6-Day Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Orugano Safaris guide at Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. You'll start the day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, opened in 2004 to honor the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This moving site offers deep insight into Rwanda’s horrific past while serving as a place of remembrance and healing. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park—renowned for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s vibrant heritage with a visit to the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Centre, where traditional music, dance, and customs come to life. For conservation enthusiasts, there’s also an optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Your day ends with a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)

Begin your day with an exciting morning trek in Volcanoes National Park to encounter the playful and endangered golden monkeys, known for their energetic behavior and vibrant coloring. After this thrilling experience, you’ll cross the scenic countryside toward Uganda, passing through the Cyanika border into the lush landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This beautiful journey offers glimpses of rural life and stunning views of the Virunga mountains. Upon arrival in Bwindi, settle in for a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay at the charming Orugano Bwindi Lodge.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge

Meals: All meals included

Set out on an unforgettable adventure with experienced guides as you hike through the dense, misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can be physically demanding—steep, muddy, and challenging—but every step is worth it. The moment you lock eyes with a gorilla in its natural habitat is raw, powerful, and humbling. You will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and rest under the watchful eye of the dominant silverback. With group sizes to limited 8 people to protect the gorillas, the encounter feels deeply personal and respectful. After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to your lodge for a warm dinner and a chance to relive the awe of the day.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge

Meals: All meals included

Today’s journey takes you through the breathtaking scenery of southwestern Uganda as we travel from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the northern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This diverse park is a wildlife haven, home to over 618 bird species, 95 mammal species, and 10 types of primates—including chimpanzees. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and head straight into the heart of the action with an exciting game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and possibly even predators lurking nearby. The open savannah offers excellent chances to witness Uganda’s wildlife in its natural environment. After an adventurous afternoon in the wild, head to your lodge for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.

Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge

Meals: All meals included

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before setting off for a thrilling game drive across the iconic Kasenyi Plains, nestled in the vast savannahs of the Albertine Rift. This area of Queen Elizabeth National Park is teeming with wildlife, promising a morning full of excitement. Keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, herds of buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, topis, and bushbucks. While spotting all members of the Big Five isn't guaranteed, a lucky encounter with a leopard could turn your day into a "Big Four" experience! After a rewarding safari, return to the lodge for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that draws an incredible variety of wildlife. Watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo gather at the shores, along with numerous bird species. After the cruise, head back to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge

Meals: All meals included

After an early breakfast, embark on a visit to the hidden treasure of Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This lush, "Lost World"-like gorge remains concealed until you're right at its edge, offering a surprising and captivating experience. Formed by a crack in the Earth's crust, Kyambura is home to a small group of chimpanzees in a serene and wildlife-rich environment. The hike begins in the dry savanna and takes you down into this remarkable natural sanctuary. The length of the trek depends on where the chimpanzees are located, and you may need to navigate through some dense brush as this spot is relatively untouched by tourists. After the thrilling chimpanzee tracking, you can either transfer to Kigali, with a scenic 6-hour drive ahead, or opt to head to Entebbe in Uganda.

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)