The Wild Heart of East Africa: Burundi, Rwanda, & Uganda
Burundi, Rwanda, & Uganda | 15 Days | FROM $16,490
departs January 9, 2028
Travel with Michel Behar
This journey through Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda offers an immersive exploration of East Africa’s most compelling landscapes, cultures, and wildlife encounters. Beginning along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and progressing through Rwanda’s highlands and rainforest parks, the itinerary traces a rich arc of cultural heritage, moving from royal traditions and living history to powerful sites of remembrance and renewal. The experience culminates in Uganda’s legendary primate habitats and classic savannah wilderness, where chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas are encountered in their natural environments. Carefully paced and thoughtfully curated, this itinerary balances meaningful cultural engagement with extraordinary wildlife viewing and time to reflect, ensuring a deeply memorable journey through some of the continent’s most iconic regions.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment standing quietly in the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as a mountain gorilla family feeds, plays, and interacts just meters away—an intimate and deeply moving wildlife encounter.
Walk high above the ancient treetops of Nyungwe Forest on a suspended canopy walkway, offering sweeping views into one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and the chance to spot primates moving through the canopy below.
Watch for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector, a rare behavior the region is famous for, where lions are sometimes seen resting in the branches of large fig trees alongside classic savannah wildlife.
FIELD LEADER, LECTURER & PHOTOGRAPHER
Go with Michel
A Dutch citizen, Michel Behar studied Russian and Arabic in the Netherlands and completed advanced Arabic studies at the University of Khartoum in Sudan. He speaks 12 languages, including Farsi, English, Turkish, and French, and has an understanding of seven more. Since 1987, Michel has worked as a tour manager, leading groups for companies in the United States, the Netherlands, Switzerland,...DAY 1
ARRIVE BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI
Arrive in Bujumbura and transfer to Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Settle in before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner and introduction to the extraordinary journey ahead.
DAY 2
BUJUMBURA / GITEGA
Travel overland to Gitega, stopping en route at the Gishora Drum Sanctuary for a performance by the Abatimbo royal drummers, whose powerful music and choreography bring Burundi’s cultural traditions to life. Continue to Gitega for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 3
GITEGA / KARERA WATERFALLS / BUJUMBURA
Visit the spectacular Karera Waterfalls, a series of cascades set amid lush tropical scenery. After exploring the falls, return to Bujumbura for the evening.
DAY 4
BUJUMBURA / KIGALI, RWANDA
Explore highlights of Bujumbura, including the Independence Monument and Belvedere, with panoramic views over the city and Lake Tanganyika. Later, fly to Kigali, Rwanda, and settle into your hotel.
DAY 5
KIGALI
Discover Kigali’s history and resilience with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Campaign Against Genocide Museum. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a taste of contemporary Rwandan culture and community life.
DAY 6
KIGALI / NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Visit the King’s Palace Museum and see Rwanda’s distinctive long-horned Inyambo cattle before continuing to Nyungwe National Park. Walk high above the rainforest on the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, suspended over the lush forest canopy.
DAY 7
NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Set out on a chimpanzee trek through the ancient rainforest, observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. This afternoon, hike to Isumo Waterfall or relax at the lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
DAY 8
NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK / VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Travel through Rwanda’s spectacular highlands toward Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, visit a tea estate for an immersive crop-to-cup experience, meeting local farmers and learning about Rwanda’s renowned tea.
DAY 9
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Set out on a golden monkey trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Watch these endangered primates as they move through the canopy and forest floor. If time permits, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about Rwanda’s pioneering conservation efforts.
DAY 10
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK / BWINDI NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA
Cross the border into Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your forest lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the rainforest.
DAY 11
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
The journey’s most anticipated primate encounter awaits with a gorilla trek through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Accompanied by local guides, venture into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family and experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.
DAY 12
BWINDI / QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, traveling through Uganda’s diverse landscapes to the Ishasha sector. Settle into your wilderness camp along the Ntungwe River and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 13
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Explore the Ishasha sector on morning and afternoon game drives, searching for its famous tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, hippos, monkeys, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife are among the many species that may be encountered.
DAY 14
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK / ENTEBBE
Cruise the Kazinga Channel on a morning boat safari, watching for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds along the shoreline. Later, fly to Entebbe for a farewell dinner and final evening together.
DAY 15
ENTEBBE / HOMEWARD
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward international flight, carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, from vibrant cultural traditions and ancient rainforests to unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas.
trip details
January 9, 2028 – January 23, 2028
DEPARTURE
Start in Bujumbura
End in Entebbe
Join me on a journey through Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, where powerful histories, rich traditions, and extraordinary wildlife come together—from the rhythms of Burundian drummers to unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas.
— Michel
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $16,490
Add $4,290 for a single room
DEPOSIT
$2,000 per person
GROUP SIZE
15 guests
What’s Included
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
January 9, 2028 – January 23, 2028