Rather than repeating the same gorilla trek twice, this sampler starts in Rwanda with golden monkey trekking before the gorillas, then closes in Uganda with a second gorilla trek and a Batwa cultural encounter — a broader taste of the region’s primates and the communities who share their forests.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Kinigi
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, then a drive to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Golden Monkey Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
A morning trek through the bamboo zone tracking a troop of golden monkeys, an energetic, playful species found only in this part of the Albertine Rift.
As above
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family on the Rwandan side of the Virungas.
As above
Cross Border to Bwindi, Uganda
A drive across the Cyanika border into Uganda, continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Encounter, Bwindi
A second gorilla trek in the morning, followed in the afternoon by a Batwa cultural encounter — learning about the forest’s former hunter-gatherer inhabitants through song, storytelling and traditional skills demonstrations.
As above
Departure
A drive to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, flying to Entebbe for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Golden monkey permit | $100 per person |
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person |
| Batwa cultural encounter | $25–$40 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who’d rather sample a range of the region’s primates and culture than trek the same species twice with nothing else in between.
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
- All permits & cultural encounter fee
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is golden monkey trekking as physically demanding as gorilla trekking?
Generally less so — the bamboo zone where golden monkeys live sits at a lower altitude with gentler terrain than the higher gorilla trekking zones.
What does the Batwa cultural encounter actually involve?
A guided visit led by Batwa community members themselves, including traditional songs, a demonstration of forest survival skills, and the chance to ask questions directly about their history and current life.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.