Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali, and Botswana Safaris

Tailored African Expeditions: Merging Botswana’s Wildlife Wonders with a Fly-in Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Envision commencing your adventure amidst the enchanting waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta—a vibrant ecosystem where seasonal floods sculpt a dynamic tapestry of channels, lagoons, and expansive floodplains. This natural wonderland teems with life, from majestic elephants and hippos to a kaleidoscope of bird species. High-end safaris in regions like the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve provide discerning travelers with intimate wildlife encounters and luxurious accommodations.

Following your immersive safari experience, transition seamlessly to the heart of East Africa. From Maun, Botswana, board a flight to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. While direct flights may not be available, reputable airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines offer connecting flights between Maun and Kigali.

Upon arrival in Kigali, a scenic journey awaits as you traverse the rolling hills into Uganda, heading towards the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This drive typically takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the specific sector of Bwindi you’re visiting. Private transfers are available, offering comfort and flexibility for this leg of your journey.

In Bwindi’s ancient forests, embark on a profound gorilla trekking expedition. Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a humbling experience, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts. This segment of your journey offers a striking contrast to Botswana’s open wetlands, immersing you in dense, mist-covered jungles where every rustle could signal a memorable wildlife sighting.

Key Considerations for Your Expedition:

• Logistics: Coordinating travel between Botswana and Uganda necessitates meticulous planning. Flight connections, visa arrangements, and understanding border crossing procedures are crucial for a seamless experience. For instance, the Gatuna border is commonly used for crossings between Rwanda and Uganda, being just a 2-hour drive from Kigali and 1 hour to Bwindi National Park.

• Diverse Landscapes: Prepare for a spectrum of environments—from navigating Botswana’s shimmering delta by mokoro (dugout canoe) to trekking through Uganda’s humid, dense forests. Each setting offers unique challenges and rewards, enriching your overall adventure.

• Cultural Interactions: Engage with local communities in both regions to deepen your appreciation of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s learning about the traditions of the Okavango’s indigenous peoples or understanding the conservation efforts in Uganda, these interactions add depth to your journey.

This thoughtfully curated itinerary invites you to experience Africa’s unparalleled biodiversity and cultural richness. With Mtembezi Safaris, traverse Botswana’s pristine delta and Uganda’s lush gorilla habitats, ensuring your adventure is both luxurious and profoundly enlightening.

NOTE: Securing those gorilla trekking permits from our reservations months in advance is essential, as they’re as coveted as gold tickets!

• • • Day 1: Arrival in Maun & Transfer to the Okavango Delta
    • Day 2: Okavango Delta Safari – Mokoro & Game Drive
    • Day 3: Walking Safari & Cultural Visit
    • Day 4: Transfer to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – Big Game Encounters
    • Day 5: Overland Safari Adventure in Botswana’s Outback
    • Day 6: Final Botswana Safari & Fly to Kigali Rwanda
    • Day 7: Fly to Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
    • Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Encounter in Bwindi
    • Day 9: Combined Cultural Immersion & Scenic Exploration
    • Day 10: Scenic Exploration at Lake Bunyonyi & Reflection
    • Day 11: Departure from Kigali

 Gorilla Trekking Bwindi National Park Uganda | Overlanding Africa

The Ultimate Botswana Safari & Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Maun & Transfer to the Okavango Delta

Primary Destination: Maun & the Okavango Delta

Meal Plan: Light arrival snack (if needed), dinner at camp

Your African adventure begins as you arrive in Maun, Botswana, the gateway to the legendary Okavango Delta safari. A warm welcome awaits from your dedicated Mtembezi Safaris guide, who will escort you on a scenic transfer to your intimate safari lodge nestled deep in the Delta. After settling in, a welcome briefing will introduce you to the wonders ahead, followed by a delightful dinner under Botswana’s mesmerizing night sky.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Scenic transfer into the heart of the Okavango Delta safari experience
  • A welcome briefing outlining the Botswana safari and fly-in gorilla trekking tour
  • Dinner beneath a canopy of stars, immersing you in Africa’s magic

Day 2: Okavango Delta Safari – Mokoro & Game Drive

Primary Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Meal Plan: Breakfast at camp; picnic lunch in the Delta; dinner at camp

Rise early for a full-day safari in the Okavango Delta, starting with a thrilling morning game drive through the vast floodplains, where elephants, lions, and leopards roam freely. Later, board a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and glide through the Delta’s intricate channels, getting up close with hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birdlife. After a scenic picnic lunch in the wild, return for an evening game drive to capture the Delta’s golden sunset.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Mokoro safari through Botswana’s lush wetlands
  • Unforgettable wildlife encounters with elephants, hippos & big cats
  • Sunset game drive over the shimmering floodplains

Day 3: Walking Safari & Cultural Visit

Primary Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Meal Plan: Breakfast at camp; lunch at camp or local village; dinner at camp

Today, experience the Okavango Delta on foot with an immersive walking safari, guided by expert trackers who unveil the hidden wonders of this fragile ecosystem. In the afternoon, embrace an enriching cultural visit to a nearby local village, where you’ll learn about the traditions and sustainable practices of Botswana’s indigenous communities. The evening wraps up with a relaxed dinner by the campfire, sharing stories under the starlit sky.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Walking safari for a deeper connection with Botswana’s ecosystem
  • Cultural immersion in a traditional village
  • Campfire storytelling under a vast African sky

Day 4: Transfer to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – Big Game Encounters

Primary Destination: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

Meal Plan: Breakfast at camp; lunch at lodge; dinner at lodge

Leave the Delta behind and journey to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, one of Botswana’s most exclusive safari destinations. Settle into your luxury safari lodge, enjoying panoramic views of untouched landscapes. The day unfolds with intimate game drives, offering close encounters with rare wildlife—including African wild dogs, leopards, and herds of elephants—in a serene, uncrowded setting. As night falls, an elegant dinner under the stars awaits.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Transfer to Linyanti, Botswana’s hidden gem
  • Luxury game drives in untouched wilderness
  • Exclusive safari lodge stay with breathtaking views

Day 5: Overland Safari Adventure in Botswana’s Outback

Primary Destination: Botswana’s Remote Wilderness

Meal Plan: Breakfast at lodge; packed lunch on excursion; dinner at camp/lodge

Channel the spirit of classic safari explorers with a self-driven overland journey into Botswana’s rugged outback. With expert guidance, traverse vast plains and woodlands, capturing your final breathtaking wildlife moments—from stealthy predators to mighty herbivores. After a picnic lunch in the wild, return to camp for a relaxed evening celebrating the beauty of Botswana’s untamed lands.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Authentic overland safari adventure in remote Botswana
  • Close encounters with big game in their natural habitat
  • A final wilderness sunset before transitioning to Uganda

Day 6: Final Botswana Safari & Fly to Kigali Rwanda

• Primary Destination: Botswana Wilderness & Kigali, Rwanda
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at camp; lunch on the road; dinner in Entebbe hotel

Bid farewell to Botswana safari adventures with an early morning game drive, capturing one last glimpse of the Delta’s pristine wilderness. After breakfast, transfer to Maun Airport for a fly-in safari connection to Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, unwind at your hotel, enjoying a relaxed evening before the next phase of your journey—gorilla trekking in Uganda.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Final Okavango Delta safari experience
  • Seamless transition from Botswana to Uganda
  • Evening in Entebbe, preparing for gorilla trekking

Day 7: Fly to Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Primary Destination: Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Meal Plan: Breakfast in Kigali; lunch en route; dinner at the lodge

Your fly-in gorilla trekking tour begins in Kigali, Rwanda to Uganda’s Bwindi. Upon arrival, a scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s lush countryside, crossing into Uganda via the Gatuna border. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check into your luxury lodge, where a pre-trek briefing prepares you for the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure ahead.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Efficient flight to Kigali for an easy border crossing
  • Scenic ground transfer through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes
  • Arrival in Bwindi, setting the stage for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience

East Africa (Kigali-Rwanda) Fly-in Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Immersion in Uganda

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Encounter in Bwindi

Primary Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Meal Plan: Hearty breakfast at the lodge; packed picnic lunch during the trek; traditional Ugandan dinner at the lodge

Day 8 is the pinnacle of your journey. After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, attend an in-depth briefing at the park headquarters on trekking protocols, safety measures, and conservation ethics. Then, embark on an exhilarating trek through the dense, misty rainforest until you finally encounter a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one awe‑inspiring hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—a singular moment that defines your adventure. A packed picnic lunch sustains you on the return journey, and the day concludes with a traditional Ugandan dinner back at your lodge, allowing time for reflection and sharing of this life-changing experience.

• Activity Highlights:
  • The challenging trek through Bwindi’s lush, biodiverse rainforest
  • One extended, intimate gorilla encounter that creates lasting memories
  • A cultural dining experience with authentic Ugandan cuisine

Day 9: Combined Cultural Immersion & Scenic Exploration

Primary Destination: Bwindi Region & Surroundings, Uganda
Meal Plan: Breakfast at the lodge; lunch at a local cultural venue; dinner at the lodge

On Day 9, immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural beauty of the Bwindi region. Start with a nourishing breakfast before embarking on a guided visit to a Batwa community or local cultural center. Learn about traditional lifestyles, sustainable living practices, and the deep connection between local people and the forest. In the afternoon, take a scenic nature walk or a short excursion to a nearby attraction—such as a tea plantation or a highland viewpoint—to absorb the stunning vistas and peaceful ambience. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local venue that showcases authentic Ugandan flavours, then return to your lodge for a relaxed dinner and reflective evening.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Engaging cultural visits offering insights into local heritage
  • Scenic nature walk showcasing the region’s pristine landscapes
  • Authentic culinary experiences and ample time for reflection

Day 10: Scenic Exploration at Lake Bunyonyi & Reflection

Primary Destination: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Meal Plan: Breakfast at the lodge; lunch at a lakeside restaurant; dinner at the lodge

Day 10 offers an optional excursion to the enchanting Lake Bunyonyi. After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat ride across the tranquil lake, where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views and the soothing sounds of nature. Engage in bird watching along the shoreline and capture the serene beauty of this hidden gem. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local delicacies amid breathtaking views. Return to your lodge in the afternoon to relax and prepare for your final day, as you spend the evening reflecting on the multifaceted experiences of your adventure over a communal dinner.

• Activity Highlights:
  • A scenic boat ride and bird watching at picturesque Lake Bunyonyi
  • Lakeside dining that encapsulates authentic Ugandan flavors
  • Evening reflection on your journey in a serene setting

Day 11: Departure from Kigali

Primary Destination: Kigali, Rwanda (Departure Hub)
Meal Plan: Light breakfast at lodge; farewell lunch; transfer snacks

On your final day, savour a light breakfast at the lodge while taking in the tranquil surroundings of the Ugandan highlands. Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on your transformative journey—a seamless blend of Botswana Safaris and the intimate, singular gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. Enjoy a farewell lunch that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Uganda before transferring back to Kigali International Airport. As you board your departure flight, carry with you the enduring memories and renewed perspective of an adventure that embodies the spirit of Botswana Safaris & Single Gorilla Trekking tour with Mtembezi Safaris.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Reflective farewell meal and final moments at the lodge
  • Smooth transfer to Kigali International Airport
  • Enduring memories of a uniquely transformative African journey

End of Fly-in Gorilla Trekking from Kigali, Rwanda and Botswana Tours

Tour Inclusions

• Accommodation with the entire board
• Guided Gorilla tracking and nature walks
• Park fees, permits, and local transfers
• All activities included

Tour Exclusions

• Visa fees
• Air tickets
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities