4-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Mount Bisoke Hike
The 4-day Bwindi Gorillas and Mount Bisoke Hike Safari combines gorilla trekking in Uganda with a volcano hiking experience in Rwanda. This short tour takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Bwindi, located in southwestern Uganda, is the country’s best destination for mountain gorilla trekking. The park is home to about 24 habituated gorilla groups spread across four regions: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. It also hosts over 120 species of mammals, including the endangered mountain gorillas.
In Rwanda, you will enjoy hiking Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Bisoke is one of the Virunga Volcanoes and offers an exciting hiking experience. Your Bwindi and Bisoke safari will begin and end in Kigali.
4-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Bisoke Climbing Tour Highlights
- Visit Uganda and Rwanda in one short adventure safari.
- Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Spend one hour with gorillas in their natural forest home.
- See Bwindi’s wildlife, birds, and green forest scenery.
- Cross into Rwanda and explore Volcanoes National Park.
- Hike Mount Bisoke, one of the famous Virunga Volcanoes.
- Enjoy wide views and a beautiful crater lake at the summit.
- Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for Rwandan music and dance.
- Learn about Batwa traditions and their forest lifestyle.
- End your safari with a relaxing drive back to Kigali city.
Brief 4-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Bisoke Climbing Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and travel to Bwindi
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’Iwacu Village
- Day 4: Hike Mount Bisoke and return to Kigali
Detailed 4-Day Bwindi Gorillas & Bisoke Climbing Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and travel to Bwindi
After breakfast, meet your company representative for pick up and drive toward the Rwanda–Uganda border. Arrive at Katuna border, complete the border formalities, and proceed to the region where your gorilla trekking will take place the following day.
Your driver will take you to a pre-booked lodge depending on the gorilla permit issued for that specific sector. After checking in, spend the evening relaxing. If time allows, you can visit the Batwa community to experience their culture and traditional lifestyle.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and drive to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, go to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules. You will be assigned a gorilla family and a ranger guide who will lead you through the forest. Each group consists of up to 8 visitors.
The trek usually lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will spend one full hour watching them, taking photos, and learning about their behavior. After this amazing experience, return to meet your driver-guide and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Batwa pygmies to learn about their traditional way of life before returning to the lodge to relax.
Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’Iwacu Village
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and cross into Rwanda toward Musanze, the base of Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and have some rest.
In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. Here you will enjoy traditional dances, songs, and stories shared by the local people. A local guide will explain their customs, beliefs, and way of life. After the cultural experience, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Hike Mount Bisoke and return to Kigali
Have an early breakfast and pack your snacks and drinking water. Drive to the park offices for a briefing about the Mount Bisoke hike. You will be joined by an experienced guide who will lead you on the climb.
The hike to the summit takes about 4 hours, reaching an altitude of 3,711 meters. At the top, you will see the beautiful crater lake and wide views of the surrounding Virunga Mountains. Spend some time taking photos before descending, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
After completing the hike, return to your lodge to freshen up and check out. Later, drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening. You will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your safari.
