4-Day Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Lake Bunyonyi Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda Scenic North

When you land at Kigali Airport, our driver guide will be there to greet you. You'll then begin a guided tour through Kigali's rapidly developing neighborhoods, witnessing the city's transformation firsthand.

You'll have the chance to visit the Presidential Museum, formerly home to two Rwandan Presidents, where you can learn about the nation's political history. We'll also drive through older commercial and residential areas, making a significant stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site to honor the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

After a lunch break, we'll head to Musanze. If time permits, you'll visit the stunning twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, known for their deep blue waters, surrounding hills, and views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Your accommodation for the night will be at your pre-booked hotel.

Main Destination:

Ruhengeri (City, Rwanda)

Accommodation:

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodge just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Golden Monkey Trekking & Cross to Bwindi – Into Uganda

After an early breakfast, you'll head to the Kinigi Visitor Centre for a briefing. Today's adventure takes you into the bamboo forests to track the rare and beautiful golden monkeys. These endangered primates are a joy to watch with their vibrant golden-orange fur and playful antics. This trek is generally considered easy, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Once you've enjoyed your hour with the golden monkeys, you'll return to your lodge for lunch. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to the Uganda border. After clearing immigration, you'll travel through the scenic Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This incredible park is home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

Specifically, you'll be in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, which is known for having several habituated gorilla families. This means better chances of securing permits and a variety of trekking options to suit different preferences and fitness levels.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Bweza Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Today marks the highlight of your journey: gorilla trekking in Bwindi's ancient rainforest. After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters for a crucial briefing on what to expect and the guidelines for your trek.

Then, you'll venture into the dense forest with your ranger guides to track one of the habituated gorilla families. While the trek can sometimes be steep and muddy, the reward is truly immeasurable: an unforgettable hour spent observing these magnificent, gentle giants up close. Gorilla tracking can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, so we'll provide a packed lunch since the duration is unpredictable.

After your incredible gorilla encounter, you'll take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. Your destination is the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. This beautiful lake, dotted with numerous islands, is considered one of Uganda's most picturesque spots and the perfect place to unwind after your trek.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

BirdNest Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Kigali

Start your final day with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. You'll explore some of its unique islands, including the famous "Punishment Island," while learning about local myths and history. After your relaxing lake experience, we'll cross the border back into Rwanda via the Katuna border post and drive you to Kigali.

If time allows, you'll have the chance to browse some local craft markets before we head to the airport for your onward travel. Should you need extra nights in Kigali, additional accommodation can be arranged upon request. This safari can alternatively transfer to Entebbe or get an add on for Big Game Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

Important Travel Notes:
Gorilla & Golden Monkey Permits: We take care of all permit bookings in advance.
Visa Requirements: This must be arranged online before your trip.
Fitness Level: A moderate level of fitness is sufficient.
Accommodation is great value midrange.

Main Destination:

Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.