8-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Quadruple Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi, Mgahinga & Volcanoes

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the dense rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, where mountain gorillas roam freely amidst misty valleys and volcano-clad landscapes. This 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers an unparalleled quadruple gorilla trekking experience, providing four separate opportunities to witness these critically endangered giants in their natural habitat. Begin your 8-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and conclude with the majestic Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, combining adventure, cultural encounters, and intimate wildlife experiences.

This 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is meticulously designed for first-time and seasoned gorilla trekkers, balancing adventure with comfort, cultural immersion, and luxury accommodations. Each trekking experience is accompanied by professional park rangers and trackers, ensuring your safety while maximizing your observation time. From steep rainforest trails to bamboo forests atop volcanic slopes, you will witness gorillas in varying habitats, each offering unique photographic opportunities and personal interactions.

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi, Mgahinga & Volcanoes

The 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari also incorporates cultural and ecological exploration, including visits to Batwa villages, traditional communities that coexist with the forests, and opportunities to observe Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity beyond gorillas, such as exotic birds, primates, and endemic flora. Travelers will stay in eco-lodges and boutique accommodations that blend luxury with sustainable practices, offering comfort while preserving the environment. The final leg of the journey takes you to Kigali, Rwanda, allowing reflection on your adventure and a smooth connection for onward travel.

This ultimate 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari by Deks Safaris & Tours provides not only rare wildlife encounters but also a deep understanding of conservation efforts, local cultures, and East Africa’s unique landscapes, making it a truly unforgettable expedition.

Detailed 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda Gateway to Adventure

Your 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. You are greeted by your Deks Safaris & Tours representative and transferred to a luxury hotel in Entebbe, conveniently located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, there are multiple activities to choose from, offering a gentle introduction to Uganda’s rich wildlife and culture.

For early arrivals, a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is highly recommended. This sanctuary, set on the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, houses rescued chimpanzees that have been rehabilitated and live in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. Approximately 95% of Ngamba Island is left untouched, allowing chimps to engage in natural behaviors freely. Visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s conservation work, observe feeding sessions from raised platforms, and understand the delicate balance required to rehabilitate orphaned or injured primates.

Entebbe is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Makanaga Swamps, accessible via boat or canoe, provide opportunities to see rare and prehistoric-looking birds such as the shoebill stork, as well as a host of other wetland species. Even a brief exploration of these areas immerses visitors in Uganda’s lush landscapes, teeming with biodiversity.

Dinner at the hotel completes the day, providing a chance to sample local and international cuisine, setting the tone for an adventure that blends comfort with thrilling wildlife encounters. This first evening is ideal for relaxation and preparation, ensuring you are well-rested for the intense trekking that lies ahead.

  • Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
  • Meals: Dinner

 

Days 2–3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Early on day two, you depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, often referred to as the “Place of Darkness” due to its dense rainforest canopy. A short domestic flight or scenic road transfer takes you into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Arrival at the lodge provides time for lunch and relaxation, preparing you for the adventure ahead. For those with energy, an afternoon village tour of Buhoma introduces the local culture, allowing interaction with communities who coexist with the forest.

The next morning begins with an early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed gorilla tracking briefing. Each tracking group is limited to eight visitors, accompanied by expert rangers and trackers. You will learn about your assigned gorilla family, including its composition, hierarchy, and behavior, as well as safety protocols and photography guidelines. The trek through Bwindi is challenging; the rainforest is steep, wet, and dense, requiring good fitness and stamina. Trackers move ahead to locate the gorilla family, guiding you in the right direction.

1-Hour Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Once the gorillas are located, you have one full hour to observe these remarkable creatures. Watching a silverback assert leadership, juveniles play under the watchful eyes of adults, and females groom each other offers a deeply intimate wildlife experience. Photography is encouraged but kept unobtrusive to ensure minimal disruption to the gorillas’ natural behavior. The day concludes with a return to the lodge, where you can relax, share stories of your trek, and reflect on the profound impact of the encounter.

A second day in Bwindi allows another trek or participation in forest walks and community visits, offering insights into Uganda’s conservation initiatives and cultural heritage. This double gorilla trekking opportunity in Bwindi provides a comprehensive understanding of gorilla behavior across different families and environments, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Days 4–5: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Volcano Slopes and Batwa Culture

Day four begins with a four-hour trek through Bwindi, followed by a vehicle transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located near Uganda’s southwestern border. This park is smaller and less crowded than Bwindi, offering exclusive gorilla trekking experiences amid lush slopes of extinct volcanoes. You check into Mt Gahinga Lodge, an eco-lodge combining comfort with stunning views of the volcanic landscape. The afternoon may be spent resting or visiting the Gahinga Batwa Village, home to the indigenous Batwa pygmies. Here, you learn about their traditions, music, and subsistence lifestyle, gaining a deeper appreciation of the human history intertwined with these forests.

