Southern Africa Safari & East Africa Double Gorilla Trekking Tours

This combined itinerary is a true adventure (Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking Combo Safari)—imagine starting your journey immersed in the vast, golden savannahs of Southern Africa, where you can witness the iconic Big Five roaming free in places like Kruger National Park. Picture the thrill of hearing a lion’s roar echo through the bush at dusk or the magic of a sunset over the endless plains.

Then, in a dramatic shift, you board a flight up to East Africa, where you step into a completely different world. Here, you’ll trek through dense, misty rainforests—whether Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—to encounter mountain gorillas up close for a full, awe-inspiring hour.

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

The Ultimate South Africa Safari Experience:

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable African safari in Africa—a journey where you go on safari in Africa to witness the raw beauty of the wild. Mtembezi African Safaris offers you the chance to experience the biggest safari in Africa with extensive wildlife tours that cover everything from the iconic Big Five to hidden gems along the South African Garden Route. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a more budget-friendly option, our safari tours from South Africa are tailored to suit every traveler’s style.

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg & Kruger National Park Safari

Primary Destination: Johannesburg & Kruger National Park
Meal Plan: Light breakfast on arrival; picnic lunch in the park; bush dinner at the lodge

Welcome to your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking adventure! Upon arriving in Johannesburg, your journey with Mtembezi Safaris begins with a comfortable transfer to a renowned lodge in Kruger National Park—a cornerstone of classic South African wildlife safaris. After a light breakfast at the lodge, you’ll set off on your first immersive game drive through the vast, iconic savannah. With expert guidance, you’ll hear the distant roar of lions and catch glimpses of elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo roaming freely. A scenic picnic lunch under the expansive African sky allows you to savour local flavours while marvelling at the landscape. As the day winds down, enjoy sundowners in the bush followed by a hearty dinner, setting the tone for your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking journey that promises both adventure and discovery.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Guided game drive through Kruger’s expansive savannah
  • Picnic lunch under the African sky
  • Sundowners with wildlife sounds in the background

Day 2: Full-Day Immersion in Kruger Wildlife

Primary Destination: Kruger National Park
Meal Plan: Early breakfast at the lodge; picnic lunch in the bush; dinner at the lodge

Day 2 deepens your immersion into the wild heart of South Africa. Begin with an energizing breakfast before embarking on a dawn game drive as the park awakens. The crisp morning light reveals an incredible array of wildlife—an essential part of any premier South African safari experience. A mid-day picnic lunch in a picturesque clearing provides the perfect opportunity to relax and absorb the beauty of the golden savannah. In the afternoon, another game drive takes you to different regions within Kruger, allowing you to witness diverse ecosystems and iconic “Big Five” encounters. Return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner, as you share tales of the day’s adventures—a true introduction to the rich experiences that define Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Dawn game drive for optimal wildlife sightings
  • Immersive mid-day picnic amidst expansive savannah views
  • The second game drives exploring diverse ecosystems within Kruger

Day 3: Transition from Kruger to Cape Town

Primary Destination: Johannesburg to Cape Town
Meal Plan: Early breakfast in Kruger; lunch in Cape Town; dinner at a boutique hotel

After a final early game drive in Kruger, you’ll return to Johannesburg for your flight to Cape Town, the vibrant coastal jewel of South Africa. In Cape Town, check into a boutique hotel boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean—an ideal base for the next leg of your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking adventure. Spend your afternoon exploring Cape Town’s bustling waterfront and cultural sites, enjoying a coastal lunch with fresh, local seafood. As dusk falls, unwind with a relaxed dinner at your hotel, combining urban sophistication with the spirit of adventure.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Final early game drive in Kruger
  • Scenic flight and transfer to Cape Town
  • Exploration of Cape Town’s waterfront and cultural sites

Day 4: Garden Route & Scenic Coastal Drive

Primary Destination: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch in the Winelands; dinner back in Cape Town

On Day 4, the itinerary takes you along the legendary Garden Route—a key component of your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking experience that showcases the incredible diversity of South Africa. After a hearty breakfast at your Cape Town hotel, embark on a guided scenic drive through lush, indigenous landscapes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Enjoy stops along the way for wildlife encounters and breathtaking views, with opportunities to see playful penguins and even whales. A relaxing lunch in the nearby Winelands lets you sample award-winning wines paired with local delicacies. In the afternoon, take a nature walk through select national parks before returning to Cape Town for a delightful dinner, rounding out a day filled with both coastal splendour and raw natural beauty.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Guided scenic drive along the Garden Route
  • Wildlife encounters and coastal views, including penguins and whales
  • Wine tasting and relaxing nature walks in the Winelands

Transition to East Africa for Gorilla Trekking:

Day 5: Fly-in from South Africa to Uganda & Transfer to Bwindi

Primary Destination: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Meal Plan: Light snacks on board; a hearty lunch upon arrival; bush dinner at the lodge
Activity Highlight: Arrival and immersive transfer to one of Africa’s best gorilla trekking destinations

Now, the focus shifts to the second part of your journey—the “double gorilla trekking” element of your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking adventure. Early in the morning, depart Cape Town for a flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Once in Entebbe, a comfortable road transfer takes you into the lush, biodiverse realm of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, your eco-lodge welcomes you with a hearty Ugandan lunch that blends local ingredients with international flair. The evening features a light dinner and an informative briefing about the exciting gorilla trekking expedition that awaits, preparing you for a transformative experience in one of the world’s most precious conservation areas.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Scenic flight from Cape Town to Entebbe
  • Immersive transfer journey into Bwindi’s lush rainforest
  • Pre-trek briefing in a serene eco-lodge setting

