10 Days Rwanda Tour and Uganda Gorillas with Rwenzori Hike
This 10 Days Rwanda Tour and Uganda Gorillas with Rwenzori Hike starts and ends in Kigali, you will have a Kigali City tour then transfer for a trek to the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, Ibyiwacu and Batwa cultural experiences in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively. You will also hike the snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori in Uganda, and end of the tour
Throughout your Rwanda Tour, you'll encounter rare primates, including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitats, while experiencing authentic cultural interactions with local communities. The carefully crafted itinerary balances wildlife encounters with immersive cultural experiences and physical adventure, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of both Rwanda and Uganda.
The pinnacle of your Rwanda Tour adventure takes you to the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, known locally as the "Mountains of the Moon," where challenging hikes reward you with spectacular panoramic views. This meticulously planned Rwanda Tour offers the perfect blend of conservation tourism, cultural immersion, and adventure travel for those seeking an authentic East African experience.
Tour highlights
City tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Traditional cultural experience at Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Authentic interaction with the indigenous Batwa people
Three-day hiking adventure in the Rwenzori Mountains
Crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border at Cyanika
Spectacular wildlife viewing throughout both countries
Diverse accommodations from luxury lodges to mountain huts
Professional wildlife and hiking guides throughout the tour
Price Includes:
- Park fees for all national parks and protected areas
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and activities
- Full board accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Rwenzori hiking permits and specialized mountain guides
- All mentioned activities except optional experiences
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda and Uganda visas
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Travel and medical insurance
- Beverages beyond the provided water
- Hiking equipment rental (available at additional cost)
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kigali and drive to hotel
Your Rwanda Tour begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where your dedicated guide welcomes you to the "Land of a Thousand Hills." This Rwanda Tour package includes a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Kigali city center, approximately 15 minutes from the airport. After settling into your accommodation, your Rwanda Tour guide will brief you on the exciting adventures ahead while you enjoy panoramic views of Kigali's rolling hills and vibrant cityscape.
- Day2Kigali City Tour and Afternoon Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your Rwanda Tour continues with a comprehensive morning exploration of Kigali, including visits to the moving Genocide Memorial and the colorful Kimironko Market. After lunch, your Rwanda Tour proceeds with a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The final portion of today's Rwanda Tour takes you through the beautiful countryside to your lodge near the park, where you'll prepare for tomorrow's primate adventure.
- Day3Golden Monkey Trekking and Ibyiwacu Cultural Village Visit
Today's Rwanda Tour highlight begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters before tracking endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Your Rwanda Tour experience continues with a traditional Rwandan lunch featuring local specialties. The afternoon portion of your Rwanda Tour includes a visit to the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, where you'll immerse yourself in traditional Rwandan culture through dance, music, and authentic crafts demonstrations.
- Day4Transfer to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Relaxation
Your Rwanda Tour transitions to Uganda today with a 4-hour journey crossing the Cyanika border and continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. During this Rwanda Tour travel day, you'll witness the changing landscapes as you enter the "Pearl of Africa." The final segment of today's Rwanda Tour allows for relaxation at your lodge near Bwindi, where you can enjoy spectacular forest views while preparing for tomorrow's gorilla encounter.
- Day5Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Tour
The pinnacle of your Rwanda Tour adventure arrives with an early morning briefing before trekking into Bwindi's dense forest to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable Rwanda Tour experience, you'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. The afternoon component of your Rwanda Tour features an insightful cultural experience with the indigenous Batwa people, former forest dwellers who share their traditional knowledge and skills.
- Day6Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains and Relaxation
Today's Rwanda Tour segment involves a scenic 5–6-hour drive northwest to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, passing through Fort Portal and the verdant tea plantations of western Uganda. Your Rwanda Tour journey takes you to Kasese, the gateway to the Rwenzori, known locally as "Rwenjura" (Rain Maker). The evening portion of your Rwanda Tour allows for rest at the Rwenzori basecamp, where you'll meet your specialized mountain guides and prepare equipment for the upcoming hike.
- Day7Rwenzori Hiking Day One
The adventurous segment of your Rwanda Tour begins with breakfast at basecamp before starting your trek through the montane forest zone of the Rwenzori Mountains. This Rwanda Tour hiking day covers approximately 10 kilometers over 5-6 hours, ascending through diverse vegetation zones to your first mountain hut. Throughout your Rwanda Tour trek today, expert guides will identify unique flora and fauna specific to the Rwenzori ecosystem while sharing insights about this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Day8Rwenzori Hiking Day Two
Your Rwanda Tour adventure continues with the most challenging day of hiking, ascending to higher elevations through the bamboo and heather zones. This Rwanda Tour trekking day features dramatic changes in vegetation and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Albertine Rift Valley. The second day of your Rwanda Tour Mountain experience culminates at a higher elevation hut, where you'll enjoy a hearty dinner while watching the sunset over the surrounding peaks.
- Day9Rwenzori Hiking Day Three and Descent
The final day of your Rwanda Tour Rwenzori experience includes a morning exploration of the alpine zone before beginning your descent. Your Rwanda Tour guide will lead you down through different ecological zones, highlighting aspects you might have missed on the ascent. The concluding portion of your Rwanda Tour hiking adventure brings you back to basecamp by late afternoon, where a celebration dinner awaits to commemorate your mountain accomplishment.
- Day10Return to Kigali for Departure
Your Rwanda Tour concludes with an early morning departure from the Rwenzori region for the 7–8-hour journey back to Kigali. This final Rwanda Tour travel day includes a stop at the Rwanda-Uganda border and a lunch break en route. The last segment of your Rwanda Tour provides time for souvenir shopping in Kigali before transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your extraordinary East African adventure.