4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This exclusive 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking Safari by Africa Gorilla Wild is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s primate paradise. Combining the thrill of tracking endangered golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this itinerary offers unmatched wildlife encounters, cultural richness, and scenic beauty within a compact, yet immersive adventure.

Designed for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to explore Africa’s most iconic primates in their natural habitats, this cross-border safari delivers two unique experiences across two biodiverse national parks. From the bustling cityscape of Kigali to the misty mountain ranges of Volcanoes National Park, and then onto the ancient rainforest trails of Bwindi, each day promises discovery, inspiration, and authentic connections with East Africa’s wildlife and people.

Your 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari begins in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali—renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and cultural vibrancy. You’ll head north to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey tracking excursion, where the energetic primates play among the bamboo groves. Afterward, you’ll cross into Uganda, where the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest awaits. The park shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You’ll trek through dense jungle to meet these gentle giants face-to-face, an emotional and life-changing encounter.

Cultural immersion is also central to this journey. You’ll engage with the Batwa people, the forest’s original inhabitants, who share their deep connection to the land through dance, storytelling, and guided forest walks. Your final day takes you to the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful conclusion to a thrilling adventure.

 

4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Gateway to Rwanda’s Natural Wonders
• Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park & Cross into Uganda’s Bwindi Forest
• Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience
• Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation and Return to Kigali for Departure

 

Detailed 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Gateway to Rwanda’s Natural Wonders

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari guide from Africa Gorilla Wild. As Rwanda’s capital and cultural hub, Kigali is an ideal starting point for your East African adventure. After immigration formalities, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for the night—Hotel des Mille Collines, a landmark hotel rich in history and offering comfort with stunning views over the city.

Your 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari guide will give you a short briefing about your safari and help you settle in. If time permits and depending on your arrival schedule, you may embark on a short tour of Kigali city. The optional city excursion includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, the vibrant local markets, and art galleries showcasing contemporary Rwandan culture. Kigali’s cleanliness, order, and friendly residents make it one of Africa’s most welcoming capitals.

Hotel des Mille Collines is famously known from the movie “Hotel Rwanda” and is one of Kigali’s most prestigious addresses. With its rooftop bar, garden pool, and sophisticated cuisine, the hotel provides a restful and elegant introduction to your East African safari.

Overnight at: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Luxury Upgrade Option: Kigali Serena Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven—featuring private suites, gourmet dining, wellness spas, and superior personalized service.

 

Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park & Cross into Uganda’s Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, your journey begins with a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The drive offers picturesque views of Rwanda’s famous “thousand hills,” with terraced farms, rural homesteads, and rolling green landscapes. This is the home of the rare golden monkeys—endemic primates known for their vibrant coats and playful behavior.

You’ll arrive at the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing from park rangers before setting off into the bamboo forests. Golden monkey tracking usually takes 1–2 hours and is considered one of the more accessible primate treks. Once located, you’ll spend up to an hour observing their acrobatics and social interactions—an engaging and entertaining wildlife experience.

Following the golden monkey trek, you’ll continue your 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari journey by road as you cross the Cyanika border into southwestern Uganda. Your destination is the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. It is here that you’ll prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Your overnight stay will be at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, nestled on the edge of the rainforest. The lodge offers comfortable cottages with panoramic views of the forest, providing a peaceful and nature-immersed setting.

Overnight at: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxury Upgrade Option: Four Gorillas Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge—featuring luxury cottages, private balconies, spa treatments, and gourmet cuisine.

Fly-In Transfer Option: For added convenience, guests can opt for a private charter flight from Kigali to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 2-hour road transfer to Rushaga.

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

This day marks the highlight of your 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari —gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the Rushaga park headquarters for a detailed briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences before setting off into the ancient rainforest.

Trekking through the jungle can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. The journey is demanding but incredibly rewarding. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have an unforgettable one-hour experience observing their behavior—feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting. It’s a deeply emotional and awe-inspiring moment that ranks among the world’s greatest wildlife experiences.

After returning to your lodge for lunch and rest, your afternoon unfolds with a Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa are indigenous forest dwellers and the original inhabitants of Bwindi. During this guided cultural tour, the Batwa will showcase their traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine knowledge, music, and storytelling. It’s an authentic and respectful interaction that brings a human dimension to the forest’s history and conservation journey.

Overnight at: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxury Upgrade Option: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp—an exclusive luxury tented lodge located within Bwindi’s Park boundaries.

 

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation and Return to Kigali for Departure

On your final day, you’ll enjoy a scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake and often called “the lake of a thousand islands.” Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and terraced farmlands, Lake Bunyonyi offers a tranquil setting ideal for relaxation after your 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventurous treks.

You may choose to take a short canoe excursion on the lake to explore some of its many islands, such as the historic Punishment Island, or simply unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Birdwatchers will find Lake Bunyonyi especially rewarding, as it hosts a variety of species including herons, kingfishers, and weavers.

After your lakeside experience, you’ll embark on the return road journey to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, where you will be dropped off in time for your evening or late-night flight. The drive back takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on border crossing times.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 4-day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking Safari with Africa Gorilla Wild—a journey filled with wonder, wildlife, and warm cultural connections.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Luxury Add-On Option: Private speedboat excursion or lakeside picnic breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi before departure.

 

4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions:

• Airport meet-and-greet and private transfers
• 3 nights’ accommodation as listed or equivalent
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• 1 Golden Monkey permit (Rwanda)
• 1 Gorilla Trekking permit (Uganda)
• Batwa cultural visit and guided activities
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
• Drinking water during drives
• Park entrance fees and ranger guide fees

Safari Exclusions:

• International flights and visas (Rwanda & Uganda)
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional Kigali city tour (Day 1)
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Luxury lodge upgrades and fly-in transfer fees (unless pre-booked)

End of 4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari