6 Days Rwanda – Uganda Tour

Welcome to Rwanda! Your gorillas adventure begins in the country’s capital, Kigali.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide. You will then transfer to your hotel in Kigali, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast, your day starts with a tour of Kigali city. Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda; Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots that may include; The old Kigali, The old parliament, Kigali genocide memorial site. For this experience, it is extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring. The tour is very transparent and educational but very somber and humbling when you realize that over 25,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial. Guaranteed you will feel every emotion during this visit. Finish your trip and transfer back to your hotel and retire for overnight.

After breakfast, start our journey to Uganda via Rwanda/Uganda border of Cyanika, assisted to cross the border and head to the Bwindi National Park (approximately 4 hours). Arrive at the Lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Sitting close to the park, the lodge offers up magnificent views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s 800 mountain gorillas. Gaze out across the stoic Virunga Mountains and Albertine Rift Valley. An eco-friendly oasis, beautiful cottages are built with locally sourced materials, a terrace overlooking the forest canopy, and a fireplace for colder nights. The lodge is solar powered, carbon neutral and works closely with the local people. Here you’ll experience genuinely warm Ugandan hospitality – when they wish you welcome, they really mean it. There’s no better spot for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas. This evening, join your group and leader for a wholesome dinner at the lodge.

Rise early and take a short walk to the park headquarters where you’ll be briefed on the gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The trek can be strenuous, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it so worthwhile. We recommend investing in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once you encounter a group of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them swing from trees, groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is sure to be a life-affirming experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day. Freshen up with a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fireplace.

Special Information
Be aware that the trek can be strenuous and may reach altitudes of almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Depending on weather conditions, some of the paths can be slippery and these paths themselves can change depending on the location of the gorillas. Therefore, it is very hard to predict how long you will need to walk for, but a good level of fitness is recommended for this trek. Rangers may allocate you to different trekking groups based on your fitness levels and the group may be split. Those who find the trek most strenuous can often be allocated to a Gorilla group located closer to the base of the mountain, but this obviously cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the forest, curated by an in-house chef to showcase the finest locally grown ingredients. The day is free for you to do as little or as much as your please – your leader will be able to help tailor a day that best suits your interests. For those seeking another encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, there is the option for a second day of trekking. As part of its sustainable tourism initiative, the lodge offers a number of walking safaris guided by passionate local experts. Explore forest trails, meet nearby local communities and take in more unforgettable views. You may wish to simply relax at the lodge and enjoy a drink at the rainforest bar. Tonight’s dinner at the lodge will be a meal like no other. You’ll be joined by a local ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority who will provide a special insight into the crucial and challenging role rangers play in conserving the gorilla’s natural habitat. Learn about the intimate and life-saving relationships they form with gorillas and ask any questions you may have on gorilla conversation or the unique life of a ranger.

Optional Activities
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest – Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) – USD120
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest – Trek to The Top of The World (2-3hrs) – USD50
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest – Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) – USD120

After breakfast, early start and depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin the journey to cross border into Rwanda and onto its capital Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After wards Transfer to the capital, go on a last-minute shopping before saying goodbye to your local leader and newfound friends, as your adventure will come to an end at around 2pm.

Optional Activities
• Volcanoes National Park – Ellen DeGeneres Campus/Dian Fossey Museum (Free entrance but $20 donation encouraged)
• Volcanoes National Park – Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village (1 – 2hrs) $20 Per person