9 Days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Our 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo is your ultimate gorilla trekking safari to the 3 countries sheltering mountain gorillas. This Uganda tour Package offers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of trekking the endangered Mountain gorillas in three places in addition to relaxation in Lake Bunyonyi and Kivu for rejuvenation. This long Africa gorilla Safari starts from Uganda, goes to Rwanda and climaxes with a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, then ends in Kigali City of Rwanda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the extreme south-west of Uganda and is one of the renowned gorilla trekking destinations in the World with over 21 habituated gorilla groups to look out for. This Park extends for about 331 square kilometers which appears small but what it offers takes visitors’ breaths away.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park enjoys the comfort that the north-western side of the country offers with an area of about 160 square kilometers. This is another wonderful and unmatched gorilla trekking destination with 12 habituated gorilla groups to be trekked throughout the year. These groups provide varying terrains, levels of difficulty, and trekking duration, in an attempt to find them.
Virunga National Park of DRC is in the east, with about 8 habituated gorilla groups living within a small area of the 7800-square-kilometer landscape. This Park offers the more secluded, private, and cheaper option to trekking these Giant Apes in their natural habitat.
Highlights of the 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
- Triple gorilla treks-Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks
- Game drives.
- Relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu.
- Boat ride/island hopping in Lake Bunyonyi.
- Mount Nyiragongo hiking.
Brief Itinerary 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
- Day 1: Road trip to iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon boat Cruise along the magnificent Kazinga Channel.
- Day 2: Morning game drive and drive to the verdant and misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 3: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking and transfer to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.
- Day 4: Cross-over from Uganda to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 5: Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking and transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation.
- Day 6: Cross the border to Congo’s Virunga National Park.
- Day 7: Virunga Gorilla trekking adventure.
- Day 8: Mount Nyiragongo Hike.
- Day 9: Mount Nyiragongo descent and transfer to Kigali
Detailed itinerary for 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Day 1: Road trip to iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon boat Cruise along the magnificent Kazinga Channel
In the morning, our Company driver/guide will pick you up from the Hotel or any other place of residence for a road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Make sure that by 6 am you are ready to leave and drive westwards through the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kasese road. Make a stop at the magical Uganda Equator crossing for photography and Mbarara Town for Lunch.
The driver will make sure that you are at the Park before 2 pm for the boat ride where numerous hippos and crocodiles will be seen in the shallow waters while huge elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kob,s and many others will be drinking water by the shores. Some bird species will also be seen and drive to your place of stay for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Katara Lodge or Elephants Plains Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge.
- Budget: The Kazinga Channel View Resort or Mweya Hostels.
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner.
Journey time: 6-7 hours including en-route stops.
Day 2: Morning game drive and drive to the verdant and misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Keeping time is so important during a safari and therefore be up very early for a quick cup of tea/coffee then by 6 or 6:30 am start the game drive to catch a glimpse of the nocturnal wildlife species such as leopards, spotted hyenas, bush babies, lions as well as other wildlife species such as elephants, Kobs, warthogs and buffaloes. Return to the Lodge for a proper breakfast and short relaxation while waiting for Lunch.
Have Lunch and leave for the misty and lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While exiting, make sure to make a stop at Ishasha sector for a glimpse of the tree-climbing lions and many other outstanding wildlife species in the area.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Katara Lodge or Elephants Plains Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge.
- Budget: The Kazinga Channel View Resort or Mweya Hostels.
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking and transfer to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi
Early in the morning have breakfast and move or drive to the Park Headquarters for a brief meeting with Park officials on the dos and don’ts of Mountain gorilla trekking, ending by 8 am.
This is the time the search for the mountain gorillas starts and lasts roughly 1-5 hours after which spend one hour with them and descend to the starting point. Be awarded a gorilla trekking certificate and be driven by your safari driver to the Lodge for Lunch. Later embark on a scenic drive to the awe-inspiring Lake Bunyonyi for unwinding.
On arrival straight away undertake a boat ride to the different remarkable islands that hold mysterious secrets and later return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Arcadia Cottages.
- Midrange: Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
- Budget: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Cross-over from Uganda to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Today, you leave Uganda behind and cross over to Volcanoes National Park in neighboring Rwanda, a 4-5 hours drive. Drive through the countryside of both countries and compare/contrast them via Katuna or Cyanika border points then enter the Park in the afternoon.
As you go on with the journey, the lush rainforest gives way to the savannah plains then back to the forest on arrival. Settle in at the reserved Lodge and later enjoy dinner and overnight at the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Budget: Villa Gorilla or Muhabura Hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking and transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation
Spend half a day exploring Volcanoes National Park, via gorilla trekking tours. A hearty breakfast starts us off followed by briefing provided at Kinigi Park Headquarters as visitors get acquainted with the guidelines of trekking and spending time with the Giant Apes in their natural environment.
After a thorough briefing, get a walking stick and hire a porter as you get connected to the trailheads at the border of the Park. Start the actual gorilla treks by 8:00am while reflecting on the lives of these Great Apes, sighting different residents of the forest and this will last up to 6 hours, although by good luck the gorillas can be encountered after 45 minutes to 3 hours. One hour is the time to spend with the mountain gorillas for observation and photography.
The afternoon will be for transferring to Lake Kivu shores for a short relaxation and reflection on the gorilla trek.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
- Midrange: Paradis Malahide.
- Budget: Inzu Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6: Cross the border to Congo’s Virunga National Park
Arise and shine in time for one last sunrise on the shores of Lake Kivu then embark on the drive to Goma Town. As you continue to Congo, the beautiful scenery slowly changes from the shores to rolling grassland and towering hills dotted with different vegetation types.
A brief stop will be at Gisenyi Town for lunch and later check-in at the tourism Office at Grande Barriere border building for gorilla and Nyiragongo permits. After this wonderful drive, arrive at Virunga National Park in the early evening for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
- Midrange: Lulimbi Tented Camp or Bukima Tented Camp.
- Budget: Tchegera Island Tented Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Virunga Gorilla trekking adventure
After an amazing breakfast, spend the day exploring Virunga National Park in two main adventures-gorilla trekking and guided nature walks.
Virunga National Park lies in the East of Congo and was gazetted in 1925 thus making it one of the oldest Protected Areas in Africa.
Meet the Park Rangers and other trekkers at Bukima Ranger post for a pre-tracking briefing on the rules and protocols followed when trekking or spending time with the Giant Apes and this end by 8:00am when visitors have to start the walk through the forest.
This lasts for 1-5 hours and climaxes with on hour of watching and photographing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, get out in nature with a guided walk through Rumangabo Park Headquarters where several bird species will be sighted. Visitors also have an option of exploring the Bamboo project and catch the sunset at the comfort of the Lodge.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
- Midrange: Lulimbi Tented Camp or Bukima Tented Camp.
- Budget: Tchegera Island Tented Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Mount Nyiragongo Hike
Early in the morning have breakfast and converge at Kibumba Ranger Post for another briefing, this time on how to go about the Mount Nyiragongo hike.
The adventure will start by 10:00 am and be conducted in 5 phases but expect altitude sicknesses, losing your breath, and difficult terrains but the views of the “World’s largest Lava Lake” at the summit of this active Volcano make the hike worthwhile. By 5:00 pm you will already be at the overnight Camp for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Overnight at: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9: Mount Nyiragongo descent and transfer to Kigali
A 3-4 hour’ descent will bring hikers back to the base of Mount Nyiragongo and 4 hours drive will usher you back to Kigali City. Be dropped off at the Hotel or Airport to catch the connecting flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
End of the 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo.
The 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo package includes;
- Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit.
- 3 gorilla permits (for Uganda at $800, Rwanda at $1500, and Congo at $400).
- Game drives.
- Park entrance fees.
- Lake Bunyonyi Tours.
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Border crossing.
- Boat cruises.
- Transport by a private safari vehicle plus fuel fees.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- 8 nights’ accommodation.
- Bottled water.
- Driver allowances.
- Other additional activities on the itinerary.
The 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo package excludes;
- Rwanda, Uganda or Congo tourist visa.
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, beverages, souvenirs and cigarettes.
- Optional activities are not included on the itinerary.
How physically and mentally to be prepared for this epic Tripple Gorilla safari
This epic wildlife adventure takes you to Mountain gorilla habitats, renowned for their challenging terrains, where treks last at least 3 hours or more. For a seamless and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience across these three destinations, focus on building endurance by regularly hiking or walking on uneven terrain before your trek. This will help develop the stamina needed to navigate the diverse landscapes of the gorilla habitats. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest to conserve energy for the adventure.
Additionally, we advise mentally preparing for the challenges of gorilla trekking. It’s a strenuous journey that requires patience and a positive attitude for the best experience.
Comparing the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo offers unique experiences, though all provide the chance to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience. The treks here can be challenging, with dense forest and steep terrain, making it ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a more remote experience. Uganda allows more time with the gorillas, enhancing the immersive experience.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a slightly more accessible trek. The trails are well-maintained, and the climbs are not as steep as in Uganda, making it a more comfortable experience for those with less physical stamina. Rwanda is also known for its exceptional organization and ease of access.
In Congo, the Virunga National Park offers a less crowded and more authentic experience. Trekking here is physically demanding due to the forest’s dense terrain, but the reward is a truly remote and raw encounter with the gorillas.
Comparing the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Packing List to Consider;
Here’s a packing list tailored for the 9-day gorilla trekking adventure through Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes (long sleeves and pants for protection)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm layers (for early mornings and high altitudes)
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof preferred)
- Hat and sunglasses
- A lightweight scarf or bandana
- Casual clothes for evenings (comfortable for relaxing at accommodations)
Gear:
- Daypack for hiking
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries/memory cards
- Flashlight/headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Water bottle and hydration system
- Plastic bags for storing dirty clothes
Toiletries and Health:
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, etc.)
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Sunscreen and lip balm (with SPF)
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medications (if necessary)
- First-aid kit (plasters, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea meds, etc.)
- Anti-malarial medication (if prescribed)
- Travel insurance documents
Documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa (for Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo)
- Gorilla trekking permits (physical copy)
- Vaccination certificates (e.g., yellow fever)
Optional:
- Lightweight travel towel
- Journal and pen for notes
- Portable charger for electronics
- Snacks for trekking days
This list ensures you’re well-prepared for the diverse environments and activities throughout the journey.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, exploring iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Trek with mountain gorillas in three different countries, experience serene boat cruises, hike active volcanoes, and unwind by picturesque lakes. Book now for an unforgettable, immersive safari experience!