Our 15 Days Platinum Gorilla Trekking Safari with 4 Gorilla Treks is a classic journey to the top gorilla trekking destinations in the World and covers Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, as well as Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Expect comfortable road transfers in customized vehicles, meals, and overnights in beautiful and exquisite lodges, and unmatched adventures.
15 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Welcome to Uganda, the spectacular Pearl of Africa
- Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (8-9 hours’ drive)
- Day 3: Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest and cultural tour
- Day 4: Connect to the verdant Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 5: Track the frisky golden monkeys in Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda exploration
- Day 6: Leave Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & cross over to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and tour of the twin lakes
- Day 8: Hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and visit to Iby’Iwacu Village
- Day 9: Mount Karisimbi Hike
- Day 10: Descend Mount Karisimbi and continue to Virunga National Park
- Day 11: Third Gorilla Trek in Virunga National Park and guided nature walk
- Day 12: Ascend the iconic Mount Nyiragongo
- Day 13: Descend the iconic Mount Nyiragongo and continue to Bukavu Town
- Day 14: Trek the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- Day 15: Departure to Kigali City
Detailed 15 Days Uganda, Rwanda & Congo Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda, the spectacular Pearl of Africa
The incredible climate, hospitable people, and spectacular landscapes welcome you to Uganda, for the start of your 15 days Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes NP, Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega safari.
Check into your hotel in Kampala before enjoying a sumptuous meal, relaxation, and exploring the city on foot.
Later in the evening, head back to a local restaurant in the heart of Kampala for dinner and experience nightlife before returning to the hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (8-9 hours’ drive)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a natural jewel, popular for its high population of mountain gorillas, other mammals, Albertine Rift endemic bird species, and lush vegetation from its northern to southern regions, Eastern to western trekking regions.
Your 15 Days Platinum Gorilla Trekking Safari with 4 Gorilla Treks will be in a customized safari vehicle, taking 8-9 hours. The cozy place of stay for 2 nights is surrounded by Bwindi’s verdant rainforest.
Day 3: Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest and cultural tour
The lush tropical rainforest of Bwindi is home to over 20 habituated gorilla groups scattered across the four trekking regions. For our trek, we shall spend time with one of these groups.
Start the day with breakfast at the lodge and transfer to the Park Headquarters for briefing.
Spend the day searching for mountain gorillas within the jungle, in the company of an armed ranger and porters.
Finding the allocated group takes 1-6 hours, with only one hour provided to admire and study them.
A delicious lunch will be provided at the lodge, followed by an afternoon visit to a local community to learn about their riveting cultures and traditions.
Up to 2 hours will be spent with them before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Connect to the verdant Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, then depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for another adventure.
Settle in at the lodge for lunch and spend the evening at leisure, with optional activities such as birding tours around the lodge or relaxation.
Day 5: Track the frisky golden monkeys in Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda exploration
After breakfast at the lodge, gather at Ntebeko Visitor Center for orientation on the full-day Mgahinga excursions.
Two main activities are planned for this day. In the morning, venture into the jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to search for the frisky golden monkeys, lasting about 1-3 hours.
This activity is shorter as golden monkeys occupy the bamboo forests on the lower slopes of Virunga Mountains. Spend one hour with them upon finding them.
Lunch is at the lodge, followed by relaxation for the rest of the afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset Lake Mutanda Cruise, exploring its breathtaking islands, resident birds, and more.
Dinner and overnight will be at the same lodge.
Day 6: Leave Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & cross over to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Exit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park today and head towards the Rwanda border. Cross at Cyanika border and proceed to Volcanoes National Park for your overnight stay.
Day 7: Second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and tour of the twin lakes
Volcanoes National Park is your second gorilla trekking destination, nestled within the Northern Province of Rwanda.
After breakfast, head to the Park Headquarters for briefing on the second gorilla adventure.
Board the vehicle for a 20-minute ride to the park borders/trailhead, then begin the search for mountain gorillas through Volcanoes National Park.
This search takes 1-5 hours. When the guide notices gorilla activity, prepare your cameras to capture moments, with only one hour allowed for observation. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax around the lodge.
Take an optional scenic boat ride over the Twin Lakes – Bulera and Ruhondo, spotting different bird species.
Day 8: Hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and visit to Iby’Iwacu Village
On the morning of day 8, hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb within Volcanoes National Park. Begin with breakfast at the lodge, then attend a briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters before starting the hike.
Enjoy a picnic lunch while watching different bird species and continue to Gorilla Guardians Village.
Here, learn about Rwanda’s ancient cultures away from civilization before returning to our place of stay on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park.
Day 9: Mount Karisimbi Hike
Embark on the 2-day hike of Mount Karisimbi at 4,507 meters above sea level, the highest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes and the 11th highest in the African Continent.
Meet at the Park headquarters by 7:00 am and start the 6-hour hike at 8:00 am, encountering different primates and bird species along the way.
Relax, have dinner, and camp near the peak (at 3,700 meters above sea level).
Day 10: Descend Mount Karisimbi and continue to Virunga National Park
Have an early breakfast and continue to the peak by 5:30 am, taking photos and descending back to Kinigi for your hiking certificate.
Enjoy lunch and cross from Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Virunga National Park, where you will spend the night and enjoy dinner.
Day 11: Third Gorilla Trek in Virunga National Park and guided nature walk
Undertake a third gorilla trek within Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and largest conservation area.
Start with breakfast at the lodge, then head to Bukima Ranger Post for briefing.
Meet ranger guides for orientation before beginning the 1-3 hours’ hike, depending on the gorilla family’s location, terrain conditions, and pace.
After spending one hour with the mountain gorillas, return to the Ranger post and lodge for a delicious lunch. Spend the rest of the day either lounging at the lodge or taking a guided nature walk at Rumangabo Park Headquarters.
Day 12: Ascend the iconic Mount Nyiragongo
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge and transfer to Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point for the Mount Nyiragongo Hike.
Receive a pre-hiking briefing upon arrival and hire porters before starting the 4-6 hours’ climb to the summit.
Dinner and camping will be at the Summit Camps.
Day 13: Descend the iconic Mount Nyiragongo and continue to Bukavu Town
Wake up early (at least by 6:00 am) to leave the Lava Lake on the peak of Mount Nyiragongo and descend to Kibati Ranger Post.
It takes about 4-5 hours to reach the volcano’s base. Later, transfer to Goma for a hot meal.
Embark on a fast ferry crossing on Lake Kivu to Bukavu, enjoying views of stunning lush rolling hills en route.
The transfer lasts between 3 and 4 hours, arriving in the evening for check-in at the reserved hotel.
Day 14: Trek the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a 6,000-square kilometer park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is the only place where Eastern Lowland Gorillas can be trekked.
Leave Bukavu Hotel for a one-hour drive to the Park Headquarters.
Spend up to four hours searching for lowland gorillas alongside other park residents such as elephants, birds, Hamlyn’s monkeys, climbing mice, and more.
One hour of observing and photographing gorillas will be your ultimate dream for this destination. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch.
If time permits or with high energy levels, head to Tshibati Waterfalls for another photography opportunity.
Day 15: Departure to Kigali City
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, bid farewell, and embark on a road transfer to Kigali City. Pass through Nyungwe Forest National Park and Nyanza Town, where you may take a short tour and have lunch.
The 15 Days Platinum Gorilla Trekking Safari with 4 Gorilla Treks ends in the late afternoon with drop-off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
