5 Days Uganda Rwanda gorilla Safari
5-day Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari is designed for travellers who want to experience gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda within one short cross-border itinerary. The trip combines gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a second trek in Volcanoes National Park, giving you the chance to compare the landscapes, trekking style, and overall experience in two of East Africa’s best-known gorilla destinations. Instead of choosing only one country, this route lets you experience both Uganda and Rwanda in one compact safari, with the flexibility to start from Kampala or Kigali, depending on your travel plans.
Safari Highlights
- 5 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Cross-border safari through Uganda and Rwanda
- Flexible start from Kampala or Kigali
- Strong option for travellers comparing Uganda and Rwanda gorilla experiences
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up early in the morning, and our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala. Head westwards to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Have a stop at the Equator for photos, then continue to Mbarara town for lunch before driving through the grasslands of Ankole. If you are trekking in the southern sector of Bwindi, you may track gorilla families in areas such as Nkuringo or Nshongi, in which case you may have a lunch stop in Kabale before continuing to Kisoro. As you drive past the rolling hills and winding roads, enjoy views of the long-horned Ankole cattle before continuing into the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. You will arrive in Bwindi in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at: Luxury Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, Bwindi Safari Lodge, or Gahinga, Mid-range Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Budget Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Nkuringo Campsite Tents, Virunga Hotel, or Nkuringo Safari Centre
Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise up early in the morning for breakfast, carry your tracking gear, packed food, and drinking water, and move to the ranger station for a briefing from the ranger guides who will lead you through the forest. It is also important to wear good ankle-length hiking boots and long trousers for protection against stinging nettles. Bwindi was gazetted in 1942, became a national park in 1992, and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Locally, the word Bwindi means impenetrable, which reflects the dense nature of the forest. The terrain is not easy to negotiate, but the trek is well worth the effort. Tracking gorillas through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests is an awe-inspiring experience. You need patience because the time it takes to meet the gorillas depends on where they nested the previous night, and the ground can also be slippery. Dinner and overnight at your booked lodge.
Day 3, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Enjoy your early morning breakfast and drive to the border between Uganda and Rwanda. You may cross through Kisoro or Kabale and clear at the border. Remember to adjust your watch because Rwanda is 1 hour behind Uganda. Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best-known homes of the mountain gorillas. The mountain slopes are covered by a mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen forest, bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath. Dinner and overnight at: Budget La Palme Hotel, Mid-range Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Mt Gorilla View Lodgeor Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Luxury Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Bisate Lodge or One and Only Gorilla Nest.
Day 4, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up and have breakfast, then go to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the forest for gorilla trekking. A trek through the foothills of the Virungas offers inspiring views in many directions before the trail enters the rainforest. Along the way, you may hear colorful birds, spot rare golden monkeys, and see fresh signs of buffalo and elephant in the forest. Through openings in the canopy, some of the surrounding peaks can also be seen. Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, but it is highly rewarding once you meet the gorillas. The excitement of coming face to face with these apes quickly makes the effort feel worthwhile. Spend time watching the adults feed, groom, and rest, while the younger ones play nearby. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at your selected lodge
Day 5, Return to Kigali or Kampala, departure
After the adventure, pack your belongings and begin your return journey to Kigali or Kampala, depending on your travel arrangements. From there, connect to your homebound flight.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport or hotel pick-up
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
- Optional activities not listed as included