6 Days double gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Overview
Experience the ultimate adventure with a six-day double gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda and Uganda. This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat not once, but twice.
From the bustling streets of Kigali to the mist-shrouded forests of Rwanda and Uganda, this tour promises breathtaking scenery, immersive cultural experiences, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda
As your plane descends toward Kigali International Airport, anticipation builds for the adventure ahead. Stepping off the aircraft, you’re greeted by the warm Rwandan breeze, signaling the beginning of your journey. After a seamless arrival process, you’re whisked away to your accommodation in the heart of Kigali. The city pulses with life, offering a tapestry of colors, sounds, and aromas.
If time permits, a visit to the Genocide Memorial provides poignant insight into Rwanda’s history. Alternatively, you may opt to stroll through local markets, sampling fresh fruits and crafts. As the day winds down, settle into your hotel, relishing the excitement of what lies ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey traverses rolling hills adorned with terraced fields, offering postcard-worthy vistas at every turn. Along the way, stop at roadside markets bustling with activity, where locals trade goods and stories.
Arriving at your lodge nestled amidst the misty mountains, you’re greeted by the serene beauty of the Virunga Massif. Take a moment to savor the tranquility of your surroundings before indulging in a sumptuous dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Ibyiwachu cultural village tour
Today, the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat awaits. After a nourishing breakfast, journey to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety protocols. With permits in hand, you’re assigned to a gorilla family group, each with its own unique dynamics and personalities.
As you venture into the dense foliage, expert trackers lead the way, deciphering subtle clues left by the gentle giants. The anticipation mounts with each step until, suddenly, you’re face-to-face with a family of gorillas, going about their daily routine.
Time seems to stand still as you observe their intricate social interactions, awestruck by their sheer majesty. After an unforgettable hour, bid farewell to your gorilla companions and return to your lodge, where stories of the day’s adventure flow freely.
Take an afternoon cultural encounter by vesting the ibyiwachu cultural community. This this tour, encounter the traditional dress code, music and dances, story telling and then taste the traditional dishes of these indigenous people.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
With memories of Rwanda’s gorillas etched in your mind, it’s time to embark on the next leg of your journey. Crossing the border into Uganda, the landscape transitions from terraced hills to lush forests, teeming with life.
Along the way, pause to interact with locals, whose warm hospitality adds depth to your cultural experience. As you approach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the air is thick with anticipation, knowing that another gorilla encounter awaits.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda. It’s renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park offers gorilla trekking experiences, allowing visitors to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Arriving at your lodge, perched on the edge of the forest, you’re greeted by the melodic sounds of birdsong, signaling the start of another unforgettable chapter.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa community tour
The dawn breaks with a symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves, setting the stage for today’s adventure. Following a hearty breakfast, journey to the park headquarters, where eager anticipation fills the air. With permits secured, you set off into the dense jungle, accompanied by skilled guides and porters.
As you navigate the rugged terrain, every rustle and call heightens the excitement, signaling your proximity to the elusive gorillas. Then, amidst a thicket of foliage, you catch your first glimpse of a gorilla family, their dark shadows contrasting against the vibrant greenery. For the next hour, you’re immersed in their world, witnessing intimate moments of play, grooming, and foraging.
It’s a privilege beyond words, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. As you bid farewell to your new found friends, a sense of gratitude washes over you, knowing you’ve experienced something truly extraordinary.
In the afternoon after lunch, visit Batwa community at the edge of the forest and learn more about this unique culture in Africa. The Batwa are beloved to have ancestral home in the forests of Africa and consider the shortest people. Get entertained about their cultural music and dances, local fire making, storytelling by elders and dress code. Return to the lodge for dinner and born fire moment.
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure
As your journey draws to a close, reflect on the memories created and the bonds forged with both humans and gorillas alike. After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kigali, retracing the path traversed just days before. Along the way, pause to soak in the sights and sounds of rural life, where simplicity reigns and community thrives.
Arriving in Kigali, you have the opportunity to revisit favorite spots or explore new corners of the city. As the sun sets on your adventure, transfer to Kigali International Airport, where you bid farewell to your driver guide and this marks the end of the safari.