8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is an extraordinary primate and wildlife adventure through the heart of East Africa. This well-crafted journey takes you to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic savannah wildlife experiences, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, and finally to Volcanoes National Park for a second gorilla encounter before concluding in Kigali.

Throughout the safari, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, cultural encounters, and unforgettable face-to-face meetings with endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. All arrangements are organized by Experiya Tour Company, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

Trip Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi Swamp nature walk and community experience
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Lion tracking experience (optional)
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Visit to Lake Katwe salt mining community
• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Cross-border transfer to Rwanda
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Kigali city tour and cultural visits

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver guide from Experiya Tour Company. After a short briefing, you will begin your scenic 5–6 hour journey to Kibale National Park.

Along the way, you will stop at the Uganda Equator for memorable photographs and souvenir shopping. Afterwards, you will continue through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax overnight.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking

After an early breakfast, you will head to Kanyachu Visitor Centre for a briefing. You will then be grouped into small teams of six and assigned a habituated chimpanzee family.

Chimpanzee trekking begins at 8:00 AM and may take between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on their location. During the trek, you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and various bird species.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend one hour observing them feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. It is truly an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Afternoon: Bigodi Swamp Walk

After lunch, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. Here, you may spot the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, and several primate species. Additionally, you will interact with local community members and learn about their culture and daily life.

Later, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following breakfast, you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of approximately 3–4 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, and rolling hills.

In the evening, you will embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and more. Afterwards, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Morning: Game Drive or Lion Tracking

After breakfast, you will head out for a morning game drive or optional lion tracking experience. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and warthogs.

Later, you will visit Lake Katwe to learn about traditional salt mining and interact with the local community.

Afternoon: Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a scheduled boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

During the two-hour cruise, you will observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous aquatic bird species along the shoreline. Afterwards, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. During the game drive, you may also spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

After lunch an route, you will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax overnight.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Following an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Groups of eight are assigned to a habituated gorilla family.

Gorilla trekking can take between 30 minutes and 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Along the trail, you will encounter diverse flora and fauna.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one magical hour observing their behaviors and social interactions. After receiving your trekking certificate, you will return to the lodge for lunch.

Later, you will transfer to Rwanda via the Cyanika border and proceed to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will report to Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing before starting your second gorilla trekking experience.

The trek may take between 30 minutes and 6 hours. Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 8: Kigali City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali for a guided city tour. During the tour, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the events of 1994.

You will also explore local craft markets and Kimironko Market, where you can interact with vendors and purchase handmade crafts.

Later, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

End of 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Trip Includes

• Gorilla trekking permits (Uganda & Rwanda)
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Bigodi swamp walk
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives
• Boat cruise fees
• Lake Katwe visit
• Kigali city tour
• English-speaking driver guide
• Full board accommodation
• 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
• Bottled drinking water
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

Trip Excludes

• International and domestic flight tickets
• Visas (Uganda & Rwanda)
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, porter fees, tips, etc.)