Uganda and Rwanda are undoubtly the best places you can see gorillas in their natural habitat and with our 4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari, you will be able to discover these endangered species right in the parks of Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the North western part of Rwanda While Bwindi is found in the south western part of Uganda. Gorilla trekking in the two parks gives you an opportunity to spend an hour with these great species observing and taking pictures of them as they play, feed and more. Its completely breathtaking seeing man’s closest relative – whom we share 98% of our DNA – in their natural habitat.
Tracking gorillas in two different locations helps you as a traveler get to learn different characteristics these gorillas from the two parks both situated in the Virunga mountains. Please note that you will need gorilla trekking permits. Permits in Rwanda cost $1500 while in Uganda it will cost you $700. These prices apply to the foreign non residents.
You will also get the opportunity visit the Kigali genocide memorial and also visit the Batwa community who initially settled in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but were resettled in areas surrounding the park to pave way for conservation purposes.
Highlight of the safari
- Arrival and pick up
- Kigali city tour
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Batwa community walk
- Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Pick up, Kigali city tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Our guide/driver will pick you from the airport then take you on a trip to discover what Kigali city holds within her boundaries. Among them is the Kigali memorial site. In 1994, thousands of Rwandan citizens were massacred in then ongoing genocide between the Tutsi, Twa and Hutu.
While here, you will get to see what the remains of the victims that includes clothes, shoes and alot. You will also have a close look at the names of people who did die during that time. This place holds so much value for the Rwandan community. You will as well check out different local markets and crafts shops.
From here you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park. The park is 2-3hrs away from the capital city and you will head in the northern part where its situated. Once you arrive, you will check in to your lodge for dinner and then rest.
Accommodation options
Kinigi Guesthouse
Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Virunga Lodge
Travel time
2-3hrs
Meal plan
Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Bwindi
You will be required to wake up early in the morning and prepare for this exciting day. After having your breakfast, our driver/guide will pick you up from the lodge and take you the park headquarters in Ruhegeri for briefing on the guidelines to follow while doing gorilla trekking in the park. Once briefing is done, you will set off from the park headquarters to the thick and dense volcano National Park in search of mountain gorillas.
While in the forest you will get to discover other species that do call the park home like several bird species, golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants among other species. Plus you will also get to enjoy beautiful scenes of the mountains. Gorilla trekking does require someone to be physically fit to be part of it as it involves a lot of hiking through challenging terrain.
On spotting the great mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to be spend one hour with these species observing, taking pictures of them and once the 1hr elapses, you will be led back to the park headquarters where our guide will pick you up and then proceed to your lodge for lunch and then transfer to Uganda specifically Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Katuna/Cyanika border.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Silverback lodge
Midrange: Haven lodge
Budget: Buhoma rest camp
Meal plan
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will wake up early in the morning, have yourself breakfast and our guide will take you to the park headquarters for briefing on the guidelines, what to expect while on this rewarding journey to discover mans closest relative in their natural habitat. Unlike Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable is quite challenging as the park is made up of different terrains of steep slopes and valleys but it will reward you with a once in a lifetime of getting close to the gorillas.
During the trek, you will also have a chance to see other wildlife species that inhabit the park like the different species of butterflies, birds, forest elephants and many others along with enjoying the beautiful scenic views of the Virunga mountains. Once you spot the mountain gorillas, you are allowed to spend time of upto 1hr observing them and taking as many pictures you want.
You will be later be led back to the park headquarters where our guide will pick you from and lead you back to your hotel for relaxing and dinner later.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Silverback lodge
Midrange: Haven lodge
Budget: Buhoma rest camp
Meal plan
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Batwa community visit and transfer to Kigali
Wale up, have yourself breakfast because another exciting activity awaits you. You will be led on journey to go check out the Batwa community of people. This group initially settled in the park before it was set aside to protect the wildlife species like mountain gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees and other many other species. The batwa people initially were fruit gatherers, hunters but they have recently adopted farming practices. Visiting them is a rewarding experience as you will get a chance to observe the way they live their day to day lives, craftwork and might get the opportunity to see them perform for you traditional dance.
From here, you will head back to your lodge for lunch and later check out. Our driver will then lead you on a journey out of Uganda via the Katuna/cyanika. Enroute, you will enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of the northern part of the country. Upon reaching Kigali, our driver/guide will drop you to the lodge of your choice or at Kigali international airport. This does mark the end of the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari
What the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari includes
- Ground transport with fuel inclusive
- English-Speaking driver
- Gorilla habituation permit
- Drinking water within the Vehicle
- Accommodation
- All meals
4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari exclusions
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Personal purchases
- Air fares
- Telephone calls
- Tips
What to pack for the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking In Uganda & Rwanda Safari
- Drinking water
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeved shirts
- Waterproof backpack
- water proof hiking shoes
- long trousers and stockings
- waterproof camera