7 Days Best of Gorilla Tracking Rwanda and Uganda Safari
This 7 Days Best of Gorilla Tracking Rwanda and Uganda Safari will allow you to experience wildlife tours and safaris in Akagera National Park, Bisoke volcano hike, golden monkey and gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You'll end with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Akagera National Park after the recent reintroduction of black rhinos and lions is now home to Africa's Big Five. You'll obtain an East African Tourist Visa at Kigali Airport to facilitate Uganda and Rwanda entries.
The diverse itinerary combines thrilling wildlife viewing in Akagera, including a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema (Ikiyaga cya Ihema), with the rare opportunity to track mountain gorillas in both Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) and Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each destination offers unique perspectives on East Africa's remarkable biodiversity and primate populations.
This exclusive safari provides intimate encounters with two different gorilla families, allowing you to observe their distinct behaviors and social dynamics. The journey is enriched by additional primate experiences like golden monkey tracking and cultural immersion opportunities, culminating in a profound understanding of the region's natural heritage and conservation efforts.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Scenic transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours, 110 km) and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Day 2: Full-day game drive in Akagera and transfer to Volcanoes National Park (4 hours, 230 km)
Day 3: Gorilla tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park's bamboo forests
Day 4: Mount Bisoke Volcano hiking adventure (3,711m)
Day 5: Golden monkey tracking and cross-border transfer to Mgahinga
Day 6: Second gorilla tracking experience in Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Day 7: Return journey to Kigali with genocide memorial visit
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permits for both Rwanda and Uganda
- Golden Monkey trekking permit
- All Park entrance fees
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers
- Full board accommodation as listed
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
- All mentioned activities except optional ones
Price Excludes:
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees (Rwanda and Uganda)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
- Tips for guides and staff
Itinary in details
- Day1Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park/Boat Cruise Safari
Your gorilla tracking adventure begins with a morning pickup from Kigali, traveling eastward through Rwanda's rolling hills to Akagera National Park. The 2.5-hour journey takes you through rural communities before reaching the park's southern entrance. After checking into Akagera Game Lodge, experience an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos and crocodiles bask along the shores. As dusk approaches, return to your lodge overlooking the lake, where the sounds of nocturnal wildlife create an authentic safari atmosphere.
- Day2Game Drive Safari, Akagera National Park and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day with a dawn game drive through Akagera's diverse ecosystems, from acacia woodlands to vast savannahs where gorilla-tracking enthusiasts can spot elephants, lions, and numerous antelope species. The comprehensive drive includes stops at the famous Kilala Plains and the Crocodile Pool before exiting through the northern gate. Your journey continues westward to Volcanoes National Park, a 4-hour drive through the scenic Byumba region, arriving at your mountain lodge by evening.
- Day3Optional Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your gorilla tracking expedition begins with an early morning briefing at Kinigi headquarters (1.5 hours from Kigali). Expert trackers guide you through bamboo forests and dense vegetation to find your assigned gorilla family, a trek that can take 2-6 hours depending on the gorillas' location. The magical hour spent observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat showcases why gorilla tracking in Rwanda is world-renowned. Return to your lodge for an evening of reflection on this incredible primate encounter.
- Day4Mount Bisoke Volcano Hiking, Volcanoes National Park
Today's gorilla tracking adventure takes a different perspective as you ascend Mount Bisoke, one of the Virunga's active volcanoes. The 6-7 hour round trip hike offers stunning views of surrounding volcanoes and the chance to see the mountain gorillas' entire habitat range. The crater lake at the summit provides a perfect backdrop for photographs, while your guide shares insights about the volcanic landscape's role in supporting the mountain gorilla population.
- Day5Golden Monkey Trekking, Volcanoes NP, Rwanda and Cross to Uganda
Experience another unique primate encounter with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo zones of Volcanoes National Park. This gorilla tracking region also hosts these endangered primates, offering a 2–3-hour trek through lower-elevation forests. After lunch, embark on a scenic cross-border journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (3 hours, 120 km), where Uganda's portion of the Virunga Mountains awaits exploration.
- Day6Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Your second gorilla tracking experience provides fascinating comparisons with Rwanda's gorillas. After a morning briefing at the ranger station, trek through Mgahinga's ancient forests to find the Nyakagezi gorilla family. This 2–5-hour adventure offers unique perspectives on gorilla behavior and habitat adaptation, complemented by views of three dramatic volcanic peaks that characterize this compact but spectacular park.
- Day7Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda and Return to Kigali, Rwanda
Conclude your comprehensive gorilla-tracking safari with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Virunga Mountains. The return journey to Kigali (4 hours, 160 km) includes a moving visit to the Genocide Memorial, providing historical context to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and conservation success. Your driver will ensure a timely arrival for your departure flight or hotel check-in.