3 Days Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking & Rwanda for Golden Monkeys
Overview: This unique 3-day safari offers an incredible opportunity to experience the best of both Uganda and Rwanda. Begin your journey with a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Afterward, immerse yourself in the culture of the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants. Conclude your safari with a Golden Monkey trek and cultural experiences in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Travel in comfort with a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Included/Exclude
- A safari vehicle and fuel for 3 days
- A Full-time Company Driver
- Fuel
- Gorilla Permits
- Golden monkey permits
- Bottled drinking water per day
- Accommodation and meals for 2 nights
- Pickup from Kigali and drop-off at the airport
- Cultural visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village
- Tour of the city of Kigali
- Air tickets and Visas
- Fees for Porters
- Tips to porters, Guides, Rangers, or hotel staff
- Travel Insurance
- The cost of purchasing Souvenirs or any shopping-related expenses
- Laundry services, telephone bills
- Luxury spirits and wines or soft drinks
Itinerary
Morning: Arrival and Introduction
- Meet and Greet: Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our dedicated Opportune Safaris team will be there to greet you and assist with customs clearance.
- Tour Briefing: Receive a comprehensive briefing about your safari, including insights into the landscapes and cultures you’ll encounter.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Crossing the Border: Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, crossing the border via the Cyanika checkpoint. The journey offers picturesque views of the rolling hills and verdant countryside, with opportunities to capture the beauty of both Uganda and Rwanda.
- Lunch En Route: Enjoy a packed or restaurant lunch along the way, featuring local flavors that introduce you to the region’s cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit to the Batwa Pygmies Community
- Cultural Experience: Upon arrival and check-in at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, you’ll set out to visit the Batwa Pygmy community. Once the forest's original inhabitants, the Batwa were displaced to make way for gorilla conservation. During this visit, you’ll learn about their traditional ways of life, listen to their stories, and enjoy performances of their songs and dances. This is a deeply moving experience that offers insight into their struggles and resilience.
- Evening Leisure: Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Bwindi’s forests.
Overnight Stay: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast)
Early Morning: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Preparation: Start your day with an early morning coffee before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority officials.
- The Trek: Embark on an exhilarating trek into Bwindi’s dense forests, guided by experienced rangers. Tracking these majestic creatures can take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on their movements. Upon locating a gorilla family, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior, from feeding to playing and grooming—a truly unforgettable experience.
- Post-Trek Relaxation: After the trek, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Afternoon: Scenic Transfer Back to Rwanda
- Drive to Musanze: Begin your journey back to Rwanda, crossing once again via the Cyanika border. The 4-hour drive will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including terraced hills, valleys, and bustling villages.
- Arrival and Check-In: Arrive in Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, and check in at your lodge. Spend the evening at leisure, resting after the day’s adventures.
Overnight Stay: Amikus Hotel (Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast)
Early Morning: Golden Monkey Trekking
- Morning Trek: After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing before your Golden Monkey trekking adventure. This trek is less strenuous than gorilla trekking, making it a perfect way to end your trip. As you walk through the bamboo forests, you’ll observe these lively and colorful primates in their natural habitat, playing and foraging in the trees.
- Observation: Spend about an hour with the Golden Monkeys, capturing photographs and enjoying their acrobatic antics.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Cultural Experience
- Community Engagement: Return to your lodge for a quick refresh and early lunch before checking out. Then, head to the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) for an enriching cultural experience. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in traditional dances, learn about Rwandan customs, and interact with the local community.
Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to Kigali & Departure
- Scenic Drive Back to Kigali: After the cultural visit, embark on a 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali, with the option for last-minute souvenir shopping at local craft markets.
- Airport Transfer: Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your evening departure, ending your extraordinary adventure with Opportune Safaris.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Why Choose Us? At Opportune Safaris, our commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences sets us apart. We take pride in our intimate knowledge of the region, ensuring that every detail of your journey is thoughtfully curated. From close encounters with wildlife to meaningful cultural exchanges, our tours offer a profound connection to the landscapes and people of East Africa.
Let us guide you through an unforgettable adventure that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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