Day 1:Arrival in Africa's "Singapore"; Kigali
Arrival in Kigali. Dinner and a good nights sleep before the journey truly begins.
Arrival in Kigali. Dinner and a good nights sleep before the journey truly begins.
Safari and Gorilla Trekking
Get up close to Uganda's amazing wildlife
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Equatorial Africa's verdant oasis, where nature and wildlife flourish like nowhere else on the continent. Nestled between the Congo Basin to the west and the lowland savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the east, we find the vulnerable and endemic mountain gorillas. In the enchanting Bwindi Forest, you'll track down these magnificent creatures, providing you with an up-close and personal encounter. You will also visit the chimpanzees in Kibale, and go on safari by jeep and by boat in the Queen Elisabeth National Park, one of Africa's most species-rich national parks. In just nine captivating days, we guarantee you'll be brimming with powerful impressions from these exhilarating animal encounters.
Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking - get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures!
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Traditional safari by jeep
- Boat trip in the Kazinga Canal
- Rwanda's capital Kigali
Apart from the fact that you will see one of nature's most fascinating creations, the mountain gorillas, there are many other things that make this trip appealing. Exploring the lush Kibale Forest National Park, tracking chimpanzees deep in their natural habitat, and gliding through the enchanting Queen Elizabeth National Park on a captivating boat safari. This is a UNESCO-protected gem teeming with over 600 bird species – one of the world's highest concentrations. In Bwindi, you will encounter a myriad of endemic species, with a chance sighting of elusive forest elephants. Throughout our journey, you will immerse yourselves in the warmth of local communities, as these national parks seamlessly blend with quaint villages, providing the exceptional service that enriches our stay. The unforgettable friendliness of Uganda will create an enduring impression you will remember fondly forever.
9
1-16
NO/EN
1/6
3/6
1/6
Private tour only
This trip is only offered as a private tour. Order by contacting us through the form.
Request private tourOpening hours Phone
Mon-Fri : 08-20
Sat-Sun : 14-17
Opening hours Chat
Mon-Fri : 07-23
Sat : 10-18
Sun : 13-21
CET
Day by day
Day 2:City tour in Kigali and arrival in Mgahinga
Following breakfast, you get a brief exploration of Kigali, acquainting yourselves with this vibrant city. The journey goes through diverse neighborhoods, visits to local artisan craft shops, and the option to explore the presidential museum, among other highlights. However, the most poignant stop awaits you at the "Kigali Genocide Memorial," a solemn place of remembrance for the tragic events of April 1994. It was on April 6th, 1994, when Rwandan President Habyarimana's plane was tragically downed, marking the onset of the Rwandan genocide. This profound encounter with Rwanda's history offers deep insights into the country and its resilient people. After the city tour, you will have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional food from Rwanda. Then we set course for Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park. Arrival at the lodge in the evening, where dinner is served.
Following breakfast, you get a brief exploration of Kigali, acquainting yourselves with this vibrant city. The journey goes through diverse neighborhoods, visits to local artisan craft shops, and the option to explore the presidential museum, among other highlights. However, the most poignant stop awaits you at the "Kigali Genocide Memorial," a solemn place of remembrance for the tragic events of April 1994. It was on April 6th, 1994, when Rwandan President Habyarimana's plane was tragically downed, marking the onset of the Rwandan genocide. This profound encounter with Rwanda's history offers deep insights into the country and its resilient people. After the city tour, you will have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional food from Rwanda. Then we set course for Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park. Arrival at the lodge in the evening, where dinner is served.
Lodge
B,L,D
7 hours
Day 3:Visit the Golden Monkeys
You find yourselves in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, an area with several ancient, now forested volcanoes in a row. You set out in the morning, and follow the Gahinga trail in search of golden monkeys - or golden mares as they are also called. The forest is full of these monkeys, so you will soon experience them jumping between the trees and creating a stir. You get to spend an hour with the little creatures. Next stop is Bwindi National Park, where tomorrow you will experience what for many is the highlight of the trip. You will check in at a new lodge and enjoy dinner in the evening.
You find yourselves in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, an area with several ancient, now forested volcanoes in a row. You set out in the morning, and follow the Gahinga trail in search of golden monkeys - or golden mares as they are also called. The forest is full of these monkeys, so you will soon experience them jumping between the trees and creating a stir. You get to spend an hour with the little creatures. Next stop is Bwindi National Park, where tomorrow you will experience what for many is the highlight of the trip. You will check in at a new lodge and enjoy dinner in the evening.
Lodge
B,L,D
3 hours
Day 4:Gorilla trekking
Today is the big day - gorilla trekking at sunrise! The park rangers know where the family groups are at all times. Sometimes you have to go a long way before you find the gorillas, other times they can be right outside where we are staying. Together with an experienced local guide, you search for tracks that indicate that the gorillas are nearby. The terrain can be demanding to walk in, but everyone will get the support they need to get there. The reward for the effort is that you get an hour with one of the world's rarest creatures. Coming face to face with them is an unforgettable experience. If there is time to spare, it's possible to spend the rest of the day exploring the legendary Bwindi Forest further. Here there are over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 320 tree species and a myriad of butterflies, shrubs and flowers. The forest is vast and ancient, frightening but at the same time inviting. Teak, mahogany, ebony and countless other noble trees stretch many tens of meters into the air and shade the light. In clearings where the sun escapes, the butterflies dance around and add color to the green. The experience dreams are made of!
Today is the big day - gorilla trekking at sunrise! The park rangers know where the family groups are at all times. Sometimes you have to go a long way before you find the gorillas, other times they can be right outside where we are staying. Together with an experienced local guide, you search for tracks that indicate that the gorillas are nearby. The terrain can be demanding to walk in, but everyone will get the support they need to get there. The reward for the effort is that you get an hour with one of the world's rarest creatures. Coming face to face with them is an unforgettable experience. If there is time to spare, it's possible to spend the rest of the day exploring the legendary Bwindi Forest further. Here there are over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 320 tree species and a myriad of butterflies, shrubs and flowers. The forest is vast and ancient, frightening but at the same time inviting. Teak, mahogany, ebony and countless other noble trees stretch many tens of meters into the air and shade the light. In clearings where the sun escapes, the butterflies dance around and add color to the green. The experience dreams are made of!
Lodge
B,L,D
2-7 hours
Day 5:From Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a good breakfast, you journey on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda's most popular game reserve. Here is open sweeping savannah, dense rain forest, swamps and beautiful crater lakes. Hippos, lions, hyenas, buffalo, leopards, chimpanzees and baboons live here, to name a few. You will have lunch on the way, there will be time for a safari in the reserve before check in and dinner at the lodge.
After a good breakfast, you journey on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda's most popular game reserve. Here is open sweeping savannah, dense rain forest, swamps and beautiful crater lakes. Hippos, lions, hyenas, buffalo, leopards, chimpanzees and baboons live here, to name a few. You will have lunch on the way, there will be time for a safari in the reserve before check in and dinner at the lodge.
Lodge
B,L,D
6 hours
Day 6:Morning safari and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
Jeep safari in the morning - this is a good time to see animals coming out of the night's dormancy and starting to look for food. You will be able to see warthogs, elephants, lions, antelopes, impalas, leopards, and several different bird species, among other things. Lunch is served back at the lodge, before you go on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. This is a truly fantastic experience teeming with animals both along the shore and in the water - hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes.
Jeep safari in the morning - this is a good time to see animals coming out of the night's dormancy and starting to look for food. You will be able to see warthogs, elephants, lions, antelopes, impalas, leopards, and several different bird species, among other things. Lunch is served back at the lodge, before you go on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. This is a truly fantastic experience teeming with animals both along the shore and in the water - hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes.
Lodge
B,L,D
Day 7:Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
After breakfast, the journey goes to Kibale National Park where it's time for chimpanzee tracking. This is considered by many to be the best place to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You arrive at the national park in the morning, and after lunch and a short briefing at the headquarters, you head out into the forest. As there are many chimpanzees living in this forest, the chances of meeting several of these creatures are high. You check in at yet another pleasant lodge for the evening, where you also have dinner.
After breakfast, the journey goes to Kibale National Park where it's time for chimpanzee tracking. This is considered by many to be the best place to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You arrive at the national park in the morning, and after lunch and a short briefing at the headquarters, you head out into the forest. As there are many chimpanzees living in this forest, the chances of meeting several of these creatures are high. You check in at yet another pleasant lodge for the evening, where you also have dinner.
Lodge
B,L,D
3 hours
Day 8:Volcanic crater trip and return journey
After breakfast, you are going on a morning walk, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape, and several old volcanic craters. After the trip, lunch is served at the lodge, and then the journey continues to the airport in Entebbe. Driving past villages, animals, people, both on foot, on bicycles and perhaps on horseback, before arriving at the airport. The flight to Norway leaves in the evening, and arrive the next day.
After breakfast, you are going on a morning walk, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape, and several old volcanic craters. After the trip, lunch is served at the lodge, and then the journey continues to the airport in Entebbe. Driving past villages, animals, people, both on foot, on bicycles and perhaps on horseback, before arriving at the airport. The flight to Norway leaves in the evening, and arrive the next day.
B,L,D
Day 9:Homeward bound
Arrival home after an action-packed trip, with unforgettable memories in your luggage!
Arrival home after an action-packed trip, with unforgettable memories in your luggage!
Arrival in Kigali. Dinner and a good nights sleep before the journey truly begins.
