Rwanda, Uganda · Primate Tours

4-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Safari with Golden Monkey Trek

4 Days Round trip from Rwanda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek for mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks
02 Enjoy an included golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park
03 Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a respectful insight into Rwanda's history
04 Travel through Rwanda's rolling hills and the Virunga Mountains
05 Cross seamlessly between Rwanda and Uganda with a professional guide

This 4-day safari offers a remarkable journey across Rwanda and Uganda, combining poignant history, scenic landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Begin with a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before travelling through Rwanda's rolling hills to the dramatic Virunga Mountains. Continue across the border into Uganda for a life-changing gorilla trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, with an included golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park adding another memorable primate experience. It is a concise yet profound adventure into East Africa's gorilla heartland.

Once you find them, you will have a magical hour to observe these magnificent creatures up close, a truly awe-inspiring and humbling experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kigali History, Volcanoes National Park and Uganda Gorilla Country

Day 1: Kigali's History to Volcanoes National Park

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Kigali. The first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving experience that provides a crucial understanding of Rwanda's history. Afterward, you will travel north through the picturesque countryside, often called the "land of a thousand hills." The drive to Volcanoes National Park offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains. You'll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Accommodation: The Garden Place Hotel

Meals: Full Board

Day 2: Volcanic Peaks & Uganda Transfer

After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing. You have the option of a gorilla trek (at an additional cost) or the included golden monkey trek. Both treks take you into the lush forest, but the golden monkey trek is a lighter hike and provides a playful contrast to the gorilla experience. In the afternoon, you will cross the border into Uganda and continue to the Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area, where you will check into your lodge for the night, filled with anticipation for your gorilla encounter.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel

Meals: Full Board

Day 3: The Ultimate Gorilla Trek in Uganda

Today is the day you've been waiting for. After an early breakfast, you'll head to the Uganda gorilla trekking briefing point. Accompanied by a professional ranger, you will set off into the dense, misty forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once you find them, you will have a magical hour to observe these magnificent creatures up close, a truly awe-inspiring and humbling experience. After the trek, you will return to your lodge to relax, reflect on your incredible encounter, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel

Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before beginning your journey back to Kigali. You'll travel through the stunning highlands of southwestern Uganda and cross back into Rwanda, taking in the final views of this rich and beautiful landscape. Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will transfer you to either a city hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on your departure schedule. This concludes your unforgettable cross-border gorilla trekking safari, leaving you with lasting memories of East Africa's wild heart.

Where this trip takes you

Kigali Genocide Memorial, Rwanda's rolling hills, Virunga Mountains, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rwanda 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park Fees: For Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi/Mgahinga National Parks.
Gorilla Permit: One non-resident gorilla trekking permit for Uganda.
Activities: Golden monkey trek and all other activities as specified.
Accommodation: Three nights' accommodation as specified.
Guide: A professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
Transportation: All ground transportation.
Taxes: All taxes and VAT.
Meals: As specified in the day-by-day section.

What's Not Included

International Flights: Flights to and from Kigali.
Optional Activities: Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda and the associated cost.
Transfers: Roundtrip airport transfers are not included.
Additional Accommodation: Any accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
Tips: Gratuities for the guide, porters, and other staff.
Personal Items: Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
Government Increases: Any future government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees.
Drinks: All drinks are excluded.

What to bring

Clothing: Pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors for protection from insects and vegetation. A waterproof or rain jacket is essential.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must for navigating the muddy and often steep forest trails.
Gear: A small day backpack, a camera (with no flash), extra batteries, binoculars, and hiking gloves.
Health and Safety: A face mask, required for gorilla trekking, hand sanitizer, and strong insect repellent.
Other: A reusable water bottle, energy-giving snacks, and a hat.

Know before you go

Permits: A Uganda gorilla permit is included in the tour price. If you wish to do the gorilla trek in Rwanda, the permit, at a significantly higher cost, must be purchased separately.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours or more. A good level of physical fitness is required.
Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is recommended for easier storage in the safari vehicle.
Drinks: This tour does not include any drinks, so you should plan to purchase them at the lodges or bring your own.
Tipping: Tipping is not included and is a customary way to thank your guide and porters for their service. A guideline of US$10 per person per day is suggested.