Triple Gorilla Trekking in Africa-Combined Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo
7 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo
This 7-day trip takes you to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. You’ll visit famous parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, home to more than a half of mountain gorillas in the whole world, Virunga National Park in Congo, the oldest conservation area in Africa, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Along with seeing gorillas, you’ll also enjoy birdwatching for special birds, meet the Batwa people for cultural experiences, and taste local foods. After this trip, you’ll know more about how gorilla trekking differs in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Kampala City Tour
Your adventure begins with a pickup at Entebbe Airport, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and a briefing from our guide about the upcoming gorilla trekking safari. If you arrive early, you’ll get to explore Kampala, Uganda’s largest capital city. Visit exciting places like the Owino market, Gadhafi National Mosque, Independence monument, or Baha’i temple. Afterward, check into your hotel, relax, have dinner, and if you’re up for it, experience Kampala’s nightlife before calling it a day.
Day 2: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with a Stop at the Equator
After a hearty breakfast, You will check out of your hotel with the help of the guide. Then, embark on a long but enjoyable journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. Along the way, you’ll see Uganda’s beautiful countryside, with plains giving way to hills and rolling landscapes. Stop at the equator in Kayabwe for some photos and fun experiments. Continue your journey with a stop for lunch at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara before finally arriving at Bwindi in the evening. Check into your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
On this day, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. These include staying quiet in the forest, not littering, staying together as a group, and keeping a safe distance from the gorillas. Then, accompanied by ranger guides and armed with your lunch box and insect repellent, venture into the forest. Gorilla trekking can take 2 to 8 hours, including one hour of observing and learning about the gorillas. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 4: Transfer to Virunga National Park
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before checking out of your lodge and beginning your journey to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Named after the Virunga volcanoes, this park is home to mountain gorillas. Have lunch en route and aim to reach the Congo-Uganda border in the afternoon. Complete border formalities, including verifying your travel documents and obtaining any necessary visas or vaccinations. Then, check into your lodge for dinner and relaxation as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Like your experience in Bwindi, start the day with breakfast before heading to the park offices for a briefing and gorilla group assignment. Follow the same rules as before, such as maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas and avoiding flash photography. Then, set off with your packed lunch and water for another unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After spending time with the gorillas, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 6: Journey to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive to Goma for the Rwanda-Congo border crossing. Exchange guides before continuing to Ruhengeri, enjoying a delicious lunch along the way. Keep an eye out for the beautiful countryside as you travel. Once in Ruhengeri, pick up your gorilla permit and proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Departure to Kigali
On your last day, enjoy breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing and group allocation. Start off your final gorilla trek, which may be shorter than previous treks as gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are often closer to the park offices. Spend precious time with the gorillas before returning to your lodge for lunch and check-out. Then, journey back to Kigali, where you’ll either catch your departure flight or check into a hotel if you plan to extend your stay in Rwanda. This marks the end of your remarkable 7-day triple gorilla trekking safari.
