Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

This exceptional 06-day gorilla trekking holiday takes you to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and to the Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda. You will be searching for mountain gorillas with the experienced park rangers! You will get to spend time with these endangered primates in the wild, experiencing one of the most incredible and unforgettable wildlife encounters on earth – twice! The trekking is done in groups of 8 people, accompanied by the trained personnel of the parks. Watch these massive primates go about their day – grooming, playing, sleeping and feeding. It is an extraordinary experience to see how gentle and social the gorillas are, and how much their behaviour resembles that of humans. This spell-binding experience is considered one of the most poignant wildlife encounters on earth. The program is an excellent choice for a family escape, for a group of friends or couples, as well as for senior travellers. Starting in Kigali (Rwanda) gives you the fastest access to the parks where gorillas can be found. This is an excellent extension for a safari holiday in East Africa.

06 Days – From £4,950 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi National Park, Kigali

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with full board (more hotels HERE)
Breakfast only in Kigali
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda and Uganda
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Kigali (KGL) start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Kigali (KGL).

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Rwanda, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us an email at explore@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Kenya, like Masai Mara, Mombasa and Samburu. For more travel inspiration check our Safari Programs.

Tips

Carry enough water, snacks and the packed lunch from the lodge
Take a rain jacket, wear long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts to avoid insect stings
Bring waterproof sturdy trekking boots for walking in the swamps and jungles
Bring gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
Bring your camera with fully charged batteries

Day 1 - Arrival in Kigali

Today you will arrive in Kigali, Rwanda, a clean and modern city. You will be met on arrival and have a city tour of Kigali (25 min drive away from airport). Visit the Genocide Museum, arts and crafts markets. Learn how the country has dealt with its past and recovered to stand today as a testament to humankind’s resilience. The memorial serves as the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide. After the tour, depart for Volcanoes National Park (2 hours 10 min drive), arriving late afternoon. Stop several times to admire the spectacular views of the verdant hills of Rwanda, dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills”. Overnight at Tiloreza Eco Lodge.

Day 2 - Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, head to the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park, one of the best places in the world for mountain gorilla trekking! The park encompasses ancient bamboo forests, covering about 160 km² of pristine wilderness and is named after the five volcanoes it incorporates. You will find a rich biodiversity of bird species and animals, plants and insects, including many rare and endemic species here. You will be assigned to one of the ten habituated gorilla groups which the ranger tracks down. Once you will find the gorillas, spend an hour with them in the forest. Then, trek back to the headquarters and return to the accommodation for lunch. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Tiloreza Eco Lodge.

Day 3 - Transfer to Uganda

After breakfast, you will be picked by your private driver guide from your lodge to set off to Uganda by land. You will travel through the terraced hills of northern Rwanda, arriving at Cyanika border (40 min). After clearing migration formalities, you will cross to Kisoro and proceed to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (3 hours), located in the region of Bwindi Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also a home to mountain gorillas and a rich biodiversity. Of the estimated 880 wild gorillas remaining on the planet, Bwindi is home to about half this population, living in four family groups. Spend the evening at leisure at the lodge. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.

Day 4 - Uganda Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, transfer to Bwindi. The rangers will brief and guide you into the lush forest. The trek through the jungle is itself is a remarkable wilderness experience! Exotic birds, insects, mammals and reptiles can be spotted as you walk through the thick tangled vines. One can see 11 primate and 90 mammal species, as well as a huge variety of birds and butterflies here. You will be trekking through the jungle for 2 – 6 hours, which can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort. Once you find the designated gorilla group, spend an hour with them. Watch these social primates as they groom each other, feed on the undergrowth, doze off, play and interact. Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.

Day 5 - Return to Kigali

After breakfast, say good-bye to the beautiful forest and make your way back to Kigali. You will cross the border back into Rwanda at Gatuna (Katuna) border, making your way through scenic terraced hills of central Africa to the modern capital of Rwanda. The transfer takes around 6 hours) together with the border formalities. This is faster as compared to the Bwindi – Entebbe route, where one spends approximately 8 hours on the road. You will be dropped off at the hotel in Kigali. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, contemplating about the wonderful wildlife experience you had the past few days. Overnight at Mythos Hotel.

Day 6 - Departure

After breakfast, you will be dropped off at the airport in Kigali (25 min drive). Taking advantage of the East Africa Visa program, which combined several countries, continue your journey by discovering the neighboring country of Kenya. Fly to Nairobi and explore the national parks teeming with wildlife, such as Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu. Alternatively, take the express train to Mombasa and spend some time on the beach, with a tropical breeze of the Indian Ocean. For inspiration, check our suggested safari programs and itineraries in Kenya.

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