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Uganda

Primary Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Meal Plan: A nutritious breakfast at the lodge; a packed lunch during the trek; dinner back at the lodge
Activity Highlight: A full, intimate gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi with cultural immersion

Embrace the heart of Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking experience on Day 6 as you set out for an unforgettable gorilla trek in Bwindi. Begin the day with a robust breakfast before attending a comprehensive safety and etiquette briefing—a must for any gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. Then, set off on an exhilarating trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. As you navigate through rugged terrain and dense foliage, you’ll join one of the best gorilla trekking Uganda tours, experiencing an hour-long encounter with a silverback gorilla group. This unforgettable moment, often highlighted in silverback gorilla trekking Uganda reviews on TripAdvisor, is complemented by a late afternoon visit to a local Batwa community, deepening your understanding of the region’s heritage and conservation. The day concludes with a comforting dinner at the lodge.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Guided trek through the dense Bwindi rainforest
  • A one-hour intimate encounter with a gorilla family
  • Cultural insights and traditional dining experience at the lodge

Day 7: Cross-Border Transfer to Rwanda & Cultural Immersion

Primary Destination: Volcanoes National Park region, Rwanda
Meal Plan: Breakfast at your Ugandan lodge; a scenic roadside lunch; dinner at a Rwandan lodge
Activity Highlight: A scenic cross-border drive and an enriching cultural tour at Gorilla Guardians Village

Embark on a scenic drive that takes you across the border from Uganda into Rwanda—a transition that marks the continuation of your Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking adventure. The drive, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and vibrant landscapes, provides an authentic glimpse of East Africa’s natural beauty. As you approach Volcanoes National Park, one of the primary hubs for mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda-style, you’ll notice the dramatic transition from Uganda’s tropical landscapes to Rwanda’s misty, bamboo-draped terrain. After settling into your lodge, indulge in a leisurely lunch before embarking on a cultural tour at a village—such as the Gorilla Guardians Village—which offers insights into local traditions, a key aspect of responsible tourism and Africa trekking tours. This day appeals to travelers researching Rwanda gorilla trekking cost and those planning Uganda-Rwanda safaris as part of their comprehensive Africa safari group experience.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Leisurely morning exploration in Bwindi
  • Scenic cross-border drive from Uganda to Rwanda
  • Cultural immersion with a blend of local cuisine and hospitality at your Rwandan lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Primary Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Meal Plan: Early breakfast at the lodge; a packed lunch post-trek; dinner at your Rwandan accommodation
Activity Highlight: An intimate, guided trek to meet a habituated gorilla family in Rwanda’s premier mountain gorilla trekking destination

Start your day with an early breakfast followed by a detailed briefing on trekking etiquette in Volcanoes National Park—one of the best times to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. With experienced guides leading the way, embark on a trek through a misty, bamboo-rich rainforest. This guided adventure, frequently referred to in searches for mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda or luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda, culminates in an hour-long encounter with a habituated gorilla family. Post-trek, relax with a leisurely lunch and take some time to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. The day’s activities are designed to help you understand the true cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda while experiencing the magic of silverback gorilla tours in Africa.

• Activity Highlights:
  • The challenging trek through Volcanoes National Park’s dense rainforest
  • Extended, intimate gorilla encounter guided by local experts
  • Authentic Rwandan dining experience at the lodge

Day 9: Explore Rwanda or Optional Additional Activity

Primary Destination: Kigali and surrounding regions, Rwanda
Meal Plan: Breakfast at your lodge; optional lunch on a day tour in Kigali or Nyungwe; dinner at a local restaurant
Activity Highlight: Optional chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest or cultural exploration in Kigali for a well-rounded Rwanda gorilla experience

This free day offers the flexibility to tailor your adventure further. You might choose to explore more of Rwanda’s natural wonders—perhaps embarking on a canopy walk or joining a chimpanzee tracking tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park, another standout among Africa trekking tours—or enjoy a day exploring Kigali’s cultural landmarks. This option caters to travelers interested in both gorilla-watching tours and broader Africa safari group tours, while also providing a break to absorb the transformative experiences of your journey.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Optional cultural tour of Kigali or nature excursion to Nyungwe Forest
  • Immersive local experiences that highlight Rwanda’s heritage and conservation efforts
  • Flexible schedule tailored to deepen your connection with the destination

Day 10: Return Transfer & Departure

Primary Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Meal Plan: Breakfast at your lodge; a farewell lunch in Kigali

On your final day, enjoy a light breakfast while soaking in the serene atmosphere of your Rwandan lodge. Spend the morning reflecting on your extraordinary Southern Africa & double gorilla trekking adventure—a journey that seamlessly merges the vast, untamed landscapes of South Africa with the intimate, transformative encounters of East Africa. A farewell lunch celebrating the flavours of Rwanda offers a final taste of local cuisine before you transfer to Kigali’s international airport for your departure flight. As you leave, carry with you not only unforgettable memories but a renewed perspective on the rich tapestry of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.

• Activity Highlights:
  • Reflective morning and farewell lunch that celebrate your journey
  • Comfortable transfer to Kigali’s international airport
  • An enduring sense of personal transformation and connection with Africa

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