Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) in the evening for your 8-Days Best of Rwanda safari tour, Uganda and ending where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. After a brief meet and greet, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for check-in and an overnight stay. This day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization after your international flight, allowing you to recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to enjoy evening views of Kigali city, taking in its vibrant lights and beautiful skyline. Your guide will provide insights about the city and the exciting adventures ahead. Dinner is typically at your own expense, giving you a chance to explore local cuisine at the hotel or nearby restaurants. Prepare for the thrilling experiences to come as you settle in for the night.

After breakfast, embark on a captivating Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain insight into Rwanda's history and resilience. You'll also explore local markets and craft centers, immersing yourself in the culture and vibrancy of the city. After lunch, begin your scenic drive north to the base of the Virunga mountains, where Volcanoes National Park is located. The journey offers stunning views of Rwanda's “thousand hills,” showcasing terraced landscapes and lush greenery. Upon arrival, check into your lodge near the park, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day's adventure of golden monkey tracking. This day serves as an enriching introduction to both the historical and natural beauty of Rwanda, setting the tone for your safari expedition.

Start your morning with an early breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. This unique experience offers the chance to observe these playful primates in their natural habitat, providing an exhilarating trek that's generally easier than gorilla tracking. After an engaging morning with the golden monkeys, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. Post-lunch, embark on a scenic drive towards the Ugandan border, enjoying picturesque views along the way. Upon crossing into Uganda, you will continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. The travel duration is approximately 4–5 hours, allowing ample time to soak in the beautiful landscapes before checking into your lodge for the night.

This day marks the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will receive a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before embarking on a trek into the dense forest. The journey can be strenuous, but the reward of encountering a habituated gorilla family is truly unforgettable. You will spend up to an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, capturing the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection after the trek, sharing stories and photographs with fellow travelers. This intimate encounter with mountain gorillas will leave a profound impact, making it a cherished memory of your East African adventure.

After breakfast, depart from Bwindi and head north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through stunning landscapes, characterized by rolling hills and picturesque valleys. En route, you will pass through the Ishasha sector, famous for its resident tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an exciting game drive in Ishasha, keeping an eye out for these unique lions lounging in the fig trees, along with other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. This fascinating introduction to the park sets the stage for your wildlife encounters. After your Ishasha drive, you will continue to your lodge in the main sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for the evening, where you can unwind and prepare for the thrilling activities ahead.

Dedicate this day to exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park's rich ecosystems. Start your morning with an exhilarating game drive in the Kasenyi sector, where you can spot lions, leopards, hyenas, and large herds of Uganda kob. After a morning filled with wildlife sightings, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise provides excellent opportunities to see large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the channel banks. Conclude your day with an optional evening game drive along the channel track, enriching your experience in this diverse park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is home to a variety of primates and boasts a rich birdlife, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Following the trek, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a scenic drive south to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the "lake of a thousand islands." As you travel, take in the stunning Kigezi highlands scenery. Upon arrival, check into your lodge situated on the shores of the lake, where you can unwind and enjoy a tranquil evening. This day combines adventure with relaxation, offering a perfect balance before concluding your safari.

On the final day of your 8-Days Best of Rwanda safari tour, Uganda safari, wake up early to enjoy a serene sunrise canoe paddle or motorized boat ride across the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Explore some of the islands, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and learning about their local history and legends. After breakfast and check-out, prepare for your journey back to Kigali, taking in stunning views of the Kigezi highlands and the Virunga volcanoes along the way. The travel duration is approximately 4-5 hours, culminating in your drop-off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on your incredible memories of this East African safari as you head home, enriched by the experiences and sights of this breathtaking region.