12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking

A 12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking offers an extraordinary blend of classic African wildlife safaris and rare primate encounters. This carefully designed journey takes you from the pristine wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the elephant-filled plains of Chobe National Park, onward to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, and finally into the lush rainforests of Rwanda for unforgettable chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences.

Combining Southern Africa’s iconic safari landscapes with Rwanda’s remarkable conservation success, this itinerary delivers diversity, adventure, and authentic cultural encounters in one seamless African journey.

12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking Highlights 

  • Okavango Delta mokoro and wildlife safaris

  • Chobe National Park elephant encounters

  • Guided tour of Victoria Falls

  • Kigali city cultural experience

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest

  • Canopy walk adventure

  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Your safari adventure begins with a warm welcome and pickup followed by a transfer to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. A scenic light aircraft flight introduces you to a landscape of winding waterways, palm-fringed islands, and floodplains rich in wildlife.

Upon arrival at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy time to settle in before your first guided safari activity. The Okavango Delta is renowned for its exclusivity, peaceful atmosphere, and exceptional game viewing.

Highlights:

  • Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta

  • First wildlife encounters

  • Luxury lodge experience in untouched wilderness

 

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in the Okavango Delta

Spend the day exploring the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Activities vary depending on water levels and season, offering a mix of land and water-based safaris.

Possible experiences include:

  • Mokoro canoe safaris through tranquil channels

  • Guided walking safaris led by expert trackers

  • Game drives searching for elephants, lions, leopards, and antelope

This immersive day allows you to experience the delta’s unique rhythm and extraordinary wildlife up close.

Day 3 of 12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking: Transfer to Chobe National Park

After breakfast, depart the Okavango Delta and transfer to Chobe National Park, traveling through Botswana’s changing landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge before enjoying an afternoon safari activity.

Chobe National Park is internationally famous for its dense elephant population and excellent predator sightings, particularly along the Chobe River.

 

Day 4 of12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking: Chobe National Park Safari Experience

Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in Chobe National Park, one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Morning and afternoon game drives are complemented by a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Chobe Safari Highlights:

  • Africa’s largest concentration of elephants

  • Hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife

  • Lions, leopards, and hyenas

The combination of river and land safaris makes Chobe a photographer’s paradise.

Day 5 of 12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking; Transfer to Victoria Falls

On Day 5, you will travel from Botswana to Victoria Falls, crossing into Zimbabwe or Zambia. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or optional activities such as a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River

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Day 6: Victoria Falls Adventures – Nature’s Greatest Spectacle

Spend the day discovering Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A guided tour leads you to multiple viewpoints where mist rises dramatically from the plunging waters.

Optional activities include:

  • Scenic helicopter flights over the falls

  • Guided nature walks

  • Local craft and cultural market visits

This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.

 Day 8: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Begin the day with a Kigali city tour, visiting key cultural and historical landmarks. This experience provides valuable insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and transformation.

Later, depart by road for Nyungwe National Park, traveling through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check into your lodge nestled within the rainforest.

 

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Day 9 is dedicated to an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll trek through dense rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee groups.

In the afternoon, enjoy the thrilling Nyungwe canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor. This unique experience offers panoramic views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot birds and primates.

Highlights:

  • Close encounters with chimpanzees

  • Guided rainforest trek

  • Scenic canopy walk adventure

 

Day 10 of 12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking; Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The journey showcases Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, from misty forests to volcanic mountains.

Upon arrival, relax at your lodge and attend a briefing in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.

 

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking and Community Village Visit

This day marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early start and briefing, hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes to encounter a habituated gorilla family.

Spending time with these gentle giants is a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.

Later, enjoy a local village visit, learning about Rwandan culture, traditions, and conservation efforts that protect wildlife and support local communities.

 

Day 12 of 12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking: Transfer to Kigali and End of Safari

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali by road or domestic flight. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being dropped off at the airport for your onward journey.

This marks the end of your remarkable 12 Days Botswana & Rwanda Safari, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, natural wonders, and cultural experiences

Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda (1 permit per person)

  • All park entrance and conservation fees (Volcanoes National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, etc.)

  • All scheduled game drives and wildlife viewing activities in Botswana

  • Accommodation for 11 nights (safari lodges, tented camps, or hotels as per itinerary)

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (usually Full Board during safari)

  • Professional English-speaking safari guides/drivers

  • Ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles

  • Open 4×4 safari vehicles in Botswana where required

  • Domestic/internal flights within Botswana (light aircraft transfers if included in itinerary)

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure

  • Bottled drinking water during safari and transfers

  • Ranger guide services during gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

  • Government taxes and VAT

  • AMREF emergency evacuation cover (included in many packages)

Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Rwanda and Botswana

  • Rwanda and Botswana visa fees

  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory but not included)

  • Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, helicopter scenic flights, extra game activities)

  • Additional gorilla trekking permits (if more than one trek is desired)

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and lodge staff

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc.)

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks unless stated

  • Porter fees during gorilla trekking (optional but recommended)

  • Single room supplement for solo travelers

  • Laundry services unless specified

  • Vaccinations, medications, or other health-related requirements

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We would love to hear from you. Fill in the brief form below to get a free quote or advice for your gorilla trek & Wildlife Safari. You can email us directly via info@ikiyaprimatesafaris.com or reach us on WhatsApp via +256770745675

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