11 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Safari Holiday

Duration

11 Days

Countries

Uganda · Rwanda · DR Congo

Tour style

Gorilla trekking · Hiking · Culture

Our 11 day Uganda Rwanda Congo safari takes you through three of Africa’s most rewarding primate destinations in one trip. You track chimpanzees in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest, meet eastern lowland gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega and spend a night on the rim of Mount Nyiragongo. Then you cross into Uganda to relax at Lake Bunyonyi and trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Along the way, you also enjoy birding, boat trips, rolling hills and warm cultural encounters.

Trip overview

The trip starts in Kigali, Rwanda, and ends in Entebbe, Uganda. First, you explore Kigali before driving south to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Next, you cross into DR Congo for Kahuzi-Biega National Park and a boat ride on Lake Kivu. After that, you hike Mount Nyiragongo and sleep on the crater rim. Finally, you cross into Uganda for Lake Bunyonyi and your gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Highlights of this 11 day Uganda Rwanda Congo safari

Kigali city tour, including the craft market and the genocide memorial.
Chimpanzee and monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
A boat ride on Lake Kivu in DR Congo.
An overnight on Mount Nyiragongo, above one of the world’s largest lava lakes.
Canoeing between islands on Lake Bunyonyi.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, plus a Batwa cultural visit.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and city tour

Your 11 day Uganda Rwanda Congo safari begins when you land in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Here, our professional guide welcomes you. Then your guide briefs you on the activities ahead and the treasures you will discover in each place.

Next, the guide drives you to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you visit Kigali’s craft market and the genocide memorial for a moving and insightful excursion.

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, you set off on a six-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is one of the largest mountain forests in Africa. Moreover, the forest is rich in plants and wildlife, including 13 primate species. Among them are colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, most famously, chimpanzees.

In addition, more than 300 bird species have been recorded here, including many found only in this region. As a result, Nyungwe is a treat for any birder. On arrival, you check in at your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 3: Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest

After an early breakfast, you head to the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka section. First, the park rangers brief you on what to expect during the trek. Then they lead you into the forest in search of the chimps.

The trek can be tiring, but it is well worth the effort. Depending on your speed, your fitness and how far the chimps have moved, it can last up to six hours. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch and photograph these remarkable apes.

After lunch, you rest for a while. Then you head back into the forest to track monkeys. In particular, you look for the Rwenzori black-and-white colobus and rare species such as the owl-faced monkey. Afterwards, you return to your lodge near the park headquarters for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Bukavu and Kahuzi-Biega in DR Congo

After breakfast, you set off for Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo. Here, you will meet the eastern lowland gorillas. The scenic drive takes you past Rwanda’s rolling hills, along the Congo-Nile route and beside the shores of Lake Kivu. In total, the journey takes about four to five hours.

If you arrive early, you can take a drive around Bukavu, a large city in eastern DR Congo. There, you can spot some of its old colonial buildings. Later, enjoy views of the Kahuzi and Biega volcanoes from your hotel balcony.

Day 5: Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega

After an early breakfast, you go to the Kahuzi-Biega ranger station for a briefing. Then you head into the forest to look for one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Kahuzi-Biega is one of the last strongholds of the eastern lowland gorilla, the largest gorilla subspecies in the world.

Once you find the family, you have one hour to watch these gentle giants up close. In addition to the gorillas, you may see several bird species found only in this part of eastern DR Congo. Meanwhile, you can use your free time to take photos and enjoy a packed lunch and refreshments.

Later, you drive to Lake Kivu for an afternoon boat ride that lasts roughly three hours.

Day 6: Village excursion and rest before Nyiragongo

After an early breakfast, you take a short excursion to nearby villages. Here, you learn how local people go about their daily lives. You can also enjoy traditional dances performed by the community. Afterwards, you return to your lodge for lunch, then relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure. In the evening, enjoy the cool breeze at the lodge.

Day 7: Mount Nyiragongo hike

After a hearty breakfast, you head to the Kibati patrol post at the foot of Nyiragongo volcano. From here, your five- to six-hour hike begins at 10 am. With hiking boots and a walking stick, you climb steadily to the crater rim. Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and its crater holds one of the largest lava lakes on Earth.

You spend the night in one of the shelters on the crater rim. Above all, the night on Nyiragongo is unforgettable. As darkness falls, you watch the glowing lava lake below, which makes for spectacular photos.

Day 8: Nyiragongo descent and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

In the morning, you enjoy breakfast with sweeping views over the crater. Then you begin your descent. At the patrol post, your driver guide meets you and takes you to the Bunagana border between DR Congo and Uganda. After lunch in Kisoro town, you continue to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. The lake is famous for its 29 islands, its Bakiga and Batwa communities and its beautiful scenery.

In addition, Bunyonyi offers rich birdlife and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. You have dinner and spend the night at a resort on the lakeshore.

Day 9: Explore Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Ruhija in Bwindi

After breakfast, you board a traditional dugout canoe to explore Lake Bunyonyi. Often called the Switzerland of Africa, the lake is a birders’ favourite. Its islands are rich in history, wildlife and local life. Meanwhile, a local guide paddles with you and shares the stories behind each island. Afterwards, you return to the lodge for lunch and check out. Then you continue to Ruhija, the eastern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 10: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural encounter

After breakfast, you go to the park office for an important briefing at 7:30 am. Here, the head ranger explains the rules for trekking with gorillas. The trek can be tough, but it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a walking stick, binoculars, a camera and good boots, you set off into the forest. Guides, rangers and porters go with you as you search for your assigned gorilla family.

Depending on your speed, your fitness and where the gorillas are, the trek can last from one to seven hours. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch these shy, gentle apes go about their day. Of course, you can take plenty of photos.

Afterwards, you have your packed lunch and walk back to the lodge. In the afternoon, you meet the Batwa people on the edge of Bwindi Forest. They are one of Africa’s oldest communities, and for most of their history they lived as hunter-gatherers in the forest.

Day 11: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, you begin the long but scenic journey back to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. On the way, you stop at the equator for lunch and photos. Finally, you continue to the airport. This marks the end of your 11 day Uganda Rwanda Congo safari.

Who this safari suits

This trip is ideal if you love primates and want real adventure. It suits travellers who are happy with long drives, border crossings and a demanding volcano hike. Since you trek chimps, two kinds of gorilla and climb Nyiragongo, you need good fitness. However, the rest days at Lake Kivu and Lake Bunyonyi help you recover between the big activities.

Gorilla trekking is open to travellers aged 15 and over. Permits for gorillas, chimps and the Nyiragongo hike are set by the park authorities in each country, and prices change from time to time. Therefore, book early, and we will confirm the current rates when you enquire.

Best time to go

You can take this safari all year round. That said, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, forest trails and the Nyiragongo slopes are less slippery. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer visitors.

Tips for your 11 day Uganda Rwanda Congo safari

Check visa rules. You enter three countries, so plan your visas before you travel.
Pack warm layers. Nights on the Nyiragongo crater rim can be very cold.
Bring sturdy boots. You will need them for forest treks and the volcano hike.
Carry rain gear. Showers are common in the mountain forests.
Bring gloves. They protect your hands from nettles and rough rock.
Check travel advice. Before you go, read the latest official travel advice for eastern DR Congo.

Learn more and extend your trip

Mount Nyiragongo lies within Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park. To learn more about the parks on this route, browse our guide to Congo national parks. If you have more time, you can also add wildlife in Uganda’s savannah parks before you fly home.

Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a clear itinerary for free.

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