Gorilla Trekking
WHAT TO EXPECT
During our Uganda safari experience, you can tick off some of the biggest items on your list! Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime activities like tracking gorillas in the wild, spending time with a pygmy tribe, and visiting fantastic local community projects.
This tailored trip is exclusive to travellers in their 20s and 30s who want to travel and connect with like-minded people. It combines socialising with new friends, spending time in the sun, exploring the reef, and discovering marine life. We also offer a range of optional extra activities, allowing you to decide how you will spend your days.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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5 x Nights Hotel & Lodge Accomodation
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All Airport Transfers
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Daily buffet Breakfasts
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2 x Lunches & 3 x Dinners
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Gorilla Trekking Permit ($800 USD per day)
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Pigmy Village
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Local Community Project
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Rwanda Genocide Museum
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Peacekeeper Museum
NOT INCLUDED
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International Flights
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Personal Travel Insurance
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DAY 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to the Rwanda
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DAY 2: Kigali, Rwanda
City Orientation, Genocide Museum & Hotel Rwanda
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DAY 3: Bwindi, Uganda
Pigmy Village & Local Community Project
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DAY 4: Bwindi, Uganda
Gorilla Trekking
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DAY 5: Kigali, Rwanda
Lake Bunyonyi
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DAY 8: Departure Day
Sarah, USA
Such an amazing group of people!
We shared so many amazing once in a life time experiences together and will treasure every moment!
Looking forward to my next trip!
Judy, Netherlands
So much fun!! I was a solo traveller and immediately felt like part of a family!
We swam with Whale Sharks and Mantas, lunch on a sandbank, went Scuba Diving and swam at a shipwreck. Best week ever!
Tara, Australia
This was my first time overseas and
all I can say is WOW!
Lots of new friends and memories that will last a life time!
So much more than I had ever expected and cannot wait to go back!
DATES & PRICES
STANDARD PRICE: $2,690 USD
ITINERARY
Day 1: KIGALI
Your Uganda experience starts at 3 pm at our hotel, where the Indy Escapes crew will be waiting to greet you and check you into the hotel.
We will start with a brief introduction to the trip so you know what to expect along the journey. We will also give you a chance to ask any questions you might have so that you will feel ready to hit the road tomorrow morning!
After the briefing, we will spend the afternoon around the pool, which is the perfect chance to get to know your new travel buddies. Then, we will all have a big buffet dinner together onsite. We will finish the evening by setting up shop around a paved and seated campfire to enjoy a friendly and relaxing nightcap before the start of our adventure.
Day 2: HOTEL RWANDA
Today is our first full day together and will set the scene for your experience in Rwanda. Kigali has many attractions for visitors, but one site in particular will pull at your heartstrings more than most others. The Kigali Genocide Memorial, this memorial honours the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and offers a sobering reminder of the country's history. After the museum, we will continue to the Memorial for the Belgian Peace Keepers before having lunch at The Hôtel des Mille Collines, which was made famous for being the stage for the movie 'Hotel Rwanda'.
After lunch, we will have some free time where you can explore other attractions, including the Inema Arts Center, the Nyamirambo Women's Center, and the Kimironko Market and also go shopping for supplies for a school we visit in Uganda. In the afternoon, we will all meet for some drinks at the hotel pool before heading out for dinner at a surprise location and a little party into the night together.
Day 3: PIGMY VILLAGE
It is time to wave goodbye to Rwanda as we make the journey over the border and into Uganda. The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes around 4 hours, so we will arrive in time for a late lunch and some time to relax before our first community visit of the trip: a chance to meet the shortest tribe in the world: the Batwa People.
The Batwa were the indigenous people of the forest. They were hunter-gatherers and part of the forest’s ecosystem. When Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was created, they were evicted and now live on the outskirts, still coming to terms with their new lifestyle.
We spend the afternoon with them, learning about their ways of life and understanding the intricate relationship between local communities and conservation.
We will enjoy dinner at the lodge tonight while we listen out for the sounds of the forest.
Day 4: GORILLA TREKKING
We have something very special planned for you, which is undoubtedly why you have opted to join this trip! Tracking Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
We will head to the visitor centre for 7 a.m., where we will wait to be briefed ahead of the hike. The local community will keep us entertained with their storytelling and traditional dances, which are sure to have you tapping your feet!
After the briefing, we will be split into groups of 8, and together with our guides and rangers, we will start our trek up into the dense forest. We will walk at a comfortable pace to ensure we stay as a group, regardless of each individual's fitness levels. How far we trek will depend on where the gorillas are that morning, but on average, expect a 2-3 hour hike up before meeting the trackers, who will take us to the exact location of the gorilla troop.
We will spend one hour with them, quietly watching as they go about their day. We are sure it will become one of the most memorable hours of your life!
Once we are out of the forest, we will make our way back to our lodge, where we will relax for the rest of the day.
Day 5: LAKE BUNYONYI
Today, we say our goodbyes to Uganda and start making our way to the Rwandan Border, then onto Kigali, where we began this adventure. Before crossing the border, we will make a pit stop at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. This is also a great opportunity to stretch our legs and admire the views before resuming our drive back to Rwanda.
We will not arrive at our hotel until late afternoon, so we will have some time to chill out before having our final poolside dinner. We will also have the option to head out to a funky modern bar located in the heart of the city. This bar offers stunning views of Kigali's skyline, so we will all be able to enjoy a drink before we wrap up our final night.
Day 6: DEPARTURE DAY
After waking up for breakfast with your new friends, reflect on what may have been the most fulfilling 6 days of your life travelling through Rwanda and Uganda! Can it get any better?
After breakfast, the Indy Escapes crew bids you farewell as you continue your adventures in Africa.
What are you waiting for? It's time to tick this off your bucket list!
ACCOMMODATION
Kigali: 3 x Nights Hotel Accommodation
- Twin Share
- Private Ensuite
- Private Balcony
- Air Conditioning
- FREE Wifi
- TV
- Safe
- Minibar/Fridge
- Beach Towels Included
- In-house Laundry Facilities
- Hotel Swimming Pool
Bwindi: 2 x Nights Lodge Accommodation
- Twin Share
- Private Ensuite
- Shower & Bathtub
- