3 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari & Bwindi Gorilla Trek

This 3-day Akagera Wildlife and Bwindi Gorilla Trek is a perfect short safari combining classic Big Five game viewing in Rwanda with an unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter in Uganda. The journey begins in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park, famous for its diverse wildlife, scenic lakes, and open plains.

The safari then continues to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking wildlife, adventure, and primate experiences within a short timeframe.

Safari Highlights

• Game drive in Akagera National Park

• Boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Cross-border Rwanda–Uganda safari experience

Detailed: 3 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari & Bwindi Gorilla Trek

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, your professional safari guide will pick you up from Kigali and transfer you to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 2½ hours, passing through scenic countryside and rural villages.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature walk, offering a closer look at the park’s landscapes and smaller wildlife. After lunch, proceed for an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the park’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. Expect sightings of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous water birds such as African fish eagles, papyrus gonoleks, and shoebill storks.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options

• Mid-range: Akagera Transit Lodge

• Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. Wildlife commonly seen includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, bushbuck, eland, oribi, and hippos. You may also encounter olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Later, exit the park and drive to the Rwanda–Uganda border for immigration clearance. Continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive offers spectacular views of rolling hills, terraced farmland, and forested landscapes.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp / Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge

• Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp

• Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer Back to Kigali

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a 7:45 am gorilla trekking briefing. Park rangers will explain trekking guidelines and assign you a gorilla family.

Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through dense rainforest, bamboo zones, and rugged terrain in search of mountain gorillas. Trekking duration ranges between 1 to 8 hours, depending on gorilla movements. Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

After the trek, begin your return journey to Kigali with lunch en route. Arrive in time for your evening departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions:

• Transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• All park entrance fees

• Game drives in Akagera National Park

• Boat safari on Lake Ihema

• Gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi

• Accommodation and meals as specified

Safari Exclusions

• Alcoholic beverages

• Laundry services

• Personal travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities

• Personal expenses

Important Information

• This safari can be customized or extended to suit your travel needs

• Prices are subject to accommodation availability and final confirmation

• Contact us for a personalized quote or travel advice

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