Learn about Rwanda’s heartbreaking history and come face to face with incredible wildlife of Uganda on this luxury 6-day Luxury Rwanda and Uganda safari. Discover the sombre reminders of Kigali’s tragic past watch friendly local people on the streets and witness a beautiful country that is continuously striving to move forward. Enter the world of the majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and spend a day tracking and observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This profound wildlife adventure won’t soon be forgotten.

Highlights

Spend a day trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to get close to Uganda’s rare mountain gorillas for an unforgettable hour.
Wake up to spectacular views of the forest canopy during a 3-night stay at the Gorilla Heights Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Join an intimate fireside chat with a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors and discover how they are saving the species one gorilla patient at a time.
Take a closer look at Rwanda’s devastating history and the resilience of its people during a two-night stay at Kigali’s Hotel des Mille Collines, plus visits to the Ntarama Church, the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre and the Kigali Genocide Museum
Sit down to dinner with a local park ranger, learning about life in the wilderness and their special relationships with the mountain gorillas.

Details

Day 1: Kigali

Welcome to Kigali, capital city of Rwanda and the starting point for your adventure. You will be picked from the Kigali International Airport and transferred to your overnight hotel.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is no ordinary hotel – the Hotel des Mille Collines is famous for sheltering and consequently saving more than 1000 people during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. If you arrive to Kigali early, perhaps take to the streets to explore this flourishing city in the midst of a great revival.

Head to Nyamirambo, the Muslim quarter, to try some giant grilled tilapia, or stop by a local cafe and discover why Rwandan coffee is considered some of the world’s best. This evening, join your leader and small group for dinner at a lively East African restaurant popular with the locals. Enjoy live music, cocktails, incredible views and an authentic shared dining experience full of regional flavour.

Other Accommodation Options

Luxury: The Retreat/Kigali Serena Hotel/Heaven Boutique Hotel

Midrange: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali

This morning, head out of the city for a sobering visit to the Ntarama Church. Your leader will explain how this memorial marks the spot where 5000 people were tragically slaughtered during the horrific Genocide. Reminders of lives lost remain in the church, including clothes and even bones. Continue to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, a former church where an incomprehensible 50,000 people were murdered.

Your leader will discuss how the Tutsis sought refuge in churches, only for them to turn into death traps. Then, visit the Genocide Museum, a powerful yet confronting experience and important in understanding the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan people. This afternoon, re-energize with some local Rwandan treats before taking a tour of the thriving city and its vibrant market with your leader. The evening is free for you to enjoy.

Accommodation Options

Hotel des Mille Collines
The Retreat
Kigali Serena Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Hotel Chez Lando

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, leave Kigali and head across the border to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda (approximately 4 hours).

Arrive at the Gorilla Heights Lodge, your feature stay accommodation for the next three nights. Sitting high on the Nteko Ridge, the lodge offers up magnificent views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Gaze out across the jagged Virunga Volcanoes that straddle Uganda’s borders with DR Congo and Rwanda.

The lodge is solar-powered and works closely with the local people. Here, you will experience genuinely warm Ugandan hospitality. There is no better spot for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas. This evening will be a truly special experience as you are joined by a field veterinarian from the Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat.

This organization is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They offer medical interventions to protect these endangered Great Apes from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You will learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and exclusive experience.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Wake up early and take a short walk to the park headquarters where you will be briefed on today’s gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides.

The trek can be difficult, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it so worthwhile. We recommend investing in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals.

Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with few gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once you encounter a family of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback male.

Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is sure to be a life-changing experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day. Freshen up with a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fireplace.

Other Accommodation Options

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp

Midrange: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Haven Lodge Buhoma

Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp/Buhoma Community Lodge

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the forest. The day is free for you to do as little or as much as you please – your leader will be able to help tailor a day that best suits your interests. For those seeking another encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, there is the option for a second day of trekking.

You may wish to simply relax at the lodge, take in the views from the outdoor pool, or enjoy a luxurious treatment at the spa. This evening, join your group and leader for dinner at the terraced restaurant overlooking the mountains.

Day 6: Kigali

After breakfast, you will depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and begin the drive to cross back over the border into Kigali city (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital, your adventure will come to an end.