18 Days Best of Rwanda Uganda Zimbabwe Botswana an South Africa

Price

Duration

18 Days

Language

English

Tour Summary

Experience extraordinary 23-day journey through Five of Africa’s most captivating safari destinations, combining primate trekking, classic Big Five game viewing, spectacular landscapes and unforgettable wilderness experiences across Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.

Your adventure begins in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, with an exciting encounter with the rare and playful golden monkeys in the beautiful Volcanoes National Park. This experience offers a wonderful introduction to the region’s extraordinary primate life and lush mountain landscapes.

From Rwanda, continue to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, for the ultimate primate experience. Venture into the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Continue to Uganda’s remarkable forests for a chimpanzee trekking experience, followed by opportunities to discover the country’s diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery.

From East Africa, fly south to Zimbabwe, home to the magnificent Victoria Falls and the wildlife-rich Zambezi region. Experience the dramatic beauty of one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders while enjoying opportunities for safari, river activities and unforgettable African sunsets.

Next, discover the pristine wilderness of Botswana, renowned for its extraordinary wildlife and untouched landscapes. You will Explore the spectacular Okavango Delta, a maze of waterways, lagoons and islands supporting an incredible concentration of wildlife. Depending on the season, you will experience game drives.

The final chapter of this African adventure takes you to South Africa, where world-class safari experiences. Explore renowned wildlife reserves and enjoy exciting game drives in search of the Big Five, before relaxing and taking in South Africa’s diverse scenery, culture and hospitality.

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda

On your arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be met at the airport by your local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or begin exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital at your own pace.

Overnight at Hotel Des Mille Collines Kigali

 Day 2: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for overnight

This morning, our driver guide at the hotel for Kigali city tour and visit the Genocide memorial museum, Kimironko market and later transfer you to Volcanoes National Park

Accommodations: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

 Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Ibyacu cultural experience

Following breakfast at the lodge, drive to National Park Headquarters to meet your guides and Researcher for the day and begin your golden monkey trekking experience. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes.  Once you meet these Golden monkeys you will spend one hur with them and later return to the lodge for relaxation and in the evening you will experience Rwanda’s culture and visit Ibyacu cultural for the experience

Accommodations: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Following breakfast at the lodge, you will bid farewell to the lodge and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via cyanika border arriving at the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and optional Batwa cultural experience.

Accommodations: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Following breakfast at the lodge, travel to National Park Headquarters to meet your guides and Researcher for the day and begin your gorilla trekking experience. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes.  The journey, through dense foliage and up steep climbs, is abundantly rewarded with the lifetime experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.  You will have an opportunity to be with these gorillas for one hour within meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities.  Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 1000 remaining in the wild.  This is an experience you won’t soon forget!

Accommodations: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park for overnight

Today, you will have a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to the lodge and embark on your vehicle and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, you will stop for lunch in Fort portal city, and proceed to Kibale National Park arriving in the evening, you will check in at Tabebuia Spa and safari resort for relaxation followed by dinner and overnight.

Accommodations: Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort

Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking In Kibale National Park and Bigodi wetland walk

Today, you will drive to Kibale National Park Headquarters to meet your guides for the day and begin your chimpanzee trekking. Experienced guides, researchers and trackers will accompany your party on an afternoon trek into the forest to view wild chimpanzees as well as several other species of primates in their natural habitat. You will spend 1 hour with the Chimpanzees once you find them. You will have an opportunity to be within meters of these amusing and very social apes for four hours, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities and they will take you through the whole process. Chimpanzees, our closest cousins, are extremely endangered with only an estimated 5000 remaining in Uganda.

Accommodations: Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort

Day 8: Drive to Entebbe for overnight.

After breakfast, you will drive to Entebbe for overnight, you will have several stops along the way for photography and proceed to the hotel for overnight

Overnight at No.5 Boutique Hotel Entebbe

Day 9: Fly to Victoria Falls 

You will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta international airport to catch up for your flight to Victoria Falls, one of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations. On arrival, you will be met and assisted before transferring comfortably to Elephant Hills Resort.

After settling in, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore the viewpoints overlooking the spectacular curtain of falling water and learn about the history, geology and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage area.

Return to the hotel after the tour and enjoy dinner, followed by a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Elephant Hills Resort

Day 10:  Victoria falls from the air & Zambezi sunset cruise

After breakfast, experience Victoria Falls from an unforgettable perspective during a scenic helicopter flight. From above, appreciate the immense scale of the Falls, the dramatic Batoka Gorge and the winding Zambezi River.

Later in the day, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This relaxed experience offers beautiful river scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife along the banks while watching the African sun set over the horizon.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Elephant Hills Resort

Day 11: Victoria Falls To Chobe, Botswana

After breakfast, depart Victoria Falls and travel by road toward Botswana. Border formalities will be completed en route before continuing to the Chobe area and checking in at Chobe Bush Lodge.

Chobe is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife concentrations, particularly its large elephant population. Your stay includes safari experiences both on land and water, offering two very different perspectives of this remarkable ecosystem.

Enjoy a Chobe River safari cruise, with opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife near the river. A game drive provides the chance to search for further wildlife across Chobe National Park.

Overnight: Chobe Bush Lodge

Day 12: Chobe To Khwai – Into The Okavango Wilderness

After your morning arrangements in Chobe, transfer for your charter flight into the Khwai wilderness region. The light-aircraft journey is part of the safari experience itself, providing impressive aerial views over Botswana’s changing landscapes.

On arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to Saguni Safari Lodge or a similar safari property. After settling in and enjoying refreshments, depart on an afternoon game drive as the temperature cools and wildlife becomes increasingly active.

Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Overnight: Saguni Safari Lodge

Day 13:  Khwai – Morning & Afternoon Safari Experiences

Today is dedicated to exploring the wildlife-rich Khwai region. Begin with an early morning safari, one of the best times of day for wildlife viewing as predators may still be active and the bush awakens.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and time to relax during the warmer middle part of the day. Later, head out again for an afternoon safari, continuing your search for Botswana’s diverse wildlife.

Depending on seasonal conditions and sightings, guests may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo and a variety of predators and birdlife. Wildlife sightings are always natural and cannot be guaranteed, which makes every safari unique.

Overnight: Saguni Safari Lodge

Day 14: Khwai – Full Safari Day

Enjoy another immersive day in Botswana’s wilderness. Safari activities will be arranged according to local conditions, wildlife movements and the lodge’s operating schedule.

The day offers further opportunities to explore the varied habitats around Khwai, from open plains and woodland to seasonal waterways. Between activities, enjoy the lodge facilities, meals and the peaceful atmosphere of the bush.

This additional safari day allows a deeper appreciation of the region rather than rushing through it, giving you more opportunities for exceptional wildlife encounters and photography.

Overnight: Saguni Safari Lodge

Day 15: Final Safari & Journey To Cape Town

Begin the day with a final safari experience, subject to flight timing. After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airstrip for your onward journey and flight connections to Cape Town.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Cape Town provides a striking contrast to the safari experience, combining mountains, ocean, history, culture and world-class dining in one of Africa’s most beautiful cities.

Overnight: AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront 

Day 16: Table Mountain, Cape Town City & Robben Island

After breakfast, discover some of Cape Town’s most celebrated attractions.

Weather permitting, visit Table Mountain and ascend by cableway for panoramic views across the city, Atlantic coastline and surrounding mountains. Continue with an orientation of Cape Town, discovering key landmarks and gaining insight into the city’s history and character.

The day also includes a visit to Robben Island, subject to ferry operations and availability. This historically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site is closely associated with South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy.

Return to the hotel after a memorable day of sightseeing.

Overnight: AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront

Day 17: Shark Cage Diving Adventure

Today brings an adventurous marine experience with shark cage diving. You will be transferred to the operating area according to the confirmed departure point and sea conditions.

Following a safety briefing by the professional marine team, embark on the boat excursion for an opportunity to observe sharks in their natural environment. The exact species encountered and activity levels depend entirely on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

The activity is weather and sea-condition dependent. After the excursion, return to Cape Town and enjoy your final evening at leisure.

Overnight: AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront

Day 18:  Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, depending on your flight schedule, some final leisure time in Cape Town.

At the appropriate time, you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight.

