Discover two of East Africa’s top destinations in just four days. First, explore Akagera National Park for classic savannah wildlife and Ihema Lake boat cruises. Then, cross into Uganda for an intimate mountain gorilla experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, enjoy rich birdlife, cultural stops, and expert guiding therefore this trip is ideal for first-time and repeat visitors alike.
Highlights
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Akagera National Park – early morning game drive to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros).
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Ihema Lake boat cruise – crocodiles, hippos and abundant waterbirds.
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Kigali city tour – genocide memorials, museums and Kimironko market.
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – mountain gorilla trekking with a one-hour close encounter.
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Optional Bato (Pygmy) cultural visit and varied bird species (including Hamerkop, Caruthers’ cisticola, pied crow, black-headed weaver, fan-tailed widowbird, violet’s black weaver, long-crested eagle).
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Akagera & Ihema Boat Cruise
You will be met in Kigali by your guide and briefed on safari rules for a safe, respectful experience. Next, drive through scenic coffee and tea plantations, and stop for lunch en route. After arriving at Akagera, check in to your lodge and then enjoy an afternoon Ihema Lake boat cruise, where you will likely see hippos, crocodiles and many waterbirds. Finally, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Early Game Drive; Transfer to Kigali
Rise early for a hearty breakfast, and then head out on a morning game drive to search for the Big Five; moreover, predators and grazers are most active at this time. After the drive, return to the lodge for lunch, check out, and transfer back to Kigali. Upon arrival, take a concise Kigali city tour – including the genocide memorials, museums and Kimironko market – before dinner and overnight in the capital.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali and cross through the Katuna border into Uganda. Subsequently, arrive in the Bwindi area for lunch and optional Batwa community visits, where you can learn about local culture and forest life. Later, relax at your lodge, prepare for tomorrow’s trek, and enjoy dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi; Return to Kigali
On the final day, after an early breakfast and packed lunch, transfer to Bwindi park headquarters for a mandatory briefing that explains trekking guidelines and safety. Then, you will be placed in a group of up to eight people and guided into the forest; the trek can take 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on gorilla locations. Importantly, once you find a gorilla family you will spend one precious hour observing, photographing, and learning about their behavior. Afterwards, receive your trekking certificate and return to Kigali, where your guide will drop you at your hotel or the airport.
Wildlife & Birding Notes
Expect rich wildlife contrasts: savannah mammals and the Big Five in Akagera, and rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Additionally, birders should watch for species such as Hamerkop, Caruthers’ cisticola, pied crow, black-headed weaver, fan-tailed widowbird, violet’s black weaver, and the long-crested eagle.
Why Book This Safari?
First, it pairs two marquee East African experiences in only four days. Second, experienced guides maximize wildlife viewing and ensure responsible gorilla encounters. Finally, because spaces for gorilla permits are limited, booking early guarantees your chance to meet these extraordinary primates.