This six-day trip is our fullest primate route in the south-west: two gorilla treks in two parks, a morning with golden monkeys, a Batwa cultural visit and a rest day on Lake Bunyonyi, all starting and ending in Kigali.
It gives you time between the demanding days, which is why it suits travellers who want to trek twice without feeling rushed.
Trip overview
You begin in Mgahinga on the Virunga volcanoes, trek the park's habituated gorilla family, then track golden monkeys before moving on to Rushaga in Bwindi for a second gorilla trek. The trip ends with a night at Lake Bunyonyi and the drive back to Kigali. Read about the parks in our Mgahinga guide and Bwindi guide, and check how permits work, because this trip needs two gorilla permits and one golden monkey permit.
Day by day
Day 1Kigali to Mgahinga
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali airport and drives north to the Cyanika border. After crossing into Uganda, a Uganda-based guide takes over for the last stretch to Kisoro, the gateway town for Mgahinga. The journey takes about four hours. Dinner and overnight near the park.
Day 2Gorilla trek in Mgahinga
Breakfast, then the ranger briefing at the park headquarters. You walk with rangers and trackers into the foothills of the volcanoes, usually for two to six hours, and spend one hour with the gorilla family. The afternoon is free to rest. If the family has crossed the border on your date, we swap this trek for another park so the day is not lost.
Day 3Golden monkeys, then Rushaga
A shorter, lighter morning takes you into the bamboo zone to track a habituated troop of golden monkeys. They are quick and noisy, a lively contrast with the gorillas. The walk is usually between 45 minutes and two hours. After lunch you drive about an hour and a half to two hours to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi and settle in.
Day 4Gorilla trek in Rushaga and Batwa visit
Your second gorilla trek is in a different forest with a different family. Rushaga is known for steep, sometimes demanding terrain, so pace yourself. In the late afternoon you visit a Batwa community for songs, dance and stories about life in the forest before the parks were created.
Day 5Lake Bunyonyi
A drive of about one and a half to two hours takes you to Lake Bunyonyi. The afternoon is for a dugout canoe trip among the islands, birdwatching or simply resting by the water after two trekking days.
Day 6Back to Kigali
A last morning at the lake, then the drive to Kigali via the border with a lunch stop. You arrive in the afternoon or evening, in time for an onward flight if you allow for border delays.
Where you stay
| Stop | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kisoro / Mgahinga | Travellers Rest Hotel | Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge | Mount Gahinga Lodge |
| Rushaga, Bwindi | Rushaga Gorilla Camp | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Bunyonyi Overland | Arcadia Cottages | Birdnest Resort |
These are the lodges we commonly use. Availability depends on your dates. See our lodges guide.
What is included
- Two gorilla trekking permits and one golden monkey permit
- Private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
- Five nights of accommodation with meals as listed
- All park entry fees, bottled water and border assistance
What is not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- The Batwa cultural visit, unless we bundle it in your quote
- Porters, tips, drinks and personal spending
Who this suits
Travellers who want a thorough primate trip with a gentle finish, and who are comfortable with two early trekking mornings. If you have only four days, look at the four-day double gorilla trek. To see all options, browse the itineraries, and read our best time to go guide before you fix dates.
Request this itinerary
We confirm both gorilla permits and the golden monkey permit before quoting.
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