8 Days from the Virungas to the Rift Valley: Rwanda & Uganda Safari.

After a relaxed breakfast, your guide-driver collects you from your Kigali lodge for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving window into Rwanda's history. From there, you'll wander through the lively Kimironko Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handwoven crafts, giving you a real taste of local life. Afterward, you'll transfer to Akagera National Park, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos against a backdrop of rolling hills and lakes. Settle in and unwind at your lodge as evening falls. Overnight at Akagera Transit Lodge or similar.

Start the day with an early morning game drive through Akagera National Park, catching wildlife at its most active. Then cross the border into Uganda and head to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its walking safaris, herds of zebra, impala, and rich birdlife. As dusk falls, set out on a night game drive for a rare chance to spot nocturnal creatures like bushbucks, hyenas, and owls.

Overnight at Rwakobo Rock or similar.

Begin the day with a guided walking safari through Lake Mburo National Park, getting up close to the savannah's wildlife on foot. Afterward, transfer to Kibale National Park, famed for its dense chimpanzee population, taking in the scenic drive through rural Uganda along the way.

Check into your lodge and settle in for the night at Kibale Forest Lodge or similar.

Set out early for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, tracking these fascinating primates through the forest. Afterward, take on the Bigodi Community Walk, exploring wetland ecosystems while learning about local traditions and community life. In the afternoon, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving with time to unwind at the lodge.

Overnight at Engiri Game Lodge or similar.

Start the day with a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to lions, elephants, buffalo, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species gather along the banks. As the sun sets over the water, you'll have the perfect moment for photos.

Overnight at Engiri Game Lodge or similar.

After breakfast, you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. You will enjoy scenic views along the way and a chance to see rural Ugandan life. Prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the following day. You will spend the evening at leisure in the lodge.

Your overnight stay will be at Gorilla Valley Lodge or a similar property.

You will spend the morning trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience provides unforgettable wildlife encounters. After trekking, you transfer to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, home to volcanoes and golden monkeys.

Your overnight stay will be at Kinigi Cottage or similar.

Begin the day with an optional activity: gorilla trekking (permit $1,500) or golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, transfer back to Kigali, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your safari, closing out an unforgettable journey through the wildlife and culture of East Africa.