5 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview—5 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The 5 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is designed for adventurers who want to experience the best of both worlds by trekking gorillas in two different countries. This cross-border journey combines the mystical jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda with the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Each trek offers a unique perspective, as the families, landscapes, and trekking experiences differ, giving you the rare privilege of encountering the endangered mountain gorillas twice in two iconic habitats.

Over five days, you will journey through breathtaking scenery, from the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda to the dramatic volcanoes of northern Rwanda. Along the way, you will meet local communities, enjoy cultural experiences, and stay in lodges that immerse you in the tranquility of the forest. The safari balances the thrill of trekking with the ease of short scenic drives, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their gorilla experiences while enjoying the cultural richness of East Africa.

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Detailed Itinerary —5 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you are welcomed by your driver-guide and set off for the southwest of Uganda. The journey introduces you to Uganda’s diverse countryside, a patchwork of rolling hills, roadside villages, and fertile plantations. A stop at the Equator in Kayabwe offers a chance for photographs and a lighthearted moment straddling both hemispheres. After lunch en route, the road winds deeper into the highlands until the dense forests of Bwindi come into view. By evening, you reach your lodge at the edge of the park, surrounded by mist-covered hills. Dinner and overnight at the lodge mark the beginning of your gorilla adventure.

Day 2: First Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the rangers before setting out on your first gorilla trek. The forest is thick, mysterious, and alive with bird calls and rustling monkeys. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the anticipation builds with each step. When you finally encounter your gorilla family, the moment is unforgettable. Watching the silverback’s quiet authority, mothers nursing their young, and playful juveniles in the undergrowth is both humbling and inspiring. You spend a full hour in their company before returning to your lodge for a late lunch and a well-earned rest. The afternoon is free to relax or take a gentle walk through a nearby village. Dinner and overnight at the lodge complete the day.

Day 3: Cross the Border to Rwanda

On this day, you leave Bwindi after breakfast and drive toward the Cyanika or Katuna border crossing. The route offers spectacular views of terraced hills and winding valleys, a reminder of why Uganda is often called the “Pearl of Africa.” After clearing immigration, you enter Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains dominate the skyline. By midday or afternoon, you arrive in Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. Your lodge is set against a backdrop of volcanic slopes, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation. The evening is spent at leisure as you prepare for your second trek.

Day 4: Second Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing with your trekking group. The trek here is different from Bwindi; the terrain includes bamboo forests and open vegetation along the volcanic slopes. As you hike, the air grows cooler and the views more dramatic. Once you find your gorilla family, you spend an hour watching them in their natural setting. The experience is equally moving yet distinct from your first trek, as each family has its own rhythm and behaviors. After the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village, where local communities share stories, music, and traditional dances. Dinner and overnight at the lodge provide a comfortable close to your second trek.

Day 5: Departure from Kigali

Your final morning begins with a relaxed breakfast as you take in the views of the volcanic ranges. After check-out, you drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, a journey of only a few hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, or craft shops. The safari concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, leaving you with unforgettable memories of trekking mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.