A Luxury Uganda, Rwanda, And Tanzania Expedition

This unforgettable 9-day Uganda, Rwanda, And Tanzania Expedition blends three of East Africa’s most iconic experiences: gorilla trekking, savannah safaris, and cultural discovery. You’ll begin your journey in Uganda’s lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Then, you’ll cross into Rwanda for a rich blend of gorilla encounters, golden monkey tracking, and cultural immersion around Volcanoes National Park. From there, fly into Tanzania to explore the legendary Serengeti and descend into the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater. Perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers, this route offers breathtaking diversity in landscape, wildlife, and heritage all in one seamless itinerary.

Trip Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
• Golden monkey tracking or second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
• Visit to the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Cultural immersion with the Batwa and Rwandan communities
• Scenic drive through East Africa’s Great Lakes and highlands
• Flight to Serengeti and full-day game drives in the savannah
• Wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five
• Seamless logistics across three countries with expert local guides

Day by Day Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Bwindi

Your journey begins with arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits from your Ugandan guide. From here, you’ll either drive (approx. 8–9 hours) or take a short domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi, followed by a 3-hour scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The route offers breathtaking views of terraced hills, traditional homesteads, and volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge nestled at the forest edge. Enjoy dinner and an evening briefing about the gorilla trek. Overnight at a comfortable eco-lodge, where you’ll fall asleep to the forest’s sounds, excited for the experience ahead.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

BUCKET LIST TRIP: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Treks to see the gorillas can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once located, you’ll have one unforgettable hour in their presence, watching young ones play, silverbacks observe, and mothers gently care for their infants. Bwindi’s thick forest terrain makes this both a challenging and rewarding adventure. After returning to the lodge and enjoying lunch, opt for a community walk or Batwa cultural visit. End your day with dinner and a peaceful night’s rest surrounded by nature.

Day 3: Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Today you’ll depart Uganda and cross into Rwanda via the Gatuna border, a scenic 4–5 hour drive through beautiful landscapes and rural settlements. Once in Rwanda, continue your journey to Musanze, a bustling town at the base of the Virunga Mountains and the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The change in terrain is noticeable in Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” offers lush, hilly vistas and a tidier road network. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge with views of the volcanoes. Enjoy an optional evening cultural dance or storytelling around the fire. Overnight stay in Musanze.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking or Second Gorilla Trek

Today offers two options: return to the forest for a second gorilla trek (if permits are pre-booked) or track the charming and endangered golden monkeys, known for their playful nature and golden-orange fur. The golden monkey experience is less strenuous but equally rewarding, offering great photography opportunities. You can also choose to hike to the Dian Fossey tomb, a tribute to the legendary primatologist. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural village visit to learn about Rwandan traditions, farming, and music. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, soaking in views of the towering volcanoes and preparing for the next chapter in Tanzania.

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Serengeti via Kigali & Flight

After an early breakfast, drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Before your flight, you’ll have time for a city tour, including a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a powerful insight into Rwanda’s recent history. Then transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Serengeti National Park, often routed via Arusha. On arrival, enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the Serengeti, where your African safari officially begins. Expect to see giraffes, elephants, and antelope en route to your tented camp. Dinner is served under the stars in the bush. Overnight in Serengeti.

Days 6–7: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti

Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most iconic national park. Renowned for its endless plains and dense wildlife populations, the park offers excellent chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, and the Great Migration (depending on the season). With a professional guide, you’ll follow rivers, kopjes, and open grasslands in search of dramatic predator-prey interactions. Enjoy picnic lunches out in the bush and return to camp each evening for dinner around the campfire. The Serengeti is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and offers optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari. Overnight at your tented safari lodge.

Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you depart the Serengeti and journey toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and a haven for wildlife. Here you may spot black rhino, herds of wildebeest, hippos, zebras, and even lions. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. After a packed lunch near a hippo pool, continue your exploration before ascending to the crater rim and heading to your lodge in nearby Karatu for overnight.

Day 9: Transfer to Arusha – Departure

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before beginning the drive back to Arusha. This journey offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and Maasai villages along the way. Depending on your departure time, you may stop for craft shopping or lunch in town. Once in Arusha, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your 9-day expedition across three stunning countries. With gorillas, savannahs, and cultural encounters now memories, you leave East Africa with a deep appreciation for its unmatched beauty and biodiversity

End of the 9 Days Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania Itinerary 

Inclusions

• Accommodation for 8 nights in lodges and tented safari camps (mid-range or budget-friendly)
  
• All meals as specified in the itinerary (mostly full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  
• One Uganda gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
  
• Golden monkey tracking permit OR option to add second gorilla trek in Rwanda (at extra cost)
  
• All park entry fees, conservation levies, and crater service fees
  
• All ground transfers and 4×4 safari vehicles with English-speaking driver-guides
  
• Flight from Kigali to Serengeti (via Arusha if applicable)
  
• City tour of Kigali including entrance to the Genocide Memorial
  
• Bottled drinking water during game drives and transfers
  
• Border crossing assistance and local support throughout
  
• Emergency evacuation cover (AMREF or Flying Doctors)

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Uganda and Tanzania
• Rwanda gorilla permit (if opting for a second trek – add separately)
• Travel insurance and personal medical coverage
• Entry visas for Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania (required separately)
• Optional activities (e.g., Dian Fossey hike, Serengeti hot air balloon ride)
• Beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks, unless included at specific lodges)
• Laundry services (unless offered by specific accommodations)
• Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and hotel staff
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges)