Overview
This six-day journey crosses from Uganda into Rwanda for some of Africa's best primate encounters. You track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and trek to a family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, with chances to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys along the way.
The world's remaining mountain gorillas live only in the forests shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which makes this region truly special.
Read our gorilla trekking guide, or contact us to check permit availability.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE AND KAMPALA
We meet you at Entebbe Airport and drive you to Cassia Lodge in Kampala, where you can relax for the rest of the day. In the evening you meet your guide for a pre-safari briefing and equipment check.
Overnight at Cassia Lodge, half board.
KAMPALA TO BWINDI VIA THE EQUATOR
After breakfast your driver-guide collects you for the drive south-west towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You stop at the Equator for photos and snacks, and have lunch in Mbarara, then continue through the green countryside, with views of terraced hills and the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes on the Rwanda and Congo borders.
Overnight at Gorilla Safari Lodge, full board.
GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING IN MGAHINGA
In the morning you transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, arriving at headquarters for a 7 am briefing before tracking golden monkeys on the slopes of the volcanoes. Afterwards you return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Overnight at a lodge near Mgahinga, with options from budget to luxury.
COMMUNITY VISIT AND CROSSING INTO RWANDA
After breakfast you visit a local community, return for lunch and then cross into Rwanda. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge and watch the sun set over the volcanoes.
Overnight at Volcanoes Safari Lodge, full board.
GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast you enter Volcanoes National Park, where rainforest covers the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The trek is demanding but deeply rewarding, and its length depends on where the gorillas have moved. Carry plenty of water, a packed lunch, sunscreen, good walking shoes, rain gear, insect repellent, a camera and a hat. If you still have energy afterwards, you can visit golden monkeys, drive to Gisenyi and Lake Kivu, hike to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit a local school or community project.
Overnight at Volcanoes Safari Lodge, full board.
RETURN TO KAMPALA OR KIGALI
After breakfast you either drive back to Kampala, with lunch on the way, and continue to Entebbe Airport for your evening flight, or take a city tour of Kigali before flying home from Kigali International Airport.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Uganda and ends in Rwanda.
Airport Information
Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) and Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) are the common arrival points for this itinerary, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.