8 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Kisoro, Uganda
Upon Arrival At Kigali International Airport You Will Meet Albertine Region Safaris Representative, You Will Be Assisted With Airport Formalities And Introduced To Your Driver, Then Transferred To Kisoro Uganda
● Stay: –Mutanda Lake Resort. A luxury eco-lodge offering breathtaking views of the volcanoes and rainforest.
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Drive time: 4 hours
Border crossing: Cyanika.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi- Rushaga.
● Early morning trek into the forest to see endangered mountain gorillas (permits required in advance)
● Afternoon at leisure or optional community visit
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Afternoon Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Stay: –Mutanda Lake Resort. A luxury eco-lodge offering breathtaking views of the volcanoes and rainforest.
Day 3: Optional Second Gorilla Trek / Batwa Cultural Experience.
● Option to do a second gorilla trek (great for photographers or enthusiasts)
● Alternatively, enjoy a Batwa pygmy cultural tour or a forest nature walk
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Stay: –Mutanda Lake Resort. A luxury eco-lodge offering breathtaking views of the volcanoes
and rainforest.
Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector).
Drive time: ~5 hours
Famous for tree-climbing lions
Afternoon game drive in the Ishasha sector
Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
What to Do: Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Stay: A Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives & Boat Safari.
● Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains
● Afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel (hippos, elephants, birds)
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Afternoon Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Luxury Lodge: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
● Alternative: Mweya Safari Lodge (Deluxe Cottages)
Day 6: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park.
● Drive time: 2-3 hours
● An optional visit to Crater Lakes en route
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Afternoon Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Luxury Lodge: Kyaninga Lodge (overlooks a crater lake, has beautiful views, and offers cuisine.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest.
● Morning chimpanzee trek
● Optional: Bigodi Wetland walk (great for birding and primates)
● Afternoon relaxation or massage
● Car Recommendation: Stick with the 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for this rugged area.
● What to Do: Afternoon Relax at the lodge and enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Luxury Lodge: Kyaninga Lodge (overlooks a crater lake, has beautiful views, and offers cuisine.
Day 8: Return to Kigali or Entebbe for Departure.
● Drive time to Kigali: ~6-7 hours
● OR fly from nearby airstrip (Kasese or Fort Portal) to Entebbe if preferred
Recommended Car:
● 4×4 SUV (Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser) – Suitable for both paved roads and rugged national park terrains.
● Most car rental companies offer chauffeur services if needed.
1. Entry & Visa
● Visa: You can apply for an East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD), which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya – ideal if you’re starting in Kigali.
● Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), yellow fever vaccination certificate, return/onward ticket.
2. Health and Safety:
● Vaccinations: Ensure you have up-to-date vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A/B. Rwanda also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination.
● Malaria: Rwanda is a malaria-endemic region, so take antimalarial medication and use mosquito repellent.
● Water: Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.
● Altitude Consideration: Some areas, like Volcanoes NP, are at high altitudes, so take precautions if you are prone to altitude sickness.
3. Gorilla & Chimp Trekking Tips.
● Permits: Book 3–6 months in advance (especially June–Sept
● Fitness: Moderate fitness required; treks can be 1–6 hours
Gear:
● Long pants, hiking boots, gloves
● Rain jacket (forests are humid)
● Insect repellent
● Packed lunch & water (provided by lodges usually)
● Respect: Keep 7 meters from gorillas, no flash photography, stay quiet
4. Transportation.
➢ Best Vehicle: 4×4 Land Cruiser or Prado with driver-guide.
Roads can be rough, especially in national parks or remote areas.
Self-driving is possible, but a guided tour is highly recommended for stress-free travel.
5. Money & Payments.
● Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX), though USD is widely accepted in lodges.
● Cash: ATMs available in cities; bring USD in clean, crisp bills (2009 or newer).
● Tips: 5–10% in restaurants; $10–20/day for guides; $5–10 for porters/trackers.
6. Connectivity.
● SIM Cards: Airtel or MTN – good coverage and cheap data
● Wi-Fi is available in most luxury lodges, but it can be slow in remote areas.
7. Best Time to Visit.
Dry Seasons:
● June to September
● December to February
● Best for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.
● Rainy seasons (March–May, Oct–Nov) are lush and scenic, but trekking is more challenging.
Packing Recommendations:
● Light layers for warm days and cool evenings.
● Comfortable hiking gear for treks (sturdy boots, breathable clothing, rain jacket).
● Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
● Personal medication, first-aid kit.
1. Visa Requirements
● Most travelers can get a visa on arrival for $50 or apply for an e-visa before traveling.
● Citizens of the African Union, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states get a visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
● The East African Tourist Visa ($100) allows travel to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days.
2. Weather & Packing Tips.
● The climate is moderate (15–27°C / 59–81°F), but it can be chilly in the mountains.
● Essentials: Light clothing, rain jacket, hiking shoes (for gorilla trekking), sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent.
3. Getting Around.
● Public Transport: Minibuses and motorcycle taxis (“moto”) are common but may not always be
safe.
● Car Rentals: Available, but driving is on the Left side. Hiring a driver is recommended.
● Ride-hailing apps: YegoMoto and SafeMotos for motorcycles, VW Move for cars.
4. Cultural Etiquette.
● Greetings are important – a handshake with the right hand and a slight bow is common.
● Respect elders and avoid public displays of affection.
● Plastic bags are banned – bring reusable bags.
5. Top Attractions.
● Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla trekking.
● Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking.
● Queen Elizabeth National Park – For Game Drive & chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge’
● Kibale Forest– for Chimpanzee Trekking
● Ishasha Sector – Famous Tree Climbing Lions& relaxation
