East Africa Combo: Burundi, Rwanda & Uganda

Thursday 4th March – Bujumbura (Burundi)

• Arrive at your own leisure into Bujumbura. The capital city of Burundi is well connected with many East African Countries, Addis-Abeba and Brussels. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel. Pre-tour accommodation and airport pickup can be arranged for a fee.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and guide.
• We’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow group members and guide.
• Overnight stay at Hotel du Lac Tanganyika.

Friday 5th March – Bujumbura – Gitega

• At 9:00am, we’ll start the Bujumbura city tour including The Explorers Memorial. At this very place history was literally written. David Livingstone, explorer and missionary, went on a European geographical expedition to find the source of the River Nile, ultimately leading to his disappearance. Years later, Henry Morton Stanley went on an expedition to explore the Congo Basin. This led to their chance encounter with the famous words from Stanley “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”.
• Our tour continues to the Independence Hero Mausoleum & Unity Monument which overlooks the scenic Lake Tanganyika and the capital city. Here you can find the National motto, “Unity, Work, Progress”, inscribed on the monument which represents the national unity. It is celebrated on the 5th of February every year.
• We’ll then drive to Gitega in our private air conditioned transport. We’ll make rest stops along the way to enjoy the stunning scenery and for lunch.

Afternoon

• On the way, we’ll stop at the Teza tea plantation to learn about the world-famous Burundi tea.
• We are also going to visit the amazing Gishora drummer’s village. The cultural importance of Gishora has led it to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. You’ll experience and understand why when you visit this magnificent village.
• After a busy day, we’ll have dinner followed by a few refreshing drinks in a local establishment.
• Overnight stay at Hotel Jerusalem in Gitega.

Saturday 6th March – Bujumbura – Gitega – Karera Falls

• After breakfast, we’ll visit the National Museum of Burundi in Gitega for a better understanding of the country, before we explore it further.
• We’ll then drive on the scenic route south of Burundi to the spectacular series of waterfalls of Karera Falls, which were also added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. You can take your time here and take in the natural beauty.

Afternoon

• After visiting the falls, we’ll have a quick lunch and continue our drive.
• We’ll stop at one of Africa’s most intriguing geographical points, the Southernmost Source of the Nile. Marked by a modest pyramid monument, this quiet spring discovered in 1934 is considered the southernmost headwater feeding the legendary Nile River.
• After our scenic drive we’ll arrive in Bujumbura and enjoy the beautiful lake views at our hotel.
• Overnight stay at Hotel du Lac Tanganyika.

Sunday 7th March – Bujumbura – Kigali – Butare (Rwanda)

• Breakfast at the hotel and last moments to do some shopping at a local market in Bujumbura.
• Group A members: Tour concludes in Bujumbura, Burundi. YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation and airport drop off for a fee. We are also able to provide advice for ongoing flights.
• Group B members: Arrive at your convenience into Kigali. The capital city of Rwanda is well connected with flights from many African Countries, London, Amsterdam and Dubai.  Pre tour accommodation and airport pickup can be arranged for a fee.

Afternoon

• We get the afternoon flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Rwanda has recently been known as one of the prime examples of countries which have managed to recover from a devastating war and become a real, ecofriendly tourism destination. We recommend booking the Rwandair flight WB483 departing Bujumbura at 15:45 and arriving in Kigali at 16:30 (flight cost not included in tour price and flight time is subject to change).
• On arrival, we’ll drive to Butare, a cultural and historical hub of Rwanda.
• Overnight stay in Mater Boni hotel in Butare.

Monday 8th March –  Butare – Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

• After breakfast, we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, one of the best museums in East Africa, and discover Rwanda’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
• At the museum, you’ll experience the vibrant Intore dance performance, a traditional Rwandan dance that was historically performed for the royal court. It is also known as the “Dance of Heroes”.
• We’ll then drive to the Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.

