Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari

Destinations to visit

Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Safari Overview

Experience the very best of Uganda’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes on this 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Adventure with Engeya Tours and Travel. This carefully crafted safari combines thrilling chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, unforgettable game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Along the journey, you’ll enjoy scenic drives through rolling tea plantations, lush forests, crater lakes, and picturesque villages while encountering Uganda’s remarkable wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, over 600 bird species, and numerous primates. The safari concludes with a relaxing visit to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe.

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, bird lovers, couples, families, and adventure seekers looking to experience Uganda’s most iconic national parks in one unforgettable journey.

Safari Activities

Airport Pick-up & Kigali City Experience

Begin your journey with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport before exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Depending on your arrival time, visit colourful craft markets, interact with local artisans, and discover Rwanda’s famous handmade baskets, wood carvings, paintings, fabrics, and cultural souvenirs.

Scenic Drive through Rwanda

Travel across Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages, and lush valleys while learning about the country’s remarkable history and transformation from your professional safari guide.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Track wild chimpanzees inside Nyungwe Forest National Park. Listen to their loud calls echoing through the rainforest before watching them feed, swing through the trees, and interact with one another in their natural habitat.

Canopy Walk Adventure (Optional)

Experience East Africa’s famous suspended canopy walkway, hanging approximately 70 metres above the forest floor. Enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest while spotting birds, butterflies, monkeys, and unique plant life.

Bird Watching

Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s top birding destinations, home to over 320 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Bird lovers have excellent opportunities to observe colourful forest birds throughout the safari.

Relaxation at Lake Kivu

Spend time along the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Relax at the beach, enjoy the cool breeze, admire beautiful sunsets, or simply unwind after your rainforest adventures.

Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu (Optional)

Explore the scenic islands of Lake Kivu on an optional boat excursion while enjoying spectacular views of surrounding mountains and local fishing communities.

Gorilla Trekking

Experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After hiking through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, spend one magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit (Optional)

If your departure schedule allows, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history, resilience, and inspiring journey toward peace and reconciliation.

Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari

Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari - Engeya Tours and Travel

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Engeya Tours and Travel guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short introduction to Kigali. Visit local craft markets where you can browse beautifully handcrafted baskets, paintings, jewellery, fabrics, sculptures, and souvenirs. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Rwanda's vibrant culture and meet local artisans.

After your city experience, return to your hotel for relaxation before your exciting safari begins.

Destination: Kigali

Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando

Meals: Depending on arrival time

Day 2: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and enjoy one of Rwanda's most scenic drives towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The journey passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages, and breathtaking countryside, offering excellent photography opportunities along the way.

Nyungwe Forest is among Africa's oldest tropical rainforests and protects an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabeys, orchids, butterflies, and over 320 bird species.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, relax, and enjoy beautiful forest views.

Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours

Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Optional Canopy Walk

Wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure.

After briefing by park rangers, enter Nyungwe Forest in search of one of Rwanda's habituated chimpanzee communities. Listen carefully as their loud calls guide you through the rainforest before finally observing these fascinating primates feeding, grooming, playing, and swinging through the trees.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you may choose the optional Canopy Walk, one of East Africa's most exciting forest experiences. Suspended high above the rainforest, the canopy bridge offers spectacular views while providing opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and butterflies.

Optional Activity: Canopy Walk (US$60 per person)

Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Nyungwe Forest – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, leave Nyungwe Forest and travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Lake Kivu is one of Africa's Great Lakes and one of the continent's most peaceful freshwater lakes. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge or explore the charming lakeside town.

If time permits, visit the picturesque Ndaba Waterfalls or enjoy an optional boat cruise to nearby islands while admiring Rwanda's magnificent scenery.

End the day watching a beautiful sunset over Lake Kivu.

Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park

Following breakfast, drive north towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

The scenic drive showcases dramatic volcanic mountains, fertile farmland, and picturesque villages before arriving near the park headquarters.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge while preparing for the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking.

Your guide will brief you about gorilla trekking regulations and what to expect during tomorrow's adventure.

Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari.

After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers.

Groups are allocated according to fitness levels before entering the forest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

The trek may last anywhere from one to eight hours depending on the gorillas' location. Along the way, your ranger will interpret animal tracks, forest vegetation, and signs of recent gorilla activity.

Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, groom, and interact with one another.

Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is one of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and celebration of your successful trek.

Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Kigali.

If your international flight departs after 3:00 PM, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda's most important historical sites, offering insight into the country's tragic past and inspiring recovery.

Afterwards, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Rwanda safari with Engeya Tours and Travel.

Meals: Breakfast

What is included in your safari

Safari Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee trekking permit
All accommodation throughout the safari
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water during transfers
Park entrance fees
Government taxes
All scheduled transfers
Professional safari guide throughout the trip

Safari Excludes

International and domestic flights
Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal shopping expenses
Laundry services
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature

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Latest Reviews

Tripadvisor rating score:5.0 of 5,based on 84 reviews

VIEW ALL REVIEWS

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 88 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Verified Exceptional and extraordinary human experience thanks to Davis and his French-speaking guide Eric and driver Nicolas
I thank Davis for the support from France, through Kigali and Uganda. Everything was perfect. Very good vehicle, the guide Eric was perfect, plus he speaks French and English very well. So I will return with great pleasure to travel in Uganda or Botswana or Kenya with them. I recommend it because everything was perfect until the last minute and the return to the airport.
     
