The 4 Days Uganda gorilla safari and mount Karisimbi hike encompasses the most thrilling adventures: volcano hiking and gorilla trekking. The Karisimbi Volcano hike takes 2 days of conquering the highest peak of the Virunga Massifs. Karisimbi volcano in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the tallest of all the 8 Virunga Volcanoes and stands at the elevation of about 4507m.
Gorilla trekking experience will be enjoyed while in the tropical forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda. This park lies in Southwestern Uganda and protects up to 459 mountain gorillas which live harmoniously with other mammals such as giant forest hogs, duikers, elephants and chimpanzees.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, Kigali city excursion & drive to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri
Enjoy a delicious cup of tea/coffee served to you at the hotel in Kigali city and after, you will leave for a 2-hour city tour. This includes visiting iconic sites within the heart of the city, especially the Kigali genocide memorial, local markets (Kimironko market) and Inema Art Centre.
Have lunch first in one of the restaurants and you will then continue up to Volcanoes National Park located in Ruhengeri, Northwestern Rwanda. Driving from the heart of Kigali to Volcanoes NP takes between 2 and 3 hours. On getting to the park, you will have leisurely dinner and a night stay at the comfortable accommodation facility.
Accommodation
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury)
- Da Vinci/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Midrange)
- Muhabura/Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 2: Hike to the top of Karisimbi Volcano with an expert in Rwanda
After a hefty breakfast, depart from your lodge for briefing at Kinigi –get to know safety measures to follow while hiking to the summits of Karisimbi Volcano. An experienced guide will be assigned to accompany you on your captivating hike.
Make sure you have enough drinking water and some snacks to keep you fit this being a long day trek to the elevation at 3700m. The 3700m elevation marks the first phase of your hike today and you will be at the campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Complete the hike to 4507m summit & descend, drive to Bwindi
Early morning, you will have a hot cup of tea/coffee and then begin final hike to the summit of Karisimbi (4507m). Get enough time to take as many pictures as you at the summits, enjoy the scenic surrounding areas and later, begin descending back to the briefing point.
From the briefing point, proceed to the lodge to check out and be ready to connect to Bwindi in Southwestern Uganda. You will cross over to Uganda via Katuna border to Kabale to Bwindi or Cyanika border to Kisoro then proceed to Bwindi.
Accommodation
- Silverback Lodge/Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
- Bakiga Lodge/Engagi Lodge (Midrange)
- Ride 4 a Woman/Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 4: Gorilla trekking & depart from Bwindi to Kigali
Gorilla trekking, a life changing primate adventure involves navigating through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas in the wild. Your day begins with breakfast at the lodge, briefing at park office and allocation of gorilla families and guides.
At 8:00am, you and an experienced guide will begin the trek to see Bwindi mountain gorillas. The trek runs for 2-6 hours of navigating via the rainforest, valleys, hills and on finding a family of these apes assigned to you, you have a maximum of 1 hour for photography and observing how they behave.
After you have taken pictures and observed how gorillas behave, start walking back to the briefing point to collect your gorilla trekking certificate or go direct to the lodge to check out. From Bwindi, you will be transferred to Kigali where your driver guide will drop you off at the hotel or direct to the airport.
End of safari
Inclusions
- Valid gorilla permit in Uganda
- Karisimbi Volcano hike
- Full board accommodation (Uganda and Rwanda)
- All transfers as per this trip
- Bottled water
- Transportation
Exclusions
- Tips
- Laundry services
- Travel/Life Insurance
- Shopping expenses
- Telephone
- Extra hotel fees
- Extra activities, etc.