17 Day Gorilla Safari in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda
This 17-day gorilla safari is designed for travellers who want more than a single gorilla trek. It brings together some of East Africa’s most rewarding primate and wildlife experiences across Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, creating a journey that is both rare and wide-ranging. From gorilla trekking in Virunga, Volcanoes, and Bwindi, to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo, this itinerary is built for travellers who want depth, variety, and strong wildlife value in one trip. The safari starts in Kigali, making access to the gorilla parks more efficient, then continues through forest, volcanic landscapes, savannah, lakeshore scenery, and remote northern plains. It is best suited to active travellers with a genuine interest in primates, wildlife, photography, and longer overland journeys
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Tree-climbing lion route through Ishasha
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Tea estate experience in western Uganda
- Wildlife viewing in Kabwoya Game Reserve
- Game drives and Nile boat trip in Murchison Falls
- Remote wilderness experience in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Karamojong cultural visit
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, hotel transfer and relaxation
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your driver guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may have a short briefing about the safari ahead. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge and preparing for your journey. Overnight at Budget Chezlando Hotel, Mid-range Gorilla Golf Hotel, Luxury Serena Hotel Kigali.
Day 2, Kigali to Goma, cross-border transfer to Virunga region
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive toward the Goma border. This scenic journey introduces Rwanda’s rolling hills before crossing into DR Congo. Your guide will assist with border formalities. Continue to your lodge near Virunga National Park and relax. Overnight in Goma / near Virunga
Day 3, Virunga gorilla trekking, transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Early morning transfer to Virunga National Park headquarters for a briefing before your gorilla trek. The trek usually takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the gorilla family location. After spending one hour with the gorillas, return and transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Overnight at Budget Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Luxury Virunga Lodge.
Day 4, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forest. This experience typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on their location. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 5, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Cyanika
After breakfast, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive passes through Kisoro and the Kigezi Highlands, known for scenic, terraced hills often referred to as the Switzerland of East Africa. Arrive in the afternoon and settle in. Overnight at Luxury Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Mid-range Lake Kitandara Camp, Gorilla Forest Camp, Budget Buhoma Community Bandas, Nkuringo Campsite, Nkuringo Safari Centre
Day 6, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before entering the forest. Trek through dense terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take between 2 and 8 hours depending on their location. Once found, spend one hour observing them before returning to the lodge.
Day 7, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for tree-climbing lions. Enjoy game viewing en route before arriving at your lodge. Overnight at Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba Safari Lodge, Albertine Camp, Budget Mweya Hostel, Simba Safari Camp
Day 8, Morning game drive, Kazinga Channel boat safari
Start early with a morning game drive across the plains. Expect to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, and possibly predators. Return for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, known for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 9, Transfer to Kibale National Park via Rwenzori region
After breakfast, drive toward Kibale Forest, passing through scenic landscapes with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge. Overnight at Luxury Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale, Mid-range Rwenzori View Guest House, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Budget Kibale Forest Camp, Kanyanchu Bandas
Day 10, Chimpanzee tracking, Bigodi community walk
After breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Walk through the forest with a guide, observing primates and birdlife. After lunch, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community walk and cultural interaction. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 11, Tea plantation visit, transfer to Kabwoya Game Reserve
After breakfast, visit a tea plantation to learn about tea growing, harvesting, and processing. Later, drive toward Lake Albert and Kabwoya Game Reserve. Arrive and relax with views over the escarpment. Overnight at Lake Albert Safari Lodge.
Day 12, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart Kabwoya and drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Overnight at Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Mid-range Sambiya River Lodge, and Budget Red Chilli Rest Camp.
Day 13, Game drive, Nile boat safari to Murchison Falls
Begin with a morning game drive in the northern sector, known for giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and predators. After lunch, take a boat safari along the Nile toward the base of the falls, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 14, Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, begin the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. This is a long drive through remote northern Uganda, offering changing landscapes and cultural views along the way. Overnight at Budget UWA Bandas, Mid-range Kidepo Safari Lodge, Luxury Apoka Safari Lodge
Day 15, Game drive, optional guided nature walk in Kidepo
Head out early for a game drive across Kidepo’s open plains. Wildlife includes zebras, ostriches, buffalo, elephants, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. In the afternoon, optional guided nature walks can be arranged. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 16, Karamojong cultural experience
After breakfast, visit a Karamojong community to learn about their traditional lifestyle, homesteads, and cattle-keeping culture. This experience provides insight into one of Uganda’s unique cultural groups. Overnight at previous lodge
Day 17, Flight to Entebbe, departure
After breakfast, transfer for your domestic flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, connect with your international flight home, marking the end of your safari.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick up in Kigali
- Ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation as per selected standard
- Meals as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Nile boat trip in Murchison Falls
- Domestic flight from Kidepo to Entebbe
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Entry visas and border fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry, drinks, tips, and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary