10 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes And Serengeti Captivating Itinerary
Embark on an exhilarating 10-day Bwindi, Volcanoes And Serengeti journey through the heart of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes—starting in the misty highlands of Uganda and Rwanda, where ancient forests shelter endangered mountain gorillas, and culminating on the sun-drenched plains of Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti. This curated adventure invites you to come face-to-face with gorillas, trace golden monkeys in the Virungas, and witness the drama of predator and prey unfold beneath acacia trees. Seamlessly blending rainforest exploration with big game safaris, this itinerary is perfect for intrepid travelers craving rich biodiversity, cultural immersion, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Optional second gorilla trek or golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Community visits with the Batwa and Rwandan cultural villages
- Kigali Genocide Memorial & city tour
- Flight to Serengeti with 3 days of immersive game drives
- Search for the Big Five and (seasonally) the Great Migration
- Scenic drives through East Africa’s Great Lakes region
- Expert guides and seamless logistics across borders
Day-by-Day Bwindi, Volcanoes And Serengeti Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your friendly Ugandan guide and transferred to your hotel overlooking Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an optional botanical garden walk or sunset lake cruise. Settle in with a delicious local dinner and rest up for your jungle adventure ahead. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi – Enter the Realm of the Gorillas
After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, followed by a drive through emerald hills and terraced farms into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The air becomes cooler, the landscape thicker. After checking into your lodge on the forest edge, you may opt for a guided nature walk or Batwa cultural encounter. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a briefing about the thrilling day ahead. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Life-Changing Hour
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking
Today is the highlight for many travelers—a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek. After an early breakfast and park ranger briefing, you’ll venture into the dense forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can last 2 to 6 hours depending on their location, but every step through the misty jungle is a part of the adventure. When you find them, spend a full hour observing their behavior up close. Watch silverbacks guard their families while infants tumble around playfully. Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest and delicious dinner. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 4: Transfer to Rwanda – Journey to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you’ll cross the border into Rwanda via Cyanika, enjoying stunning views of volcanoes and countryside villages. Arrive in Musanze, Rwanda’s mountain-ringed gorilla hub. Settle into your cozy lodge with panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional cultural dance performance or visit the local market. Your guide will brief you about tomorrow’s forest excursion. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking or Optional Second Gorilla Trek
TREKKING TO SEE THE GOLDEN MONKEYS IN RWANDA
This morning offers another forest adventure: golden monkey tracking—an experience that is both lively and photogenic as you follow energetic, golden-furred monkeys through bamboo groves. Alternatively, opt for a second gorilla trek for deeper primate encounters. Adventurous travelers may also choose a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb. In the afternoon, experience local culture at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where traditional Rwandan life is shared through dance, farming, and storytelling. Overnight in Musanze.
Day 6: Kigali City Tour – Flight to Serengeti (via Arusha)
Depart early for Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial and take a short city tour. Stop for lunch before heading to the airport for your flight to the Serengeti (via Arusha). Upon arrival in Tanzania, you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your tented camp in central Serengeti. Enjoy dinner under a starry sky and drift off to the sounds of the African wild. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 7–8: Full Days of Safari in the Serengeti
Serengeti Safari at an All Inclusive Resort
Spend two full days immersed in the golden grandeur of the Serengeti. Set out early each morning for game drives in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and—if in season—the thundering herds of the Great Migration. Your expert guide will lead you through various ecosystems: riverbanks, kopjes, and vast plains dotted with acacia. Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush and return to camp for sundowners by the fire. Optional activities include a sunrise hot air balloon safari. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 9: Final Safari & Transfer to Karatu or Arusha
After a final sunrise game drive and breakfast in the bush, begin your journey toward the Serengeti airstrip or drive onward to Karatu near Ngorongoro (optional add-on). Enjoy lunch along the way and watch the scenery shift from open savannah to verdant highlands. Relax at your lodge with sweeping views and reflect on the journey’s unforgettable moments. Overnight in Karatu or Arusha, depending on your departure plan.
Day 10: Departure from Arusha – Goodbye East Africa
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Along the way, you may stop at local markets or a crafts center for last-minute souvenirs. As you leave, the call of the gorilla and the echo of the lion’s roar remain etched in your heart, marking the end of your incredible cross-country African safari.
End of the 10 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes And Serengeti Itinerary
Inclusions
- 9 nights’ accommodation in mid-range to luxury lodges/tented camps
- Domestic flights (Entebbe–Bwindi and Kigali–Serengeti via Arusha)
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
- Golden monkey permit OR optional second gorilla trek (extra cost)
- Park entrance, conservation, and crater service fees
- 4×4 safari vehicles with window seating and English-speaking driver-guides
- All meals as indicated (full board during safari)
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial entrance
- Cultural experiences and border crossing support
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cove
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Africa
- Second gorilla trek permit (if selected)
- Travel insurance and personal health coverage
- Visas for Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional balloon safari, Dian Fossey hike
- Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, and laundry unless included by lodge
