This route pairs the two countries’ gorilla treks with a night at Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic spots in either country — a crater lake ringed by terraced hills, known locally as the “place of many small birds.”
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide is waiting just past customs at Kigali International Airport for the drive to Kinigi, under two hours through Rwanda’s terraced hill country. Evening trekking briefing on arrival.
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Kinigi
Accommodation Options
BudgetKinigi Guest House
Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge
LuxuryVirunga Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A 6am wake-up for the 7am briefing opening with a performance by the Kinigi intore dancers, then the trek itself through increasingly misty forest on the volcanic slopes and a strict hour with your gorilla family.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
The drive across the Cyanika border into Uganda continues on to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic spots in either country — a crater lake ringed by terraced hills and 29 small islands, known locally as the “place of many small birds.” The afternoon is free for canoeing across the calm water in a traditional dugout, or simply taking in the view from the lodge terrace.
Cross Border to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Accommodation Options
BudgetBunyonyi Overland Resort
Mid-rangeArcadia Cottages
LuxuryBirdnest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A short drive of under two hours from Lake Bunyonyi to Bwindi, arriving with time to settle in before the following day’s trek.
Transfer to Bwindi
Accommodation Options
BudgetBuhoma Community Camp
Mid-rangeEngagi Lodge
LuxuryBuhoma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
7:30am briefing at park headquarters, then the trek itself through dense rainforest, followed by a strict hour with your second gorilla family.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A short drive to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for a scheduled light aircraft flight to Entebbe, connecting to your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person |
| Lake Bunyonyi canoeing (optional) | $10–$20 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want the double gorilla trek but also value genuine scenery and a lower-key day in the middle of the trip.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Cross-border transfer with all paperwork handled
- Domestic flight, Kihihi/Kisoro to Entebbe
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Both gorilla permits
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi (if selected)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance