Rwanda, Uganda · Primate Tours

3-Day Gorilla Tracking Safari in Bwindi with Lake Bunyonyi Cruise

3 Days Round trip from Kigali City Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience the thrill of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Engage with the Batwa community and learn about their rich cultural heritage
  • 03 Explore Lake Bunyonyi on a scenic boat cruise, discovering some of its beautiful islands
  • 04 Enjoy optional activities like canoeing and ziplining at Lake Bunyonyi
  • 05 Take a vibrant Kigali city tour and visit essential cultural sites

Discover Uganda's wildlife and culture on this 3-day safari from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi. Travel through Kigali and the spectacular mountain landscapes of Rwanda and southwestern Uganda before setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi. The journey also includes a Batwa cultural experience and a scenic boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, with time to enjoy its tranquil beauty and optional lakeside activities. Return to Kigali enriched by unforgettable encounters with gorillas, local communities, and East Africa's stunning scenery.

After reaching the gorillas, you'll be able to take close-up iconic photos of the gorilla families, film every moment, and enjoy learning fascinating facts about them from the ranger guide, with time to ask questions if you wish.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kigali, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi

  • Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by a professional safari guide. You'll then receive a general briefing about the entire safari before setting off for a city tour.
  • You'll then embark on a vibrant Kigali city tour as you visit Rwanda's must-visit points in Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and learn about Rwandan history and culture.
  • You will then proceed on a breathtaking drive through the spectacular mountain views of Rwanda and southwestern Uganda.
  • You'll have lunch en route at any restaurant around Kabale town or in Kigali.
  • Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check-in at your safari lodge.
  • Afterward, you can opt to take an evening walk around the community as you build fitness for the following day's trek, or simply relax at your lodge and enjoy the forest views as you wait for dinner.
  • After dinner, your guide will give you the guidelines and programme for the following day, and you can discuss anything necessary.
  • Overnight stay. End of day one.
2
Day 02

Gorilla Tracking and Lake Bunyonyi Cruise

  • Wake up to a delicious early morning breakfast at your lodge and take a short drive to the park headquarters for a general briefing.
  • Upon arrival at the park headquarters, as you join other trackers, you'll be welcomed with a lively local performance as the locals show their hospitality toward your visit. You're free to join in if you'd like to take part, gain more fitness, and enjoy the moment.
  • You'll then be given a briefing by an experienced ranger guide after being divided into groups of about 8 members per group.
  • You'll then start your trek, led by experienced armed ranger guides, into the jungle. As you walk, keep your eyes open, as you might spot other animals like baboons, monkeys, elephants, duikers, birds, and more.
  • After reaching the gorillas, you'll be able to take close-up iconic photos of the gorilla families, film every moment, and enjoy learning fascinating facts about them from the ranger guide, with time to ask questions if you wish.
  • After trekking, you'll then receive a certificate confirming your successful trek for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • You'll then drive back to your lodge for lunch before a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi.

Afternoon Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

  • After reaching Lake Bunyonyi, you'll embark on a breathtaking boat cruise as you explore some of the 29 islands on the lake. Visit Kyahugye Island, where you'll have a close encounter with wildlife, including impalas, zebras, donkeys, waterbucks, and more.
  • Continue the cruise and rest with the Batwa community on the shores of the lake, enjoy the local entertainment, and learn about their lifestyle in the forest and their culture.
  • Afterward, you'll enjoy a sunset cruise on the way back to your lodge for an evening chill.
  • Dinner and overnight stay.
3
Day 03

Lake Bunyonyi Morning and Return to Kigali

  • Wake up to the stunning lake views of the world's 3rd deepest lake.
  • Enjoy your delicious breakfast.
  • You can choose to take any optional activity at the lake, such as canoeing, ziplining, sky biking, swimming, or rope swinging.
  • Afterward, prepare and depart back to Kigali.
  • End of the tour.
Kigali Genocide Memorial, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kyahugye Island, Lake Bunyonyi

Where this trip takes you

Kigali Genocide Memorial, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kyahugye Island, Lake Bunyonyi

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kigali City 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla tracking permit
  • City tour
  • Midrange accommodation
  • Transportation by 4x4 comfortable safari vehicle
  • Drinking water, snacks, and fruits on the road trip
  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • Meal plan: bed and breakfast
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Boat cruise

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips
  • Optional activities that are not in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Light, dark-coloured clothes
  • Strong, comfortable shoes
  • Passport
  • Rechargeable photography gadgets (phone, power bank, or camera)
  • Raincoat

Know before you go

  • This itinerary can be customised according to your flight arrival/departure time or your desired interval.
  • The gorilla tracking permit is booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority and costs $800, which is part of the general cost. It has to be booked early, at least a month before the trip, since the number of permits available daily for tourists visiting the gorillas is limited.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour start
Kigali City, Kigali, Rwanda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Kigali City.

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