Afternoon

• On arrival, we’ll set out on an exciting Colobus monkey trek. Nyungwe is home to large troops of these striking black-and-white primates, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. As you hike through the forest, your guide will share insights into their behavior, habitat, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
• We’ll also embark on a morning canopy walk, a thrilling experience that offers panoramic views of the dense rainforest from a suspended bridge 70 metres above the forest floor. As you walk among the treetops, keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, butterflies, and primates moving through the branches below.
• Overnight stay in at the Chimpanzee Lodge in Nyungwe, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest.

Tuesday 9th March – Nyungwe – Gitesi (Rwanda)

• Rise early for our 5am departure, as we drive deep inside the park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in the dense forests of Nyungwe National Park. You’ll follow expert trackers deep into the jungle to locate one of the park’s habituated chimpanzee groups.
• After the trek, which can take up to 5 hours, we’ll depart for Gitesi, a stunning lakeside town along the shores of Lake Kivu.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon, set off on a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. You’ll explore small, beautiful islands scattered across the lake.
• One of the must-visit spots is Napoleon Island, known for its distinct shape resembling Napoleon’s hat. The island is home to a bat colony, where thousands of fruit bats hang from the trees.
• Overnight at Moriah Hill Resort in Gitesi

Wednesday 10th March – Gitesi – Rubavu – Musanze (Rwanda)

• After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive north to Rubavu, another picturesque lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu.
• As you travel along the renowned Congo Nile Trail, one of Rwanda’s most spectacular routes, you’ll admire the coffee plantations, and stunning lake views. This winding path follows the contours of Lake Kivu, providing opportunities to stop for photos.

Afternoon

• Upon arrival in Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi), you’ll have time to explore this laid-back town, known for its beautiful beaches, colonial-era architecture, and lakeside atmosphere.
• Our stop in Rubavu will include a visit to the hot springs, a natural geothermal site where locals gather for relaxation and traditional healing practices.
• Overnight stay in Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel in Musanze

Thursday 11th March – Musanze

• Musanze is widely regarded as the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. This region is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and as the home of the legendary mountain gorillas.
• We will visit the Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Take in the breathtaking views, spot local fishermen in their traditional wooden canoes, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden gem.
• Then, you’ll gain insight into the traditions and way of life of one of Rwanda’s indigenous groups, the Batwa (Pygmy) community in Kinigi. The Batwa were the original forest dwellers of this region and have a deep connection to the land. During the visit, learn about their history, storytelling traditions, hunting techniques, and how they have adapted to modern Rwandan society.
• You’ll also visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. This community-led initiative showcases Rwandan traditions, music, dance, and history while providing former poachers with sustainable livelihoods through cultural tourism.
• Overnight stay in Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel in Musanze.

Friday 12th March – Kigali

• After breakfast, we’ll drive back to the Rwanda capital, Kigali.
• On arrival, we’ll see the Presidential Palace Museum (also known as the Rwanda Art Museum), which used to belong to Juvenal Habyarimana. You can still find remains from his nightclub, a plane wreck, and several hidden rooms.

Afternoon

• We’ll continue to visit Kigali and explore small neighbourhoods mixing with the locals and capturing amazing pictures of our experiences before heading for lunch.
• Next, we’ll visit an important site: The Kigali Genocide Memorial. The memorial commemorates the loss of 250,000 people during the Civil War. This was a dark time in Rwandan history that spilled across its border which you’ll learn about during the tour.
• We take a stroll around the Kigali City Market for some last minute souvenir shopping.
• Visit to the Hôtel des Mille Collines, made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda. During the Rwanda Genocide it became famous as it housed more then 1000 refugees.
• Dinner in Kigali followed by drinks in town.
• Overnight stay Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Kigali.

