21-Day Great East Africa Expedition

Rwanda, DR Congo & Uganda Safari Adventure

Culture Nature Adventure

21-Day Great East Africa Expedition - Main photo of the trip

21-Day Great East Africa Expedition - Photo 2 of the trip

21-Day Great East Africa Expedition - Photo 3 of the trip

21-Day Great East Africa Expedition - Photo 4 of the trip

21-Day Great East Africa Expedition - Photo 5 of the trip

21-Day Uganda–Rwanda–DR Congo Expedition Embark on a three-week journey through East and Central Africa. Track mountain gorillas, cruise the legendary Nile, walk in the Nyungwe Forest canopy, and explore vibrant cities from Kampala to Kigali with a guided Kigali City Tour.

Trip Description

21-Day Uganda–Rwanda–DR Congo Expedition Embark on a 21-day adventure across East Africa, combining wildlife, culture, and scenery. Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Kahuzi-Biega, spot golden monkeys in Mgahinga, and enjoy boat cruises on the Nile, Lake Kivu, and the Kazinga Channel. Hike Sipi Falls, stroll the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, and visit Kigali’s Genocide Memorial, the King’s Palace in Nyanza, and lively local markets. All park fees, expert guides, listed activities, and bed-and-breakfast accommodation are included.

Accomodation

Rwanda: Five to Five Hotel – Kigali City Peace Guest House – Lake Kivu Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge – Nyungwe Forest Isange Paradise Resort – Musanze Democratic Republic of Congo: Kahuzi Lodge – Near Kahuzi-Biega National Park Uganda: Maarakai Eco Lodge / ViVia Hotel – Entebbe King Fisher Hotel – Jinja/Sipi area Noah’s Arch – Sipi Falls region Fort Murchison – Murchison Falls NP Bush Lodge / World Trackers – Queen Elizabeth NP Mgahinga NP: Ikasze Hotel or Travelers Rest Kibale Forest Lodge / The Dutchess – Kibale Region

Stay program

day 1
Entebbe & Kampala City Tour
Arrive at Entebbe Airport and transfer to Kampala. Explore vibrant markets and historical landmarks. Overnight at Biyem Hotel or Malakai Eco Lodge.
day 2
Sezibwa Falls & Jinja (Source of the Nile)
Visit the scenic Sezibwa Falls, then continue to Jinja to see the source of the world’s longest river. Overnight at Kingfisher Hotel or Nile Explorer.
day 3
Sipi Falls
Drive to the Mount Elgon region and hike the stunning Sipi Falls, home of Uganda’s world-champion athletes. Overnight at Noah's Arch.
day 4
Transfer to Murchison Falls NP
Scenic drive to Uganda’s largest park; evening at leisure: Overnight at Fort Murchison.
day 5
Murchison Falls Safari & Boat Cruise
Morning game drive for lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the thunderous falls. Overnight at Fort Murchison.
day 6
To Kibale National Park
Travel through rolling countryside to Kibale, famous for chimpanzees. Overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge.
day 7
Chimpanzee Trek & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Guided chimp tracking and a bird-rich wetland walk: Overnight at Dutches
day 8
Full day Fort Portal tourism city tour
Mahoma Falls, Fort Portal Market visit, Bunyoro Kingdom Palace, and optional Amabeere ga Nyina Mwiru. Overnight at Dutchess or Rwenzori View Guest House.
day 9
Drive to Kasese via Sempaya Hot Springs
Drive through Fort Portal and visit the Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki. Guests can place fresh eggs and bananas in the bubbling water and enjoy them for a fun picnic lunch after about 30 minutes. Continue the scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park or nearby Kasese. Overnight: Sandton Hotel
day 10
Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Spot lions and hippos; enjoy a scenic afternoon boat ride. Overnight at Bush Lodge.
day 11
Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Ruhija Sector)
Journey through the scenic Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Proceed to Ruhija Headquarters for a briefing. Overnight: Ruhija Community Lodge
day 12
Ruhija Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Track endangered mountain gorillas with an expert ranger, a trek that can take 2–6 hours depending on the group’s location. After the unforgettable encounter, continue to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Overnight: Keije Resort or Kyahugye Island
day 13
Full day Lake Bunyonyi
Take a canoe, dugout, or engine boat to Punishment Island, then visit the traditional healer. Afterward, relax and swim.
day 14
Transfer to Mgahinga National Park via Echuya Forest
Transfer to Mgahinga National Park via Echuya Forest. Visit the home of the Batwa/Pygmies, enjoy their dance, and let them guide us on how they lived in the bush in the past for 1 hour. Overnight at Ikaze Hotel or Travelers Rest.
day 15
Mgahinga National Park Golden Monkey Trek
Golden monkey trek or hike the Virunga Volcano slopes. The trek takes 2-6 hours and crosses the Kyanika border. Overnight at Isange Paradise Resort.
day 16
Visit Diann Fossy Memorial and aves
Visit Din Fossy Memorial and Musanze Caves and relax. Overnight at Isange Paradise Resort.
day 17
Drive to Lake Kiv
Travel to Lake Kivu; if time allows, enjoy an evening boat ride on the serene waters. Overnight: Peace Guesthouse
day 18
Cross to DR Congo / Bukavu
Morning transfer across the border to Bukavu for Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Overnight near the park.
day 19
Kahuzi-Biega Gorilla Trek & Return to Rwanda
Morning Eastern Lowland Gorilla trek, then cross back into Rwanda. Overnight in the Nyungwe National Park area.
day 20
Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Morning canopy walk high above the rainforest. Stay at Nyungwe Nziza Eco-Lodge.
day 21
Transfer to Kigali via Nyanza
Drive to Kigali with a stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. Overnight at 5 to 5 Hotel, Kigali City. End the trip.