12 Days Botswana Safari & Gorilla Rwanda Trekking
A 12 Days Botswana & Rwanda Safari 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: 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: 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: 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.
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: 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: 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