5-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Book this 5-day gorilla tour to combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

This 5-day Gorilla Trekking tour takes you to the misty jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, and to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. You will track the endangered mountain gorillas in both parks.

Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude areas and are found only in Africa, around the Virunga Mountain range that stretches through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

Besides gorilla trekking, you will visit Kampala and Kigali cities, meet the Batwa pygmies, and explore the twin lakes.

The trip starts at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and ends at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

5-Day Uganda Rwanda Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking and visit the Batwa people
• Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visit the twin lakes
• Day 5: Kigali city tour and departure

Detailed 5-Day Uganda Rwanda Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel and check out for an 8-9 hour drive to the misty jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, passing through Mbarara.

You will stop at the equator for photos, lunch, and to watch geography demonstrations at the line where the equator crosses. Check in at the lodge late in the evening for dinner and rest.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Visit the Batwa People

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters. You will meet other trekkers and the ranger guides will check your trekking documents and explain the rules.

The guides will lead you into the jungle, starting from where the gorillas were last seen, to where they are feeding or resting.

You will hike through hills and slopes on the way to the gorillas, meeting other animals along the way. You can spend up to one hour with the gorillas, taking photos and watching them play or feed.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then visit the Batwa community in the evening to enjoy their stories and songs. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, check out and travel to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.

The trip takes about 4-5 hours, with views of terraced hills, lively towns, and green vegetation.

Stop for lunch on the way and arrive at the lodge near the park in the evening. Check in, then have dinner and rest.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Visit to Twin Lakes

Start with a good breakfast at the lodge, then go to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by the ranger guides.

The briefing lasts about 30 minutes. You will be assigned to a group of up to 8 people for gorilla trekking.

You must be at least 15 years old and have a valid permit to meet these gentle apes, known as man’s closest relatives.

The trek can last 1 to 7 hours, starting from where the gorillas were last seen. Along the way, you may see other animals such as forest mammals, baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

When you find the gorillas, you have up to one hour to take photos and watch their behavior. Remember to follow all trekking rules.

After the gorilla trek, return to the lodge for lunch. Then visit the twin lakes for some relaxation before dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 5: Kigali City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, check out and drive 2-3 hours to Kigali city in Rwanda.

Enjoy the green hills and warm hospitality along the way.

If time allows, take a Kigali city tour including the genocide memorial site and local markets for souvenirs.

Have lunch in Kigali before being dropped at Kigali International Airport for your flight or at your hotel in the city.

End of the 5-day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park safari.

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