5 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

This safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park (Parc Nationale des Volcans) in Rwanda for gorilla trekking. The tour begins and ends in Kampala OR Kigali.

Day 1: Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This morning, we will leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the few remaining mountain gorillas. Bird life and primate life in Bwindi is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey's stomping ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils.

Dinner and overnight at:
Silver Back Lodge / Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Lake Kitandara Tented Camp / Engagi Lodge (Midrange)
Buhoma Community Bandas / Kisoro Tourist Hotel / Wagtail Eco Lodge (Budget)

Day 2: Gorilla trekking
We head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority before setting off to the forest see the gorillas. The ranger guides will take you through the forest to track gorillas, which can take from half an hour to five hours. A reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. If you have the afternoon free, you will take a guided village walk to see how the Ugandans live.

Dinner and overnight at:
Silver Back Lodge / Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Lake Kitandara Tented Camp / Engagi Lodge (Midrange)
Buhoma Community Bandas / Kisoro Tourist Hotel / Wagtail Eco Lodge (Budget)

Day 3: Depart for Parc National Des Volcans
This morning, we drive to Kisoro and cross the Uganda-Rwanda border to Ruhengeri in Rwanda. Ruhengeri is a city in northern Rwanda's Musanze district and serves as the base for gorilla trekking. The drive is quite scenic, and we arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. We stroll around the lodge or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes.

Dinner and overnight at:
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Nest Lodge (Luxury)
La Palme Hotel (Midrange)
Hotel Muhabura / Kinigi Guest House (Budget)

Day 4: Gorilla trekking
Early morning, you will enter the gorilla sanctuary of Parc National des Volcans. The trekking is a demanding but rewarding experience. The time spent in the forest depends on the location of the gorillas, but can take from half an hour to five hours. If you have the afternoon free, you can drive to Gisenyi to visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.

Dinner and overnight at:
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Nest Lodge (Luxury)
La Palme Hotel (Midrange)
Hotel Muhabura / Kinigi Guest House (Budget)

Day 5 : Depart to Kigali or Kampala
We will depart to Kigali, or return to Kampala, with lunch en route.