Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Arrive at Kigali International Airport. To keep your schedule smooth, plan to arrive early or the night before. Our company guide will meet you at the airport or hotel and provide a 4 Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari via Kigali briefing.

If time permits, explore Kigali by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Centre, or Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a glimpse into Rwanda’s history and culture. Depart Kigali at around 10:00 AM for a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi National Park in Uganda, crossing via the Kyanika or Katuna border. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Arrive by late afternoon, check-in, and relax while soaking in the serene forest views. You can also opt for a community walk to meet the Batwa people, a traditional pygmy community.

Overnight:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range: Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ruhodeza

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Start your day with an early breakfast at 6:30 AM. Head to the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will assign you a gorilla family based on your fitness and preferences.

The gorilla trek begins at 8:00 AM and can last 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. Once you find them, spend an hour observing and photographing the gorillas in their natural habitat, guided by expert rangers.

After the trek, return to the park for a certificate, then head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can opt for a nature walk or visit a local Batwa community.

End your day with a peaceful evening at the lodge, enjoying dinner or sharing stories around a campfire.

Overnight:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range: Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ruhodeza

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Tour

After an early breakfast, check out of your lodge and depart for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda via the Cyanika or Katuna border. The 3-4 hour drive offers scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes and terraced hillsides.

Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri) and check into your lodge. Enjoy lunch and take some time to relax.

Optional: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in the afternoon to experience Rwandan traditions, dances, and interact with former poachers who now promote conservation.

Return to your lodge for dinner and rest, preparing for the golden monkey trek the next day

Overnight:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Return to Kigali

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge around 6:30 AM, then head to the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing on the golden monkey trek.

The trek begins at 8:00 AM and typically lasts 2-3 hours. You’ll hike through bamboo forests at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes to find the playful golden monkeys. Once spotted, you’ll have about an hour to observe and photograph them. The trek is generally easier than gorilla trekking with fewer steep climbs.

Afterward, return to the lodge for a quick lunch before starting the 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, you can stop for some light shopping or visit Caplaki Craft Village for souvenirs.

Arrive at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, or be dropped off at your hotel if extending your stay.

Packing List for the Trek:

• Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots for rugged trails.
• Waterproof jacket or poncho: Bwindi and Volcanoes have unpredictable rain.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: To protect from insects and scratches.
• Gardening gloves: For gripping during the trek.
• Snacks and water: To keep your energy levels up during the trek.
• Camera with extra batteries: No flash allowed.
• Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.