This is a 5 Days Rwanda Uganda golden monkeys and gorilla safari that gives you the opportunity to hike Mount Bisoke, track golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and then cross the border into Uganda where you will be doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park. You will then drive to Lake Bunyonyi where you will explore the beautiful lake on a canoe ride before driving back to Kigali where your safari comes to an end.
Highlights for 5 Days Rwanda Uganda Bisoke Hike, Golden Monkeys and Gorilla Safari
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Bisoke Hike and Ibyi’wacu Village Tour
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 5: Morning Boat Cruise and Transfer for Kigali
Detailed Itinerary for 5 Days Rwanda Uganda Bisoke Hike, Golden Monkeys and Gorilla Safari
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
You will be welcomed by our driving guide at Kigali Airport and taken on a guided tour of Kigali’s rapidly expanding suburbs, which are transforming the city’s complexion. There is an option to visit the Presidential Museum, which is home to two of Rwanda’s past presidents. Here, you may discover a little about Rwanda’s political history. We’ll travel through older business and residential neighborhoods, with a big stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, which commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
After lunch, drive to Musanze. If time allows, you will visit the two twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo. Their beautiful blue waters are surrounded by steep slopes and large waterfalls, with the outlines of the adjacent Virunga Volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop. Your overnight stay will be at the booked lodge.
Day 2: Bisoke Hike and Ibyi’wacu Village Tour
Wake up early morning and have breakfast at your lodge before driving to the park’s briefing point. You will be briefed and then join a group of other hikers. You will then hike to the summit of Bisoke mountain which takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded by stunning views of the park and the world’s largest caldera lake. You will also view other volcanoes in the Virunga Massif such as Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Nyiragongo, and Mt. Muhabura among others.
Have your packed lunch and then descend the mount and head back to your lodge for relaxation. Later in the evening, you will head out to visit Iby’iwacu village for a cultural tour. You will visit the former king’s palace, dress in traditional Rwandan attire and also get to interact with the local people.
Later drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Wake up early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 am for your morning brief. Join the other golden monkey trekkers in your group and spend a few minutes with the ranger guide discussing the activity and the park. At 8:00 a.m., you will transfer to the trailhead immediately outside the park.
As you begin your trip inside the park to see the golden monkeys, take in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The golden monkeys reside along the park’s boundary in bamboo forests where the terrain is generally level and simple to navigate. Find the monkeys and see how they deftly select young bamboo leaves from the apex of the bamboo tree.
They may also leave the park for the potato fields. How they adore potatoes! After an unforgettable hour with the golden monkeys, you’ll return to the trailhead and travel back to the lodge for lunch. Next, we’ll go to the border, where we’ll clear before continuing on to Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Following an early morning meal, proceed to the park headquarters for a gorilla tracking safety briefing. Then you’ll head to the gorilla trek. Gorilla tracking often takes between 2 and 8 hours, or even a day, to encounter the gorillas.
However, you will be permitted to remain in the company of these magnificent apes for at least an hour. It is recommended that you bring a packed lunch, which will be served, because one cannot predict how long it will take to see the mountain gorillas. Later, head to Lake Bunyonyi.
The trip takes you through a picturesque section of the nation that is known as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’ due to its unusually temperate temperature despite its proximity to the equator.
This lake is said to be one of the most beautiful sites in western Uganda. It is Africa’s second deepest lake 900 meters and one of the only spots in the country where swimming is deemed safe since it is devoid of bilharzia. Your lodge will serve dinner and provide overnight accommodations.
Day 5: Morning Boat Cruise and Transfer for Kigali
Following breakfast at your resort/lodge, you will enjoy a boat excursion on the lake to visit the many islands. Then we’ll go to another border, this time the Katuna border, and cross into Rwanda. Upon arrival, we will embark on a Kigali city tour, your driver guide will drop you off at a hotel of your choice or Kigali International Airport.
End of 5 Days Rwanda Uganda Bisoke Hike, Golden Monkeys and Gorilla Trekking Safari!
