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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your adventure begins with a personalized pick-up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali by your professional African Majestic Adventures guide. We start with a brief but poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a vital site for understanding the resilience and transformation of the Rwandan people. After lunch in Kigali, we begin the scenic northward drive toward the Ugandan border. Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Clear immigration and collect your luggage. Your professional driver-guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. We begin with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This visit provides essential context to Rwanda's incredible transformation and resilience. The memorial is a UNESCO-registered site and offers a profound start to your journey. Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in Kigali, Rwanda's spotless capital known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Then begin the scenic northward drive toward the Ugandan border. As we climb into the Virunga mountains, the views of the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) and the chain of volcanoes are spectacular. We cross the border (usually at Cyanika or Katuna) and enter the "Pearl of Africa." The landscape immediately shifts to the steep, terraced hillsides of the Kigezi Highlands. Evening: Arrive at your lodge on the periphery of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the early evening. The sounds of the ancient forest will serenade you as you enjoy a warm dinner. Your guide will conduct a comprehensive briefing about tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience, covering trekking rules, gorilla etiquette, what to pack, and photography tips. Recommended packing: waterproof hiking boots, long sleeves, garden gloves, and a rain jacket.
The Heart of the Jungle - Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Today is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, we transfer to the Bwindi Park Headquarters for a mandatory briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You will be assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level. At 8:30 AM, you enter the "Impenetrable" forest to trek in search of a mountain gorilla family. You have exactly one hour to observe them once located. In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa Cultural Experience. Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM with packed snacks for the trek. Transfer to Bwindi Park Headquarters at 6:30 AM for the gorilla trekking briefing by UWA rangers. Groups of 8 visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families based on fitness levels and preferences. At 8:30 AM, enter Bwindi's misty forest with your group, lead guide, trackers, and armed rangers. The trek can take 1-5 hours through steep, dense, and often muddy terrain. Porter services are available for hire (approximately $15-20) - highly recommended even if you are fit. Afternoon: When you find the gorilla family, all fatigue vanishes. You have exactly one hour to observe the family - watch the silverback's quiet dominance, the playful wrestling of juveniles, and the tender grooming between mothers and infants. The proximity is staggering (usually within 7 meters). After the trek, enjoy a Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of the forest and share their traditional hunting methods, fire-making skills, and medicinal plant knowledge through songs and stories. Evening: Return to the lodge to celebrate your gorilla trekking achievement. Receive a gorilla trekking certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Enjoy a celebratory dinner and share stories with your trekking group. This is a physically demanding but deeply rewarding experience that stays with you for life. Photography tip: use a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) and high ISO in the dark forest. Turn off flash - it is prohibited.
Return to Kigali & Departure
After a final breakfast overlooking the mist-covered canopy, we bid farewell to the forest and begin our return journey to Rwanda. We cross back through the border and wind our way back down the volcanoes toward Kigali. If time permits, we can explore Kigali's vibrant craft markets for last-minute souvenirs. Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your evening flight. Morning: Final breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM overlooking the mist-covered canopy of Bwindi. Bid farewell to the ancient forest and begin the return journey to Rwanda. Cross back through the border (Cyanika or Katuna) and wind down through the Virunga Volcanoes toward Kigali. The morning light over the terraced hills of the Kigezi Highlands provides one last spectacular photo opportunity. Afternoon: If time permits, explore Kigali's vibrant craft markets for last-minute souvenirs - woven baskets, traditional fabrics, and Rwandan art. Enjoy a farewell lunch at "Hotel des Mille Collines" (the real-life Hotel Rwanda) or a local restaurant featuring Rwandan cuisine. Photography tip: the Kigali craft markets offer vibrant color photography opportunities with traditional crafts and textiles. Evening: Final transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your evening departure flight, marking the end of your transformative 3-day gorilla safari. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 6:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive and border crossing.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry & camping/hut fees
- KPAP-certified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Mountain camping equipment or hut accommodation (route-dependent)
- Treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Government rescue fees
- Airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- All national park entrance fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
- Game drives per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & medical evacuation insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, sleeping bag)
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb (unless stated)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
The clearest, driest climbing conditions fall in two windows: late June through October, and January to mid-March. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the short and long rains (November, and April-May) bring wetter trails and lower summit visibility.
Mountain camping/huts + safari lodges and tented camps
Full board throughout — mountain meals during the climb, lodge/camp meals on safari
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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