Your journey concludes with unforgettable memories of Victoria Falls, Botswana’s extraordinary wilderness and the scenic beauty and culture of Cape Town.

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda

Day 2: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for overnight

Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Ibyacu cultural experience

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park for overnight

Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking In Kibale National Park and Bigodi wetland walk

Day 8: Drive to Entebbe for overnight.

Day 9: Fly to Victoria Falls

Day 10:  Victoria falls from the air & Zambezi sunset cruise

Day 11: Victoria Falls To Chobe, Botswana

Day 12: Chobe To Khwai – Into The Okavango Wilderness

Day 13:  Khwai – Morning & Afternoon Safari Experiences

Day 14: Khwai – Full Safari Day

Day 15: Final Safari & Journey To Cape Town

Day 16: Table Mountain, Cape Town City & Robben Island

Day 17: Shark Cage Diving Adventure

Day 18:  Departure

Cost Includes
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide for scheduled transfers and safari activities.
  • Kigali city tour
  • Rwanda Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Ibyacu cultural experience and Bigodi Wetland Walk.
  • Uganda Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Uganda Chimpanzee trekking Permits in Kibale National Park.
  • Flight from Entebbe to Zimbabwe, as specified.
  • Flight from Zimbabwe to Cape Town
  • Victoria Falls aerial experience and Zambezi sunset cruise.
  • Transfer from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana.
  • Safari activities in Chobe and Khwai/Okavango Wilderness, including morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives as scheduled.
  • Transfer from Khwai to Cape Town, including scheduled flights where applicable.
  • Cape Town city tour, Table Mountain, and Robben Island visit.
  • Shark cage diving experience.
  • Safari vehicles and applicable park fees during scheduled game drives.
  • Services of professional local guides, trackers, rangers, and activity specialists where required.
  • All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Cost Excludes
  • International flights to Rwanda and from South Africa.
  • Visa and entry fees for Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, where applicable.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, rangers, lodge staff, and other service providers.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, and other purchases.
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages unless specifically included.
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the final meal plan.
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Excess baggage and airline baggage charges.
  • Any expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Visa and entry requirements: Check visa and entry requirements for Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa based on your nationality before travelling.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages for all countries visited.
  • Uganda Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national Park is USD800 PER PERSON Per trek
  • Rwanda Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is USD100 PER PERSON per trek
  • Uganda Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is USD300 PER PERSON per trek
  • Trekking permits: Gorilla and golden monkey permits are limited and should be secured well in advance.
  • Cultural experiences: Respect local customs, traditions, communities, and photography guidelines during the Ibyacu cultural experience and other community visits.
  • Wildlife sightings: Chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, lions, and other wildlife are seen in their natural habitats, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
  • Safari conditions: Safari drives in Khwai and Chobe may take place on rough or uneven tracks and can involve early mornings and long hours in open safari vehicles.
  • Okavango wilderness: The Khwai/Okavango experience is in a remote wilderness area, so accommodation and services may be more basic than in city hotels.
  • Victoria Falls activities: The helicopter/air experience and Zambezi sunset cruise are weather-dependent and may be subject to operational conditions.
  • Adventure activities: Shark cage diving requires following strict safety instructions and may be affected by sea, weather, or wildlife conditions.
  • Luggage: Some regional or safari flights may have strict luggage and weight restrictions; soft-sided bags are generally recommended.
  • Health precautions: Consult a qualified travel-health professional before departure regarding vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other recommended precautions.
  • Clothing: Pack comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight safari clothing, warm layers, rain protection, sun protection, and suitable clothing for Cape Town and water-based activities.
  • Weather: Weather conditions can vary significantly between the destinations, particularly between East Africa, Victoria Falls, Botswana, and Cape Town.
  • Domestic and regional flights: Flights are subject to airline schedules, weather, and operational conditions, so some flexibility may be required.
  • Tips and gratuities: Budget separately for tips for trekking guides, rangers, safari guides, drivers, lodge staff, and other service providers.
  • Optional activities: Any activities not specifically included in the itinerary may be arranged at an additional cost.
  • Personal expenses: Visas, travel insurance, laundry, drinks, souvenirs, meals not specified, and other personal expenses are generally excluded unless specifically stated.

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