3-Day Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari Adventure
detail informations
A Brief Description
03 Days / 02 Night
Experience two of Africa’s most incredible wildlife destinations in one seamless adventure. Our exclusive 3-day Rwanda Uganda Gorilla safari maximizes your primate encounters while minimizing travel time, offering unparalleled access to endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites across Rwanda and Uganda, encountering over 1,000 mountain gorillas in their natural habitat plus Rwanda’s endemic golden monkeys found nowhere else on Earth.
Day 1: Kigali Arrival & Journey to Bwindi Forest
Morning: VIP Airport Reception (6:00 AM) Your Rwanda-Uganda gorilla safari begins with personalized meet-and-greet service at Kigali International Airport. Our dedicated Africa Travel Experts team handles customs clearance while providing comprehensive safari briefings.
Scenic Cross-Border Journey (4.5 Hours) Depart Kigali for an spectacular drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” before crossing into Uganda via the Cyanika border. This scenic route showcases:
- Terraced hillside farming communities
- Dense montane forest landscapes
- Traditional village life along mountain corridors
- Dramatic volcanic peak vistas
Midday: Countryside Lunch Stop Enjoy authentic Rwandan cuisine at a carefully selected local restaurant, experiencing regional flavors while supporting community-based tourism initiatives.
Afternoon: Bwindi Forest Arrival & Check-in Arrive at your luxury eco-lodge nestled within Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Take time to settle in and enjoy lodge amenities while preparing for your cultural experience.
Cultural Encounter: Batwa Pygmy Community Visit Meet the indigenous Batwa people, Bwindi Forest’s original inhabitants who lived harmoniously with mountain gorillas for centuries. This authentic cultural exchange includes:
- Traditional storytelling sessions sharing ancient forest legends
- Demonstration of hunting techniques using traditional bows and arrows
- Medicinal plant walks learning forest pharmacy secrets
- Cultural performances featuring traditional songs and dances
- Craft workshops creating handmade souvenirs while supporting families
Evening Relaxation Return to your lodge for dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Fall asleep to the sounds of Bwindi’s nocturnal forest symphony.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Upgraded eco-luxury tented camp) Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Rwanda Transfer
Early Morning: Pre-Trek Preparation (7:00 AM) Begin with energizing coffee before receiving comprehensive briefings from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Essential pre-trek information covers:
- Gorilla family assignments based on fitness levels
- Safety protocols and behavioral guidelines
- Photography rules and equipment recommendations
- Expected trek duration and difficulty levels
Morning: Legendary Gorilla Trekking Experience Enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla encounter. This UNESCO World Heritage site protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
What Makes This Experience Extraordinary:
- Intimate wildlife encounters with endangered gorillas in their natural habitat
- One full hour of close observation once gorillas are located
- Expert ranger guidance providing behavioral insights and conservation education
- Small group sizes (maximum 8 people per gorilla family)
- Diverse forest ecosystem featuring 350+ bird species and 200+ butterfly varieties
Trekking Essentials to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for forest protection
- Rain gear (forest climate is unpredictable)
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera equipment with extra batteries
- Energy snacks and plenty of water
Midday: Lodge Lunch & Relaxation Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and brief rest before your journey back to Rwanda.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Rwanda (4 Hours) Depart Uganda for your return journey to Rwanda, crossing back through the Cyanika border. The route offers different perspectives of the region’s stunning landscapes.
Evening: Musanze Arrival Check into your comfortable hotel in Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy dinner while preparing for tomorrow’s golden monkey adventure.
Accommodation: Best View Hotel Musanze (Superior rooms with mountain views) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Finale
Morning: Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure After breakfast, proceed to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for golden monkey trekking briefings. These endangered primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and represent one of Rwanda’s conservation success stories.
Golden Monkey Trek Highlights:
- Easier trekking conditions compared to gorilla trekking
- Playful primate behavior as golden monkeys are more active than gorillas
- Stunning bamboo forest habitat creating perfect photography conditions
- One hour observation time allowing comprehensive wildlife photography
- Conservation education learning about successful protection efforts
Midday: Early Lunch & Preparation Return to your hotel for lunch and check-out preparations while reflecting on your incredible primate encounters.
Afternoon: Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village Experience authentic Rwandan culture at the renowned Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). This award-winning community tourism project offers:
Immersive Cultural Activities:
- Traditional dance performances with audience participation opportunities
- Ancient craft demonstrations including basket weaving and pottery
- Traditional architecture tours exploring reconstructed royal palaces
- Storytelling sessions featuring Rwandan folklore and legends
- Local brew tasting sampling traditional banana beer
- Souvenir shopping supporting local artisan cooperatives
Late Afternoon: Return Journey to Kigali (2.5 Hours) Begin your scenic drive back to Kigali with strategic stops for:
- Last-minute souvenir shopping at local cooperatives
- Photography opportunities at scenic viewpoints
- Refreshment breaks at carefully selected locations
Evening: Airport Transfer & Departure Arrive at Kigali International Airport for your evening departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your East African primate adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transfers with meet and greet assistance.
- Akagera park entry fees.
- Game Drives.
- Vehicle entry fees.
- Sunset boat trip.
- Conservation Park levies.
- Cultural activities (Batwa pygmies).
- Gorilla trekking permits (Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is 800Usd per person, per trek).
- Golden monkey trekking.
- Gorilla Guardian village visit.
- Accommodations in double rooms (Based on bed and breakfast).
- Private transport in a 4×4 tourist jeep land cruiser.
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle·
- All activities Highlighted in the above itinerary.
- All taxes on the services quoted above.
- Our assistance.
- All meals that are not mentioned.
- International, regional and local Airfares.
- Visa fees.
- EATV – East African Tourist Visa to access both countries with ease.
- Yellow fever certificate required for Uganda side.
- Porter – age (if any).
- Tips and other things with Personal Nature expenses.
- Telephone expenses.
- Costs of services not mentioned.
- Special beverages or cigars.
- Insurance.
Best Time for Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari
Optimal Seasons
Dry Season (June-September & December-February) Advantages:
- Easier trekking conditions with less mud
- Clear mountain views for photography
- Comfortable camping weather
- Reliable road conditions between countries
Rainy Season (March-May & October-November)
Advantages:
- Fewer tourists mean more intimate experiences
- Lush forest scenery perfect for photography
- Lower accommodation rates available
- Gorillas stay closer to park boundaries
Year-Round Wildlife Viewing
Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys remain active throughout the year, making this safari excellent regardless of season. Weather preparedness ensures comfortable experiences during any month.
Essential Packing List
Trekking Gear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Long pants and shirts for forest protection
- Rain jacket and poncho essential for forest weather
- Warm layers for high-altitude mornings
- Sun hat and sunglasses for open areas
Photography Equipment
- DSLR camera with telephoto lens capabilities
- Extra batteries and memory cards (no charging in forest)
- Waterproof camera bag protecting equipment from rain
- Portable phone charger for backup photography
Personal Items
- Insect repellent DEET-based recommended
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ for high-altitude protection
- Personal medications including antimalarials
- Energy snacks for sustained trekking energy
- Reusable water bottle staying hydrated is crucial
Other Information
- The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
- Above is just a quote and no services are confirmed at present.
- Confirmation of Hotels and other services is subject to availability.
- Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Domestic flight fees / rates are subject to change without notice.
- Timings for domestic flights may vary depending on aircraft routing.
Our Some Experience
Gallery Activities
