4 days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla trekking

4 days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla trekking

This 4 days’ gorilla trekking itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, with the opportunity to trek in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, seeing some of the last remaining mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking in the world. You will also be able to do the golden monkey trekking in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to give you a complete experience. It is an unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s most unique and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: arrival and transfer to the Hotel

Today, on arrival at the Kigali International Airport, go through the migration processes, you will be met our company representative who will introduce you to the country of a thousand hills as Rwanda is know of, and transfer to your booked accommodation in Kigali, diner and overnight stay.

Accommodation options:

• Park Inn by Radison Blue (Midrange Hotel)
• Marriot Hotel (Luxury Hotel)

Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Today, you will be picked by your driver guide at your accommodation in Kigali, have a brief Kigali city tour by visiting the Kigali Genocide memorial to learn from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and pay tribute to 250,000 vicitims raid to rest in mass graves. Thereafter embark on a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A drive from Kigali to Bwindi in Uganda, takes about 4-5 hours (including a 1hour border crossing processes. You will pass through beautiful Rwandan countryside, and if you have time, you can stop to admire views of the Volcanoes and the surrounding hills. After crossing the border into Uganda, continue to your lodge near Bwindi.

Accommodation options:

• Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange)
• Rushaga leisure Lodge (Luxury)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

On this day, after your early breakfast at your lodge head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers about the trekking rules and safety procedures. You will be assigned to a group and start your trek into the dense forest to locate one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The terrain is steep and can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared physically. Your guide and rangers will help you along the way. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can observe their behavior, watch them interact with each other, and take photos. It’s a magical experience to be so close to these incredible creatures in their natural environment. After the gorilla trek, return to the lodge to relax. After this great experience, return to the lodge for a shower and lunch and thereafter embark on a transfer to the Volcanoes NP. On arrival, diner and overnight.

Accommodation options:

• Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Midrange)
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury)

Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 4: Golden monkey trekking and transfer back to Kigali

The day starts early, with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi (near the park entrance). The briefing will cover the rules of the trek, including how to behave around the monkeys to minimize disturbance. After the briefing, visitors are divided into small groups (usually 8 people per group) and guided by experienced rangers. The trek through the dense bamboo forest usually takes between 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on where the golden monkeys are located. The forest terrain is less challenging than the steep slopes encountered during gorilla trekking, making it more accessible for most people.

Once you find the golden monkeys, you’ll have the opportunity to observe them for about one hour. These monkeys are very active and often play, feed, and jump around the bamboo trees, which makes for a lively and entertaining experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to photograph them in action, especially their beautiful golden fur contrasting with the greenery of the forest.

After the hour with the monkeys, you’ll hike back to the starting point, jump on your jeep, go to your lodge for a shower and lunch and after lunch embark on a transfer to Kigali. On arrival, if time allows, have a city tour by visiting the art and craft for shopping of souvenirs. Thereafter be dropped at the airport for your flight back home.

Important Notes:

Gorilla permit

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs about $800 USD per person. It is recommended to book this permit in advance as permits are limited, especially during peak trekking seasons (June to September and December to February).

Golden monkey permit cost 100$, also to be purchased in advance as they are limited in number.

Border Crossing

When traveling from Rwanda to Uganda, you will cross the border, be sure to carry the necessary travel documents (passport, visa if required) for the border crossing.

Physical Preparation

Gorilla trekking involves hiking in steep and often slippery terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and bring a good level of fitness to enjoy the trek.

This 3-day itinerary offers a compact yet rewarding gorilla trekking experience, giving you a chance to explore both Rwanda and Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural offerings.