5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour

5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour

5 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour, this cross-border adventure combines the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you’ll also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving site that gives insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and healing journey.

Day 1: Kigali City Tour, Genocide Memorial Visit, and Transfer to Uganda

Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your guide in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. More than 250,000 victims are laid to rest here in mass graves, and the memorial serves as both a place of remembrance and education. Through exhibitions, photographs, and personal stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the events, Rwanda’s path to recovery, and the resilience of its people.

After the visit, enjoy lunch in Kigali before beginning the scenic 4–5 hour drive toward southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through rolling hills, lush terraced farmlands, and villages, offering spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Cross the border into Uganda and head to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll settle in for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Afternoon Relaxation

Today marks the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. With your packed lunch in hand, you’ll set off on a guided trek deep into the misty rainforest, home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once found, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat—watching the silverback’s dominance, playful infants, and the quiet nurturing of mothers. This rare wildlife encounter is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences Africa has to offer.

Return to your lodge for a late lunch or relaxation in the afternoon, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Musanze, Rwanda, and an optional cultural tour

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi as you drive back across the border into Rwanda. Your destination today is Musanze, a lively town near Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes. The drive offers stunning scenery with rolling hills, banana plantations, and local markets along the way.

Upon arrival in Musanze, you can either relax at your lodge or opt for an afternoon cultural tour, where you’ll experience Rwanda’s traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and interactions with local communities.

Accommodation: Isange Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for your golden monkey trekking adventure. These rare primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their striking golden-orange coats and playful behavior.

After a short briefing, you’ll trek into the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. The experience is lighter than gorilla trekking and usually takes less time, making it a great way to complement your primate safari. Watching the golden monkeys leap from branch to branch and interact in large social groups is both entertaining and fascinating.

Return to your lodge for a leisurely afternoon and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Isange Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali and End of Tour

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before driving back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to stop at local craft markets to pick up souvenirs. Your driver will then drop you off at either your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Uganda–Rwanda safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Inclusions

Ground transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)

Golden monkey trekking permit (Volcanoes)

All park entry fees and ranger fees

Accommodation as per itinerary (mid-range)

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Kigali Genocide Memorial visit

Exclusions

International flights

Rwanda & Uganda visa fees

Travel & medical insurance

Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks not included in meals, laundry, etc.)

Tips & gratuities for guides, rangers, and lodge staff

Optional cultural activities in Musanze

Packing Essentials

Hiking boots & comfortable trekking clothes (neutral colors)

Long-sleeved shirts & trousers

Rain jacket/poncho (for Bwindi’s rainforest)

Garden gloves (for gorilla trekking)

Small backpack & reusable water bottle

Insect repellent & sunscreen

Hat & sunglasses

Camera (no flash for gorillas)

Personal medications & first-aid kit

Passport, visas, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate