Trip Info
Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-day adventure with Hope Tours Africa, combining the best of Rwanda and Uganda’s primate experiences with peaceful lakeside relaxation.
Begin your journey in Kigali before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Continue across the border into Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Finally, unwind at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, where you can enjoy optional activities such as swimming, canoeing, or bird watching before returning to Kigali for your departure.
Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
- Private tour: This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized: You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
- Not for solo travelers: Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
- Minimum age of 15 years: The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel by your guide from Hope Tours Africa. You will then set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and charming rural villages.
By midday, you’ll arrive at Grotta Resort, a peaceful retreat set against the volcanic slopes. After check-in, take time to relax, enjoy the cool mountain air, and admire the misty views of the Virunga Mountains. Spend the afternoon unwinding before settling in for the night, ready for your upcoming golden monkey trekking experience.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)
High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
Accommodation: Grotta Resort
- Mid-range hotelless than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Rise early and enjoy breakfast as mist drapes over the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. You will then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your 2–4 hour golden monkey trekking adventure.
Trek through lush bamboo forests as you search for these rare primates, watching them leap through the canopy with their striking golden fur. Once located, spend an unforgettable hour observing their playful behavior before returning to your lodge for a short refreshment.
Afterwards, depart on a 2-hour drive to the Cyanika border and cross into Uganda. Continue for another 2 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge by late afternoon. Check in, relax, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience as the forest surrounds you in peaceful sounds.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)
High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Awaken early and enjoy breakfast as the forest comes alive with morning sounds in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will then proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your 2–6 hour gorilla trekking adventure.
Trek through dense rainforest trails with your ranger guide as you track a gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they forage, play, and rest in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge by midday for lunch, then continue with a 2.5-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a scenic lake dotted with beautiful islands. Upon arrival at Bunyonyi Overland Resort, check in and relax by the water’s edge.
Spend your afternoon at leisure with optional activities such as a community walk, swimming, or bird watching, where you may spot kingfishers and herons. End the day with a peaceful overnight stay as the calm lake atmosphere surrounds you.
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Budget resort located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Savor breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi, as the morning sun reflects across the lake and you reflect on your journey.
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Bunyonyi Overland Resort—take a final swim, a quiet lakeside walk, or simply unwind by the shore. By mid-morning, depart for a 5-hour scenic drive back to Kigali, crossing the Cyanika border en route.
Upon arrival in Kigali, time permitting before your flight, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a meaningful reflection on Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Finally, your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your journey with unforgettable memories of Rwanda and Uganda’s primates, mountains, and lakeside beauty.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
FAQS
The tour covers Rwanda and Uganda, including Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi, with start and end in Kigali.
You will see golden monkeys in Rwanda and mountain gorillas in Uganda, along with diverse birdlife and forest wildlife.
The itinerary includes one golden monkey trek and one gorilla trekking experience, offering two unique primate encounters.
Golden monkey trekking is relatively easy, while gorilla trekking can be moderate to challenging depending on terrain and gorilla movement. A reasonable fitness level is recommended.
Pack hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, gloves, insect repellent, water, snacks, and a camera for wildlife photography.
Yes, it is suitable for couples, solo travelers, families, and groups, though participants should be comfortable walking for several hours in forest terrain.
