5 DAYS UGANDA RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI
5 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari offers a combined mountain gorilla trekking experience. Visit Volcanoes National Park for the first phase of gorilla tracking and 2nd phase will be enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Volcanoes N/P is a 2-3 hours’ drive to this gorilla safari park from the heart of Kigali city and Bwindi is 8-9 hours drive starting from Kampala/Entebbe city. This combined mountain gorilla adventure starts and ends in Kigali capital.
Brief Itinerary
Pick up and travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
The first gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
Travel to Bwindi (through the Katuna border)
The second gorilla trekking expedition (Uganda)
Depart for Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Have a tasty cup of tea or coffee and after, you will be transferred from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri, Northwestern Rwanda. This is a 160 sq.km conservation area where Dian Fossey camped for 18 years as she researched gorillas. Over 30% of the 1063 mountain gorillas roam freely within Volcanoes NP and 12 gorilla families are open for tourism purposes.
From Kigali to Volcanoes NP takes 2-3 hours and before setting off, you will have a short city tour. This includes visiting the Kigali memorial center, local markets, craft shops, and after, proceed to Volcanoes National Park.
Where to stay
- Luxury/High-end: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel/Bisate Lodge/5 Volcanoes
- Midrange: Gorilla Solution Lodge/La Palme/Le Bambou Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel/Da Vinci Lodge/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 2: The first gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
As early as 7:00 am, you should be at Kinigi for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules, and at 8:00 am, the park ranger guide leads you via the natural forest in Volcanoes National Park. The trek via Volcanoes NP bamboo and rainforest to see mountain gorillas takes 2-6 hours which includes one hour of taking pictures and observing the general behavior of these species.
After the incredible interaction, you will be led back to the safari lodge to have a leisurely lunch and relaxation. In the evening, a community visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village will be the perfect way to end your day in Volcanoes National Park.
Where to stay
- Luxury/High-end: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel/Bisate Lodge/5 Volcanoes
- Midrange: Gorilla Solution Lodge/La Palme/Le Bambou Lodge
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel/Da Vinci Lodge/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 3: Travel to Bwindi (through the Katuna border)
Early in the morning, you will be picked up by our experienced driver and head off to the Katuna border. Clear early and cross to Kabale in Southwestern Uganda where you will connect to Bwindi National Park.
Where to stay
- Luxury/High-end: Chameleon Hill/Mahogany Springs/Buhoma/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Engagi/Silverback Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Nshongi/Gift of Nature Lodge
Day 4: The second gorilla trekking expedition (Uganda)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and after, go for a briefing at Bwindi National Park head offices. Today, you will be tracking mountain gorillas for the second time and this park has 20 habituated families living in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors. When you return and you get enough relaxation, you will set off for the Batwa community for a cultural experience.
Where to stay
- Luxury/High-end: Chameleon Hill/Mahogany Springs/Buhoma/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Engagi/Silverback Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Nshongi/Gift of Nature Lodge
Day 5: Depart for Kigali
Get up early for breakfast and you will meet the driver to be transferred back to Kigali. Arrive at Katuna early to get cleared and proceed to the hotel or airport- and today marks the end of the 5 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari.
End of safari
Inclusions
- Gorilla permits
- Travel on the road using a 4×4 car
- An English-speaking driver or guide
- All activities except optional
- Accommodation & meals
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Tips
- Laundry
- Cigars
- Telephone
