14-Day Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
14-Day Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Overview;
There’s something almost spiritual about standing just feet away from a massive silverback gorilla, locking eyes, and realizing that we share more than 98% of the same DNA. This 14-day Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari with Kyooma Gorilla Safaris isn’t just a vacation but a journey deep into the heart of East Africa, through mist-shrouded mountains, dense tropical jungles, and cultures as rich as the wildlife.
Tour Highlights;
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Days 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Days 4: Golden Monkey Trek & Cultural Tour
Day 5: Cross to Uganda – Lake Bunyonyi
Days6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8: Game Drive & Boat Safari
Days 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Day 10: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 11: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Days 12: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 13: Game Drive & Boat to the Falls
Day-14: Return to Kampala / Entebbe & Departure.
Detailed Itinerary;
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills! Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short city tour, which includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial —a moving tribute to resilience and peace.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. En route, explore the vibrant Musanze town and check into your lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The big day! After a briefing at the park headquarters, trek through the bamboo forest led by expert trackers. The moment you find a gorilla family is surreal. Watch them groom, feed, and play for a magical hour that will stay with you forever.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek & Cultural Tour
Meet the rare and playful golden monkeys in the park’s lush vegetation. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village drumming, dancing, and traditional cuisine await.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Day 5: Cross to Uganda – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, drive across the Cyanika border into Uganda. Wind your way down to Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning lake dotted with islands and encircled by terraced hills. Relax or take a canoe ride on its tranquil waters.
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Another day, another chance to connect with mountain gorillas, this time in Uganda’s thick and ancient Bwindi Forest. Each trek is unique, and the terrain here offers a more rugged, immersive experience.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave the jungle behind for the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Ishasha sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8: Game Drive & Boat Safari
Early morning game drive to catch predators and grazers at their most active. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birds.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Descend into the “Valley of Apes” for a thrilling chimpanzee trek. The gorge offers dramatic views and an intimate look at primates in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 10: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Travel north to Kibale, a paradise for primate lovers. The afternoon is free for relaxation or optional nature walks.
Overnight: Kibale Forest
Day 11: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Unlike standard tracking, the habituation experience lets you spend more time (up to 4 hours) with a chimpanzee community, learning about their behavior and social structure.
Overnight: Kibale Forest
Day 12: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Set off early for the vast savannah and riverine landscape of Murchison Falls National Park. Stop for rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route, completing the Big Five checklist.
Overnight: Murchison Falls
Day 13: Game Drive & Boat to the Falls
Morning game drive in the northern sector, where you expect lions, giraffes, and elephants. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls. Hike to the top for an unforgettable view!
Overnight: Murchison Falls
Day 14: Return to Kampala / Entebbe & Departure.
Wind down the journey with a drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping at craft markets along the way. Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for departure.
Conclusion;
This 14-day Rwanda-Uganda safari with Kyooma Gorilla Safaris isn’t just about ticking wildlife off a list but about connection. To nature, people, and the wild and raw beauty that East Africa has to offer. Whether it’s the chest beat of a silverback, the screech of chimps in the treetops, or the warmth of a village dance, every moment is unforgettable.
