Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, your friendly Ripple Safaris guide will be there to greet you. After a brief orientation, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier wildlife destination. The journey offers picturesque views of the Rwandan countryside, with rolling hills and lush landscapes. Arriving at Akagera in the afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge overlooking the savannah. Enjoy a relaxing dinner while taking in the serene surroundings, preparing yourself for the exciting wildlife adventures that await in the days to come.
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast, then head out for a thrilling game drive through Akagera National Park. This diverse park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. As you traverse the park’s grasslands, forests, and wetlands, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, and antelope. After a midday break, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation, reflecting on the day’s incredible wildlife encounters.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and embark on a drive to Volcanoes National Park, famous for its stunning volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains and the scenic Rwandan countryside. Upon arrival at your lodge in the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Spend the evening unwinding and enjoying a delicious dinner at the lodge, as you prepare for the thrilling primate adventures that await in the coming days.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll trek through the dense bamboo forests and rugged terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may be challenging, but the reward of encountering these majestic creatures up close is extraordinary. Spend up to an hour observing their behavior and interactions. After the trek, return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch and some downtime. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner and share stories of your unforgettable gorilla encounter.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visit to Dian Fossey’s Grave
After breakfast, set out for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These vibrant primates are known for their playful behavior and striking golden fur. Spend time observing their antics and interactions as they swing through the bamboo forest. After your golden monkey encounter, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. Fossey, a renowned primatologist, dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. Visit her grave and the Karisoke Research Center to learn about her groundbreaking work and the ongoing conservation efforts. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and rural areas, offering a glimpse of life in southwestern Uganda. Arriving at Bwindi in the afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge, which provides stunning views of the dense forest and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the lodge, with a delicious dinner and the tranquil sounds of the forest as a backdrop, as you prepare for the next day’s exciting gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today’s adventure takes you on a thrilling gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking protocols. With the guidance of experienced trackers, you’ll embark on a trek through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be strenuous, but the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is truly rewarding. Spend up to an hour with the gorillas, marveling at their social interactions and gentle nature. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge and reflect on the day’s extraordinary experience.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive offers scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the park’s diverse landscapes. Arriving in Queen Elizabeth in the afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge, which offers panoramic views of the park’s savanna and wetlands. In the late afternoon, embark on a game drive to explore the park’s varied ecosystems, including savanna grasslands and lush wetlands. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Day 9: Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel and Game Drive
Start your day with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers fantastic opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. The channel is a hotspot for wildlife activity, providing close-up views of animals as they gather along the water’s edge. After the cruise, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on another game drive to explore different areas of the park, searching for wildlife that you may have missed on previous drives. Return to your lodge in the evening for a final dinner and share stories of your safari experiences.
Day 10: Transfer Back to Kigali and Departure
On your final day, check out of your lodge and travel back to Kigali. The drive provides one last opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, check into a hotel for a brief rest and enjoy a farewell lunch. If time permits, explore Kigali’s highlights, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers deep insights into Rwanda’s history and recovery. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also have time for last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the city. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave, you’ll carry with you cherished memories of Uganda and Rwanda’s stunning wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
