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Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Winton Africa Safaris, designed for the adventurous at heart. This Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas not once but twice, in two of the most renowned habitats in the world: Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This cross-border adventure brings you face-to-face with Africa’s magnificent wildlife, immerses you in rich local cultures, and gives you a profound connection with nature.
From the moment you arrive at Entebbe Airport, your Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari is meticulously crafted for comfort, excitement, and authenticity. You’ll fly into the heart of Uganda’s gorilla trekking region, hike through dense forests, and spend awe-inspiring moments with mountain gorillas. Cultural encounters with the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda provide an enriching glimpse into local traditions. Whether you’re exploring Rwanda’s bustling capital city of Kigali or trekking in some of the most pristine rainforests on Earth, this Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari promises an unforgettable experience filled with wildlife encounters and cultural immersions.
Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Overnight Stay
- Day 2: Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport and Fly to Kisoro – Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Return to Lodge for Evening Relaxation
- Day 4: Cross from Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park – Afternoon Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Lodge for Relaxation
- Day 6: Drive to Kigali – City Tour and Transfer to Kigali International Airport
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Detailed Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Overnight Stay
Your Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be met by your friendly safari guide from Winton Africa Safaris. Entebbe is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, and is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. Once a colonial hub, Entebbe is now a serene and welcoming gateway to Uganda.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at your hotel or explore Entebbe’s peaceful surroundings. A visit to the nearby Botanical Gardens offers a chance to spot a variety of bird species, while the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) provides an opportunity to see rescued animals up close. This tranquil evening is perfect for resting and preparing for the thrilling days ahead.
- Destination: Entebbe Airport
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water
Day 2: Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport and Fly to Kisoro – Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The second day begins with a short drive back to Entebbe Airport, where you will board a domestic flight to Kisoro. Flying over Uganda’s lush landscape, you’ll marvel at the country’s rolling hills, terraced farms, and pristine forests. Upon landing at Kisoro Airstrip, you will be transferred by road to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The drive from Kisoro to Bwindi takes approximately two hours, but the Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari journey is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll travel through Uganda’s scenic southwestern region, passing picturesque villages and lush, terraced hillsides. Upon arrival at your lodge in Bwindi, you’ll have time to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place, preparing for the gorilla trek the following day.
What to Expect:
- Scenic flight and road transfer through Uganda’s stunning landscape.
- Overnight in Bwindi, surrounded by the sounds of nature and dense rainforests.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Four Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Return to Lodge for Evening Relaxation
Day 3 brings one of the most anticipated moments of the entire Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari: your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the trekking guidelines. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you’ll venture into the dense rainforest to locate one of the habituated gorilla families.
The trek can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is more than worth it. Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they forage, groom one another, and interact in ways that mirror human behavior. The sheer size and presence of the silverback will leave you in awe, while the tender interactions between mothers and their young will touch your heart.
In the evening, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the incredible experience.
What to Expect:
- A challenging but exhilarating trek through dense forest, guided by expert rangers.
- Up-close encounters with one of Bwindi’s Mountain gorilla families.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Four Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water
Day 4: Cross from Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park – Afternoon Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit
On Day 4, you’ll cross the border from Uganda into Rwanda, heading toward Volcanoes National Park, another vital sanctuary for mountain gorillas. This park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, a chain of dormant volcanoes that form a natural boundary between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drive between Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park takes approximately four hours, with stunning scenery to enjoy along the way.
Upon arrival at your lodge in Volcanoes National Park, you’ll have lunch before embarking on an afternoon visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. This village is a community-based tourism initiative that offers visitors a glimpse into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Former poachers now lead traditional performances and demonstrate crafts, cooking, and everyday life. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learning about their customs and the challenges they face living alongside wildlife.
What to Expect:
- Cross-border transfer with incredible views of the Virunga Mountains.
- Cultural immersion in the Iby’Iwacu village, where you can participate in traditional dances and learn about local customs.
- Destination: Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation: Five Volcanoes / Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Lodge for Relaxation
Day 5 offers your second chance to trek the majestic mountain gorillas, this time in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Like in Bwindi, you’ll start the day with a briefing at the park headquarters before setting off into the forest. The terrain here is different, with bamboo forests and the towering Virunga volcanoes forming the backdrop of your trek.
The trek can take several hours, but once again, the sight of a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat will make every step worthwhile. You’ll spend an hour observing their interactions, watching as juveniles play, mothers care for their young, and the dominant silverback keeps a protective watch. The fact that these creatures share 98% of our DNA is evident in their behavior, offering a profound connection between human and ape.
After your trek, return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon. Reflect on the unique experience of seeing mountain gorillas in two of the world’s most important conservation areas.
What to Expect:
- A different gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, with diverse landscapes.
- Another up-close encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
- Destination: Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation: Five Volcanoes / Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water
Day 6: Drive to Kigali – City Tour and Transfer to Kigali International Airport
On your final day, you’ll bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park and embark on a scenic drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Kigali is known for its clean streets, modern infrastructure, and historical significance. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a city tour, visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide.
You’ll also have the chance to visit local markets and craft centers, where you can purchase souvenirs and support local artisans. After the Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable 6-day safari.
What to Expect:
- A poignant city tour in Kigali, learning about Rwanda’s history and resilience.
- The opportunity to purchase locally made crafts as mementos of your trip.
- Destination: Kigali Airport
- Accommodation: No Accommodation
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, And Drinking Water
End of the Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari
Gorilla Trekking Safari from Masai Mara
Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro.
- Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks.
- Cultural experiences at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
- Accommodation on a full-board basis (excluding drinks).
- Professional English-speaking guides throughout the safari.
- Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Kigali city tour.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda.
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks, tips, and gratuities.
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
Gorilla Trekking from Chobe
Places to Visit on the Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to nearly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Covering over 330 square kilometers of dense rainforest, Bwindi is famous for its biodiversity, with over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and countless flora and fauna. The park’s rugged terrain and dense vegetation make gorilla trekking an adventurous experience, with the reward of observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Uganda offers an unrivaled gorilla trekking experience, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a gorilla trekking permit costing $800 per person, visitors have the unique opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. Uganda’s treks are known for their challenging yet rewarding hikes, offering one hour of magical interaction with these gentle giants.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides a luxury Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari, with permits priced at $1,500 per person. The park’s location near Kigali makes it a convenient option for high-end travelers, and the scenic backdrop of the Virunga Mountains adds to the allure. Rwanda’s treks are generally considered easier due to the park’s bamboo-dominated terrain.
Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience
For those seeking a deeper connection with mountain gorillas, Uganda offers a gorilla habituation experience in the southern part of Bwindi. This experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still undergoing the habituation process. Permits for this exclusive experience cost $1,500 per person, offering a more in-depth look at gorilla behavior.
About Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale offers both chimpanzee trekking and a full-day chimpanzee habituation experience, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is part of the Virunga Conservation Area. The park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife, making it a key destination for primate safaris. The park is also known for its rich history of gorilla research and conservation, pioneered by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey.
Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Experience – 6 Days Safari Quotation
The cost per person staying in a triple room in midrange lodges will be USD4950 on full-board occupancy excluding drinks, insurance, international flights, visa, tips and other personal expenses.
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