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5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour

5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour

This 5-days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour will take you through two of East Africa’s premier destinations for primate trekking—Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With two incredible gorilla trekking experiences and the chance to track playful golden monkeys or explore Dian Fossey’s legacy, this tour provides an exciting balance of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. Whether you’re meeting the endangered mountain gorillas or visiting the indigenous Batwa pygmies, each day offers something truly unforgettable.

Overview

  • Trip Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Destinations: Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
  • Activities: Gorilla trekking (2 treks), Golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey hike, Batwa pygmy experience, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village visit
  • Tour Starts and Ends: Kigali, Rwanda
  • Accommodation: Luxury, mid-range, or budget options depending on preference

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 2: First Gorilla Trek and Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
  • Day 3: Golden Monkeys or Dian Fossey Hike and Evening Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Day 4: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi and Visit to the Batwa Pygmies
  • Day 5: Return to Kigali for Departure Flight

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will meet and brief you on the exciting adventure ahead. If time permits, you can embark on a brief Kigali City Tour. Key attractions include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a somber yet insightful look at Rwanda’s history, and local craft markets where you can pick up souvenirs.

After the city tour, you will begin your scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Musanze district. The drive, which takes about 2.5 hours, allows you to soak in Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and vibrant countryside. Upon arrival at your lodge near the park, you can check in and relax for the evening, preparing for the thrilling trek ahead.  Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/  Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel

MEAL PLAN: Lunch and Dinner Accordingly

Day 2: First Gorilla Trek and Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

Following an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned a specific gorilla family to track and be provided with important trekking guidelines. Your trek into the dense forest begins, with experienced guides leading you through the thick foliage. Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek can last between 1 to 6 hours. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have one awe-inspiring hour to observe them up close as they interact, feed, and move through their natural habitat. It’s a truly life-changing experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for some relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. This immersive experience allows you to engage with local communities, learn about traditional Rwandan customs, and enjoy cultural performances.

Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/  Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkeys or Dian Fossey Hike and Evening Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

On this day, you have two exciting options for your morning activity:

Golden Monkey Trekking: After breakfast, you will head out for a trek to see the lively and playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are unique to the region and known for their energetic behavior, making the trek both fun and rewarding.

Dian Fossey Hike: Alternatively, you may choose to hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb. The hike provides an in-depth look at the life and conservation work of the famous primatologist, Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas.

After either activity, return to the lodge for lunch and prepare for your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. The drive across the Rwanda-Uganda border takes approximately 3-4 hours, offering stunning views of the region’s mountainous terrain and lush greenery. Upon arrival in Bwindi, check into your lodge for the night.

UpMarket – Mt Gahinga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Lodge/ Midluxury -Four Gorilla Cousins Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge/ Luxury- Lake Mulehe, Uchumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Midrange – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Budget – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/  Broadbill

MEAL PLAN : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trek at Bwindi Forest National Park and Batwa Pygmy Experience

Today, after an early breakfast, you will proceed to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest headquarters for another gorilla trekking experience. The process is similar to your trek in Volcanoes National Park, but Bwindi’s dense rainforest offers a different setting with its own unique atmosphere. You will be led through the forest by guides, tracking a different gorilla family. Once again, you will spend an hour in the presence of these incredible creatures, observing their daily activities.

uganda gorilla at bwindi forest national park

After your trek, return to your lodge for some relaxation. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Batwa Pygmy community. The Batwa are indigenous to the forest and were its original inhabitants. This cultural encounter will give you insight into their way of life, their historical connection to the forest, and how they have adapted in the modern world.

UpMarket – Mt Gahinga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Lodge/ Midluxury -Four Gorilla Cousins Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge/ Luxury- Lake Mulehe, Uchumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Midrange – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Budget – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/  Broadbi

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kigali for Departure Flight

After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, with scenic views of both Uganda and Rwanda along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a brief city tour in Kigali before your driver transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast and Lunch

END OF ADVENTURE

In Conclusion:

This 5-days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour is the ultimate primate adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. You will have the unique opportunity to trek mountain gorillas twice—once in Rwanda and once in Uganda—while also encountering golden monkeys, learning about Dian Fossey’s conservation efforts, and engaging with local communities such as the Batwa pygmies. The tour offers a seamless experience across two countries, with all logistics handled from arrival to departure. Whether it’s the gorilla encounters or the cultural immersion, every day promises a new and thrilling experience.