Trip Overview
Rwanda and Uganda are often hidden gems for travelers, but as an adventurous explorer, you won’t want to miss this 6-Day Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Safari that takes you through their stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant cultures, and diverse wildlife. Lear about the devastating events that took place in Rwanda, a country that’s rebuilding and evolving with incredible resilience. Pair this with Uganda’s breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, including the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas, and you’ll experience the full spectrum of emotions and physical challenges.
Tour Highlights
- Spend a day trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to get close to Uganda's rare mountain gorillas for an unforgettable hour
- Wake up to spectacular views of Lake Mutanda and Virunga Volcanoes during your two-night stay at your Feature Stay – the Mutanda Lake Resort.
- Learn about Rwanda's devastating history with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and see what life looks like today with a tour of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, which has stood as the heart of the nation since its independence in 1962. While many still associate Rwanda with the tragic genocide of 1994, this resilient country has been on a path of recovery for years, offering a wealth of experiences for the adventurous traveler.
Though the past remains an important chapter in its history, Rwanda’s future in tourism is promising, thanks to its warm-hearted people, stunning lakes, and the majestic Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Chez Lando Hotel
Luxury: Hotel Des Mille Collines/ Kigali Marriott Hotel
Budget: Okapi Hotel/Kigali Holiday HotelMeals: Dinner
Today’s itinerary includes a fascinating city tour, starting with a visit to the Genocide Memorial Museum – an emotional and eye-opening experience that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s horrific past and the resilience of its people. You’ll also explore Kigali, the capital city, which was once named the 'cleanest city in Africa.'
Not only does it provide a compelling glimpse into Rwandan history, but it also offers an introduction to vibrant African city life—making it a perfect starting or ending point for your trip.
Next, you’ll visit the bustling bus park and enjoy a scenic walk to a stunning viewpoint over the city, passing by the iconic 'Hotel Rwanda.' Afterward, savor a traditional local lunch, sampling Rwandan dishes. In the afternoon, join your guide for a tour of the lively Kimironko Market. The evening will be free for you to explore Kigali at your own pace, soaking in the city’s charm.
Accommodation Options
Midrange: Chez Lando Hotel
Luxury: Hotel Des Mille Collines/ Kigali Marriott Hotel
Budget: Okapi Hotel/Kigali Holiday Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
In the morning you leave Kigali and travel to southern Uganda. The drive is truly beautiful. The winding roads will lead you through lush rainforests, charming rural villages, crater lakes, coffee plantations, and over rolling hills and mountains, all culminating in the stunning views of the volcanoes surrounding the serene Lake Mutanda.
Nestled in the southwest corner of Uganda, Lake Mutanda is a magical destination, situated at the base of the Virunga volcano chain, which spans Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. This spectacular volcano range is home to nearby rainforests, which serve as the habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla.
The lake makes for a perfect base for one of Uganda’s most extraordinary adventures: gorilla trekking. The nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are both prime spots for spotting these majestic creatures. Beyond the gorillas, the area is teeming with diverse wildlife, including kingfishers, gray crowned cranes, otters, chameleons, frogs, and lizards. In short, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In the morning, you’ll head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park for what could be the highlight of your entire trip: gorilla trekking. The Bwindi Mountain rainforest, alongside Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is one of the most vital areas for gorilla trekking. This relatively small reserve is home to nearly half of the world’s wild mountain gorillas. Beyond the gorillas, the forest is rich with biodiversity, housing around 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.
During the trek, you’ll navigate through the dense forest of Bwindi, guided by experienced rangers from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA). As you follow signs like gorilla droppings, bamboo shoots, and broken branches, you'll know you’re getting closer to a gorilla family. When you finally come face to face with a silverback calmly observing you while protecting his family, you’ll realize it’s a moment you’ll carry with you forever.
Optional Gorilla Habituation Day in Bwindi Forest
Greenway Nature Tours offers a special opportunity to take part in a Gorilla Habituation Day instead of the traditional trekking experience. This unique excursion allows you to join researchers and see firsthand how a gorilla family is habituated to humans. During this intimate experience, you’ll spend up to four hours with the gorilla family, and the group is limited to just four participants, offering an exclusive and unforgettable perspective on gorilla behavior and conservation.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, you have the luxury of a relaxed day where everything is optional. You can enjoy a swim in the bilharzia-free lake or soak up the sun on one of the three swimming jetties. If you’re in the mood for something more active, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing on a laser sailboat.
For a more authentic experience, why not paddle in a traditional dugout canoe? There’s also a motorboat available for a leisurely ride around the lake to spot birds or simply take in the breathtaking views—perhaps with a refreshing drink in hand. Whatever you choose, take time to bask in the tranquility of this fairytale-like setting.
For those craving adventure, consider a walk in the area or a challenging hike up the volcanoes of Mgahinga National Park. Imagine reaching the summit and standing in three countries at once! You could also embark on a thrilling Golden Monkey trek here.
In Bwindi and Mgahinga, beyond gorilla trekking, you can explore a variety of scenic walking trails. You might also visit the Batwa pygmies or take a village tour for a deeper connection with the local culture. Have specific interests? Let our travel specialists know what you’re passionate about. They can help tailor your experience, advising you on what can be arranged in advance or what’s best to organize on-site.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Savor your final sunrise in this stunning part of Uganda and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge. Your guide or company representative will then take you back across the border to Rwanda, ensuring you arrive at Kigali International Airport at least three hours before your flight departure.
Please make sure your flight departs after 4 pm, as this will give you enough time to comfortably reach the airport. If your flight is scheduled earlier than 4 pm, we recommend booking an additional night in Kigali, which we can assist with arranging for an extra cost.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drive Time: 4 hours