6 Day Rwanda, Uganda Double Gorilla Safari

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver guide and receive a briefing about the journey ahead.

Depending on your arrival time, stop for lunch in Kigali before beginning the drive north towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.

The journey gradually leaves the capital behind and moves into Rwanda’s northern highlands, with views of cultivated hills and rural landscapes along the way.

Arrive at your lodge later in the day, check in and spend the remainder of the evening relaxing ahead of the following morning’s gorilla trek.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point.

Park staff and ranger guides will explain the trekking procedures, safety guidelines and appropriate behaviour around the gorillas before you enter the forest.

Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, begin your trek in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family.

Trekking duration and difficulty vary according to the gorillas’ location and the terrain. Visitors should be prepared for hills, vegetation, potentially muddy conditions and several hours on foot.

Once the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to observe the family for the regulated viewing period while following your ranger’s instructions.

After completing the trek, return to the lodge and spend the remainder of the afternoon resting.

Today offers a choice of two main activities.

Option 1: Golden Monkey Tracking

After breakfast, return to the Volcanoes National Park area for a guided golden monkey tracking experience.

Following a briefing, enter the forest with ranger guides in search of a habituated golden monkey group. The activity offers a different primate experience from the previous day’s gorilla trek and typically takes place in bamboo-rich habitat.

Once the monkeys are located, observe them during the permitted viewing period before returning to your lodge.

Option 2: Dian Fossey Hike

Alternatively, take part in a guided hike connected to the history of Dian Fossey’s conservation work in the Virunga region.

The hike follows forest terrain towards sites associated with her work and legacy. The exact route, current visitor access and operating arrangements should be confirmed before publication.

After your selected activity, return to the lodge and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey towards Uganda.

Travel towards the Cyanika border, complete the necessary immigration formalities and cross into southwestern Uganda.

Continue through the highland landscapes towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Arrive later in the day and check in at your lodge.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and preparing for your second gorilla trekking experience.

After an early breakfast, transfer to your designated gorilla trekking briefing point.

Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the trekking procedures, safety guidelines and appropriate behaviour around the gorillas before you enter the forest.

Accompanied by ranger guides and trackers, begin your trek in search of your assigned habituated mountain gorilla family.

Bwindi’s forest environment differs from Volcanoes National Park, and trekking conditions may include steeper slopes, dense vegetation and uneven or muddy terrain.

Once the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to observe the family for the regulated viewing period while following your ranger’s instructions.

After completing the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to rest.

Later in the afternoon, depending on trekking finish time and confirmed arrangements, take part in a Batwa cultural experience. The visit can provide an introduction to Batwa heritage, forest knowledge, music, storytelling and contemporary community life.

Return to your lodge after the activity.

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey back to Rwanda.

Travel through southwestern Uganda towards the border, complete immigration formalities and continue to Kigali.

Stop for lunch after arrival in the city.

Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for shopping or a short additional stop before your transfer to Kigali International Airport.

Your safari ends at the airport or another agreed drop-off point in Kigali.