4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda

Embark on an extraordinary 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Uganda, spanning the enchanting landscapes of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Begin your adventure in Rwanda, where you’ll delve into the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Accompanied by experienced guides, traverse lush forests and rugged terrain in search of the elusive mountain gorillas. Encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat, witnessing intimate moments of their daily lives and marveling at their sheer strength and tranquility.

After an exhilarating trek, return to your comfortable lodge, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery, and relish in the day’s extraordinary encounters. Continuing your 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda journey, cross borders into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. Embark on a second gorilla trek, venturing deep into the dense foliage of the ancient forest.

As you navigate winding trails and steep slopes, the anticipation builds, culminating in another remarkable encounter with a different gorilla family. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders surrounding you, from the vibrant birdlife to the lush vegetation teeming with life. At the end of your double gorilla trekking adventure, depart with a profound appreciation for these majestic creatures and the conservation efforts dedicated to preserving their habitat for generations to come.

4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda Highlights

• Day 1: Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Batwa
• Day 4: End of 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda

 

Detailed 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda

Day 1: Governors’ Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face-to-face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is extremely moving, challenging, educational, and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy, and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour that is transparent and educational but very somber and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is an expansive, 12-acre property that rests adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The campus showcases the best in sustainable architecture, local resourcing, and environmentally responsible practices and will offer state-of-the-art laboratories, a scientific conservation library, and meeting space for large groups. The goal of the campus is to inspire everyone who visits, to cherish gorillas and encourage a lifetime of conservation.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Activity: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Da Vince Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Up Market)
• Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
• What to See? Kigali City, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum, Virunga Volcanoes, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

 

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-colored butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to discover the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well-trained in emergencies. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some take the better part of the day.

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range), Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes, and Transfer to Bwindi Forest
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
• What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Rolling Hills of Kisoro, Virunga Volcanoes

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Batwa

Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.

Batwa Cultural Village

The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks, and cook.

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range), Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
• Activities: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Visit Batwa Community
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
• What to See? Mountain Gorillas, Rolling Hills of Kisoro, Virunga Volcanoes, Batwa People

 

Day 4: End of 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda

On the final day of your exhilarating 4 days double gorilla trekking safari spanning Rwanda and Uganda, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary experiences and encounters you’ve had in the heart of the African wilderness. Bid farewell to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park and the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ve forged unforgettable connections with the iconic mountain gorillas. As you journey homeward, carry with you the memories of these majestic creatures and the profound beauty of their natural habitats, knowing that your adventure has left an indelible mark on your soul and a commitment to conservation and preservation for the future.

• Destination: Kigali Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Activities: Scenic Drive from Bwindi Forest to Kigali Airport
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
• What to See? Rolling Hills of Kisoro, Virunga Volcanoes

End of 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda

4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

• Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
  • All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
  • Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda side.
  • Accommodation in Volcanoes Rwanda side.
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at UWA offices, guide, and trek – US$ 800.-)
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person in Rwanda – US$ 1500.-)
  • Visit Ellen De Generous Gorilla Fund Museum
  • Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4
  • Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
  • Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
  • Batwa Cultural Visit
  • Our assistance.

Excluded

• International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
• All extra activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Entry visa fees,
• Optional extras whilst in Kigali
• Drinks throughout the trip,
• Tips and gratuities,
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

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