Tour Overview
Experience the ultimate primate adventure on this 7 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Rwanda Safari, designed for travelers who want the rare opportunity to trek mountain gorillas twice in two of Africa’s most renowned gorilla destinations. This cross-border safari combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and the unique chance to compare gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda.
Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you will trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda for a second gorilla trekking experience in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic drives through the Virunga Mountains, interact with local communities, and discover the beauty of East Africa’s diverse landscapes.
In addition to double gorilla trekking, the safari can include optional activities such as golden monkey trekking, Batwa cultural experiences, nature walks, and visits to local villages, providing a deeper insight into the region’s wildlife and heritage.
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this seven-day safari offers two extraordinary gorilla encounters, stunning mountain scenery, and unforgettable memories in the heart of East Africa. The tour typically starts in Kigali and ends in Entebbe or Kigali, depending on your travel plans.
7-Day Double Gorilla Trek Safari Uganda & Rwanda Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1-2: Arrive in Kigali (Rwanda), transfer to Volcanoes NP; possibly Golden Monkey Trekking or community visit.
- Day 3: First Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
- Day 4: Cross border to Uganda, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 5: Second Gorilla Trek in Bwindi (e.g., Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga sectors).
- Day 6: Activities like Chimpanzee Trekking (Kibale/Nyungwe), Game Drives (Queen Elizabeth NP), or Lake Bunyonyi relaxation.
- Day 7: Return to Entebbe/Kigali for departure, maybe a city tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional driver-guide and briefed about your 7-day safari. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets before beginning your journey to Volcanoes National Park.
The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax while enjoying spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off to track the endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful and energetic primates are unique to the Virunga Mountains and provide excellent photography opportunities.
After lunch, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan culture through local dances, music, storytelling, traditional medicine demonstrations, and handicrafts. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today marks your first mountain gorilla trekking adventure. After breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by park rangers before entering the rainforest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior as they feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.
After receiving your gorilla trekking certificate, return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills before crossing the Katuna or Cyanika Border into Uganda.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, relax, and prepare for your second gorilla trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your second gorilla trekking experience—this time in Uganda’s ancient rainforest.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, hike through Bwindi’s dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Each trek is unique, offering a different landscape, gorilla family, and unforgettable wildlife encounter. Once you locate the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural environment before returning to the lodge.
In the evening, relax and celebrate completing two remarkable gorilla trekking experiences in two different countries.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills before crossing the Katuna or Cyanika Border into Uganda.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, relax, and prepare for your second gorilla trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your second gorilla trekking experience—this time in Uganda’s ancient rainforest.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, hike through Bwindi’s dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Each trek is unique, offering a different landscape, gorilla family, and unforgettable wildlife encounter. Once you locate the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural environment before returning to the lodge.
In the evening, relax and celebrate completing two remarkable gorilla trekking experiences in two different countries.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation and Canoe Experience
After breakfast, depart Bwindi for the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most scenic lakes. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake offers a peaceful retreat after your gorilla trekking adventures.
Enjoy a relaxing canoe or boat ride while learning about the fascinating history of islands such as Punishment Island. You may also take a guided community walk, visit local villages, or simply unwind at your lakeside lodge while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kigali for Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. Cross the Uganda–Rwanda border and continue through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or a brief city tour before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of 7 Days Double Gorilla Trek Safari – Uganda & Rwanda