Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
9 Days
From AUD $7270
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(16 reviews)

Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Rwanda and Uganda are often-overlooked travel destinations – but as an intrepid traveller, you won’t want to miss this nine-day journey through their wild landscapes, rich in history and wildlife.

Highlights

  • With gorilla permits included in the price of the trip, seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
  • Learn about Rwanda's devastating history with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and see what life looks like today with a tour of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
  • Get to know the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a series of 4WD safaris and an optional boat cruise around the lake.
  • You won’t even have to get out of bed to enjoy wildlife and wonderful views – Safari lodges and Eco Camps deliver epic scenery and wild visitors like elephants, buffalo, and hippos to your doorstep.
  • Visit The Gorilla Doctors HQ and learn about how they're saving the species one gorilla patient at a time, knowing that a proportion of your trip cost goes back to supporting the important work they do.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

4WD vehicles

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kigali, Rwanda

Finishes

Kigali, Rwanda

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kigali
Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Most associate Rwanda with the horrific genocide that took place in 1994, but this is a country that has been striving to rebuild its economy for years and offers so much to the intrepid traveller. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers and local leader at 6pm.

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Musanze
After breakfast this morning, your tour leader will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as a museum detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide and a place for people to grieve for lost friends and family. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Musanze – the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas and golden monkeys. This afternoon, you'll visit The Gorilla Doctors headquaters; the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease.

Included Activities:

  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
  • Musanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ

Optional Activities:

  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide (15 USD)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Musanze
Today, you’ll visit the The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This research centre leads the world in protecting and studying gorillas while helping communities build their conservation capabilities. Learn about Dian Fossey’s life and the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. There are heaps of optional activities to do in Musanze, including Golden Monkey Trekking in the Virunga Mountains, the Mount Bisoke trek, or keep it chill with a canoe ride on the Mukungwa River. Maybe visit Redrocks Rwanda, where you’ll learn about the local banana beer production and be treated to some dancing, drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations.

Optional Activities:

  • Musanze - Visit 'Twin Lakes' Burera & Ruhondo (40 USD)
  • Musanze - Redrocks Rwanda Visit (Banana Beer & Cultural Activities) (50 USD)
  • Musanze - Mount Bisoke Hike (75 USD)
  • Musanze - Canoeing on River Mukungwa (80 USD)
  • Musanze - Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park (160 USD)
  • Musanze - Guardian Village - Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village (30 USD)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth NP
Today, you’ll leave Rwanda as we cross the border into Uganda, making our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to 618 bird species, 10 species of primates - including chimpanzees, and 95 different types of mammals. The route to your accommodation may feel like an unofficial safari. Keep a look out for African elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, leopards, spotted hyenas, lions and chimpanzees. Tonight, stay in a simple safari lodge within the park overlooking the Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth NP
Wake up for another exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with another 4x4 Game Drive. Be on the lookout for any sightings you may have missed yesterday, and if you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot leopards or lions. This afternoon, you have the opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who will fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife.

Included Activities:

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise (30 USD)
  • Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking (205 USD)

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP
This morning we make our way to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals. This part of the park is famous for its tree climbing lions, so be on the look out as you make the game drive towards our ecolodge in the northern sector of the park frequented by herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes!

Included Activities:

  • Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Kisoro
Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda (approximately 6 hours). The journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different gorilla groups located in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi.

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)
Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.

Included Activities:

  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Accommodation:

  • (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Kigali
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make the journey back to Kigali. When you arrive, there are no further activities planned and your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $7,270
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Rwanda and Uganda are often-overlooked travel destinations – but as an intrepid traveller, you won’t want to miss this nine-day journey through their wild landscapes, rich in history and wildlife.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Nov 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Carolin
Traveled, February 2023

02/16/2023

Outstanding experience with close-up Gorillas! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, when you make eye contact with these gentle giants. Apart from that, Africa has showed me a warm and kind welcome - definitely recommend! Couldn’t get enough of all the “green” there was to see!

4.5
Alison
Traveled, February 2024

02/24/2024

Excellent tour excellent guides will tell family to go through intrepid. Nest accommodation was not up to standard for us the rest of accommodation was good. For us we also needed air conditioning in rooms as it was quite uncomfortable. Otherwise great tour.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989