Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Pick up from Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

  Morning – Arrival and Departure You’ll be met by your professional driver-guide at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short tour briefing and introductions, you’ll depart for Volcanoes National Park in the northern province of Rwanda. The scenic 2.5–3 hour drive passes through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with stunning views of terraced hillsides, villages, and tea plantations. Upon arrival near the park, you’ll check in at Gorilla Guardian Village Hotel Classic Resort (or a similar mid-range lodge). Midday – Lunch Lunch will be served at the resort’s dining area. Expect a mix of local Rwandan dishes (such as plantains, beans, and grilled meats) and international cuisine. Special dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice. Afternoon – Leisure or Cultural Activity After lunch, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Optional: Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) — a community project offering insight into traditional Rwandan culture, dance, crafts, and stories from former poachers who now work in conservation. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the lodge, exploring the nearby village or simply enjoying views of the volcanoes. Evening – Dinner and Overnight Dinner will be served at the lodge, offering a warm meal in a cozy setting. After dinner, relax by the fireplace or enjoy a quiet evening under the stars. Overnight at Classic Resort

• day 2

  Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi

  Early Morning – Breakfast & Transfer to Park Headquarters Time: Around 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM Begin your day with an early breakfast at Classic Resort. After breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the Golden Monkey Trek briefing. Meet your park ranger guides and receive a short orientation about the trekking rules, safety, and the unique behavior of the golden monkeys. Morning – Golden Monkey Trekking Start time: Around 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Enter the forest at the base of the volcanoes (often the Mount Sabyinyo area) for your trek. The golden monkeys are lively, playful, and usually found in bamboo forests. The trek is generally less demanding than gorilla trekking, lasting 2 to 4 hours depending on their movement. You’ll have about 1 hour to observe and photograph the golden monkeys once located. Late Morning / Early Afternoon – Return & Lunch After the trek, return to your lodge to freshen up and check out. Lunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge or as a packed lunch, depending on timing. After lunch, begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (southern sector) in Uganda. Afternoon – Cross the Border and Transfer to Bwindi Drive toward the Cyanika or Katuna border post to cross into Uganda (border procedures take 20–40 minutes). Continue your scenic drive through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Rushaga or Nkuringo sector area. Arrival at Bweza Gorilla Lodge in the late afternoon or early evening. Evening – Dinner and Overnight On arrival, check in and enjoy a warm welcome at Bweza Gorilla Lodge. Dinner: Served at the lodge’s restaurant, featuring a blend of Ugandan and continental dishes. Relax by the fire or enjoy the cool mountain air before retiring for the night. Overnight: Bweza Gorilla Lodge Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

• day 3

  Gorilla trekking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

  Early Morning – Breakfast and Briefing Time: Around 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM Begin your day with an early breakfast at Bweza Gorilla Lodge. After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the Bwindi National Park briefing point (Rushaga sector or Nkuringo sector, depending on your permit). Join other trekkers for an introduction by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers about gorilla families, trekking etiquette, and safety procedures. Morning – Gorilla Trekking Experience Start time: Around 8:00 AM You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group and start your trek into the dense Bwindi rainforest with your ranger guides and porters (if hired). The trek can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement and your assigned group’s location. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one full hour observing and photographing them — a deeply moving and unforgettable wildlife experience. After the trek, return to the park offices to receive your Gorilla Trekking Certificate. Afternoon – Lunch and Departure for Lake Bunyonyi After the trek, enjoy a packed or late lunch (depending on your return time). Then, depart Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic and peaceful destinations. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, passing through terraced highlands and small villages. Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort in the afternoon or early evening. Evening – Dinner and Relaxation Upon arrival, check in and freshen up at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. Enjoy dinner by the lakeside, with a serene view of the calm waters and surrounding islands. Spend the evening relaxing by the campfire or take an optional sunset canoe ride (if time allows). Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

• day 4

  Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive

  Early Morning – Breakfast and Departure Time: Around 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Enjoy an early breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort while taking in the peaceful lake views. After breakfast, check out and begin your journey north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and scenic parks. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing through the rolling hills of Kabale and the fertile plains of southwestern Uganda. En route, you may stop briefly for photos or a stretch break. Midday – Arrival and Lunch Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park around midday. Check in at Buffalo Safari Lodge (or a similar mid-range lodge located near the Kasenyi plains or Mweya Peninsula). Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge, featuring both Ugandan and continental cuisine. After lunch, relax briefly before your afternoon boat cruise. Afternoon – Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel Time: Around 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Head to the Kazinga Channel for a scenic boat cruise connecting Lakes Edward and George. During the cruise, you’ll have close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of water birds such as kingfishers, pelicans, and cormorants. This activity offers fantastic photo opportunities and a refreshing way to experience the park’s aquatic life. Evening – Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains After the cruise, embark on an evening game drive through the Kasenyi sector, one of the best areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing. Expect to see elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, lions, and other savannah species as the sun sets. The golden evening light often makes this a perfect time for photography. Night – Dinner and Overnight Return to Buffalo Safari Lodge for dinner. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the lodge, perhaps with a drink at the bar or by the campfire. Rest overnight in your comfortable room surrounded by the natural sounds of the African wilderness. Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

• day 5

  Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Transfer to Kibale National Park

  Early Morning – Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Time: Around 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wake up early for tea or coffee before heading out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early morning is the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards on the hunt, along with elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and buffaloes grazing in the open savannah. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise lighting up the park’s landscape and listen to the calls of birds and wildlife starting their day. Your guide will help you track wildlife and explain their behaviors, making this a memorable safari experience. Mid-Morning – Breakfast and Check-Out After the game drive, return to Buffalo Safari Lodge for a hearty breakfast. Freshen up, check out, and prepare for your transfer to Kibale National Park, the renowned home of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Late Morning to Afternoon – Transfer to Kibale National Park Drive time: Approximately 3–4 hours (about 150 km, depending on the route) Travel through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and crater lake regions as you make your way toward Fort Portal and the Kibale Forest area. En route, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a packed meal provided by the lodge. Optional: Brief stop at Fort Portal town to explore or stretch before continuing to Kibale. Afternoon / Evening – Arrival and Relaxation Arrive at your lodge near Kibale National Park in the late afternoon. Check in at your accommodation Take time to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding forest. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by an evening at leisure. Overnight: Bweza Kibale Lodge Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

• day 6

  Chimpanzee Trekking, Bigodi Community Walk, Local Coffee Experience & Relaxation

  Early Morning – Breakfast and Transfer to Park Headquarters Time: Around 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge near Kibale National Park. After breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a chimpanzee trekking briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Receive instructions on tracking etiquette, safety, and what to expect during your trek. Morning – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest Start time: Around 8:00 AM Venture into the tropical rainforest of Kibale, famous for having the highest density of primates in Africa. Your guided trek will take 2–5 hours, depending on where the chimpanzee troop is located. Along the way, you may also see red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and various bird species. Once you find the chimpanzees, spend one unforgettable hour observing their behaviors — grooming, feeding, and playing in the trees. Return to the park offices after the trek for your Chimpanzee Tracking Certificate. Late Morning – Return to Lodge & Lunch Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, take a short rest before your afternoon community activities. Afternoon – Bigodi Wetland & Community Experience Time: Around 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project bordering Kibale Forest. Take a guided nature walk through the swamp trails, where you might see blue monkeys, baboons, mangabeys, and a rich variety of birds such as the Great Blue Turaco. The walk also introduces you to local plants and their traditional medicinal uses. Late Afternoon – Local Coffee & Banana Experience After the Bigodi walk, visit a local homestead for an authentic coffee-making experience. Participate in the traditional process — from picking and roasting the beans to grinding and brewing your own cup of aromatic Ugandan coffee. You’ll also learn how bananas are used in local life — from making banana juice and beer to cooking dishes wrapped in banana leaves. It’s a great opportunity to interact with locals and learn about rural Ugandan life. Evening – Dinner and Relaxation Return to your lodge in the early evening. Enjoy dinner and unwind with a peaceful evening surrounded by nature — perhaps with views of the nearby forest or banana groves. Rest overnight after a full day of adventure and cultural encounters. Overnight: Bweza Kibale Lodge Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

• day 7

  Transfer from Kibale National Park to Kigali – End of Trip

  Morning – Breakfast and Departure Time: Around 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge near Kibale National Park. After breakfast, check out and begin your long, scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. The journey offers views of Uganda’s lush countryside, crater lakes, tea plantations, and rural villages. You’ll pass through Fort Portal and Kasese before heading toward the Katuna or Cyanika border post (depending on your route). Midday – Border Crossing and Lunch Cross the Uganda–Rwanda border, completing customs and immigration formalities (usually 30–45 minutes). Continue your drive into Rwanda’s Northern Province. Stop en route for a lunch break at a local restaurant or lodge along the way, enjoying your last meal in the Great Lakes region. Afternoon – Arrival in Kigali Continue your journey toward Kigali, arriving in the afternoon or early evening (depending on traffic and border procedures). Upon arrival, your driver-guide will drop you off at your preferred location — Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or a hotel in Kigali if you have a later departure. Evening – End of Safari This marks the end of your 7-day safari adventure, covering Volcanoes, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Parks. Bid farewell to your guide and reflect on an incredible journey filled with wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty. Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch included Accommodation: None (End of Trip)