Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking and Wildlife safari in just 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safaris ! This is a journey that will take you through some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks and wildlife reserves in the shortest time possible. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, this tour offers a thrilling mix of wildlife safaris, primate trekking, and breathtaking landscapes.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will experience the wonders of the Kazinga Channel’s diverse ecosystem on a boat safari, followed by an exhilarating evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. The adventure continues with a captivating chimpanzee trekking experience in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, providing a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
The highlight of the trip is the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter allows you to spend precious moments with the majestic mountain gorillas, observing their behavior and taking in the serenity of the dense forest. Throughout the journey, you will be immersed in the stunning beauty of Uganda’s landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Kigezi Highlands to the lush greenery of Bwindi. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides ensuring a seamless experience, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and nature, culminating in a return to Kigali with memories to cherish forever.
Day 1: Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lion Sightings during a Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a 6:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Kigali. Departing Kigali you will travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border at Katuna/Gatuna. By around 10:00 AM, you will arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This boat cruise offers an excellent opportunity to view a wide range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species that inhabit the channel’s shores. After the boat safari, enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot within the park.
Later in the day, you will set off on an evening game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, renowned for their large lion population, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. This drive will provide you with ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat during the cooler hours of the evening.
As the sun sets, you will transfer to your lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Kalinzu Forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest
Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge and you will depart for Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking. The trekking experience begins at 8:00 AM, guided by experienced rangers. Besides the chance to see chimpanzees, you’ll also spot other primates and various bird species in the forest.
After your chimpanzee trek, return to the trailhead and continue your journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive is scenic, taking you through the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to their stunning, hilly landscapes.
On your way to Bwindi, you will stop for lunch in Kabale, a town en route to Bwindi. After a refreshing break, continue your journey, arriving in Bwindi impenetrable forest by late evening. Check into your lodge and relax, enjoying the serene surroundings of the forest.
Dinner will be served at your lodge, where you will stay overnight.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Return to Kigali
Gorilla trekking duration: Tourists finally make it and enjoy moments with the gorilla in Bwindi impenetrable national park
Your final day starts early with a 6:00 AM breakfast at the lodge. There after, you will report to the Bwindi impenetrable forest sector park headquarters for a briefing on the guidelines and rules of gorilla trekking at 8:00 AM.
After briefing, the much-anticipated gorilla trekking adventure begins. The trek can last between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, and involves navigating through dense forest terrain.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat, taking photographs, and witnessing their daily activities up close. After this magical encounter, trek back to the park headquarters, where you will receive your trekking certificates and have lunch.
At the end of your gorilla trekking graduation, you will begin the journey back to Kigali, Rwanda, retracing your scenic route. Expect to arrive in Kigali by early evening, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your departure flight.