4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Rwanda Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

Arrival at Kigali City and Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests are warmly greeted by Otter African Safaris’ professional driver-guide team. Kigali is a city of clean streets, rolling hills, and a strong sense of progress, providing the perfect gateway to East Africa’s wildlife destinations. After introductions and a brief overview of the safari, travelers begin the road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda. The journey offers a scenic panorama of Rwanda and Uganda’s lush highlands, dotted with terraced farms, rural villages, and glimpses of Lake Kivu in the distance.

The drive, which spans approximately 4–5 hours depending on border formalities, crosses the Cyanika or Katuna border, transitioning guests into Uganda’s southwestern region. Along the way, travelers gain a firsthand view of East Africa’s vibrant rural life, with rolling tea plantations, banana groves, and smallholdings illustrating the agricultural heartbeat of the region. The highlands’ temperate climate and green landscapes hint at the proximity of Bwindi, signaling a shift from cultivated land to dense rainforest.

Check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Upon arrival in Bwindi, guests check into Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, an eco-conscious property designed to blend seamlessly with the forest environment. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding forest canopy and distant hills. Guests are encouraged to relax on private verandas, listen to the forest ambiance, and enjoy a welcome dinner, reflecting on the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure. The evening provides a final moment of tranquility and preparation, as guides outline the trekking experience, provide equipment tips, and emphasize safety and environmental considerations for the next day.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Afternoon Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Day two of the safari is the highlight of the journey—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Guests rise early to enjoy a hearty breakfast before being transported to the park headquarters, where they receive a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The briefing covers trekking protocols, safety procedures, and behavioral expectations to ensure a respectful and safe encounter with the gorillas. Each trekking group is then assigned to a specific gorilla family based on physical fitness levels and ranger assessments.

The trek into Bwindi is a full-immersion experience. Guests navigate through dense vegetation, moss-covered trees, and vibrant undergrowth. Sounds of birdsong, insect calls, and distant primate chatter accompany travelers as they ascend hills and follow winding forest trails. The duration of the trek varies, typically lasting 2–6 hours, depending on gorilla location. Upon locating the gorilla family, guests spend up to one hour observing their natural behaviors—playful juveniles swinging on vines, mothers nurturing infants, and silverbacks maintaining order and security. The close encounter is emotionally moving, offering opportunities for photography and profound personal reflection.

Journey to Lake Bunyonyi

After trekking, guests return to Ichumbi Lodge for a short rest and refreshment before proceeding to Lake Bunyonyi, where they check into Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation, allowing guests to unwind after the physically demanding trek. Optional activities include canoe rides across the lake’s serene waters, birdwatching excursions, or gentle walks along the terraced hills that frame the lake. As the sun sets, the lake’s calm waters mirror the surrounding landscape, creating a picturesque environment for reflection. Dinner at the resort offers a combination of local and international cuisine, and the evening provides the perfect opportunity to savor the peaceful ambiance.

• Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Morning Activities at Lake Bunyonyi and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

The third day begins with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi. Guests may engage in optional morning activities such as canoeing, birdwatching, or hiking around the lake. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, while nature photographers capture the dramatic landscape of terraced hills, lush forests, and the lake’s reflective surface. The morning provides a serene counterpoint to the intensity of the previous day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Late morning, the journey continues with a road transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The drive, approximately 3–4 hours including border formalities, traverses the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda. Travelers witness rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and small villages that offer glimpses into traditional lifestyles. Border formalities at the Cyanika or Katuna crossing are managed smoothly by the Otter African Safaris team, ensuring minimal delays.

Arrival at Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, guests check into Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, a comfortable eco-lodge with easy access to the park’s trailheads. The lodge’s design harmonizes with the forest environment and offers exceptional views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The afternoon provides time for rest and acclimatization, allowing guests to prepare for the following day’s Golden Monkey tracking. Dinner at the lodge is served in a cozy dining area, highlighting local cuisine alongside international favorites. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the evening ambiance, listening to the sounds of the forest and reflecting on the remarkable primate experiences to date.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking and Afternoon Drive Back to Kigali

The final day of the safari is dedicated to the unique and captivating golden monkey tracking experience. After an early breakfast at the lodge, guests are escorted to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on golden monkey behavior, tracking techniques, and safety measures. These small primates, with their striking golden fur, inhabit the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and are known for their playful and highly social nature.

Tracking typically lasts 1–3 hours, depending on the monkeys’ movements, and is less physically demanding than gorilla trekking. Guests observe golden monkeys leaping gracefully among bamboo stalks, engaging in group interactions, and feeding on tender shoots. This experience offers not only a wildlife spectacle but also an understanding of Rwanda’s successful conservation initiatives, which have allowed the population of golden monkeys to thrive.

After the trek, guests return to the lodge for refreshments before embarking on the road transfer back to Kigali City. The drive is scenic, traversing Rwanda’s hilly terrain and picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival in Kigali, guests are transferred to Kigali International Airport or a city hotel, depending on departure plans. The safari concludes with a profound sense of accomplishment, having encountered both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys while experiencing the natural and cultural richness of Uganda and Rwanda.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board