Primate trekkers will love our 6 days Double Gorilla Trekking Tour (Uganda and Rwanda), through two of the World’s only mountain gorilla natural habitats. This trip kicks off in Kampala, followed by a road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for two gorilla treks. Next, you will cross the border to Rwanda, where you will continue to Volcanoes National Park to visit one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, culminating with a cultural visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Highlights
• Lace-up for three gorilla treks- two in Bwindi and one in Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit local communities around Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park.
• Enjoy the rich diversity in each of the National Parks explored.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, southwest Uganda.
Day 2: First Bwindi Gorilla Trek and a visit to the local community.
Day 3: Second Bwindi Gorilla Trek and a visit to the Ride 4 a woman project.
Day 4: Cross the border (Katuna) to Rwanda, and ride to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Volcanoes Gorilla Trek and a visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 6: Depart Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, International flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, southwest Uganda
After a hearty breakfast at your Hotel in Kampala, it is now time for an 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your first stop of this journey is the Equator crossing in Kayabwe (Mpigi district), a place where you will be amazed by how the Earth is divided into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Take as many photos as you can and also buy some coffee.
From the Equator crossing, proceed with the journey until Mbarara Town for lunch. Go on until Bwindi, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: First Bwindi Gorilla Trek and a visit to the local community
Enjoy breakfast and have an early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is magnificent, densely forested and marked by several trails that make it possible to not only find the mountain gorillas but also come across different attractions that call this Park home.
The excitement of tracking and spending time with the Giant Apes is immensurable. After your briefing that starts at 7:30 am, get allocated to one of the gorilla families and start searching through the forest. It will take you only 1-4 hours to finally meet the gorilla family, after which you can spend another one hour watching and taking photos of different mountain gorilla activities. Your lunch will be enjoyed at the Lodge.
In the afternoon, you will take a guided walk to/through the local community. Get the chance to Interact with the locals, learn about their cultures and traditions, enjoy a drink with them at the small bars, and if possible, summarize with craft shopping. Your dinner and overnight will be at the same Lodge as the previous night.
Day 3: Second Bwindi Gorilla Trek and a visit to the Ride 4 a woman project
Following a delicious breakfast, you will return to the Forest for your second gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We always say; “every gorilla trekking experience is different” and the fact that you will trek a different group, and meet different guides, expect a blast.
In the afternoon, visit the Ride 4 a woman Project, a not-for-profit organization that supports women who are struggling with challenges associated with poverty, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS. You will be entertained and you can support their work by buying their art and crafts. There is also an opportunity to take part in weaving, basketry, and the preparation of local dishes.
Day 4: Cross the border (Katuna) to Rwanda, ride to Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will depart Uganda and make the drive to Rwanda, crossing the border at Katuna. Go through customs then continue to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. As you drive towards Volcanoes National Park, take in the jaw-dropping views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Arrive at your Lodge on time for a hot and delicious lunch.
The remainder of the afternoon will be spent at leisure- visiting the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera or relaxing while getting acclimatized to the environment.
Day 5: Volcanoes Gorilla Trek and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village
On this day, you will have breakfast and continue to the Park Headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park is one of the magnificent places to meet face-to-face with the mountain gorillas, and your adventure makes it possible to spend time with one of the 12 habituated gorilla families found here.
Start your day early with breakfast, then at 7:00 am converge at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing.
Gorilla trekking generally takes 1-6 hours or even more, hence packed lunch, drinking water, and energy-giving snacks are a must-have.
After encountering the Mountain gorillas, you will have one hour to watch the mountain gorillas feed, play, groom, and groom each other. Afterward, head back to the Safari lodge for a hot lunch.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up and transferred to Gorilla Guardian’s Village, found close to Volcanoes National Park. Get a chance to listen to the traditional folklore, enjoy traditional dances, and drumming, and also meet the traditional healer to learn about different plant roots, leaves and stems used in treating common ailments. You can also purchase quality souvenirs at the end of the tour, then return to the Lodge.
Day 6: Depart Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, the International flight
This is the day you say goodbye to Rwanda. You will get transferred to Kigali International Airport for your International departure flight or onward safari. Kwaheri!!!
The 6 days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari includes;
• Two gorilla permits for Uganda.
• One gorilla permit for Rwanda.
• Border crossing.
• Bottled water.
• A private safari vehicle for road transfers.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking driver.
• Government taxes and levies.
• Accommodation in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park.
• Community visits.
• Meals per the program.
The package excludes;
• Insurance.
• Visa fees, where required.
• Airfares.
• Personal expenses like laundry, telephone calls and cigarettes among others.
• Activities that aren’t mentioned in the itinerary.
