6 Days | Encounter resilience and rare wildlife in Rwanda and Uganda
Come face to face with heartbreaking history and incredible wildlife on a six-day Premium journey through Rwanda and Uganda. See sombre reminders of Kigali’s devastating past, watch local life play out on the streets and witness a beautiful country that's continuously striving to move forward. Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend a day tracking and observing these creatures, overlooked by a rare silverback gorilla. Stay in memorable accommodation, including your Feature Stay surrounded by forest canopy, and sit down for amazing Exclusive Experiences like a fireside chat a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors.
Trip overview
- Start
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Finish
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Theme
- Wildlife
- Destinations
- Rwanda, Uganda
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Premium
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- YGPU
Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders
- Spend a day trekking (and perhaps a second day, if you choose) through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to get close to Uganda's rare mountain gorillas for an unforgettable hour – a one-day gorilla trekking permit is included in this trip.
- Wake up to spectacular views of the forest canopy during your three-night stay at your Feature Stay – the Gorilla Heights Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of gorillas with a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors and discover how they are saving the species, one gorilla patient at a time.
- Take a closer look at Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people during a two-night stay at Kigali’s Hotel des Mille Collines, which famously sheltered more than 1000 people during the Genocide.
- Learn about the lives of the indigenous Batwa people on the Buniga Cultural Trail as they share their traditional survival skills, from foraging to fire-making, while supporting their community and preserving their heritage.
- Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, humid, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous walking. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours up and down hills (perhaps pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs). But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
- The gorilla trek is a shared activity. You may be split into different groups according to fitness level, and be accompanied by other travellers on your trek. However there will only be a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family, plus a local Uganda Wildlife Ranger and trackers.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
4WD vehicle, Private Vehicle
Hotel (2 night), Feature Stay Eco-Lodge (3 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Kigali - Welcome Dinner
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Kigali - City Tour
- Kigali - Local Food Lunch
- Kigali - Kimironko Market Visit
- Kigali - Ntarama Church Guided Tour
- Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Buniga Batwa Cultural Trail
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Trek To The Top of The World (2-3hrs) - USD50
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk (2-3hrs) - USD50
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip ends in Kigali on arrival on the afternoon of Day 6. Please do not book International flights departing before 6pm this evening.
4. Please note that the Gorilla Permit included is only valid for one day on Day 4. For those who are interested for a second trek, please consult your booking agent about purchasing the second Gorilla Permit.
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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