The following morning, guests embark on their second gorilla trek, this time among the forested slopes of Mgahinga. The terrain is less dense than Bwindi, offering the opportunity for more open views and photography. Trackers locate the gorilla family, and you spend an hour in close proximity, observing their intricate social interactions. By the second trek, the focus shifts from photography to immersive observation, allowing travelers to engage with the gorillas’ behaviors more deeply. The combination of forested volcano slopes and intimate wildlife interactions provides a unique experience distinct from Bwindi, highlighting the diversity of gorilla habitats.

Afternoons can be spent walking along crater trails, birdwatching, or simply absorbing the serenity of the volcanic landscape. Mgahinga’s combination of adventure, cultural engagement, and pristine natural beauty makes it a standout segment of the 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari itinerary.

  • Accommodation: Mt Gahinga Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6–7: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Final Gorilla Trekking Adventure

On day six, travel from Uganda into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the final leg of your gorilla trekking expedition. Volcanoes is globally renowned for Dian Fossey’s research and conservation efforts, and it is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Arrival at a luxury lodge near the park allows for rest or an optional afternoon nature walk to begin acclimatization to the volcanic slopes.

The next morning, you attend the final gorilla tracking briefing at the park headquarters. The terrain differs from Uganda; the slopes are covered with bamboo forests, offering more open light for photography. As usual, expert trackers move ahead to locate the gorilla family, guiding you along forest trails. Once found, you spend a full hour observing these magnificent creatures, capturing one last intimate encounter. The experience is profound: silverbacks display authority, females nurture their young, and juveniles play energetically, all set against a backdrop of volcanic peaks.

Volcanoes National Park is also rich in biodiversity beyond gorillas. Birdwatchers can spot sunbirds, hornbills, and turacos, while the forest is home to golden monkeys and a variety of primates. The combination of Rwanda’s conservation legacy, the opportunity to witness gorillas in bamboo forests, and the dramatic volcanic scenery provides a fitting culmination to your 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari journey. Afternoons can be spent exploring the lodge surroundings, learning about conservation projects, or relaxing after the morning’s adventure.

  • Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: Kigali and Departure Farewell to East Africa

On the final day, you travel from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, in time for your onward flight. Depending on your departure schedule, a brief city tour may be arranged, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets. This reflective visit provides a profound perspective on Rwanda’s history, resilience, and cultural richness, rounding off your journey with meaningful insight beyond wildlife encounters.

Guests are then transferred to Kigali International Airport for departure, concluding a truly unique 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari experience featuring four gorilla trekking opportunities across three world-class parks, cultural immersion, and luxury accommodations. Travelers depart with memories of intimate wildlife encounters, verdant volcanic landscapes, and the profound satisfaction of supporting East Africa’s conservation initiatives.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Conclusion

This 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking adventure, visiting Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks. It is designed for travelers seeking intimate wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and luxury in remote locations. The itinerary balances physically active trekking with relaxation, allowing for reflection on your encounters with mountain gorillas and the surrounding ecosystems. Each park presents unique habitats and social dynamics, offering a comprehensive understanding of gorilla behavior and conservation challenges.

Deks Safaris & Tours ensures a seamless experience with expert guides, luxurious eco-lodges, and carefully scheduled treks. The combination of Uganda’s remote forests and Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes provides a rare opportunity to witness mountain gorillas multiple times in varying habitats. Cultural interactions with local communities, including the Batwa pygmies, enrich the journey, emphasizing the connection between humans and wildlife. This 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, education, and unforgettable wildlife experiences in one concise yet profound expedition.

 

8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) as indicated
  • Airport transfers and domestic flights where applicable
  • Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes
  • Experienced local guides and rangers for all treks
  • Cultural visits (Batwa Village, Buhoma village)
  • Park entry fees for all trekking locations
  • Bottled water during safari activities
  • 24/7 Trip Coordinator support

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International airfare to Entebbe and from Kigali
  • Travel, medical, and trip cancellation insurance
  • Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

This 8 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a luxurious, immersive, and expertly curated East African experience, providing multiple opportunities to engage with one of the planet’s most iconic species while exploring Uganda and Rwanda’s remarkable landscapes.