5 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari – Overview

The 5 days Rwanda Uganda safari incorporates tracking gorillas in the two distinct prime destinations of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Tracking gorillas in Bwindi is a challenging activity due to the topography involved which derives a complete different experience from that of Rwanda’s Volcanoes.

The hike to Dian Fossey research center and the encounter with communities around Bwindi not forgetting great scenery en route including Virunga ranges combine to make this safari memorable.

5 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari – Highlights

Day 1: Connect to Volcanoes National park

Day 2: Encounter Rwanda – Gorillas (1^st gorilla tracking)

Day 3: Track golden Monkeys or hike Dian Fossey grave & transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 4: Encounter Uganda – Gorillas (2^nd gorilla tracking)

Day 5: Drive back to Kigali.

5 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Connect to Volcanoes National Park

The guide will pick you from your place of stay or upon arrival at the airport to head for 116km journey over 3 hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park.

You will be mesmerized by the scenic views of the country side and then you will arrive in Ruhengeri – region where Volcanoes National Park is located.

Dinner and Overnight: Muhabura Hotel (Budget/basic), Lapalme Hotel (Midrange/standard) or Mountain Gorilla View Hotel (Luxury/upmarket).

Day 2: Encounter Rwanda – Gorillas (1^st gorilla tracking)

After an early breakfast, you will assemble at the park headquarters at Kinigi to have a close to one hour briefing from preferably the park warden or his representative about the gorilla trekking activity that you are trying to undertake.

The briefing commences at 08:00am and the gorilla families to track will also be allocated during this session after which you will embark on the search for Mountain gorillas in the lush of Volcanoes National Park, an activity that can take 2 – 8 hours.

You have one hour to interact with gorillas, take photos and ask any relevant question from the tour guide before returning to the lodge for relaxation.

You can opt for a cultural walk to the adjacent Banyarwanda village or a nature walk to encounter the caves.

Dinner and overnight: You will sleep at your previous lodge.

Day 3: Track Golden Monkeys or Hike Dian Fossey Grave & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After breakfast, choose between hiking the Karisoke research center to see the works of Dian Fossey and her grave plus that one of Digit her most cherished silver back.

Alternatively, you can undertake golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. You will return to the lodge for lunch after which you will cross the Uganda border post to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – containing a half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

The journey is over 60 km about 2 hours’ drive to Rushaga – Bwindi. Arrive in the evening for an overnight.

Dinner and overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Upmarket/luxury), Gorilla valley lodge (Budget/basic).

Day 4: Encounter Uganda – Gorillas (2^nd gorilla tracking)

After an early morning breakfast, assemble at the park headquarters at Rushaga to be briefed about the gorilla tracking conduct.

After briefing, you will embark on 2 – 8 hour gorilla tracking experience in the mist of Bwindi which involves hiking the rugged terrains of this forest traversing marshes, swamps and climbing steep hills and descending down the valleys while enjoying the great flora with natural flowers.

The sights of forest wildlife are always not to be missed on the gorilla trekking encounter. Upon encountering gorillas, you have one full hour to interact with them physically, take photos and make inquiries from the ranger guide after which you will return to the lodge for relaxation.

In the evening you can opt to take a village walk to see the lifestyle of the local people.

Dinner and Overnight: You will have dinner and overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali.

After breakfast, embark on a return journey to Kigali city 130km over 4 hours’ drive. You can opt to do a city tour or prepare for your departure flight.

End of The 5 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari.

Getting There