Skip to main content

Trip of a lifetime

3 Days Akagera and Gorillas

BOOK TOUR

Tour overview

This 3-day Akagera and Gorillas safari combines the vibrant cultural life of Kigali with the world-famous gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital, known for its hospitality and charm. The second day offers a guided city tour, taking you through historical and cultural landmarks before embarking on a scenic drive across the border into Uganda, where the lush rainforest of Bwindi awaits. The highlight comes on the third day with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, venturing deep into the misty jungle to encounter a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable encounter, you will return to Kigali, marking the end of a short yet remarkable safari filled with culture, landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife.

3 Days Akagera and Gorillas

Tour highlights

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
  • Day 2: Kigali city tour and proceed to Bwindi National Park.
  • Day 3: Gorilla tracking  and proceed to Kigali

3 Days Akagera and Gorillas

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax at the hotel or take a brief orientation walk to experience Kigali’s vibrant atmosphere. Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, offering a calm introduction to your safari adventure. Dinner and overnight will be in Kigali.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, the day begins with a guided city tour of Kigali. You will explore some of the city’s highlights such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers that showcase Rwanda’s culture and history. After lunch, you will embark on a scenic drive toward Uganda, crossing the border into the lush southwestern region. The journey to Bwindi National Park is filled with breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and vibrant rural communities. By evening, you will arrive and check in at your lodge, nestled on the edge of the dense rainforest that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight will be at your Bwindi lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Return to Kigali

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will trek through the thick rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take between two and six hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is truly unforgettable. You will spend an hour observing their behavior, taking photographs, and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before beginning the journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival in the evening, you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable safari.

Best Time to Go on Safari

  • June to October (Dry Season):

    • Best overall wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa.

    • Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings easier.

    • Ideal time for the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July–October).

  • December to March:

    • Great time for calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains.

    • Fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.

    • Excellent for birdwatching with migratory species present.

  • April to May (Long Rains):

    • Some camps close due to heavy rains and muddy roads.

    • Cheaper prices and fewer tourists.

    • Beautiful, dramatic skies for photography, though game viewing can be harder.


What to Pack for a Safari

  • Clothing

    • Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green—avoid bright colors and dark blue/black which attract insects).

    • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and cooler evenings.

    • A warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and nights.

    • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.

    • A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

  • Gear & Essentials

    • Binoculars for close-up wildlife viewing.

    • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

    • Reusable water bottle.

    • Sunscreen and insect repellent.

    • Small backpack or daypack for game drives.

  • Travel Essentials

    • Valid passport and required visas.

    • Travel insurance documents.

    • Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever often required).

    • Personal medications and a small first aid kit.

    • Local currency and/or cards for expenses and tips.

For more info or to book this tour

Consult our specialist to design a personalized safari itinerary!

Other recommended safari packages