5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas – Experience 4 nights and 5 days exploring East Africa’s premier mountain gorilla trekking destinations. Begin your expedition with a visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for the first gorilla trek, then cross over to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Volcanoes Park Rwanda is located in the Northern Province, just a 2-3 hours’ drive from the heart of Kigali capital. It derives its name from the 8 chain Virunga volcanoes, with the highest, Karisimbi (4507m), situated within the park. Over 30% of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas reside here, with 12 gorilla families available for tourism. Additionally, the park hosts golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and 200 bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda’s top mountain gorilla destination, lies in the extreme southwestern side of the country, on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. Established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi covers 331 sq. km. Today, it is home to 120 mammal species, over 20 habituated gorilla families for tourism, 360 bird species, and shares habitat with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and forest elephants.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Road Trip from Kigali to Ruhengeri
Arrive at Kigali Airport or enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Kigali before departing for Ruhengeri to visit Volcanoes National Park. Before heading to the Northern Province of Rwanda, enjoy a brief 2-hour city tour of Kigali, visiting key sites such as Gisozi/Kigali Genocide Memorial Center (10 minutes’ drive from the city center), Kirimonko Market, and craft shops.
Day 2: Rwanda Gorillas
After a refreshing cup of African tea or coffee, transfer to Kinigi before 7:00 am for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park. At 8:00 am, equipped with your gear and bottled water, begin trekking through the forest in search of your assigned gorilla group. You’ll have a maximum of one hour to enjoy a close encounter with the Rwanda gorillas, take photos, and then return to the lodge. If your trek ends early, embark on a cultural walk to the Gorilla Guardians village.
Day 3: Travel to Katuna-Kabale to Bwindi
After breakfast, transfer to Katuna border to connect to Kabale, then drive to Bwindi National Park via Chanika border-Kisoro route. Lunch will be served upon arrival at the lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. Relax and enjoy the refreshing, unspoiled air of the surroundings.
Day 4: Uganda Gorillas – Bwindi
Visit a mountain gorilla family assigned by the park guide, starting at 8:00 am after a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. Bwindi has 4 gorilla regions: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Tracking time ranges from 2-6 hours, depending on circumstances. Once you encounter a gorilla family, you’ll have a guaranteed hour for photography and observing their daily behaviors and gestures. If time allows and you’re up for it, take a short walk to the Batwa pygmies’ community for a cultural experience.
Day 5: Departure
Enjoy breakfast early in the morning, then drive back to Kigali via Katuna. From Kigali, proceed to your hotel or the airport for departure, marking the end of the 5-day Uganda Rwanda gorillas safari.
End of Safari.
