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Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

9 days, Kigali to Entebbe

Mountain gorilla eating at Bwindi National Park in Uganda
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For more departures in 2021/22 please see the new itinerary of this tour, click here.

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other endangered primates in the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey, who spent 18 years studying gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with support from National Geographic, and get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Witness the Earth’s opposing magnetic forces at Uganda’s equator, and see the African “big five” in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

9 days - Kigali to Entebbe

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: DRGNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other endangered primates in the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey, who spent 18 years studying gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with support from National Geographic, and get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Witness the Earth’s opposing magnetic forces at Uganda’s equator, and see the African “big five” in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 6, avg 5.

Age requirement: 15+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

9 days - Kigali to Entebbe

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: DRGNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Creating ripples that change lives

The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more

Ripple Score

100

[Rwanda’s] rapidly modernizing capital, Kigali, is one of the jewel cities of Africa. A lacework of tree-lined boulevards and greenswards rises and falls over a cradle of verdant hills and valleys.” Peter Gwin, “Rwanda: The Art of Remembering and Forgetting,” National Geographic News, April, 2014

Map of the route for Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Kigali

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2Kigali/Volcanoes National Park

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay your respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, learning about this somber chapter of the country’s past. Later, embark on a community walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo township and enjoy a local lunch at the G Adventures–supported Nyamirambo Women’s Centre. Travel to northern Rwanda in the afternoon and settle into our lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Community Walk

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Volcanoes National Park

Set out on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique and endangered species—the golden monkey. Observe these playful, curious creatures in their natural habitat; then visit the Karisoke Research Center, founded by National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey. Meet with a resident researcher to learn about ongoing efforts to protect endangered mountain gorillas, and deepen your understanding of these gentle giants at a talk by one of the park’s head wardens.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Mountain Gorilla Conservation Experience| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Gorilla Lecture

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Volcanoes National Park

Embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. When we come across a group of gorillas, witness their fascinating social dynamics up close. Note that these treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorillas. Return to our lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily rural life.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Volcanoes National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, cross into Uganda on a 4x4. Arrive at our lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in Uganda.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger, looking for the chimpanzee families that call this protected area home. Learn about the habits and social activities of these endangered primates—our closest relatives in the animal world—and gain insights into current efforts to protect them. This afternoon, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a safari through rolling savanna and shrubland, keeping your eyes peeled for buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and hyenas.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Queen Elizabeth National Park

Head out on a morning safari through the park, dotted with acacia trees and covered in swathes of rainforest. Spot hyenes, warthogs, antelope, and, with luck, some of the African “big five.” Then float down the Kazinga Channel on a boat safari. This natural channel connects two of the park’s lakes and draws large numbers of wild creatures to its shores, including hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of birds.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8Queen Elizabeth National Park/Entebbe

After breakfast, head to Entebbe, stopping en route at the equator; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land. Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and have lunch at the G Adventures–supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. Later, visit a drum-making workshop and enjoy a musical performance.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment AidChild Cafe & Gallery

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Entebbe

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Community Walk, Kigali
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mountain Gorilla Conservation Experience, Volcanoes National Park
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Gorilla Lecture, Volcanoes National Park
  • Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
  • Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe
  • Arrival transfer
  • All national park entrance fees
  • Genocide memorial entrance
  • Guided mountain gorilla trek with permits
  • Golden monkey trek with permits
  • Guided chimpanzee trek with permits
  • Local village walk
  • Safari drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Wildlife boat cruise in Kazinga Channel
  • Visit to the Equator
  • Drum workshop
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel/lodges (8 nts).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Allow USD85-110 for meals not included.

Transportation

4x4 safari vehicle, walking, hiking, boat.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides, experienced gorilla trackers, park rangers.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

| 9 days - Kigali to Entebbe - Sold Out