Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Safari 2025

The thrilling opportunity to track rhinos on foot is the main attraction of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that protects 7,000ha of dense African bush also inhabited by a wide variety of antelope, small mammals, and birds. Starting with six animals relocated from outside Uganda in 2005–6, the white rhinos of Ziwa have now bred up to more than 20 individuals. The long-term plan is to reintroduce rhinos into national parks where they are now locally extinct, but for now, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see Africa’s second-bulkiest land mammal in the wild.

After rhino tracking, we will continue to Murchison Falls National Park.   The park is dominated geographically by the Nile River and the 43-meter-high waterfall after which it is named.

This afternoon, you will join a boat trip along the Nile to Murchison Falls. In addition to the tropical African riverine scenery, expect to see plenty of wildlife on the way.

Visiting the top of Murchison Falls is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience. As the mighty Nile River narrows and plunges through a 7-meter-wide gorge, the resulting cascade creates a powerful and mesmerizing spectacle.  Upon arrival, a short hike awaits to reach a viewpoint overlooking the falls, where the sight and sound of the rushing water crashing into the rocks below is nothing short of breathtaking. Standing at the top of Murchison Falls offers a unique perspective on the natural forces that have shaped this iconic landscape, making it a must-see attraction for visitors exploring Uganda’s incredible wilderness.

Accommodations: Paraa Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Kibale National Park is best known for its population of around 1,000 chimpanzees, man’s closest genetic relative. The park is home to a dozen other primate species, including the Uganda mangabey, a type of monkey that is unique to Uganda and difficult to see anywhere other than Kibale. It supports a dazzling forest birdlife, with 370 species recorded, ranging from the outrageously colorful great blue turaco to the secretive green-breasted pitta.

Accommodations:  Turaco Treetops Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After our cooking class, we will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into our Safari Lodge.

Accommodations:  Kasenyi Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This afternoon, we will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise.

During the boat cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the islands scattered across Lake Bunyonyi. One of the highlights is a stop at Punishment Island, a fascinating yet poignant historical site where unmarried pregnant girls were traditionally abandoned. Today, Punishment Island serves as a somber reminder of the region’s cultural past.

As you continue your cruise, take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, dotted with terraced hillsides and vibrant gardens cultivated by local communities. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species that inhabit the area, including herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles, adding to the magical ambiance of the journey.

The boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi is not just a sightseeing excursion; it’s a chance to connect with the rich culture and natural heritage of Uganda’s southwestern region. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this experience promises unforgettable moments and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and its surroundings.

Accommodations:  Arcadia Cottages (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Supporting almost half the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the best place anywhere in the world to track these charismatic gentle giants through their misty forest home. But there is far more to this UNESCO World Heritage Site than just gorillas. The lush forest interior is also home to a diversity of other mammals, ranging from L’Hoest’s
monkey and chimpanzee to elephant and the yellow-backed duiker. A total of 350 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley, ensure that Bwindi ranks among East Africa’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations.

Accommodations:  Ichumbi Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast you will meet with the ranger and hire your porter at the entrance to the park.  You will then set off to track your gorilla family, you can expect the trek to take 4 to 6 hours.  Once you find your gorilla family you can spend an hour with them, observing and taking photos.  This is truly a magical moment, the efforts to get here will evaporate the instant that you see them.  This is one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters that few in the world get to experience.

Accommodations: Ichumbi Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

In the afternoon, we will transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan portion of the Virungas, a chain of nine freestanding volcanoes that includes Africa’s sixth-highest mountain Karisimbi and supports over half the world’s mountain gorillas. The jagged outline of the volcanic peaks dominates the skyline in all directions, and may seem familiar if you’ve seen the movie ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, which was filmed
here. In order to protect the park’s unique highland habitats, access is limited to a menu of thrilling guided foot excursions that leave in the morning. These include tracking to see habituated groups of mountain gorilla or golden monkeys and hiking through the jungle to the lofty volcanic calderas.

Accommodations: Five Volcanoes Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

There is also the option this day to do a second gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park (the cost is $1500 USD).

Accommodations: Five Volcanoes Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Golden monkeys are known to have unique characters and are a rare species that is endangered at the moment. They are currently found in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. They are easily recognized due to the yellow patches that can be seen all over their bodies. The Golden monkeys are also known as ‘the Old world monkey’ and the only way to separate these primates from others is by their noses. There is a unique character about the golden monkeys and that is most of the monkeys have their nostrils pointing to the sides but if you look closely at the golden monkeys, their nostrils face upwards.

Accommodations: Five Volcanoes Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Situated on a forested saddle separating two of the volcanic Virunga peaks, the abandoned Karisoke Research Center, founded by the primatologist Dian Fossey in 1967, and now the site of her grave, is the goal of today’s scenic hike into Volcanoes National Park.

Later in the afternoon, we will transfer to Kigali.

Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)