Our 5 Day Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Adventure is a remarkable itinerary is carefully crafted to offer the best of Rwanda’s wildlife Safari and Uganda’s natural wonders. From the rolling vast landscapes to the dense jungles of Bwindi’s unique gorilla habitats, providing an experience that is both exhilarating and transformative. End your adventure with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi with exceptionally beautiful scenery as you walk through the local community around the lake.
Safari Highlights:
- Kigali City Tour.
- Gorilla trekking encounters.
- Batwa cultural experiences.
- Countryside scenic experiences.
- Boat ride at Lake Bunyonyi.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kickstart your gorilla trekking adventure with an exploration of Kigali. After breakfast at 0800hrs, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour through Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. You’ll visit Kigali Genocide Memorial which will provide you with a moving insight into Rwanda’s Genocide history and resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength of its people. Following our Kigali exploration, you will embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once we arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience.
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Mid-Morning Boat Ride and Community Walk.
Following breakfast at 8h00, you will take a 2-hour scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi (2hrs drive). You’ll have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll undertake a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi as you enjoy beautiful views of the rolling hills. Our backdrop, for the most thrilling part, will be the exceptionally beautiful scenery as you walk through the local community around the lake. The walk is not strenuous and can be taken at your pace and is mostly scenic, leading us through small villages and meeting Ugandans up close and personal. The walk also includes some of the idyllic hamlets and villages with their terraced Gardens that surround the lake. Keep your camera handy and enjoy Lake Bunyonyi. After the walk, you will head to check in to your lodge, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure overlooking the lake.
Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages Lodge (Luxury) Bunyonyi Rock Resort (Midrange) Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Return Journey to Kigali – Departure.
On the final day after a leisurely breakfast at 1000hrs, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Kigali (2.5hrs drive) where you can reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your Uganda gorilla safari. Our team will ensure a comfortable return, including stopovers at picturesque locations, allowing you to savor Uganda’s beauty one last time before departure. Depending on the departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
Included
1. All Permits and Entrance fees included in the itinerary
2. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
3. Kigali city tour
4. Gorilla trekking encounters
5. Batwa cultural experiences
6. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
7. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide
8. Meals as indicated in the itinerary
9. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle
Excluded
11. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide
12. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
13. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
14. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.