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Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari

3 Days | 2 Nights

From $1,493 / person

Your trip overview

Go on a thrilling 3-day adventure through two of East Africa’s most iconic primate destinations, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This cross-border safari offers you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience golden monkey trekking in the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in the dense, ancient forests of Bwindi.

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. From there, you’ll traverse the scenic countryside, winding through rolling hills and rural villages into the heart of gorilla territory. This compact yet action-packed itinerary is perfect for those seeking a wildlife-focused experience while maximizing time and budget.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Picture of Planning Your Safari

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Rwanda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Kigali City Tour - Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel, your dedicated safari guide will warmly welcome you and begin the adventure with a Kigali city tour. A highlight of the morning will be a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and educational tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, offering a powerful insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.

After the tour, you’ll set off on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscape, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” As you journey north toward Volcanoes National Park, enjoy stunning views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and distant volcanic peaks.

Upon arrival in Musanze, the park’s gateway town, you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and overnight resting up for the golden monkey trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

Where to stay

Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking - Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Rise early for breakfast before heading out for an unforgettable golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. These playful and endangered primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift, and tracking them through the lush bamboo forests offers a thrilling but less strenuous alternative to gorilla trekking. You’ll spend a magical hour observing their curious and lively behavior, a true wildlife delight!

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy an early lunch. Then, begin your scenic cross-border transfer into Uganda, passing through the spectacular landscapes of southwestern Uganda, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its winding roads, rolling hills, and terraced farms.

Upon arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, you’ll check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight, preparing for the gorilla encounter of a lifetime the next day.

Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi - Return to Kigali

Your day begins with an early breakfast and steaming cup of Ugandan coffee, fueling you for one of the most profound wildlife encounters on the planet, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll set off into the ancient rainforest, guided by experienced trackers. The trek can range from a couple of hours to most of the day, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is priceless: an hour spent in the company of the mighty mountain gorillas. Watch them forage, groom, and play, an emotional and humbling experience that many describe as life-changing.

You’ll need good walking shoes, a reasonable level of fitness, a packed lunch, insect repellent, sunscreen, water, and a hat for this adventure.
After your trek, enjoy a well-earned lunch before beginning the scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. Along the way, reflect on your incredible journey through two countries and three iconic primate experiences. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali or transferred directly to the airport for your outbound evening flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates Per Person

Start dates Solo 1 Room 2+ people Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
$2,264
$1,493

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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