Experience mountain gorilla trekking in 2 countries on this 5-day Rwanda and Uganda safari, beginning in Kigali and finishing in Entebbe. Your journey starts in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family. From there, cross into southwestern Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second gorilla encounter in one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforests. The 2 treks offer different landscapes and opportunities to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, from the bamboo-covered volcanic slopes of Rwanda to the steep, densely forested hills of Bwindi. Along the way, enjoy views of the Virunga volcanoes, terraced farmland and the green highlands of southwestern Uganda. With two gorilla trekking permits, 4 nights of accommodation and private cross-border transfers, this safari is designed for travellers who want to experience both gorilla destinations in a relatively short holiday.
Safari Highlights
- 2 mountain gorilla treks, 1 in Rwanda and 1 in Uganda.
- Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a second gorilla encounter in ancient rainforest.
- 1 hour with gorillas per trek, after locating the assigned family.
- Virunga scenery, volcanic peaks, bamboo forests and green hills.
- Cross-border journey, from Kigali through southwestern Uganda.
- Private driver-guide, accompanying you throughout the safari.
- Entebbe departure, completing the 5-day journey in Uganda.
Detailed Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your safari driver-guide will welcome you and introduce you to the journey ahead. After a short briefing, leave Kigali and travel northwest towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey generally takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your lodge’s location. As you leave Kigali, the scenery changes to Rwanda’s rolling green hills, cultivated valleys and small villages. On a clear day, you’ll begin to see the dramatic peaks of the Virunga Mountains rising above the surrounding countryside. Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing. Your guide will explain the following morning’s gorilla trekking arrangements, including the briefing time, recommended clothing and equipment.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Musanze.
Meals: Dinner, subject to arrival time and the confirmed booking.
Day 2, 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 you 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 the 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 involve several hours of walking over steep or muddy ground. Once you find 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 watching quietly 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 relaxation.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Musanze.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Bwindi Gorilla Briefing
Day 3, Volcanoes National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, leave Musanze and begin the journey towards Uganda. Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful northern countryside towards the Cyanika border crossing, where you’ll complete the necessary immigration formalities. After entering Uganda, continue through Kisoro and the highlands of southwestern Uganda towards the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey generally takes approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on border procedures, road conditions and stops. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced farmland, mountain villages and the Virunga volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the afternoon. Spend the remaining hours relaxing and preparing for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience. Your guide will confirm the trekking briefing location and explain what to expect from Bwindi’s forest trails.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga, Bwindi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today brings your second mountain gorilla trekking experience, this time in Uganda’s 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 before assigning your group to a habituated gorilla family. Accompanied by experienced ranger-guides, enter Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. Unlike the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda, Bwindi is characterised by steep forested valleys, thick undergrowth and ancient tropical vegetation. The trek may involve climbing muddy slopes, crossing small streams and walking through sections of dense forest. The time required to locate the gorillas depends on their movements and the assigned family’s location. Once the gorillas are found, enjoy the permitted one-hour encounter. Observe the silverback, females and younger gorillas as they feed, groom and interact in their natural surroundings. Your ranger-guide will help you appreciate the family’s behaviour while ensuring that all visitors follow the conservation rules. After the encounter, return to the trekking starting point and transfer back to your lodge. If the trek finishes early and you still have energy, an optional community walk may be arranged around Rushaga.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga, Bwindi.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda
Day 5, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe and Departure
After an early breakfast, leave Bwindi and begin the journey northeast towards Entebbe. Travel through the highlands of southwestern Uganda, passing Kisoro, Kabale, Mbarara and the countryside of central Uganda. The journey is long, generally taking approximately 9 to 11 hours or more from the Rushaga area, depending on road conditions, traffic and stops. Enjoy lunch along the way. If time permits, stop at the equator crossing near Kayabwe for photographs before continuing towards Entebbe. Your driver-guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport or your agreed hotel. Because this is a full-day road journey, travellers should arrange a late-night international flight or book an additional night in Entebbe. For guests who prefer to avoid the long drive, a domestic flight may be considered from a suitable southwestern Uganda airstrip, subject to the operating schedule and availability. Your 5-day Rwanda and Uganda safari comes to an end, having experienced mountain gorilla trekking in both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, subject to the confirmed booking.
Gorilla Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pickup at Kigali International Airport.
- Private safari transport from Kigali to Entebbe.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- 4 nights of accommodation in the selected lodges.
- Meals as indicated in the confirmed itinerary.
- 1 mountain gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- 1 mountain gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda,
- Applicable national park entrance fees for the scheduled activities.
- Cross-border ground transport between Rwanda and Uganda.
- Bottled drinking water during safari transfers
- ‘Departure transfer to Entebbe International Airport.
Safari Exclusions
- International flights into Kigali and out of Entebbe.
- Rwanda and Uganda visas or applicable entry authorisations.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs and additional drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers and lodge staff.
- Porter services during gorilla trekking unless included.
- Optional cultural visits or additional forest walks.
- Optional domestic flight from southwestern Uganda to Entebbe.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Any meals or services not specified in the final booking confirmation.
