7 Days Silverback Gorilla Safari Experience – An Exclusive Gorilla Encounter in Uganda and Rwanda
This 7-days gorilla safari is a on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the misty rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, offering you three opportunities to re-live the memorable encounter of these highly endangered species across three of Africa’s most spectacular parks with breathtaking landscapes, and sceneries.
Itinerary overview
- Day 1: Arrival and scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
- Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga gorilla national park
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park
- Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes national park-Rwanda
- Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Transfer to Kigali for your onward flight.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your designated safari guide who will give you an insight into this safari and then he will transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will check into your accommodation where you will enjoy an afternoon of relaxation as you contemplate on the future gorilla encounters.
Accommodation: Clouds gorilla lodge/Gorilla leisure lodge/Ichumbi gorilla lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Wake up to an early breakfast at the lodge then ready with all the necessary gears and a packed lunch, at 6:30 am your driver guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing of the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking by the experienced ranger guides. After the briefing, venture into the dense rainforest in search of the habituated gorilla family assigned to your group. This trek will last between 1–5 hours, adding to the thrill and authenticity of the experience. Upon locating the gorilla family, you will be allowed 1 magical hour with them observing these majestic primates go about their way of life.
Later, return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation, and enjoying the amenities at the lodge.
Accommodation: Clouds gorilla lodge/Gorilla leisure lodge/Ichumbi gorilla lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and enjoy a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located at the foothill of the dramatic Virunga Volcano mountain ranges. You will arrive at the lodge just in time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy the rest of your afternoon relaxing at the lodge and taking in the breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain ranges.
Accommodation: Gahinga lodge/ Ichumbi hotel Kisoro/Ikoro hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga national park
Today will offer yet another extraordinary opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in a totally different ecosystem. Wake up early in the morning for a breakfast at the lodge then head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the code of conduct of mountain gorilla trek. You will once again hike into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. Once you locate them, you will be allowed 1-hour with them immersing yourselves in the raw beauty of nature then after you will return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation.
Accommodation: Gahinga lodge/ Ichumbi hotel Kisoro/ Ikoro hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park-Rwanda
Wake up at leisure for a breakfast at the lodge then you will checkout and drive across the Cyanika border to Rwanda famously known as the land of a thousand hills. This will be a scenic drive with breathtaking sceneries and once at the lodge, check in and enjoy an evening of relaxation. You can opt to head out for an optional visit to the Diane Fossey fund where you will learn about the gorilla behavior and the conservation story of Diane Fossey.
Accommodation: One & Only gorilla’s nest/ Amarembo by Touchdown/ Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will have a great time meeting with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park! Following a tasty breakfast at the lodge, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the Volcanoes national park. After the briefing, will head for briefing you will start the trek to hunt for the gorillas and after you find them, you will be allowed 1-hour with them. This walk can take 4-5 hours depending on where the gorillas are on that day. The park is a bit steep therefore being physically fit will be of an advantage. After the trek, return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One & Only gorilla’s nest/ Amarembo by Touchdown/ Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 7: Return to Kigali and departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on a scenic transfer drive to Kigali where you will catch your onward flight. Depending on your flight schedule, optional city experiences can be arranged before your airport drop-off.
Includes
- Accommodation as specified above
- Meals as specified above
- Transportation
- Knowledgeable English-speaking Guide
- Gorilla permit
- Drinking water
- All transfers
- All activities mentioned above
Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips and gratuities