
Botswana Safari & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Private Tour + Chimpanzee Extension
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Based on our various travels to Africa, we feel the contrasting flora and fauna of Botswana and Rwanda offer some of the most intimate wildlife experiences anywhere! The UNESCO-designated Okavango Delta in Botswana is among the most important wildlife areas in Africa; including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, cape buffalo, rhinos, and leopards) and outstanding bird watching. In stark contrast to Botswana, the Rwandan highlands provide the most intimate closeup of the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. With just 10 habituated gorilla families, each can only be visited by a maximum of eight people per day to ensure a low human impact. Even our most seasoned travelers consider the Rwanda gorilla trekking experience to be their number one wildlife adventure activity anywhere!
Next to Japan and Switzerland, we consider Rwanda the cleanest country in all of Africa! In addition to building Africa’s most robust waste management system, the general citizenry and government have developed a national psyche of making Rwanda a model for zero pollution and cleanliness. During our recent 2024 visit to Rwanda, we discovered that on the last day of each month, volunteers throughout the country spend the entire day cleaning all the areas of the land, including cities and countryside — an amazing feat that can be met by no other country.
Best Travel Time: Spring Summer Winter
*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.

SAMPLE ITINERARY
13 DAYS
Day 1
Fly to Johannesburg
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Day 2
Arrive Johannesburg + Fly Johannesburg/Maun/Okavango Delta
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be assisted in connecting to your onward flight to Maun. In Maun, you will be assisted in boarding your light aircraft to the Okavango and subsequently driven to Vumbura Plains Camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Vumbura Plains Camp

Day 3-4
Wildlife Viewing at Vumbura Plains Camp
Vumbura Plains Camp offers safari experiences by land, water, and air to explore this dynamic landscape. Wildlife here is plentiful, including impala, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and crocodiles (+ amazing bird watching!). If truly adventuresome, you may also request a nature walk (accompanied by an armed guide). Being a “wet camp” gives you ample opportunity to explore the delta via the fun mokoro (dug-out canoes). Based on its location in the extreme northern area of the Okavango, Vumbura may offer the widest range of habitats and species, with a chance to observe just about every animal occupying the Okavango Delta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Vumbura Plains Camp

Day 5
Fly Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve
Following breakfast and, time permitting, one last wildlife drive at Vumbura, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 6-8
Wildlife Viewing at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Expert guides will share their extensive wildlife knowledge while providing you with the awe-inspiring opportunity to view roaming lions, antelope, zebras, buffalo, and wild dogs. You will even get to enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the Moremi Game Reserve!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 9
Fly Moremi Game Reserve/Maun/Johannesburg
Following breakfast and, time permitting, one last wildlife drive at Sanctuary Chief’s, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Maun. In Maun, you will be assisted with your connection to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be assisted with check-in at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel for your forced overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

Day 10
Fly Johannesburg/Kigali + Private Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by our representative and taken to a local restaurant for lunch. Thereafter, you will pay a visit to the sobering Genocide Memorial site before being privately transferred to the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park for check-in at Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest — our three favorite options in the area! The remainder of your day will be free to enjoy the lodge and prepare for your upcoming days of gorilla trekking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Day 11-12
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Please note that all members of your party must be 15 years old or older to participate in gorilla trekking. To ensure a low human impact on these extraordinary creatures, only 80 gorilla permits are issued daily and you are guaranteed one hour with a gorilla family. After breakfast, you will be driven to the park offices where you will meet your gorilla tracking group. With a maximum number of eight people per group, this is a personal and sublime experience. To learn more about this incredible encounter, see our blog post here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Day 13
Fly Kigali/Johannesburg/Home Or Extension to Nyungwe
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Kigali for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will be assisted in connecting to your onward flight home.
Optional extension to Nyungwe for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast

Optional Extension to Nyungwe
Drive Kigali/Nyungwe or Private Helicopter Charter Kigali/Nyungwe
We highly recommend extending to Nyungwe at the beginning of the private tour. You have the option of driving six hours to Nyungwe or taking a 45-minute private helicopter charter aboard the Agusta to Nyungwe.
Upon arrival in Nyungwe, you will be welcomed by a local representative and transferred to the One&Only Nyungwe House, set at the edge of the Nyungwe National Park with a helipad onsite.

Nyungwe Day 1
Day 1 of Chimpanzee Trekking at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a full-day chimpanzee trekking experience. Nyungwe is the largest protected mountain forest reserve, home to over 500 chimpanzees. Two chimpanzee troops, ranging from 30-60, are the most often observed during these treks, which begin early in the morning.
Following your chimpanzee trekking experience, return to One&Only Nyungwe for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe Day 2
Day 2 of Chimpanzee Trekking at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a full-day chimpanzee trekking experience. Enjoy a second chance at viewing these beautiful creatures who share 99% of our DNA!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House

HOTELS

The Vumbura area compromises two separate satellite camps, Vumbura Plains and Little Vumbura, with Vumbura Plains being our preference. Each of Vumbura’s spacious “rooms” is raised off the ground, with indoor and outdoor showers and ensuite bathrooms. Other features include a private, small plunge pool and “sala” (a place to watch the passing of wildlife of the Okavango). Don’t be surprised to see elephants walking behind the tents and feeding on the trees. Each camp has its own raised lounge, dining bar, and an area with truly amazing views of the Okavango Delta. This nicely designed common area is where you will mix with fellow guests and exchange your fun game drive tales! We particularly enjoy the comfortable cushions and seating of the camp deck; a perfect setting for star-gazing or the nightly campfires. Wildlife here is plentiful, including Impala, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and crocodiles (+ amazing bird watching!). Vumbura includes morning and night game drives, using 4×4 Land Rovers. If truly adventuresome, you may also request a nature walk (accompanied by an armed guide.) Being a “wet camp” gives you ample opportunity to explore the delta via the fun mokoro (dug-out canoes). Be sure to check with camp representatives about the best fishing times and locations for bream and silver catfish!
Vumbura Plains Camp
View More InfoThe Vumbura area compromises two separate satellite camps, Vumbura Plains and Little Vumbura, with Vumbura Plains being our preference. Each of Vumbura’s spacious “rooms” is raised off the ground, with indoor and outdoor showers and ensuite bathrooms. Other features include a private, small plunge pool and “sala” (a place to watch the passing of wildlife of the Okavango). Don’t be surprised to see elephants walking behind the tents and feeding on the trees. Each camp has its own raised lounge, dining bar, and an area with truly amazing views of the Okavango Delta. This nicely designed common area is where you will mix with fellow guests and exchange your fun game drive tales! We particularly enjoy the comfortable cushions and seating of the camp deck; a perfect setting for star-gazing or the nightly campfires. Wildlife here is plentiful, including Impala, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and crocodiles (+ amazing bird watching!). Vumbura includes morning and night game drives, using 4×4 Land Rovers. If truly adventuresome, you may also request a nature walk (accompanied by an armed guide.) Being a “wet camp” gives you ample opportunity to explore the delta via the fun mokoro (dug-out canoes). Be sure to check with camp representatives about the best fishing times and locations for bream and silver catfish!

Situated close to park headquarters, convenient for your morning gorilla trek rendezvous, the Bistate property covers 103 acres. Due to its location within the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, the main areas and villas are perched atop the raised elevation of the slopes of Mount Bisoke (12,175 feet), though often shrouded. Based on Bisate’s restorative conservation projects and real local engagement, the lodge has become woven into the local community. During the lodge’s building phase, an amazing 15,000 trees were planted, with more being planted each week to promote reforestation. As part of your stay here, you are encouraged to plant a tree in the lodge’s nursery before your departure. With only six suites (each one being 980 square feet), Bistate is one of Africa’s most exclusive luxury eco-lodges. Each suite includes an indoor shower, bath, and fireplace (nice on chilly nights!). The main lounge dining area and bar are the perfect place to meet and reflect on your day’s gorilla experience. The in-villa massage treatments are a great way to relax after a day of trekking!
Bisate Lodge
View More InfoSituated close to park headquarters, convenient for your morning gorilla trek rendezvous, the Bistate property covers 103 acres. Due to its location within the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, the main areas and villas are perched atop the raised elevation of the slopes of Mount Bisoke (12,175 feet), though often shrouded. Based on Bisate’s restorative conservation projects and real local engagement, the lodge has become woven into the local community. During the lodge’s building phase, an amazing 15,000 trees were planted, with more being planted each week to promote reforestation. As part of your stay here, you are encouraged to plant a tree in the lodge’s nursery before your departure. With only six suites (each one being 980 square feet), Bistate is one of Africa’s most exclusive luxury eco-lodges. Each suite includes an indoor shower, bath, and fireplace (nice on chilly nights!). The main lounge dining area and bar are the perfect place to meet and reflect on your day’s gorilla experience. The in-villa massage treatments are a great way to relax after a day of trekking!

