Safari Overview
Embark on a thrilling 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari to enjoy 2 gorilla trekking sessions but in different locations. This combined gorilla safari takes place in Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda and Bwindi in the Southwestern Uganda. Expect to also pay a visit to some of the adjacent communities to experience authentic African cultures and traditions in the Gorilla Guardians & Batwa community. The 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari starts and ends in Kigali.
Key Highlights of 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari
- Visit gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda.
- Cultural experiences (Batwa & Iby’Iwacu cultural tours).
- Photography with Rwanda & Uganda gorillas in the wild.
- Travel across the Rwanda & Uganda border.
- Company of an experienced guide (Rwanda & Uganda)
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Leave Kigali for Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Day 2: Experience Volcanoes gorilla trek & Gorilla guardian tour
Day 3: Leave Musanze’s Volcanoes National Park for Bwindi in Kanungu-Uganda
Day 4: Go trek Bwindi Forest mountain gorillas & visit the Batwa
Day 5: Leave Bwindi for Kigali –End of the 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari
Detailed Itinerary – 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari
Day 1: Leave Kigali for Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Wake up early morning for you to begin the day with a hefty breakfast. Later, you will set off for half-day Kigali city tour with an expert from Rwanda. Explore all your desired iconic sites in the city without missing the Kigali genocide site, which is currently a UNESCO site. After the long Kigali city session, you will enjoy a lunch break in one of the restaurants and then proceed to Volcanoes National Park for relaxation in the pre-booked lodge.
Accommodation Choices
- Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse & Muhabura Hotel
- Midrange: La Palme Hotel & Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Up-market Bisate Lodge
Meal plan: Half-board & free bottle of water in a car
Day 2: Experience Volcanoes gorilla trek & Gorilla guardian tour
After breakfast, join the park officials at Kinigi for you to get briefed and also to be assigned gorilla groups. About 13 habituated gorilla groups currently occupy the jungles of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and each takes a limit of 8 people each day. Trekking with Volcanoes National Park in Musanze can run between 2 and 6 hours, which is inclusive of a special one hour for taking photos & observing the daily behaviors displayed by the Great Apes.
After the memorable trek with the Rwanda gorillas, start returning to the lodge for you to chill and also have lunch. You will again depart from the lodge for the afternoon tour, specifically for the Iby’Iwacu village visit.
Accommodation Choices
- Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse & Muhabura Hotel
- Midrange: La Palme Hotel & Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Up-market Bisate Lodge
Meal plan: Full-board & free bottle of water in a car
Day 3: Leave Musanze’s Volcanoes National Park for Bwindi in Kanungu-Uganda
After the heavy breakfast, depart Musanze for Kanungu for your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Connect to Uganda on a scenic drive and appreciate the stunning views of the hillside of Kigezi as you head towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation Choices
- Basic: Ride 4 a Woman
- Moderate: Silverback Lodge (Uganda)/Engagi
- Luxury: Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes/Ultra VIP Mahogany Springs
Meal plan: Full-board service
Day 4: Go trek Bwindi Forest mountain gorillas & visit the Batwa
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge and leave with some packed snacks & plentiful of bottled drinking water to join the briefing session. Today, you will meet the officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority to introduce you to the rules and regulations for trekking gorillas before you head off to the actual interaction with the Bwindi gorillas. Expect to enjoy a long trek about 2-6 hours, which includes an hour for you to watch gorillas, observe their behaviors, and also get a chance to capture their pictures while in the forest.
After you have enjoyed a great time with gorillas, begin trekking to the departure point and get your certificate. The next stage will be to connect to the lodge for relaxation, and later in the afternoon, you will be escorted to the Batwa community for a cultural visit.
Accommodation Choices
- Basic: Ride 4 a Woman
- Moderate: Silverback Lodge (Uganda)/Engagi
- Luxury: Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes/Ultra VIP Mahogany Springs
Meal plan: Full-board service
Day 5: Leave Bwindi for Kigali –End of the 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari
Have a hefty breakfast at leisure and today, you will check out of the lodge and then set off for Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali, you will head to the airport for departure, and this marks the end of the 5 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari.
End of Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari
Safari Inclusions
- Two gorilla permits (Uganda & Rwanda)
- Border crossing charges
- Transportation plus an English-speaking guide –Rwanda & Uganda
- Accommodation for 4 nights & meals
- A bottled drinking water
- Activities in the travel plan exclusive of optional
Safari Exclusions
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Laundry expenses
- Optional experiences
- Shopping –souvenirs & other items
- Alcoholic drinks
- Telephone bills
- Insurance