Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Day 1: Welcome to Kigali!

And bam! The moment your plane touches down, the adventure kicks off. Right there at the airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our smiley team members, ready to whisk you straight to your hotel. Easy breezy, just how we like it. 

We know meeting new people can be nerve-wracking, so we’ve planned the perfect icebreaker for you: dinner at Heaven Restaurant. Here, you’ll dive into taste bud-tingling Rwandan dishes while sharing stories and laughs with your new travel mates. By the time you’re digging into your desserts, you’ll feel like you’ve been friends for years, not hours.

Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner

Day 2: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day two, and we’re not wasting any time – you’re diving straight into the action with the Azizi community! Today, you’re basket weaving and candle dipping alongside the locals with a master class that’s all about getting your hands dirty and giving it a try. After unleashing your creative spirit, you’re on the move again, swapping the buzz of village life for Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by nothing but the sound of rustling leaves and unseen creatures calling out. Bliss…

As the sun dips and the stars come out, you’ll be settling in for the night under the vast Nyungwe sky, still buzzing from today’s hands-on adventures. And guess what? This is just day two – the adventure is only just heating up!

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Lake Kivu

Don’t worry, we won’t make you wait any longer – today’s the day you get to dust off your hiking boots and tackle the first trek of the trip! This two-hour canopy walk has a little bit of everything: eye-level birdwatching, mind-bending jungle views and maybe a cheeky Colobus monkey or two swinging by to say hello. What’s that in the distance? It’s the glittering waters of Lake Kivu. If you think it looks gorgeous from up here, just you wait…

After you’ve taken in the treetop sights and worked up a sweat on the trails, you’ll descend and head straight to, you guessed it, Lake Kivu for a well-earned cool-down. This is one of the safest lakes in Africa to swim in (no hippos or crocodiles here), so if you fancy a dip, be our guest. You know you want to!

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park

Kick off the day the right way with a morning boat ride on Lake Kivu – just you, the water, and the early sun lighting up the sky, an experience that’s definitely worth setting your alarm for. Then, strap in for the drive to Volcanoes National Park, a full-on visual rollercoaster that’ll leave your jaw on the floor. Nope, we’re not exaggerating! As the road climbs, twists and turns, you’ll find yourself glued to the window, not wanting to miss a single second of the hills and valleys that make Rwanda’s countryside pop.

Once you roll into Musanze, the afternoon is yours to own. Feeling hungry? Wander over to the local village and dive hands-first into some traditional Rwandan food. But if you’re itching to dig deeper into the world of conservation, head over to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for a gorilla crash course. Just the ticket!

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Today’s all about a monkey meet-and-greet you’ll never forget. You’re tracking the stunning golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, weaving through sun-dappled glades and thick bamboo stands with your eyes glued to the treetops. Trust us, this is one of those “pinch me” moments – watching these cheeky creatures leap, play and munch their way through the bamboo without even a sideways glance at you. It’s every bit as epic as it sounds.

But just when you think it can’t get any better, you’re off to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, straddling the Rwanda-Uganda border. This place is the stuff of legends – a biodiversity hotspot that’s home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas. Hmm… got a feeling tomorrow’s going to be a big one?

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking!

Today’s the big one, so lace up those trekking boots and set your alarm extra early – your gorilla adventure begins at the crack of dawn. After a quick transfer, you’re diving straight into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with expert park rangers leading the way.

The search for these elusive giants could take anywhere from two to six hours, so you’ll be pushing through dense, misty forests with rays of sunlight slicing through the trees, guiding your every step. With each stride, you’re one step closer to locking eyes with some of the planet’s most wonder-sparking creatures – a family of mountain gorillas.

And when that moment finally comes? It’s pure magic. Every muddy step will feel worth it as you spend one precious hour with these incredible animals, soaking up every single second.

Post-trek, it’s all about relaxation back at the lodge. You’ve earned some serious downtime, so enjoy that hot shower and let your memories sink in.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tearing yourself away from Bwindi’s majestic gorillas might seem impossible, but we promise there’s still plenty to get excited about! Today, you’re hitting the road to Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, making this your fourth national park in just one week (talk about setting records!). 

On the way, you’ll dive into a mini game drive through the Ishasha sector. Keep your cameras at the ready – this area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, though they’re just the beginning. You might spot elephants lumbering along the land, buffaloes grazing, warthogs trotting through the grass and waterbucks near the waterholes. And, bird enthusiasts, we haven’t forgotten about you: keep an eye out for the various species that call this park home.

Accommodation: Twin Lake Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Savannah Plains and Cruising the Kazinga Channel

Another wildlife-packed day in Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, coming right up! Bright and early, you’re off on another pulse-racing game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park because, as they say, the early bird catches the… lion? That’s right, this morning you’re in for a front-row seat as the savannah wakes up, with lions, buffaloes, kobs and sleepy elephants all on the morning roster in the Kasenyi plains. You lucky thing!

After you’ve filled up on a hearty lunch at the lodge, we’re not slowing down – next up is an afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel. From crocs lounging on the banks to hordes of hippos and elephants cooling off, not to mention the airshow from kingfishers and pink-backed pelicans, there’s a lot to take in, but we’re sure you’ll manage it. We’ve got another big day in store for you tomorrow, so get an early night and sleep well – you’ll need the energy.

Accommodation: Twin Lake Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking

Next stop: Kibale Forest National Park! After settling down in your new lodge, it’s time for your hiking boots to make another appearance as you venture into the untamed wilderness of the jungle, accompanied by park rangers, to go looking for today’s stars of the show: chimpanzees!

Prepare for laughter, a bit of monkey business and maybe even some heart-stirring moments as you spend quality time with these mischievous creatures and your Camino Crew. This is one of those moments that really make the world feel magical.

Accommodation: Guereza Canopy Lodge (or similar)
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Travel Day

It’s a long day of driving today, but your final destination more than makes up for it – pinky promise! Murchison Falls National Park is the last, but certainly not least, stop on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, this legendary park will step up to wow you. 

After freshening up from the journey, and if the clock’s on your side, you’ll jump straight into the car to catch a sunset that’s not just going down – it’s going out with a bang, with the sky erupting into every shade imaginable of red, pink, orange and yellow. This is Africa, baby!

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Murchison Falls National Park

Another day, another game drive – it’s a tough gig touring Uganda with your Camino Crew, right? This morning’s safari will roll along the park’s northern banks, where you’ll be on the lookout for Uganda Kobs, buffaloes starting their day and perhaps even lions and giraffes. Who’ll be the first to call out a wildlife sighting? Game on!

All that animal-spotting is hungry work, so after a brief pit stop to refuel, it’s time to check out a different part of the park. The land animals have really been stealing the show recently, so it’s about time we change that, clambering aboard a river sightseeing cruise to play spot-the-crocodile.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Entebbe

Wave a fond farewell to the stunning Murchison Falls – it’s been real! But don’t worry, the adventure isn’t over just yet. We have one more trick up our sleeves… Heading straight to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll get up close and personal with the rhinos, an experience that’ll have you asking yourself “how is this real life”?

Once you arrive, you’ll get the lowdown on rhino behaviour from the local team before diving boots-first into an on-foot tracking experience. Seeing these magnificent beasts up close is something that’ll render you speechless. Yes, even you!

As we wrap up and head toward Entebbe for your final night, now’s the time to relive the best moments. Huddle up with your Camino Crew, dive into one more knee-slapping giggle session, and toast to the incredible adventure you’ve shared.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 13: Farewell Friends

That time you’ve been dreading has finally arrived, but it’s safe to say it’s been an adventure you’ll never forget. Just be sure to swap contact details and bear-hugs with your Camino Crew before you set off.

After one last breakfast with your newfound besties, our driver will whisk you off to the airport for a smooth and speedy departure. We’re not great at goodbyes, so let’s just say “until next time”. Safe travels!

Included: Breakfast