3 Day Rwanda to Uganda gorilla trek
The 3 day Rwanda to Uganda gorilla tour program offers you a fulfilling encounter with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. Where you will adventure through the impenetrable forest hence bringing you in direct contact with one of the 15 habituated gorilla families in their natural habit for an hour of unbelievable excitement. Close encounters with these gentle giants are the ultimate tourism experience. Similarly getting to spot a few of the approximately 1000 last remaining mountain gorillas is truly noteworthy.
Furthermore from Kigali, you will travel by road to Uganda and then head on to Bwindi for your gorilla trekking activity. Besides along the way, you will see the undulating landscape of Rwanda and Uganda with lots of wild life for example: birds, animals, forests among so many other likely surprises of a different kinds .
In addition after your trek of the gorillas in Bwindi, you will return to Rwanda where an inspiring City tour of Kigali awaits you. Where shall visit Gisozi Genocide Memorial in which this city tour will intimate you with Kigali and Rwanda in a way that words wouldn’t explain.
Highlights of the trip
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Another incredible destination in Africa, known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking.
Kigali City Tour:
Kigali known for its cleanliness, orderliness, and vibrant culture. Here are some highlights you might consider during your Kigali city tour:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: This memorial is a somber but important place to learn about the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It serves as a remembrance of the tragedy and a tribute to its victims.
- Kimironko Market: A bustling local market where you can experience the vibrant colors, sounds, and smells of Rwandan culture. It’s a great place to buy traditional crafts, fabrics, and fresh produce.
- Caplaki Craft Village: This is a great place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans. You can find a variety of items like woven baskets, jewelry, clothing, and wood carvings.
- Inema Arts Center: If you’re interested in contemporary art, the Inema Arts Center is a hub for Rwandan artists. It features exhibitions, workshops, and a chance to interact with local creatives.
- Presidential Palace Museum: This museum offers insight into Rwanda’s history, especially regarding its former president, Juvénal Habyarimana. The museum is set within a beautiful property and provides guided tours.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Rwandan dishes like “Ugali” (a starchy side dish), “Isombe” (cassava leaves with groundnuts), and “Brochettes” (grilled skewers of meat).
Mountain Gorilla Trekking:
Mountain gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you into the heart of the Volcanoes National Park. Here’s what you can expect:
- Permit: You’ll need a permit to trek to see the mountain gorillas. These permits are limited and need to be booked in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or a tour operator.
- Trekking: Trekking can vary in difficulty depending on the group you’re assigned to and the gorilla family’s location. The treks can take several hours, so be prepared with sturdy hiking gear and appropriate clothing.
- Meeting the Gorillas: Once you locate a gorilla family, you’ll have a limited time (usually around an hour) to observe and photograph them from a safe distance. The experience of being in their presence is truly awe-inspiring.
- Guides: Knowledgeable guides will accompany you during the trek and provide information about the gorillas, their behavior, and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Respect for Wildlife: It’s important to follow guidelines for responsible gorilla trekking. This includes maintaining a safe distance, refraining from eating or drinking in their presence, and not using flash photography.
- Both a Kigali city tour and mountain gorilla trekking will offer you a well-rounded experience of Rwanda’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Just remember to plan ahead, respect local customs and wildlife, and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Today you will arrive in Kigali with a morning or afternoon flight were you’ll be welcomed by your safari guides. Further more, the journey will have start as soon as possible driving to Uganda through beautiful mountainous countryside to Bwindi Impenetrable national park which is an impressive green wrap of dense rainforest as well as is one of the biologically diverse areas on the earth. Mostly is a home to the threatening mountain Gorillas, equally important its also a habitat for nearly 350 birds, 120 mammals and other insect species. Beside that expect to arrive at our charming accommodation on the edge of the forest in late afternoon thank you.
Accommodation option:
Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Midrange: Agandi Uganda Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast,Lunch, dinner
Day2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Return to Kigali:
Meanwhile, Gorilla trek begins in the early morning as well as setting off into the tangled and mist-covered forests with guides and trackers who are very experienced at locating the gorillas by finding the nest the family had used the previous night in those thick rainforest. In the same way these experienced guides will be sharing with you a lot of important information about the history and only even the life style of Gorillas. That’s when you’ll be watching gorillas in their natural habits which is the memory that lasts for life time, in the same way you’ll be climbing over mossy rocks which is kinder hard though interesting. All those activities are to take an hour, last but not the list we shall be going back to the lodge in-order to refresh before starting the journey to Rwanda.
Accommodation option:
Budget: Chez Lando Hotel
Midrange: Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day3: City tour of Kigali, Departure:
After breakfast, you’ll head out for a city tour of Kigali. However, on top of the Menu is Gisozi Genocide memorial. You going to be guided around the museum, were you also given an account of how events leading to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide transpired. In addition memorial is a resting place of thousand most killed during the genocide, which is a reminder of the dark past that Rwanda endured as well as visiting a local market in town. Then after lunch transferred to Kigali Airport to catch your flight back home. Thus the end of tour.
Accommodation option:
X – Last day
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Price Includes:
Transportation in a 4WD safari Land Cruiser
Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees.
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
Game drive
Ranger guide
Services on an English speaking guide
Community walk Bwindi
Enroot lunches
Price Excludes:
International flights
Hire / purchase of Hiking Gear
Personal Travel insurance
Visa Fees, Drinks, Cigarettes
Tips, Souvenirs