7-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trek

From AUD $5,825 per person 7 Days Uganda & Rwanda Golden Monkey

Designed for older travelers seeking meaningful wildlife viewing with a balanced pace and well-managed activities.

Why this safari works

Two gorilla treks in two countries give you two different forests and two different gorilla families, so if one hour feels too short, there is a second. The pace is set for older travellers: walking sticks and porters are available, trek speed follows the group, and afternoons are kept free to rest. Starting and ending in Kigali keeps the flights simple, and three nights near Volcanoes National Park leave room for the golden monkeys and the conservation campus without rushing.

Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
  • A second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Golden monkey walk in the Virunga bamboo forest
  • Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
  • Cultural village visit near Volcanoes National Park
  • Optional Kigali city visit, including the Genocide Memorial

Your route

  1. Kigali Rwanda · 1 night
  2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda · 2 nights
  3. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda · 3 nights
  4. Kigali International Airport Rwanda · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Arrival at Kigali International Airport

    Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by our team representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rest at the hotel or enjoy a quiet evening walk nearby. Dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Protea Hotel by Marriott.

    • Airport pick-up
    • Kigali Serena Hotel or Protea Hotel by Marriott
    • Dinner
  2. Day2
    Sunset over forested hills, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Kigali City Visit (Optional) – Transfer to Bwindi, Uganda

    After breakfast, you may opt for a short city visit, which includes stops at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and historical sites. Later, begin your journey to Bwindi in Uganda, passing through scenic landscapes with gentle hills and farmlands. Lunch will be taken along the way, with breaks for rest and photos. You’ll reach your lodge near Bwindi by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a senior-friendly Bwindi lodge (based on assigned tracking location).

    • Drive to Bwindi
    • Lodge near Bwindi
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  3. Day3
    Gorilla face peeking through leaves, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    Enjoy an early breakfast before proceeding to the park office for a pre-walk briefing. Walking sticks and porters are available for support. The pace of the walk is adjusted to suit group ability. Once the gorilla group is located, you’ll have an hour to quietly observe their daily activities. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your Bwindi lodge.

    • Gorilla trekking
    • Lodge near Bwindi
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  4. Day4
    Volcano rising over green farmland with clouds, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Drive to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    After breakfast, cross the border back into Rwanda. The drive is relatively short and offers attractive scenery, including agricultural valleys and forested slopes. Lunch will be provided en route. In the afternoon, arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park and settle in. Enjoy a quiet evening with views of the Virunga mountains. Dinner and overnight at a Volcanoes lodge.

    • Drive to Volcanoes
    • Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  5. Day5
    Young mountain gorilla resting, Rwanda

    Second Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Visit

    Following breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your second gorilla experience. The route may differ from the previous trek, offering a fresh perspective. The walk is organized with safety and pacing in mind. After one hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a local cultural village, where you’ll have the chance to meet community members, see traditional dances, and learn about local customs. Dinner and overnight at your Volcanoes lodge.

    • Gorilla trek and cultural visit
    • Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  6. Day6
    Golden monkey close-up on bamboo, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Golden Monkey Walk & Visit to Conservation Campus

    After breakfast, join a ranger-guided walk to see golden monkeys in the bamboo forests. These lively primates are generally easier to find, and the route is suitable for most senior guests. After the activity, head to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, part of the Dian Fossey initiative, to learn more about regional conservation programs. Return to the lodge for a restful afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your Volcanoes lodge.

    • Golden monkeys
    • Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
    • Breakfast, dinner
  7. Day7

    Return to Kigali – International Departure

    Enjoy a final breakfast before driving back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for some light sightseeing or shopping. You’ll be dropped off at the airport for your return flight. End of tour.

     

    • Airport drop-off
    • Breakfast

Safari Cost

Accommodation typeQuote per person, 2 paxQuote per person, 4 pax
Basic accommodationAUD $6,643AUD $5,825
Superior accommodationAUD $7,555AUD $6,736
Deluxe accommodationAUD $9,680AUD $8,710

Prices are per person in Australian dollars. Ask us for a quote for your dates and group size.

Where you will stay

Bwindi Impenetrable NP Uganda — Days 2–3
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Gorilla Forest Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Gorilla Forest Lodge

Silverback Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Silverback Lodge

Bwindi Volcano Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Bwindi Volcano Lodge

Buhoma Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Buhoma Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Mahogany Springs Lodge

Buhoma Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Buhoma Haven Lodge

Ride 4 A Woman
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ride 4 A Woman

Gorilla Bluff Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Bluff Lodge

Gorilla Conservation Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Conservation Camp

Kiho Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Kiho Gorilla Lodge

Ruzogo Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ruzogo Lodge

Bakiga Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Bakiga Lodge

Gorilla Mist Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Mist Camp

Ruhija Community Rest Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Ruhija Community Rest Camp

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Bwindi Panorama Nature Resort

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge

Four Gorillas Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Four Gorillas Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Gorilla Leisure Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
★★★★★ 5 Star
Budget

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
◆ Exclusive

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Heights Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Luxury

Gorilla Heights Lodge

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
★★★★★ 5 Star
Mid-range

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi — Buhoma Uganda — Option A
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Bwindi — Ruhija Uganda — Option B
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Bwindi — Rushaga Uganda — Option C
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Bwindi — Nkuringo Uganda — Option D
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Volcanoes NP Rwanda — Days 4–6
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What's included

Included

  • Gorilla permits in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park
  • Golden monkey permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
  • Cultural village visit
  • Bottled water
  • All activities mentioned

Not included

  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Laundry services
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks

Optional add-ons

  • Kigali city visit on Day 2, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial

Book this trip early. Gorilla permits are limited to a few people per gorilla family each day, and on this route you need two: one in Uganda and one in Rwanda. If you tell us about any walking limits when you book, we can ask the rangers for a gorilla family that is usually closer to the starting point.

Insight Safari Holidays team

Frequently asked questions

How many gorilla treks does this safari include?

Two. The first is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda on Day 3, and the second is in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda on Day 5.

Is this trip suitable for older travellers?

Yes, it was planned with older travellers in mind. Walking sticks and porters are available on the treks, the pace follows the group, and the afternoons after each trek are kept free for rest.

How long will I spend with the gorillas?

Once your group finds the gorilla family, you spend one hour with them on each trek. The walk to reach them can take from under an hour to several hours, depending on where the family is that day.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

Trekkers must be at least 15 years old in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Do I need one visa or two?

The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one multiple-entry visa, which suits this route because you cross the border twice. Apply for it through the official online portal of the country you enter first, which is Rwanda on this trip.

Where does the safari start and end?

It starts and ends at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, so you can book a return flight to Kigali.