6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Safari Overview

A cross-border gorilla-focused journey for travellers who want to compare the mountain gorilla experience in Rwanda and Uganda.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Volcanoes

Drive into the Virunga foothills near Volcanoes National Park, where cultivated slopes rise toward a chain of dramatic volcanoes.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Day 2 – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

After an early park briefing, trek into the bamboo and montane forest with rangers to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. Terrain and trekking time vary, making good footwear and a steady pace important.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Day 3 – Golden Monkeys & Cross to Uganda

Track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone with park guides. Their quick movement, bright colouring and social behaviour make this a lively primate experience that pairs naturally with a gorilla trek.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Day 4 – Bwindi Forest & Community Time

Travel through the green highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with changing views of farms, forested hills and small trading centres.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Day 5 – Uganda Gorilla Trekking

After the ranger briefing, enter the forest with trackers to search for a habituated mountain gorilla family. The walk can be short or demanding depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, enjoy the permitted viewing time quietly observing behaviour and photographing the encounter before returning to the trailhead.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Day 6 – Return to Kigali

After breakfast, begin the final transfer to the airport or your agreed drop-off point. Stops can be arranged around flight timing, and your guide will help keep the final day comfortable and unhurried.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Customize This Safari

This itinerary is a strong starting point rather than a fixed formula. Bush Shrike Adventures can change the accommodation level, add or remove nights, include domestic flights, adjust the arrival city, add birding time, slow the pace for photography or combine the trip with more destinations in Uganda or Rwanda.