Upon your arrival at Kigali Airport for your 14-Days of Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holidays, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Akagera National Park, located approximately two hours away. After checking into your accommodation, take some time to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. Akagera is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Spend your evening settling in and gearing up for upcoming game drives and boat cruises. This day marks the beginning of your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari, where you will soon encounter the majestic mountain gorillas.

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park. This drive offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, and the iconic African elephants. The park’s diverse habitats make it an ideal location for animal viewing. After your game drive, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you can expect to see hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. The cruise is also a fantastic chance for birdwatching, with various species, including the striking African fish eagle. This day combines wildlife observation and relaxation, setting a vibrant tone for your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari.

After breakfast, you will return to Kigali for a historical city tour, which takes about two hours. In Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s past and its path to reconciliation. Following this, explore local markets, where you can engage with artisans and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Rwandan culture. After a day filled with history and cultural insights, you will transfer to accommodation near Volcanoes National Park, preparing for your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure. This day is crucial for understanding the roots of the region before experiencing its incredible wildlife.

Day four is the highlight of your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll receive a briefing on trekking protocols. The trek can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the gorilla group you visit. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have the opportunity to observe them interacting in their natural habitat. After your trek, learn about the legacy of Dian Fossey, the renowned conservationist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. This day blends the excitement of gorilla trekking with important cultural insights, deepening your understanding of these magnificent animals.

On day five, you’ll cross into Uganda, heading toward Bwindi National Park. The drive takes approximately four to five hours, including a stop in Kabale for a Batwa cultural experience. Here, you will engage with the Batwa people, learning about their traditional way of life and the impact of conservation on their communities. After this enriching cultural experience, continue to Bwindi, which is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After checking into your accommodation, take some time to unwind and prepare for another exciting day of gorilla trekking in Uganda. This journey emphasizes the connection between culture and wildlife, essential to your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari.

On the sixth day, you’ll enjoy another thrilling gorilla trekking experience, this time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll set out to find one of the gorilla families. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of seeing these incredible creatures up close is worth the effort. After your trek, return to Volcanoes National Park for the opportunity to track golden monkeys, another fascinating primate species. This day allows you to deepen your connection with the wildlife of the region, experiencing both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitats. Your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari continues to impress with its diverse wildlife encounters.

Day seven involves transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of approximately six hours via the scenic Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. Once you arrive, enjoy an evening boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. This channel is teeming with life, including hippos, elephants, and various bird species. The boat ride offers a unique perspective on wildlife viewing. After a day filled with wildlife experiences, settle in for the night at your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park, ready for more adventures ahead.

On the eighth day, you’ll begin with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can spot elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. After exploring the park, you’ll enjoy a nature walk before transferring to Kibale National Park. This drive typically takes about two to three hours, leading you to one of the best places for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and prepare for an exciting day of chimpanzee trekking tomorrow. This day highlights Uganda’s incredible biodiversity, intertwining your gorilla safari experiences with other primate adventures.

Day nine is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. After breakfast, you’ll join a guided group to search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best locations for primate viewing. After your trek, enjoy a packed lunch before transferring to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes approximately five to six hours, with opportunities to see the beautiful Ugandan countryside. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and relax, ready for the next day’s exploration of one of Uganda’s largest national parks.

On day ten, you’ll visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Here, you can track these magnificent creatures on foot and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. After your visit, return to Kampala, which takes about two to three hours. Spend your evening reflecting on your wildlife encounters and enjoying local cuisine. This day emphasizes the importance of conservation in Uganda, connecting your gorilla safari experiences with efforts to protect endangered species.

On day eleven, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Stone Town, check into your accommodation and prepare for a walking tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site is rich in history and culture, with narrow streets lined with shops and traditional buildings. Explore important landmarks such as the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. This introduction to Zanzibar sets the stage for your beach holidays, blending cultural exploration with exciting adventures ahead.

Day twelve begins with a tour of a local spice farm, one of Zanzibar’s main attractions. Learn about the cultivation of spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom, which have shaped the island’s economy and culture. After the spice tour, visit Prison Island to see giant tortoises and enjoy relaxing on the beach. This day combines cultural insights with leisure, enhancing your Zanzibar beach holidays while connecting you to the island’s heritage.

On day thirteen, transfer to Kendwa Beach for a day of relaxation and fun. Enjoy various water sports such as snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach soaking up the sun. As evening approaches, prepare for the famous Full Moon Party, where you can enjoy music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. This day allows you to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda and Uganda, embracing the beauty of Zanzibar’s coastline.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach. Take a stroll along the shore and visit a local market for last-minute shopping. Purchase handcrafted souvenirs and spices to remember your trip. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your incredible 14-day Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari and Zanzibar beach holidays. This last day allows you to reflect on your experiences while savoring the memories of gorillas, cultural encounters, and beautiful beaches.