8-Day Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi Adventure Safari 2026

A Triple-Country Journey Through the Heart of East Africa

Trip Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek – Iby’Iwacu cultural village – Transfer to Kigali
Day 5: Kigali City Tour – Kigali Genocide Memorial – Kimironko Market – fly to Burundi Bujumbura
Day 6: City Tour – Transfer to Gitega Drum Sanctuary
Day 7: Drum Sanctuary – Chutes de la Karera Falls – Source of the Nile
Day 8: Transfer to the chimpanzee sanctuary – Lake Tanganyika Drive – departure

Top Tourist Activities on This Adventure

Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Uganda): Encounter the endangered giants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Golden Monkey Tracking (Rwanda): Observe the playful, endemic primates of the Virunga Mountains.
Gitega Drum Sanctuary (Burundi): Experience the UNESCO-recognized ritual dance of the royal drums.
Kigali Genocide Memorial: A deeply moving historical tour of Rwanda’s path to peace.
Chutes de la Karera Falls: Exploring the breathtaking multi-layered waterfalls in southern Burundi.
Source of the Nile (Burundi): Visit the symbolic pyramid marking the southernmost source of the world’s longest river.
Lake Tanganyika Drive: A scenic coastal drive along one of the world’s deepest freshwater lakes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you our professional driver guide will Meet and greet, then transfer to your hotel to relax from the long flight. Dinner and Overnight Stay.

Accommodation Option: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe

Meals Plan: Half Board

Day 2: Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 2 of the safari will start with breakfast at your hotel and then get prepared for a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which takes about 9-10 hours including stopovers.

On your way, you will sight tea plantations, local villages, hilly areas among others. Upon arrival, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for exciting encounters.

Accommodation Option: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals Plan: Full Board

3: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Rwanda

On this day after having your heavy breakfast, here you will have an option of Gorilla Trekking.

You then you will prepare yourself in appropriate clothing and get ready for Gorilla Trekking or Forest Walk.

You will be transferred to the Parks center for briefing about the DO’s and DON’T’S by a ranger guide, you will enter the forest in search for the Mountain Gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking takes about 1 – 5 hours depending on their location however, you can encounter other animals, bird species, butterfly species and also different plant species in the forest.

Once you locate a Gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour.

The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored.

You will learn about their behavior, how they feed, communicate etc. After this experience, you will have lunch and then transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation Option: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Wake up for an early morning breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to Volcanoes national park headquarters in Kinigi.

By 7:30am you will briefed about the dos and don’ts when doing gorilla trekking.

By 8:00 am, you will head for golden monkey trekking led by a park ranger to the chosen golden monkey troop and spend 1 hour when you come across the golden monkey troops.

You will observe their lively behaviors as they jump from one tree to another as they feed, socialize with others.

Head to the lodge for lunch, rest and visit the Iby’icawu cultural village for a cultural experience, you will watch the dancers perform for you and you will buy some souvenirs that you can take back home.

Transfer to Kigali for Dinner and Overnight Stay.

Accommodation Option: Five to Five Hotel

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Kigali City Tour & Flight to Bujumbura, Burundi

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali which will take about 2-3 hours.

Upon arrival at Kigali, enjoy a private guided city tour starting with the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about Rwanda’s poignant history.

Visit the Kimironko Market, a bustling local market where you can explore Rwandan crafts, fabrics, and produce. Lunch break.

After this amazing encounter, fly to Bujumbura, Burundi. Dinner and Overnight stay.

Accommodation Option: Tropitel Gitega Hôtel

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Bujumbura City Exploration & Gitega Drum Sanctuary

On this day, you will have a morning city exploration where you will Independence Monument, Livingstone – Stanley Monument, Central market.

From there, you will transfer to Gitega Drum Sanctuary. Dinner and Overnight stay.

Accommodation Option: Tropitel Gitega Hôtel

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Karera Waterfalls & The Source of the Nile

Day 7 of the safari starts with a delicious breakfast, then head out for a full day of natural and cultural attractions.

You will visit the drum Sanctuary where you will attend and observe drumming performance, Learn the historical significance of the drums during Burundi’s monarchy.

From there, you will visit Chutes de la Karera (Karera Waterfalls), this is a beautiful multi-layered waterfall in southern Burundi which gives chances for photography and nature walks.

Afterwards, you will encounter the Source of the Nile (Burundi’s Claim), a symbolic site marking one of the Nile River sources and Scenic views and cultural monuments. Dinner and Overnight Stay.

Accommodation Option: Lake Tanganyika Hotel

Meals Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Burundi Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Departure

You will transfer to Chimpanzee Sanctuary to observe chimpanzees and other primates in a protected forest setting, you will learn about the conservation efforts in Burundi.

Enjoy the moment with our close cousins. After, you will have a relaxing scenic drive along one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes.

This marks the end of the 8 Days Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi Safari. Departure.

The Safari Package Includes:

Airport pickups and drop-offs
Accommodation based on Mid-Range
Meals as per the itinerary
Park entry fees
All activities and All Permits
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Ground Transport in a safari vehicle

The Safari Package Excludes:

International flights
Visa fees
Tips and personal expenses
Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

FAQ – Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

1.What is Rwanda gorilla trekking and how does it work?

Rwanda gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park, where visitors track endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Guided by expert rangers, trekkers hike through lush forests to observe gorilla families safely. Gorilla trekking permits are limited, ensuring low-impact tourism that protects the species.

This experience combines adventure, conservation, and photography opportunities, making it one of Rwanda’s top safari and eco-tourism activities.

2. How much does a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit cost?

Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost around $1,500 per person, making them a premium wildlife experience.

Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and include access to Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla families.

Booking is essential due to high demand.

Costs support gorilla conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. Luxury tours often bundle permits with private guides, transfers, and upscale lodges for a seamless, eco-friendly adventure.

3. When is the best time for gorilla tracking in Rwanda?

The best time for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February.

Trails are easier to navigate, and wildlife is more active and visible. Trekking is still possible during rainy months, but paths can be slippery and more challenging.

Dry seasons offer better photography, comfortable hiking, and higher chances of observing gorillas, making it ideal for eco-tourists seeking a premium Rwanda wildlife adventure.

4. What should I wear and bring for Rwanda gorilla trekking?

For Rwanda gorilla trekking, wear long-sleeved shirts, hiking pants, and sturdy boots for muddy trails. Bring essentials like rain gear, insect repellent, gloves, and a walking stick.

Carry water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens. Dress in layers for variable mountain weather.

Following these guidelines ensures comfort and safety while observing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and helps maintain hygiene and minimal disturbance in the fragile forest ecosystem.

5. Are Rwanda gorilla treks safe for tourists?

Rwanda gorilla treks are safe due to strict guidelines enforced by trained rangers. Visitors maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from gorillas, and groups are small to reduce stress on the animals.

Medical and emergency protocols are in place, and trekkers are briefed on behavior rules. These measures protect both humans and gorillas.

Safety, combined with expert guides and well-maintained trails, ensures a secure, unforgettable wildlife adventure in Volcanoes National Park.

6. Can children participate in Rwanda gorilla trekking tours?

Children can join Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, but regulations vary. Generally, participants must be at least 15 years old to protect gorillas and maintain safety.

Family-friendly alternatives include nature walks, cultural visits, and primate observation in Volcanoes National Park.

Children above the age limit can experience guided treks under expert supervision, allowing families to enjoy Rwanda’s unique wildlife while contributing to gorilla conservation through responsible tourism.