Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari (Uganda & Rwanda) – 8 Days
Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) & Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Best Time to Visit: June–August & December–February (Dry seasons for easier trekking)
Group Size: Small group (max 6-8) or private safari option
Accommodation: Eco-lodges & luxury camps
Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous (gorilla trekking involves hiking in steep terrain)
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
- Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit (1.5-hour guided tour).
- Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park (~2.5 hours through Rwanda’s "Land of a Thousand Hills").
- Check-in at Bisate Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury eco-lodges with volcano views).
- Evening: Briefing on gorilla trekking & cultural performance.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Eco-Lodge (Volcanoes NP)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- 6:00 AM: Breakfast, pack lunch, and transfer to park headquarters.
- 7:30 AM: Gorilla trekking briefing, group assignment (8 people max per gorilla family).
- Trekking Begins (1-5 hours depending on gorilla location, altitude: 2,500–4,000m).
- 1 Hour with Mountain Gorillas – Observe, photograph (no flash), and learn from trackers.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, relax or optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village tour.
- Evening: Debrief over dinner with your guide.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Eco-Lodge (Volcanoes NP)
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike
- Option 1: Golden Monkey Trekking (2-3 hours, playful endangered monkeys in bamboo forests).
- Option 2: Hike to Dian Fossey’s Tomb (4-5 hours, visit Karisoke Research Center ruins).
- Afternoon: Scenic drive to Lake Kivu (optional boat ride or lakeside relaxation).
- Evening: Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 4: Cross into Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Morning: Drive to Uganda border (Cyanika/Gatuna) (~3 hours).
- Border Crossing: Visa processing (ensure Uganda visa in advance).
- Afternoon: Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, check-in at Mahogany Springs Lodge or Buhoma Lodge.
- Evening: Relax or optional Batwa Pygmy cultural experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge (Bwindi)
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- 6:30 AM: Breakfast, transfer to Bwindi park headquarters.
- 8:00 AM: Trekking briefing, meet guides and trackers.
- Gorilla Trekking (1-6 hours, dense forest terrain).
- 1 Hour with Gorillas – Different family from Rwanda, unique behaviors.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, optional community walk (coffee-making, local crafts).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge (Bwindi)
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda’s Deepest Lake)
- Morning: Scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi (~2 hours), check-in at BirdNest Resort (overwater cottages).
- Afternoon: Canoe ride to Punishment Island, swimming (bilharzia-free lake).
- Evening: Sunset cruise, optional traditional dance performance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: BirdNest Resort (Lake Bunyonyi)
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Departure or Extension
- Morning: Breakfast, drive back to Kigali (~4.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Optional Kigali city tour (craft markets, local cuisine tasting).
- Evening: Transfer to Kigali Airport (KGL) for departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Included in the Package:
✔ 2 Gorilla permits (1 in Rwanda, 1 in Uganda – $1,500+ value)
✔ All park fees & border crossing assistance
✔ Luxury eco-lodges & meals as listed
✔ Private 4x4 safari vehicle & English-speaking guide
✔ Golden monkey trekking OR Dian Fossey hike
✔ Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion
Not Included:
✖ International flights
✖ Uganda & Rwanda visas (~$50 each)
✖ Tips for guides & lodge staff
✖ Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Estimated Cost:
- Mid-Range: 5,500–7,000 per person
- Luxury Upgrade: 8,000–10,000+ (Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda)
Why Choose This Safari?
✅ Twice the gorilla encounters (Rwanda & Uganda).
✅ Combines wildlife + culture + scenic lakes.
✅ Private guides & luxury eco-tourism.Want adjustments? I can tailor this for:
- Shorter 5-day gorilla trek (Rwanda only)
- Family-friendly version (easier treks)
- Add-on safari to Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Let me know your preferences! 🦍🌿
