Safari Overview

This 5-day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a carefully crafted cross-border primate adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Virunga Conservation Area, home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Starting and ending in Kigali, this itinerary combines the best of both countries, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park—for an unmatched primate and conservation experience.

Designed for travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes, this safari includes two gorilla trekking experiences, golden monkey trekking, a Batwa community visit, and a hike to the Dian Fossey Memorial. All accommodations are midrange lodges selected for comfort, location, and service quality.

5 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali → Kigali City Tour →Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide from All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd. After a short briefing, begin a guided Kigali City Tour, offering meaningful insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and culture.

Key highlights include:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, a powerful and educational experience

• Local craft markets and city viewpoints

• Introduction to modern Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities

After lunch in Kigali, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. The scenic drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and rural border communities. After clearing immigration formalities, continue to your lodge near Bwindi.

Arrive in the evening for check-in, dinner, and overnight as you prepare for your first gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation (Midrange – Bwindi):

• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  or

• Buhoma Haven Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Community Visit

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bwindi park headquarters for a comprehensive gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family based on fitness level and availability.

Set off into the dense rainforest for your Bwindi gorilla trekking experience. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, watching them feed, interact, and care for their young.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa Community Experience, where you will learn about the culture and traditions of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. This visit supports community conservation initiatives and offers a meaningful cultural perspective.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

After breakfast, check out and drive to nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the greater Virunga ecosystem. After a briefing at the park headquarters, begin your Golden Monkey Trekking experience.

Golden monkeys are energetic, colorful, and highly social primates, offering excellent photography opportunities and a lighter trek compared to gorilla tracking. The experience lasts approximately 2–4 hours.

After the trek, enjoy lunch and then cross back into Rwanda, driving toward Volcanoes National Park, home to several habituated gorilla families and dramatic volcanic scenery.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Accommodation (Midrange – Volcanoes NP):

• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  or

• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Today marks your second gorilla trekking experience, offering a fascinating opportunity to compare gorilla behavior and habitat between Uganda and Rwanda.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for ranger briefing. You will then hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of your assigned gorilla family.

Once found, enjoy one hour in the presence of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, an intimate and emotional wildlife encounter that is often the highlight of any African safari.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional activities such as a village walk or cultural visit can be arranged at an extra cost.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Dian Fossey Memorial Hike: Transfer Back to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, transfer back to Volcanoes National Park for the Dian Fossey Memorial Hike. This guided trek leads you to the final resting place of the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to the protection of mountain gorillas.

The hike takes approximately 2–4 hours and offers deep insight into gorilla conservation history, research efforts, and the ongoing protection of the Virunga ecosystem.

After the hike, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive back to Kigali, arriving in the late afternoon. You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of an extraordinary primate adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali

• All ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit in Bwindi (Uganda)

• 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit in Volcanoes NP (Rwanda)

• 1 Golden Monkey Trekking Permit

• Batwa Community Experience

• Dian Fossey Memorial Hike

• Park entry fees and ranger services

• Midrange accommodation on twin/double sharing basis

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

• International flights

• Visa fees for Rwanda and Uganda

• Travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities

• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)

• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

5 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Why Travel with All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd?

At All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd, we specialize in cross-border gorilla trekking safaris tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style. Our expert local guides, carefully selected lodges, and strong conservation partnerships ensure a seamless, ethical, and unforgettable experience.