Embark on an unforgettable 4-day adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Virunga Mountains, where you’ll experience two of East Africa’s most sought-after primate encounters — mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and golden monkey tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This safari is perfect for travelers starting from Kigali, Rwanda, who want to explore both countries in a short but exciting journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Upon arrival in Kigali, your professional driver-guide will pick you up from the airport or your hotel. After a short briefing about the tour, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, crossing the border through Gatuna or Cyanika.
The journey takes about 4–5 hours, offering breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and rural life. You’ll arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the afternoon, check in, and relax as you enjoy the cool mountain breeze and the sounds of the forest.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest
Today marks the highlight of your safari — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Once assigned to a gorilla family, you’ll begin your trek through dense rainforest, guided by experts who help you track the gentle giants. The trek may last from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement, but every step is worth the effort. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them — watching babies play, mothers feed, and the dominant silverback guard his family.
After this unforgettable encounter, return to your lodge for relaxation or take an optional evening walk to visit local communities and experience traditional Ugandan culture.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, you’ll depart Bwindi and drive back to Rwanda through the Cyanika border to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. The journey offers scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes, local homesteads, and rolling green hills.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may take an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn about Rwandan traditions, watch traditional dances, and meet local artisans.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing before starting your golden monkey tracking adventure. These rare primates, found only in the Virunga Mountains, are playful, colorful, and fascinating to watch. The trek takes you through bamboo forests at the base of Mount Sabyinyo, and once you locate them, you’ll spend an hour observing their lively behavior.
After the tracking experience, return to the lodge for lunch and then begin your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short city tour visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, or local craft shops before being dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for departure.
This marks the end of your 4 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari from Kigali, filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and scenic beauty.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
