infants is truly awe-inspiring. You’ll be able to photograph the gorillas, watch them interact, and marvel at their incredible intelligence and gentle nature.

After your trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation. You can explore the surroundings, enjoy a nature walk, Batwa cultural experience or unwind after the day’s adventure.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will travel to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Bwindi. As you cross the border into Rwanda, the journey will take you through the lush, terraced hillsides, offering views of Rwanda's iconic countryside. Upon arrival in Rwanda, check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Your second gorilla trekking experience will take place in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas. After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you will set off on your trek. The terrain here is mountainous, and the trek can be physically challenging. But the reward of encountering Rwanda’s gorillas in their natural environment is well worth the effort.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing them closely. The experience is both thrilling and humbling, especially as you watch the dominant silverback interact with the group or observe younger gorillas play. The hour with the gorillas will undoubtedly be a highlight of your safari.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can take a cultural tour of the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

On day six, you will drive to Goma, a city located on the shore of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drive will take you through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside before crossing the border into Congo. After arriving in Goma, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to relax before embarking on the next step of your adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Goma, DRC

After breakfast, you will head to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its population of endangered lowland gorillas. A ranger will guide you through the park’s lush rainforest as you search for these fascinating creatures. The trek is usually less strenuous than the mountain gorilla treks but still offers an unforgettable experience.

Once you find the lowland gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them. Watching these gentle primates in their natural habitat, surrounded by the stunning forest landscape, will be an experience like no other.

After your trek, you will return to Goma and enjoy a relaxing visit to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. You can take a boat ride on the lake or visit nearby fishing villages to learn more about life in this peaceful region.

Overnight: Hotel in Goma, DRC

After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. The scenic drive offers the last chance to enjoy Rwanda's natural beauty. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will check into your hotel and have time to explore the city. You may want to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant and poignant site that tells the story of Rwanda's history.

Overnight: Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda

On your final day, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to shop for souvenirs or take one last stroll through Kigali before your departure.

End of Safari

• All airport transfers

• Accommodation in lodges, camps, and hotels as specified

• Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

• Lowland gorilla trekking permit in Congo

• Services of an experienced English-speaking guide

• All park entrance fees

• Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• Bottled water during game drives and excursions

• Boat ride on Lake Kivu

• Cultural visits and excursions

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)

• Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

This 9-day Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo safari is a perfect blend of wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences. From tracking the mighty mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks to witnessing the rare lowland gorillas in Congo, this journey offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. With Nakra Safaris Uganda, you’ll enjoy a well-organized and seamless journey through some of the most breath-taking landscapes on the continent