   Christophe L 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Simply brilliant!
As a solo woman traveller I cannot overstate how comfortable I felt with my guide, Brian. I only had time for a one day trip to the crater lake, waterfalls and village community experience, and I wish I'd had longer to spend on Brian's excellent company. He is reliable, knowledgeable, friendly and is a really safe driver. He went the extra mile to ensure I enjoyed the day, even accommodating my dietary requirement with a delicious vegan meal at an authentic village eatery. We packed in so much fun and saw incredible birds and primates. I can't wait to book a longer safari tour with him and my partner. Thank you, Brian!
     
   MarthaBott 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Incredible
We are returning from 15 days of our trip to Uganda with Engeya Tours as our guide Ebenezer. It was a great trip with discoveries and emotions. Very good organization with great, atypical lodges not crowded with tourists.
     
   Heidi S 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified An unforgettable experience!
An unforgettable experience! If you are looking for a safari agency in Uganda, look no further: Engeya Safaris is simply exceptional. We had an extraordinary trip, as much for the beauty of the landscapes and the animals as for the magnificent human encounters. The entire team demonstrated remarkable professionalism, great kindness, and gentleness at every moment. We felt safe, listened to, and pampered from beginning to end. Davis and Eric passionately shared the riches of their country, making each day even more fascinating. Thanks to them, we were able to experience unique moments and leave with memories filling our heads and emotions filling our hearts. Engeya Safaris does not just offer a safari: they create a true human experience. Their warm welcome, their availability, and their attention to the smallest detail make all the difference. A huge thank you to the entire team for these unforgettable moments. If you dream of discovering Uganda, I recommend Engeya Safaris to you with my eyes closed. You will experience an exceptional adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life.
     
   Laurence H 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified The best travel team hoped for to visit Uganda
We had an unforgettable experience: not only was the trip magnificent, but the guides made these moments magical. We will not forget their welcome, the sharing, their thoughtful gestures, their smiles, and good humor. If you are looking for guides for this trip, you have found them. We left full of beautiful memories and with beautiful people in our hearts.
     
   Edith A 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified UNFORGETTABLE
Davies and Erik are just exceptional, and the trip was UNFORGETTABLE.
     
   Vacation50130059119 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Unforgettable experience
We left as four friends in June 2026 with our two attentive guides, Éric kayac.jr, a French speaker with a deep knowledge of ornithology and wildlife, and Stuart Davis, whose laughter still resonates in our hearts. Meticulous attention to the program, an intuition to guess the particularities of each of us to ensure that we are happy. A country that moved me to tears. I would love to return there.
     
   nadine c 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified An unforgettable trip thanks to Davis and Éric, our guides from Engeya Tours and Travel.
A superbly organized trip by Engeya Tours and Travel for our group of 4 friends, far from mass tourism, with our guides Davis and Éric who are fluent in French. Both shared their knowledge of their country, wildlife, and birds with us. They were eager for us to return with unforgettable memories. Their choice of trek was perfect, with encounters with incredibly kind communities and smiles. I can’t wait to reunite with this team, so amazed by this beautiful country, Uganda, which truly deserves its title of Pearl of Africa! Once again, a big thank you to Davis and Éric ENGEYA TOURS signed Akiiki
     
   FABIENNE A 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified A human and magical adventure! Davis, Eric, and Engeya Tours are exceptional!
What transformed this tour into an unforgettable adventure is our incredible team of guides, Davis and Eric: Passionate and expert: They know the wildlife, flora, and local culture inside and out. Caring and humane: Thanks to them, we shared authentic moments, laughter, and dances with the Ugandan tribes and children. Professional: Impeccable logistics and total safety from start to finish. I have traveled a lot, but I have never shed so many tears when leaving a country. If you want to discover "the Pearl of Africa" with a trustworthy, humane, and passionate local agency, go with Engeya Tours with your eyes closed. A huge thank you to Davis and Eric for these memories etched forever!
     
   Anne C 
 
 
 
 
 
    Verified Go ahead with your eyes closed!
A huge thank you to Davis for this unforgettable adventure through Uganda. Davis was much more than a driver or a guide: he was a true pillar throughout our journey. We left as a pair, with my long-time friend Charlotte. From the very first moments, he knew how to put us at ease with his kindness, professionalism, and incredible compassion. He went above and beyond to ensure we experienced the most beautiful adventure, always attentive to our desires and comfort. He also adapted to our level of English with great patience and simplicity, which made each interaction even more enjoyable and human. We are leaving with memories etched forever... and with tears in our eyes as this experience was emotionally powerful. Thank you for everything, Davis 🫶🏼
     
   Marion D

+256 783 001 928

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