11 Days Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda Safari Experience

The 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari is an extraordinary transboundary journey across three of Africa’s most enchanting nations a seamless fusion of nature, culture, and adventure that celebrates the heart and soul of East Africa. Crafted with precision by Deks Safaris and Tours Africa, this itinerary reveals the region’s untouched beauty, beginning on the serene shores of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, unfolding through the resilient spirit of Rwanda, and culminating amidst Uganda’s lush rainforests and savannahs home to some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters on earth.

This 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari is more than a tour; it is a pilgrimage through landscapes of wonder and stories of transformation. In Burundi, travelers discover the poetic rhythm of ancient drumbeats, the thunderous cascades of Karera Falls, and the authentic warmth of its people. In Rwanda, the narrative transitions into a blend of renewal and beauty exploring Kigali’s modern charm, vibrant craft markets, and the deeply moving Genocide Memorial that symbolizes healing and unity. Then comes Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” where mist-covered mountains cradle ancient forests filled with gorillas, chimpanzees, and the call of distant birds echoing through the canopy.

Face to Face with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Each day of this 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari peels back another layer of Africa’s essence from the musical heartbeat of Burundi to the dignified strength of Rwanda and the wild allure of Uganda. Travelers walk through bustling city streets, hike ancient rainforests, glide on tranquil lakes, and stand face-to-face with endangered primates. This is not merely a sightseeing experience; it’s an emotional connection to Africa’s enduring rhythm, its untamed beauty, and its diverse cultures.

The accommodations throughout the journey balance comfort and authenticity eco-lodges set in the heart of the forest, riverside camps teeming with birdlife, and urban hotels offering modern relaxation after days of adventure. With the expertise of Deks Safaris and Tours Africa, every moment of this 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari is curated to evoke wonder, respect, and reflection a truly life-changing odyssey across three countries bound by nature, heritage, and hope.

Uganda Safari Adventure from Kigali

Detailed 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and Check-in at the Hotel

Your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari begins in the gentle rhythms of Bujumbura, Burundi’s tranquil capital, nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake. Upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport, a warm smile from your Deks Safaris and Tours Africa representative greets you, symbolizing the first of many moments of genuine hospitality that will define your journey.

After a smooth transfer to your hotel, the afternoon invites you to relax and absorb the city’s unique charm. Bujumbura is a city of contrasts where palm-lined avenues meet the calm blues of Lake Tanganyika, and modernity intertwines with old-world simplicity. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy a gentle lakeside stroll or sip fresh juice as fishermen row their boats along the horizon during sunset.

Dinner is served at your hotel or a nearby restaurant overlooking the lake a perfect welcome to East Africa’s serenity. The tropical breeze, the scent of grilled tilapia, and the rhythm of distant drums remind you that you’ve arrived in a place where time moves slower, and every moment invites reflection.

Accommodation: Safari Gate Hotel or Similar
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 2: Adventure in Burundi – Boat Cruise to Karera Falls, Drummers Experience, and City Tour

The morning sun bathes Bujumbura in gold as you embark on a full-day adventure that unveils the heart of Burundi’s natural and cultural identity. Your first stop is a scenic boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika, where the tranquil waters mirror the surrounding hills. This cruise offers panoramic views of the lake’s vastness, dotted with fishing canoes and local life unfolding along the shoreline. The cool breeze whispers stories of a land unspoiled and full of character.

From the lake, your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari continues to the spectacular Karera Waterfalls, located in the verdant Rutana region. The falls cascade gracefully through lush tropical vegetation, creating a refreshing mist that fills the air. Walking along the trail, you encounter local villagers, children waving, and the vibrant chirping of birds that thrive in this unspoiled ecosystem. It’s a natural symphony the roar of water, the rustle of leaves, and the pulse of life.

Enjoy Cultural Traditions the Burundi Drummers

After lunch, experience one of Africa’s most captivating cultural traditions the Burundi Drummers. Their performance is not just entertainment but a living heritage recognized by UNESCO. The rhythmic beats of massive drums, synchronized movements, and powerful chants embody the spirit, unity, and resilience of the Burundian people. You will feel the earth tremble beneath your feet as the drummers tell ancestral stories through sound and motion.

Later, enjoy a Bujumbura City Tour, exploring local markets, the independence monument, and scenic viewpoints offering sweeping city vistas. Return to your hotel in the evening, fulfilled by a day that has revealed the rhythm, pride, and beauty of Burundi.

Accommodation: Safari Gate Hotel or Similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

15-Day Ultimate Uganda Luxury Safari

Day 3: Morning Road Transfer to Kigali City, Rwanda via Tanzania Border

After breakfast, your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari transitions into Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You depart Bujumbura by road, traveling through scenic countryside and small rural communities that showcase everyday life in East Africa. The route passes through Tanzania’s lush border landscapes, with stunning views of tea plantations and banana groves carpeting the rolling hills.

Upon entering Rwanda, a sense of order and renewal becomes evident. The roads are clean, the air fresh, and every hillside seems meticulously cultivated. You arrive in Kigali City by afternoon, checking into your comfortable hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might enjoy a light evening stroll through Kigali’s quiet, flower-lined streets or enjoy local Rwandan dishes like grilled brochettes paired with fresh tropical juice.

Kigali, despite its history, stands today as one of Africa’s safest and most progressive cities a symbol of transformation, resilience, and hope. As night falls over the city’s gentle hills, the flickering lights in the valleys create an almost magical view, setting the tone for the exploration that awaits tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Full Day Exploration of Kigali – Genocide Memorial, Local Markets, and Museums

Today unfolds as a cultural and emotional journey through Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital that embodies both the tragedy and triumph of human spirit. Begin your exploration at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profoundly moving site dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Through thoughtful exhibits, photographs, and survivor stories, the memorial provides context to Rwanda’s painful past while celebrating the nation’s resilience and commitment to unity.

From remembrance to renaissance, your next stop is Inema Arts Center, a creative hub where young Rwandan artists express hope, identity, and rebirth through colorful paintings and sculptures. The center buzzes with creativity a testament to the country’s cultural revival.

Later, visit Kimironko Market, Kigali’s oldest and most vibrant bazaar. Wander through stalls overflowing with fruits, spices, woven baskets, and hand-crafted jewelry. The air carries aromas of roasted coffee and ripe pineapples, while the chatter of vendors paints a vivid picture of Rwanda’s daily life. For lunch, enjoy a taste of local cuisine at a Rwandan restaurant, where dishes like isombe, goat brochettes, and fried plantains reflect the flavors of the region.

In the afternoon, explore the Presidential Museum or Camp Kigali Memorial, before returning to your hotel. The day closes with dinner overlooking the city’s hills a reflection of Rwanda’s journey from sorrow to grace.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Uganda’s southwestern highlands, crossing the border into the “Pearl of Africa.” The route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is breathtakingly scenic, winding through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. Along the way, enjoy a stopover at Lake Bunyonyi, often called “the Place of Many Little Birds.” The lake’s tranquil waters are surrounded by lush, terraced hillsides and dotted with 29 small islands, each with a local legend.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake’s glassy surface, perhaps taking a short canoe ride to explore its serene corners. Then continue the 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari into Bwindi, where mist-covered mountains rise dramatically, cloaked in ancient rainforest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas and teems with biodiversity. As you settle into your lodge, the cool mountain air, the songs of forest birds, and the mysterious mists create a magical atmosphere one that promises an unforgettable day ahead.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today marks the pinnacle of your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari adventure Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing before venturing into the dense jungle, guided by experienced trackers. The trek can take between two to six hours, but the anticipation and excitement make every step worthwhile.

The forest is alive with sounds rustling leaves, bird calls, and distant hoots. And then, suddenly, you find yourself standing before a family of mountain gorillas. The moment is indescribable. Watch the silverback’s calm authority, the playful antics of the young, and the nurturing care of the mothers. Their gentle eyes, intelligent gestures, and peaceful presence reflect a deep kinship that transcends species.

After this profound encounter, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Batwa cultural experience, meeting the forest’s original inhabitants. The Batwa people share stories, traditional songs, and hunting demonstrations, giving you insight into their ancient way of life before conservation boundaries changed their world. The evening is spent around a campfire, reflecting on the day’s rare and humbling experiences.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Road Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Game Drives in Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, begin the drive north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserve. The 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari takes you through scenic highlands and rural villages, offering glimpses of daily life and stunning countryside vistas. Arrive in the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions one of the few places in Africa where lions are regularly seen resting on the branches of giant fig trees.

Your afternoon game drive offers a chance to spot not only these iconic lions but also elephants, buffaloes, topis, and colorful bird species. The Ishasha plains are serene and less crowded, allowing an authentic 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari feel. As the sun sets, the golden light bathes the savannah in warmth, creating perfect photographic moments.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

This day unfolds as a wildlife extravaganza in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with a morning game drive through Kasenyi Plains, where lions stalk the abundant herds of Uganda kob, buffalo, and warthogs. The early light illuminates the savannah, and every turn brings new discoveries from elephants feeding near acacia trees to the elusive leopard camouflaged in the bush.

After lunch, embark on an unforgettable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers a close-up view of Africa’s largest hippo concentration, crocodiles basking on the shores, and a vibrant birdlife spectacle featuring African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans.

Return to your lodge for dinner, surrounded by the distant calls of nocturnal animals and the peaceful hum of the wilderness.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive as you exit Queen Elizabeth National Park, then proceed to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world. The drive passes through fertile farmlands, tea plantations, and crater lakes, with breathtaking views at every turn.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for a guided Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community conservation project located just outside the park. The swamp’s boardwalk trails offer sightings of monkeys, hornbills, and the magnificent Great Blue Turaco. Local guides share stories about medicinal plants and the symbiotic relationship between people and nature. It’s a gentle and enriching afternoon that complements the next day’s chimpanzee adventure.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Relaxation at the Lodge

After breakfast, prepare for another thrilling primate experience chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by expert rangers, you follow the calls and movements of these fascinating creatures. The forest is alive with energy chimps hooting, birds calling, and leaves rustling. Once located, you spend an hour observing them swing through trees, groom each other, and display remarkable intelligence and emotion.

After tracking, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. You may choose to enjoy a quiet nature walk or simply unwind as you listen to the forest’s symphony a medley of cicadas, frogs, and distant chimp calls echoing in the canopy. The evening closes with a hearty dinner and the satisfaction of a day well spent in one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Morning Road Transfer to Entebbe and Flight Back Home

After breakfast, begin your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari back to Entebbe, reflecting on the experiences that have defined your adventure. The drive offers time to watch Uganda’s landscape unfold from misty highlands to open savannahs and small bustling towns. Upon arrival in Entebbe, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari.

Though your 11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari ends here, the memories of gorillas in the mist, drummers by the falls, and sunsets over African plains remain forever.

11 Days Burundi–Rwanda–Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation as per itinerary
All meals (Full Board unless specified)
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Park entrance and ranger fees
Game drives and boat cruises
Cultural and community visits
Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

International flights
Visa fees for Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic and soft drinks