Overview
This 5-day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari combines two of East Africa’s most famous gorilla trekking destinations—Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The journey begins in Kigali before crossing into Uganda for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest.
The safari then returns to Rwanda for another gorilla trekking adventure in the Virunga Mountains before ending with a relaxing visit to Lake Kivu and a brief Kigali city tour. Along the way, travelers enjoy cultural encounters, scenic countryside landscapes, and close interactions with local communities across both Rwanda and Uganda.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Batwa community visit
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla trekking
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Return to Kigali and departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali.
The rest of the day is reserved for relaxation as you prepare for the upcoming safari activities.
Accommodation: 5 Swiss Hotel Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, your guide will brief you about the safari before beginning the scenic drive north toward Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Continue the journey to the Chanika border post where you cross into Uganda and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The drive offers spectacular views of the Rwanda–Uganda border landscapes including terraced hills and rural villages.
Accommodation Options
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Community Visit
After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides about gorilla trekking procedures.
With packed lunch boxes, begin the trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take between 30 minutes and several hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing them while learning about their behavior and social interactions.
After returning to the lodge, enjoy an evening community walk through Batwa villages, where you will learn about the traditional forest culture of the Batwa people.
Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Rwanda through the Chanika border post and continue to Volcanoes National Park.
Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Kinigi, you will meet the ranger guides for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure in the Virunga Mountains.
Once the gorilla family is located, visitors spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.
After the trek, transfer to your lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Enjoy some time relaxing along the lakeshore and taking photographs of the scenic surroundings.
Later in the day, begin the drive back to Kigali, where you will enjoy a brief city tour before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch