Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Safari
About this Safari
Experience two of East Africa's most celebrated primate destinations on this carefully designed 6-day Uganda and Rwanda safari. Begin your adventure in Rwanda's vibrant capital before travelling to Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare and playful golden monkeys. Continue into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking, where you'll spend a magical hour observing one of the world's most endangered primates in its natural habitat.Combining spectacular mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, luxury accommodations and two extraordinary primate experiences, this safari is ideal for travellers seeking a rewarding short holiday without compromising on comfort or unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 1 | Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda, affectionately known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Deluxe Vacations safari guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or explore the city at your leisure while preparing for the exciting days ahead.
Kigali Serena Hotel | Meal Plan: B
Day 2 | Kigali City Tour, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Kigali with a guided city tour, visiting some of the city’s most important landmarks. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a moving and educational insight into Rwanda’s history while highlighting the country’s extraordinary journey of reconciliation and renewal.Leaving Kigali behind, travel north through Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills towards Volcanoes National Park. Before reaching your lodge, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where local communities share traditional dances, music, storytelling and customs, offering an authentic introduction to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.Arrive at your lodge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and enjoy a relaxed evening preparing for tomorrow’s primate adventure.
Virunga Volcanoes Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 3 | Golden Monkey Tracking & Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
This morning, head into Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey tracking experience. These playful and endangered primates are found only within the Albertine Rift and are famous for their energetic behaviour among the bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.Later, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an impressive conservation and education centre dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas while supporting scientific research and community development. Through interactive exhibits and inspiring stories, gain a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts that have helped Rwanda become a global leader in gorilla protection.Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening surrounded by the beautiful volcanic landscape.
Virunga Volcanoes Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 4 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, continue your journey into neighbouring Uganda, crossing through the scenic Virunga Highlands before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.The drive itself is an experience, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes, terraced hillsides and vibrant local communities that showcase the natural beauty shared by both Rwanda and Uganda.Upon arrival, settle into the award-winning Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, perched high on a ridge overlooking the Bwindi Forest. The lodge offers spectacular panoramic views stretching towards the Virunga Volcanoes, providing the perfect setting to relax before tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 5 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your Uganda and Rwanda safari. Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing before entering the ancient rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated mountain gorilla families.Led by experienced ranger guides, your trek may take anywhere from two to six hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Upon finding them, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play and interact naturally within their forest habitat. Every gorilla family displays its own unique personalities, making each trekking experience truly special.After your trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters while enjoying breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 6 | Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the forests of Bwindi and begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. The journey winds through the beautiful Virunga Highlands, offering one last opportunity to admire the rolling hills and dramatic mountain scenery that define this remarkable region.Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for lunch or a brief stop in Kigali before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey home.As your 6-day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of two remarkable countries, extraordinary primate encounters and the warm hospitality that makes this region one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
| Meal Plan: B,
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Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Safari
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