Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Double Trekking Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This unforgettable 10 day safari takes you deep into the misty mountain jungles of East Africa for the ultimate gorilla trekking adventure. Track endangered mountain gorillas not once, but twice first in Rwanda’s iconic Volcanoes National Park, then across the border in Uganda’s lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Along the way, enjoy stunning landscapes, golden monkey trekking, local cultural encounters, and relaxing moments by beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.
Safari Highlights
✅ Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
✅ Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
✅ Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
✅ Cultural village visit with local communities
✅ Scenic drive through the Virunga Volcanoes and terraced hills
✅ Relax at Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s “Switzerland of Africa”
✅ Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial visit
✅ Cross-border adventure with two contrasting gorilla habitats
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers and cross-border transfers
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation for 9 nights (Luxury or Midrange options)
- All meals as specified
- Park entry fees for Volcanoes NP & Bwindi NP
- Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda & Uganda (one each)
- Golden monkey trekking permit (Rwanda)
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Guided community visit or nature walk in Bwindi
- Travel insurance
- Boat tour at Lake Bunyonyi
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- International flights
- Rwanda & Uganda visas
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief Kigali city tour with stops at the Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, visit the colourful Kimironko Market or the Presidential Palace Museum if time allows. Then set off on a scenic 2.5 hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, passing Rwanda’s famously lush hillsides and rural villages.
Arrive in Musanze town and check in at your lodge at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. The rest of the day is at leisure to prepare for your first gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda leg! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. Trek through the dense bamboo and montane forest to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and groom each other a truly life-changing experience.
Return to your lodge for a late lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby communities.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, head back to the park for golden monkey trekking a lively experience following these playful, endangered primates through the bamboo forests.
Later, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan customs, dances, and daily life. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, bid farewell to Rwanda as you cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. Enjoy scenic views of the terraced hills and the Virunga Volcanoes as you drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests and home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Arrive at your lodge on the forest edge and unwind with spectacular jungle views.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early for your second unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure this time in Uganda! After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, set off into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Trekking can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of your gorilla family.
Once found, you’ll spend one precious hour with these gentle giants watching them feed, nurse their young, and move through the undergrowth.
Return to your lodge for a well deserved rest and share stories of your double gorilla encounters.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, choose a relaxed guided nature walk in Bwindi’s forest edge to spot birds, butterflies, and waterfalls or visit a local Batwa community to learn about the forest’s original inhabitants. Discover their unique traditions, music, and survival skills before resettlement.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at your lodge.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands to Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its beautiful terraced hills and misty islands. Check in at your lakeside lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing, canoeing, or exploring nearby islands and communities.
Accommodation: Bird nest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day to unwind at Lake Bunyonyi. Take a boat tour to visit the historic Punishment Island, swim in the safe, bilharzia-free waters, or hike up the surrounding hills for panoramic views.
In the evening, gather around a lakeside campfire as you reflect on your incredible African safari adventure.
Accommodation: Bird nest Resort / Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali, crossing back into Rwanda through the Katuna border post. Enjoy a scenic drive with optional photo stops along the way.
Arrive at Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight marking the end of your remarkable double gorilla trekking African vacation safari through Rwanda and Uganda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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