Safari Overview
A slower cross-border safari designed for photographers, with two gorilla regions, golden monkeys, scenic landscapes and wildlife time.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Meet your private guide and settle into Rwanda with a light first day that can be adjusted around your arrival time and photography interests.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 2 – Volcanoes National Park Landscapes
Move toward the Virunga foothills with time for landscape stops and preparation for the first gorilla trek.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 3 – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Photograph a habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park while following ranger guidance and forest etiquette.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 4 – Golden Monkeys & Scenic Border Route
Track golden monkeys before crossing toward south-western Uganda, using the drive for scenic photography where safe pull-offs allow.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 5 – Bwindi Forest Photography Day
Spend a flexible day around Bwindi for forest-edge photography, birding, a community visit or an optional second activity depending on permits.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 6 – Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Trek into Bwindi for a second gorilla experience, giving photographers a different forest, family and set of conditions.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Continue north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing crater landscapes and rural highlands.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 8 – Game Drives & Wildlife Photography
Use morning and afternoon wildlife drives for patient photography of elephants, antelope, predators and the varied landscapes of the park.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 9 – Boat Safari & Return toward Rwanda
Photograph wildlife and waterbirds from the Kazinga Channel before starting the return route toward Rwanda.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 10 – Kigali Departure
Complete the cross-border journey in Kigali with drop-off arranged around your flight or hotel plans.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Customize This Safari
This itinerary is a strong starting point rather than a fixed formula. Bush Shrike Adventures can change the accommodation level, add or remove nights, include domestic flights, adjust the arrival city, add birding time, slow the pace for photography or combine the trip with more destinations in Uganda or Rwanda.
Safari Includes
Airport transfers where required
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the confirmed quotation
Park entry and activities specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Safari Excludes
International flights
Entry visas
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed as included
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
Gorilla or chimpanzee permits unless specifically included in the quotation