Hotel
-,-,D
Following breakfast, you get a brief exploration of Kigali, acquainting yourselves with this vibrant city. The journey goes through diverse neighborhoods, visits to local artisan craft shops, and the option to explore the presidential museum, among other highlights. However, the most poignant stop awaits you at the "Kigali Genocide Memorial," a solemn place of remembrance for the tragic events of April 1994. It was on April 6th, 1994, when Rwandan President Habyarimana's plane was tragically downed, marking the onset of the Rwandan genocide. This profound encounter with Rwanda's history offers deep insights into the country and its resilient people. After the city tour, you will have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional food from Rwanda. Then we set course for Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park. Arrival at the lodge in the evening, where dinner is served.
Lodge
B,L,D
7 hours
You find yourselves in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, an area with several ancient, now forested volcanoes in a row. You set out in the morning, and follow the Gahinga trail in search of golden monkeys - or golden mares as they are also called. The forest is full of these monkeys, so you will soon experience them jumping between the trees and creating a stir. You get to spend an hour with the little creatures. Next stop is Bwindi National Park, where tomorrow you will experience what for many is the highlight of the trip. You will check in at a new lodge and enjoy dinner in the evening.
Lodge
B,L,D
3 hours
Today is the big day - gorilla trekking at sunrise! The park rangers know where the family groups are at all times. Sometimes you have to go a long way before you find the gorillas, other times they can be right outside where we are staying. Together with an experienced local guide, you search for tracks that indicate that the gorillas are nearby. The terrain can be demanding to walk in, but everyone will get the support they need to get there. The reward for the effort is that you get an hour with one of the world's rarest creatures. Coming face to face with them is an unforgettable experience. If there is time to spare, it's possible to spend the rest of the day exploring the legendary Bwindi Forest further. Here there are over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 320 tree species and a myriad of butterflies, shrubs and flowers. The forest is vast and ancient, frightening but at the same time inviting. Teak, mahogany, ebony and countless other noble trees stretch many tens of meters into the air and shade the light. In clearings where the sun escapes, the butterflies dance around and add color to the green. The experience dreams are made of!
Lodge
B,L,D
2-7 hours
After a good breakfast, you journey on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda's most popular game reserve. Here is open sweeping savannah, dense rain forest, swamps and beautiful crater lakes. Hippos, lions, hyenas, buffalo, leopards, chimpanzees and baboons live here, to name a few. You will have lunch on the way, there will be time for a safari in the reserve before check in and dinner at the lodge.
Lodge
B,L,D
6 hours
Jeep safari in the morning - this is a good time to see animals coming out of the night's dormancy and starting to look for food. You will be able to see warthogs, elephants, lions, antelopes, impalas, leopards, and several different bird species, among other things. Lunch is served back at the lodge, before you go on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. This is a truly fantastic experience teeming with animals both along the shore and in the water - hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes.
Lodge
B,L,D
After breakfast, the journey goes to Kibale National Park where it's time for chimpanzee tracking. This is considered by many to be the best place to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You arrive at the national park in the morning, and after lunch and a short briefing at the headquarters, you head out into the forest. As there are many chimpanzees living in this forest, the chances of meeting several of these creatures are high. You check in at yet another pleasant lodge for the evening, where you also have dinner.
Lodge
B,L,D
3 hours
After breakfast, you are going on a morning walk, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape, and several old volcanic craters. After the trip, lunch is served at the lodge, and then the journey continues to the airport in Entebbe. Driving past villages, animals, people, both on foot, on bicycles and perhaps on horseback, before arriving at the airport. The flight to Norway leaves in the evening, and arrive the next day.
B,L,D
Arrival home after an action-packed trip, with unforgettable memories in your luggage!
What's included in the price
Included
Local, english-speaking safari guides.
All transportation as specified in the program.
In shared double room.
Meals as specified in the program.
Mountain Gorilla Permit in Bwindi (800 USD), Chimpanzee Permit in Kibale (200 USD) and park fees.
Not included
For trips where flights are not included, please check our website to confirm that the departure is guaranteed before booking your own plane tickets. For each trip, we require a minimum number of confirmed participants before the departure can be guaranteed.
Visa to Uganda and Rwanda.
To local guides and assistants. Tips are a common and expected part of being a tourist in many of the destinations we visit. These are given in cash during the trip and therefore cannot be included in the trip price.
Available upon request, limited quantities.
Terms and Conditions
We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is indicative and changes may occur. We also refer to our general travel conditions.
Travel Insurance
On all our trips, we require you to have full travel and accident insurance, which must also cover potential medical repatriation. Read more about travel insurance.
Highlights
Reviews
Safety & Grading
Physical level
1/6 Physical
These are our simplest tours and require minimal prior experience. On trips with this rating, the stages are relatively short and the pace is calm. We have plenty of time to enjoy the view and arrive at the day's destination. Can be carried out by anyone who likes activity and is in normal physical health.