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is yet another example of the many luxury safari camps to choose from in the predator-rich Okavango Delta. Set in the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Camp is made up of 101,500 sq. feet of luxury bush pavilions and one suite, all with private decks with plunge pools, as well as indoor and outdoor showers (using the outdoor showers in this remote, pristine environment is truly exhilarating!) We particularly like the pavilion’s polished teakwood floors, insect-proof netted windows, and colorful batik fabrics. Other amenities include a new spa treatment room, a small pool, and a picturesque dining area/observation deck. Based on the Chief’s location overlooking a large lagoon on the northwest tip of Chief’s Island, many mokoro (canoe/boat) game excursions are a continuing fun activity in the summer! Chief’s extraordinary location and wildlife-rich Moremi Island allow for game-viewing to include all of the “Big 5” (African lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhino) hence, our choice as a prime family safari site. Chief’s renovation includes 10 luxury bush pavilions (in effect like small cottages), all with private terrace plunge pools, 462 sq. ft.!
Sanctuary Chief's Camp
View More InfoSanctuary Chief’s Camp is yet another example of the many luxury safari camps to choose from in the predator-rich Okavango Delta. Set in the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Camp is made up of 101,500 sq. feet of luxury bush pavilions and one suite, all with private decks with plunge pools, as well as indoor and outdoor showers (using the outdoor showers in this remote, pristine environment is truly exhilarating!) We particularly like the pavilion’s polished teakwood floors, insect-proof netted windows, and colorful batik fabrics. Other amenities include a new spa treatment room, a small pool, and a picturesque dining area/observation deck. Based on the Chief’s location overlooking a large lagoon on the northwest tip of Chief’s Island, many mokoro (canoe/boat) game excursions are a continuing fun activity in the summer! Chief’s extraordinary location and wildlife-rich Moremi Island allow for game-viewing to include all of the “Big 5” (African lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhino) hence, our choice as a prime family safari site. Chief’s renovation includes 10 luxury bush pavilions (in effect like small cottages), all with private terrace plunge pools, 462 sq. ft.!

Beyond a 5-star luxury category, we consider the new One&only Gorilla’s Nest Rwanda to be among the top luxury adventure properties we have experienced anywhere! Somewhat similar to our experience at the 12-suite Deplar Farm in Iceland, Gorilla’s Nest combines unique adventure travel activities (gorilla trekking!!) with Aman standards of understated luxury. We were grateful and lucky to be among the paying guests experiencing the lodge’s soft opening. Kudos to Craig Storkey and his staff for their personal, heartfelt service in this very special luxury lodge.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest
View More InfoBeyond a 5-star luxury category, we consider the new One&only Gorilla’s Nest Rwanda to be among the top luxury adventure properties we have experienced anywhere! Somewhat similar to our experience at the 12-suite Deplar Farm in Iceland, Gorilla’s Nest combines unique adventure travel activities (gorilla trekking!!) with Aman standards of understated luxury. We were grateful and lucky to be among the paying guests experiencing the lodge’s soft opening. Kudos to Craig Storkey and his staff for their personal, heartfelt service in this very special luxury lodge.

At the southern end of Lake Kivu in the lush region of Southwest Rwanda sits One&Only Kyungwe. Neighboring 633 miles of the Nyungwe National Park, the sprawling property features 23 rooms and three suites. Each room/suite is thoughtfully designed to provide high-touch luxury amenities in conjunction with elements of the natural landscape.
Accommodations are set within five “clusters” above the trees, offering ample views of the expansive rainforest canopies. Your stay includes two daily resort experiences, with various activities available. The property’s idyllic setting between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park means the singular experience of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is basically in your backyard! Most importantly, the property works with local Rwandan communities to further sustainability efforts.
Nyungwe House can be easily accessed from its sister property, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest via a 35-minute helicopter ride.
One&Only Nyungwe House
View More InfoAt the southern end of Lake Kivu in the lush region of Southwest Rwanda sits One&Only Kyungwe. Neighboring 633 miles of the Nyungwe National Park, the sprawling property features 23 rooms and three suites. Each room/suite is thoughtfully designed to provide high-touch luxury amenities in conjunction with elements of the natural landscape.
Accommodations are set within five “clusters” above the trees, offering ample views of the expansive rainforest canopies. Your stay includes two daily resort experiences, with various activities available. The property’s idyllic setting between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park means the singular experience of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is basically in your backyard! Most importantly, the property works with local Rwandan communities to further sustainability efforts.
Nyungwe House can be easily accessed from its sister property, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest via a 35-minute helicopter ride.