Saturday 13th March – Kigali – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Group B members: Tour concludes in Kigali, Rwanda. YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation and airport drop off for a fee. We are also able to provide advice for ongoing flights.
• Group C members: Arrive at your convenience into Kigali. The capital city of Rwanda is well connected with flights from many African Countries, London, Amsterdam and Dubai.  Pre tour accommodation and airport pickup can be arranged for a fee.
• A 6:00am start for our journey to the Pearl of Africa, Uganda. We’ll have interesting stops along the way as we pass through Rwanda. One thing you will notice is its green hilly landscape, famously known as “the land of a thousand hills” and extremely friendly residents.
• Your smooth border crossing into Uganda will be accompanied by your experienced western and local guides.

Afternoon

• This route wouldn’t be complete without a quick stop at Lake Buke Bunyoni. The name of the lake derives from the native word “small birds” hence why Lake Bunyoni is known as the “Place of many little birds”. We’ll have lunch in the local area.
• We continue onwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP, or Queens), which is probably the best National Park in the country where you can encounter African lions.
• Dinner and drinks at hotel.
• Overnight stay at Enjojo Lodge.

Sunday 14th March – Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Optional: Experience an optional Mountain Gorillas trek in Bwindi Impenetrable forest (extra cost). From the lodge, you’ll drive 2 hours to the forest before starting your trek. Please note that the trek can take up to 5 hours and that you won’t be able to do the other activities of the day.
• Those not doing the Mountain Gorillas trek will still wake up early, as we start the first game drive at 6.00am. For several hours we’ll drive north through the park to try to spot the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. Although no guarantees, this is the best park to find them.  We’ll be able to the amazing wildlife throughout the park: Uganda homes some the best protected species!

Afternoon

• On the way, we’ll stop in a fishing village where hippos often come close to the shore.
• In the afternoon, we’ll hop on a boat to cruise along the Kazinga Channel, this is another great opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural environment.
• We’ll also do a game drive in the northern part of the national park, hoping to see elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, and rhinos.
• Overnight stay at Tabingi Lodge

Monday 15th March – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kampala

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today we’ll focus on finding the incredibly intelligent chimpanzees, as QENP is also known for its large population of chimps.
• We’ll take a short hike through a valley where there’s a population of chimps. You’ll be able to observe the troops from a safe distance.

Afternoon

• After our chimpanzee trek, we’ll start our long (6-7 hours) drive to the capital of Uganda, Kampala. On our road trip, you will have time to rest after those busy few days at the national park.
• Pass through the equator by foot. You’ll have plenty of time to take pictures with The Equator Monument. You can watch the Coriolis Effect demonstrated, it’s a pretty peculiar phenomenon.
• Dinner and much deserved drinks in Kampala after a busy few day seeing amazing wildlife.
• Overnight stay in Fairway Hotel Kampala.

Tuesday 16th March – Kampala

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Our day beings with city tour of Kampala, this is fantastic way to explore and learn about the fascinating history of Uganda.
• We’ll visit the Gaddafi Mosque, formally known as the Uganda National Mosque. The impressive mosque is the largest in East Africa and was a gift from The Colonel to benefit the Muslim population in the region.
• Then we’ll see the Kasubi Royal Tombs and learn more about the traditional houses in Uganda. These days it’s a UNESCO heritage site.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch in Kampala, which boast many regional traditional dishes as well as many international cuisines to choose from.
• We’ll make a trip to Kabaka’s Palace, where the Kabaka (King) reside. Although the monarchy was discontinued briefly by the Ugandan Government, The Buganda royalty still continues.
• No tour to Kampala is complete without learning about Idi Amin and visiting his Torture Chambers. Even till today Idi Amin is referred to as the “butcher of Uganda”.
• Our final visit will be at the film studios of Uganda better known as Wakaliwood – which is ever emerging and making a global impression.
• In the evening we’ll head to a restaurant for our farewell dinner and drinks.
• Overnight stay in Fairway Hotel Kampala.

Wednesday 17th March – Kampala

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• End of the tour. Depart at your own convenience. YPT can arrange additional nights in Kampala and airport drop off for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.
• Continue further with YPT and board the Uganda Airlines – UR122 departing Kampala at 8:00am and arriving 8:25am in Juba ready for our South Sudan Tour. Flights not included in tour cost.