Comfort level
3/6 Comfort
Simple accommodations, such as cabins or guesthouses, often with multi-bed rooms. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with a shared bathroom.
Risk level
1/6 Risk
Activities/trips with minimal risk/everyday risk (incidents that can just as easily occur in everyday life).
Traning and Preparations
The trip is suitable for the vast majority of people, but it is an advantage if you are in good physical shape. Sometimes the gorilla tracking can take up to 5 - 7 hours in rough terrain before you see the animals. The terrain can be demanding to walk in, but everyone gets help to get there.
Although you do not cover many kilometers on this trip, it is important to point out that it is a tight programme. Several days you have to get up early and eat dinner late. This is partly because morning and afternoon are the best times to experience wildlife.
This trip does not require any specific preparations on your part, but we recommend that you read a little about Uganda's and Rwanda's history, culture and nature.
Visas, Vaccinations and Health
Before embarking on our journey together, we kindly remind all trip participants to check their respective country's visa status and vaccination requirements. Ensuring your travel documents are in order is a crucial step in guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free adventure.
For Norwegian citizens, the passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the trip. A visa is required for both countries and costs 100 USD. It can be purchased upon arrival in Kigali. See also the current entry and visa regulations on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' country pages, or check for your country's current visa rules.
If you are over 67 years old, you should have a thorough medical check-up before your trip. Make your doctor aware that this is a trip involving physical exertion and moving off the beaten track.
It is important that you complete all parts of the registration form (especially where we ask for information about health and allergies), and let us know if there is anything we need to be aware of prior to and during the trip. Relevant health information that may affect the trip should also be communicated to the guide at the start of the trip. *Note* - If you are on regular medication, have known allergies or anything similar, you must always bring your personal medication with you.
See the overview on FHI´s pages on travel health advice. For vaccination and guidance, please contact Sentrum Reisemedisin: Reisemedisin.no.
Additional Information
For trips where flights are not included, please check our website to confirm that the departure is guaranteed before booking your own plane tickets. For each trip, we require a minimum number of confirmed participants before the departure can be guaranteed.
We stay in simple, pleasant lodges and hotels along the way.
Note: There is a 15-year age limit for participating in gorilla tracking.
The mountain gorillas we visit as tourists are so-called habituated family groups. That is to say, they are used to people because of regular visits by researchers and tourists. In Bwindi, there are only two or three families who are habituated at any given time. This means that more than 250 individuals have no contact with people at all.
It is useful to bear in mind that time does not necessarily have the same meaning here as at home. Delays can happen, and it might be wise to exercise some patience.
It is not always easy to get hold of gluten-free wholemeal bread, lactose-free alternatives or to accommodate other food preferences. If you have any allergies, please let us know in the registration form and we will try to accommodate you as best we can. However, we would still recommend that anyone with special dietary needs bring some alternatives in the form of, for example, a packet of crispbread, energy bars or similar that you know you can eat.
Equipment list
This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used outdoor equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.
Obligatory
Clothing
Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton.
We recommend thin wool.
Wool or synthetic.
Fleece or wool.
Gore-Tex or similar. Must have a decent hood, and hold out wind and rain. Should have space for midlayers underneath. Ventilation under the arms is recommended.
Gore-Tex or similar. Must hold out wind and rain. Ventilation zippers along the legs is recommended.
Footwear
Bring waterproof shoes/boots that you are familiar with.
Equipment
Avoid bringing a suitcase, they are more difficult to transport between hotels.
In this pack, you’ll carry what you need during the day on the hike: extra clothes, food, water, snacks, etc. Remember a rain cover. Around 30 liters, give or take, is suitable.
Remember new/extra batteries.
Personal medicines and, for example, band-aids, blister plaster, sports tape, throat lozenges, nasal drops, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, stomach regulators, etc.
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens.
Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.
You should be able to bring 2-3 litres of water.
High SPF, 30-50. Remember chapstick for lips and nose.
Passport, tickets, bank card, proof of vaccination andproof of insurance. Remember to have a copy of important documents on your phone and/or somewhere in your bag.
To put the shoes in the tent at night.
Recommended
Clothing
Down or synthetic insulation.
For evenings and leasure days.
Footwear
Equipment
Light. Have to be foldable or telescope.
Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.
Packing tips
It is pleasantly warm during the day, but it can get chilly in the evenings.
It is a good idea to bring long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid insect bites and as protection when we walk in dense forest. If possible, choose clothes that blend in with the background (cloth, beige, green etc), as strong colors can scare animals away. Black and blue clothes tend to attract more flies.
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Testimonial
Beautiful nature and wonderful animals. Get up close and personal with gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, hippopotamus ++. Uganda is incredibly lush and green. Fantastic lodges with a great location, nice rooms and friendly staff.
– Tone, 2022