Though we love the six-suite Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, we are also big fans of the luxury Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Based on the high demand for high-touch, luxury Rwanda lodges, Singita Kwitonda is a fairly recent addition set on 178 acres of picturesque land, right on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. More than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas live in the high-altitude dense cloud forests. Using local materials, the Singita Kwitonda is built with volcanic rocks, river stones, handmade ceramic tiles, and oven-red clay bricks all connecting the structure to landscape and culture. The lodge is set up with a central hub, that includes both indoor and outdoor living spaces, featuring lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, an interactive kitchen, a bar, a deli, and a wine cellar. The Lodge’s eight suites (seven one-bedroom and one two-bedroom) and a four-bedroom villa, Kataza House which sleeps eight, are off the main lodge via a network of volcanic rock pathways. The accommodations offer indoor/outdoor baths and showers, fireplaces, plunge pools, and verandas. Carefully designed interiors are curated with a focus on handcrafted pieces like woven panels, handmade tiles, and clad feature pots.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
View More InfoThough we love the six-suite Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, we are also big fans of the luxury Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Based on the high demand for high-touch, luxury Rwanda lodges, Singita Kwitonda is a fairly recent addition set on 178 acres of picturesque land, right on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. More than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas live in the high-altitude dense cloud forests. Using local materials, the Singita Kwitonda is built with volcanic rocks, river stones, handmade ceramic tiles, and oven-red clay bricks all connecting the structure to landscape and culture. The lodge is set up with a central hub, that includes both indoor and outdoor living spaces, featuring lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, an interactive kitchen, a bar, a deli, and a wine cellar. The Lodge’s eight suites (seven one-bedroom and one two-bedroom) and a four-bedroom villa, Kataza House which sleeps eight, are off the main lodge via a network of volcanic rock pathways. The accommodations offer indoor/outdoor baths and showers, fireplaces, plunge pools, and verandas. Carefully designed interiors are curated with a focus on handcrafted pieces like woven panels, handmade tiles, and clad feature pots.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first-ever community-owned lodge. The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, the starting point for the trek on foot to see the gorillas. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft. volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sabyinyo offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed, the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprises six cottages, two suites, and one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish ensuite bathrooms, and a sheltered veranda. Three large fireplaces provide warmth while two patio areas afford wonderful, dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. After a long gorilla trek, you may choose to enjoy one of the many spa treatments at the lodge which can be arranged within the comfort and privacy of your room.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
View More InfoSabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first-ever community-owned lodge. The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, the starting point for the trek on foot to see the gorillas. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft. volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sabyinyo offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed, the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprises six cottages, two suites, and one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish ensuite bathrooms, and a sheltered veranda. Three large fireplaces provide warmth while two patio areas afford wonderful, dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. After a long gorilla trek, you may choose to enjoy one of the many spa treatments at the lodge which can be arranged within the comfort and privacy of your room.


The Bishop's House
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This is a four-star cottage-style accommodation option that we wholly recommend for gorilla trekking. Located in Kinigi, Amakoro Songa Lodge is just ten minutes from Volcanoes National Park, making it the closest of all Rwanda lodges to the trekking headquarters. Three imposing volcanoes surround the lodge, which is situated on seven lush green acres, making for a completely picturesque view/experience (perfect for a private wine-tasting picnic!). The lodge comprises eight individual cottages, a main dining lodge (with a private volcano-viewing balcony!), and a large outdoor fireplace. Though relatively minimal, the spacious interiors have a high-end rustic-yet-cozy design, emphasizing wood tones, high ceilings, and large windows. In addition to gorilla trekking, Amakoro amenities/experiences include in-room massages, a fireplace in each cottage, evening drinks, and traditional Intore Dance Troupe performances at the outdoor fire pit. Excursions include mountain cycling, climbing, and bird-watching excursions.
Amakoro Songa Lodge
View More InfoThis is a four-star cottage-style accommodation option that we wholly recommend for gorilla trekking. Located in Kinigi, Amakoro Songa Lodge is just ten minutes from Volcanoes National Park, making it the closest of all Rwanda lodges to the trekking headquarters. Three imposing volcanoes surround the lodge, which is situated on seven lush green acres, making for a completely picturesque view/experience (perfect for a private wine-tasting picnic!). The lodge comprises eight individual cottages, a main dining lodge (with a private volcano-viewing balcony!), and a large outdoor fireplace. Though relatively minimal, the spacious interiors have a high-end rustic-yet-cozy design, emphasizing wood tones, high ceilings, and large windows. In addition to gorilla trekking, Amakoro amenities/experiences include in-room massages, a fireplace in each cottage, evening drinks, and traditional Intore Dance Troupe performances at the outdoor fire pit. Excursions include mountain cycling, climbing, and bird-watching excursions.
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LOCATION
OVERVIEW
Temperature
Highs: Low 90s
Lows: Mid 60s
Area
581,730 sq. km.
224,607 sq. mi.
Capital
Gaborone
Population
2.3 Million
Language
English & Setswana
Currency
Pula
Temperature
Highs: High 60s
Lows: Mid 50s
Area
26,338 sq. km.
10,169 sq. mi.
Capital
Kigali
Population
11.2 Million
Language
Official: Kinyarwanda, French, English, & Swahili
Currency
Rwandan Franc
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