Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, with wildlife viewing and Rafting the Nile
This gorilla trekking holiday takes you on an exciting journey to see gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, as well as see wildlife and raft the rapids of the Nile.
The trip starts out from Uganda where you begin by visiting Jinja to explore the source of the Nile, and partake in grade-5 white water rafting among the rapids of the Nile. You then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you see lots of wildlife such as lions, elephants, hippos, leopards, buffalos, antelopes & more.
You will go on classic safari game drives to see animals, as well as a boat cruise on the famous Kazinga channel. Our journey will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you track the endangered mountain gorillas.
After Bwindi, you will go to Lake Bunyonyi and continue to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is in Volcanoes that you will track gorillas yet again, before going on to Kigali where the trip will end. In Kigali, you will visit some places around the city, especially the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.
Seeing gorillas is not an opportunity many people get, but this trip makes it possible to see gorillas twice in 2 different countries. This trip is ideal for both individual travelers as well as small groups who want to enjoy the best of wildlife and gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda – with a splash of adventure on the Nile.
As with all our safari packages, we can customize this Gorilla trekking holiday to fit your personal preferences. Just reach out to us and we’ll be eager to help you.
Safari Highlights
- Kampala
- Source of the Nile & Jinja City
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable forest – gorillas
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Volcanoes National Park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda at Entebbe airport.
Our local driver/guide will be at Entebbe Airport to pick you up from your flight. He will bring you to Kampala.
Your guide will brief you on the details and expectations of your gorilla trekking holiday such that all questions are asked and answered.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Boma Hotel |
| Comfort | Cassia Lodge |
| Luxury | Serena Hotel Kampala |
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Rafting experience in Jinja
Today you will transfer to Jinja and visit the source of the Nile, go Rafting on the Nile, and see a number of falls. Later visit Jinja town, with a lot of craft centers, shops, and restaurants.
In the evening, you will return to Kampala for dinner & overnight stay.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Boma Hotel |
| Comfort | Cassia Lodge |
| Luxury | Serena Hotel Kampala |
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 3: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early in the morning, we set off from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, which is about a 5 hours drive. We’ll stop over in Fort Portal town, such a cozy place for lunch, and then proceed to the park.
On the way to your lodge, which is located inside the park, you will have a chance to spot some of the animals such as elephants, kobs, etc accompanied by the Rwenzori mountains in the background.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Bush Lodge |
| Comfort | Kasenyi Safari Camp |
| Luxury | Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Game drive & launch trip today.
After an early breakfast, your guide will take you for an early morning long game drive at 6.30 a.m. You will be in time to see the sunrise, a perfect opportunity for most photographers.
On this game drive, you will cross paths with the Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Waterbuck, Leopard, Uganda Kob, Warthog, etc. Later head back to your lodge to relax and have lunch.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred for a launch trip (Boat trip) on the Kazinga channel. A lot of hippos and birds will be seen on this trip as well as buffaloes, and crocodiles will be seen on the banks.
Drive back to the lodge after your launch trip.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Bush Lodge |
| Comfort | Kasenyi Safari Camp |
| Luxury | Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, we’ll drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National park. The drive takes you through the Kigezi highlands where you pass local villages, plantations, farms, and small towns.
Your journey south will make you cross a beautiful part of the country often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. You will see the great countryside, bamboo forest and have great views over the Virunga Mountains.
In the evening check in to your lodge.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Buhoma Community Camp |
| Comfort | Rushaga Gorilla Camp |
| Luxury | Mahogany Springs Lodge |
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today you prepare yourself for an encounter with the Mountain gorillas which live in the Bwindi forest. You will be briefed by authorities from the Uganda Wildlife Authority before starting your trekking.
In groups of 8, you will be assigned a gorilla family to track. Be ready to see one of the world’s endangered species, also make sure you have carried the right gear with you. The trekking will last around 2 – 7 hours depending on how far the gorillas are in the forest.
You will also have a chance to see over 360 bird species, other primates, butterflies, etc. This exciting journey through Uganda’s ancient forest is exciting as you will come face to face with the gorillas.
After the trekking, your guide will take you for a village walk to the communities living around the forest. Great cultural encounters you will find in these local people. Later, we shall drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation:
| Standard | Buhoma Community Camp |
| Comfort | Rushaga Gorilla Camp |
| Luxury | Mahogany Springs Lodge |
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Drive to Ruhengeri, Rwanda.
Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by terraced hills, a perfect opportunity to spend the day relaxing. Enjoy Bilharzia – free swimming, dug-out canoeing, sunbathing, and also visit the Batwa community on one of the Islands.
In the early evening, transfer to Ruhengeri across the border in Rwanda.
Accommodation at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Comfort)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Early morning after breakfast, your guide will drive you into the park about 30 minutes to the Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN).
After the briefing from the park authorities, you start the trekking in the Volcanoes to the Gorilla family allocated to you.
Accommodation at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Comfort)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali
After Breakfast, we depart from the Volcanoes National Park to Kigali – Rwanda’s capital.
Visit the Genocide Memorial, a place for remembrance in Rwanda visited by large numbers of people from all corners of the world. Later transfer to the airport in time for your Flight.
This marks the end of your Gorilla trekking holiday.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Inclusions;
- Transport in a 4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- All fuel for the tour
- English-speaking driver/guide.
- Accommodation and Meals on Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Park-entrance fees for all National parks
- All activities described in the itinerary
- 2 Gorilla tracking permits per person (Uganda and Rwanda).
- Drinking water throughout the safari.
Exclusions;
- International airfares
- Entry visa Uganda & Rwanda
- Meals that are not part of your accommodation.
- A porter. Helps to carry your backpack & push/pull you on the slippery slopes.
- Personal (medical/travel) insurance
- Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc.
- All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities.)
This Gorilla trekking Holiday can be customized to your preferences, budget, and schedule. Here are other relevant safari packages that could inspire your trip some more.
