This 5 days gorilla safaris means your arrival in Kigali Rwanda and drive cross Katuna border to Uganda. This option is a bit easier to drive from Kigali Rwanda to Uganda which is 4 to 5 hours than driving from Kampala which is about 8 to 9 hours of driving. On this trip will visit two special parks which are Bwindi for trekking gorillas and track golden monkeys at Mgahinga. The trip starts from Kigali driving to southwestern Uganda, and drive back to Kigali. Also this is unhurried trip which gives you a feel of a holiday with enough time relax off.
The means of transportation is road using the land cruiser 4×4 safari vehicle and the accommodation is midrange lodges/hotels. Every day of the trip starts with breakfast, has lunch en-route and ends as planned in the detailed itinerary.
Trip Summary
- Day1: Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga in Uganda
- Day2: Golden monkey tracking & Batwa Community Visit
- Day3: Trek the mountain gorillas
- Day4: Spend a day at Lake Bunyonyi
- Day5: Drive back to Kigali
Major activities
- gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Batwa community visits, and a boat ride
Destinations;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation;
- Midrange
Transportation;
- 4×4 Land Cruiser
Detailed Trip
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga in Uganda
On this day, Entale African Safaris experienced driver guide will receive you on the arrival at Kigali international airport or will pick you from your lodge or hotel in Kigali Rwanda to transfer to southwestern Uganda. Crossing through Katuna border, the drive will be for about 4 to 5 hours, and reaching Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the drive consider a lunch en-route, check-in at your lodge and relax for the next day.
Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort (half-board)
Day 2: Golden monkey tracking & Batwa Community Visit
This morning well rejuvenated by morning breakfast, from the starting point will be briefed and by 8am will enter the forest into the raised highlands of Mgahinga’s bamboos searching for the beautiful golden monkey. The golden monkeys, though they are shy but are fully habituated to harbor human presence. In the presence of the golden monkey tracking there is an hour allowance following them. The tracking is wetted with a lot of encounters among which include birds, and several primate species, some mammals among with limited chances of finding gorillas. The all process of golden monkey tracking can last for 3 to 4 hours not so tiresome like gorillas can be.
Afterwards, will have lunch and take a drive to the Batwa community for the entertaining Batwa cultural moments. On this cultural tour will be entertained with traditional songs and dances, tales and learning about their lifestyle.
Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort (full-board)
Day 3: Trek the mountain gorillas
Trekking will possibly be Rushaga or Nkuringo which are easy to access from Lake Mutanda. Driving from the lodge to the starting point is very early morning at 6am. At Rushaga sector expect to spend more hours searching for the gorillas. This is possible as trekking time depends on how long the assigned family has traveled. So, you can ask park ranger for this experience, and spend more hours in the forest. Get briefed, be grouped and assigned to an armed park ranger to lead in the trek which starts at 8am. You should be well equipped wearing long pants, jungle boots, carry at least 1 litter of drinking water and rain proof gears. The trek continues for 30 minutes to 6 hours search and find the gorillas, and meeting with them is a mesmerizing moments of the jungle. After you return to the starting point, enjoy your relaxed lunch and take a rest at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort (full-board)
Day 4: Spend a day at Lake Bunyonyi
Treat this morning a relaxed morning with a picnic breakfast overlooking the lake, then will check-out of your lodge, and consider a transfer to Kabale with a scenic drive enjoy a moment in Kabale with lunch en-route and in the afternoon hours will drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Explore this amazing beautiful lake. At the lake will consider taking an afternoon boat ride on this Africa’s 2nd deepest lake, take a boat ride on its fascinating islands with a common island to visit being the punishment island. This island exploring can last for about 2 to 3 hours then return to your lodge for lunch and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation: Arcadia Resort Lodge (half-board)
Day 5: Drive back to Kigali
This morning enjoy a relaxed picnic breakfast overlooking the lake with the accompaniment of bird melodies. Actually, Lake is an amazing destination to watch several bird species soaring around. Then, at noon hours embark on a drive back to Kigali with lunch en-route drop off will be either at your hotel or lodge in Kigali or at Kigali International airport for your next flight back home.
Trip inclusive;
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- All trip fuel
- All meals and soft drinks
- Park entrances
- Gorilla permits
- golden monkey permits
- Boat ride
- Accommodation
- Driver guide
Exclusive;
- Visa and air ticket
- Laundry
- All hard drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips