Experience mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda on this 5-day safari, beginning in Entebbe and finishing in Kigali. Your journey starts with a scenic drive through southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll trek into the rainforest for your first encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family. From Bwindi, travel through the beautiful highlands surrounding Lake Bunyonyi before crossing into Rwanda and continuing to Volcanoes National Park for a second gorilla trek among the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains. This safari brings together 2 gorilla trekking experiences in different landscapes, from Bwindi’s dense rainforest and steep valleys to Rwanda’s volcanic mountain forests. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Bunyonyi, terraced farmland, rural communities and the Virunga volcanoes. With private road transfers, 4 nights of accommodation and an Entebbe-to-Kigali route, the itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience gorilla trekking in both countries while continuing their journey into Rwanda rather than returning to Entebbe.

Safari Highlights

Detailed Gorilla Safari Itinerary

Day 1, Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Meet your safari driver-guide for a briefing before travelling southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through central Uganda, passing roadside markets, small towns, farmland and rolling countryside. Stop at the equator crossing near Kayabwe for photographs before continuing towards Mbarara, where you’ll have lunch. After lunch, continue through the highlands of southwestern Uganda, enjoying views of terraced hills, banana plantations and rural communities. The journey to southern Bwindi is long, generally taking approximately 9 to 11 hours from Kampala, with additional time if starting in Entebbe or making extended stops. Arrive at your lodge near the Rushaga sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon or evening. Your guide will explain the following morning’s gorilla trekking arrangements and help you prepare for the forest walk.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Lunch and dinner, subject to the confirmed booking.

Day 2, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, carry your packed lunch and travel to the Rushaga gorilla trekking briefing point. Park rangers will explain the trekking rules, assign your group to a habituated gorilla family and introduce the guides who will accompany you into the forest. Bwindi’s rainforest is known for its steep slopes, thick vegetation and remarkable biodiversity. The trek may involve climbing muddy paths, crossing small streams and walking through dense tropical forest. Some gorilla families may be reached relatively quickly, while others require several hours of walking. Once the gorillas are located, enjoy the permitted 1-hour encounter. Watch the family feeding, grooming, resting and interacting. You may see younger gorillas playing near their mothers or a silverback quietly observing the group. Your ranger-guide will help you maintain the required distance and follow the park’s conservation rules. After the encounter, return to the trekking starting point and transfer back to your lodge. Spend the afternoon resting after your forest adventure.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.

Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda

Day 3, Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi and Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes. The journey takes you through southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills and rural communities. Stop at a suitable viewpoint overlooking the lake, which is surrounded by steep green hills and dotted with islands. Enjoy the scenery and take photographs before continuing towards the Rwanda border. The Lake Bunyonyi stop is designed as a scenic break rather than a full lake excursion, allowing enough time to reach Rwanda before evening. Continue to the selected border crossing and complete the necessary immigration formalities. After entering Rwanda, travel towards Musanze, the main gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive from southern Bwindi to Musanze, including the Lake Bunyonyi detour, can take much of the day. Exact timing depends on the road selected, border procedures and the lodge’s location. As you approach Musanze, the Virunga volcanoes rise above the surrounding farmland, creating one of Rwanda’s most impressive landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or evening and prepare for the following morning’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4, Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, travel to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point at Volcanoes National Park. Park rangers will explain the trekking rules, assign your group to a habituated gorilla family and introduce the guides who will accompany you into the forest. Depending on the assigned family, you may travel by vehicle to a separate trailhead before beginning your trek. The walk takes you through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains, where bamboo, thick vegetation and mountain forest provide habitat for the gorillas. Some treks are relatively short, while others require several hours of walking over steep or muddy ground. Once you locate the gorillas, enjoy the permitted 1-hour encounter. Watch the family feeding, resting, grooming and interacting. You may see younger gorillas playing near their mothers or a silverback quietly watching over the group. Your ranger-guide will help you maintain the required distance and follow the park’s wildlife viewing rules. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch or relaxation. Spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the mountain scenery.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Musanze.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.

Day 5, Volcanoes National Park to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, leave Volcanoes National Park and travel southeast towards Kigali. The drive generally takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your lodge’s location. Along the way, enjoy views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, cultivated valleys and small towns. If your international flight schedule allows, enjoy a short Kigali city excursion. You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and provides important historical context. Alternatively, enjoy lunch in Kigali or visit a selected craft market before travelling to Kigali International Airport. Your driver-guide will transfer you to the airport at the agreed time for your departure flight. Your 5-day Uganda and Rwanda safari comes to an end, having experienced mountain gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Meals Breakfast.

Kigali city tour

Gorilla Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Safari Exclusions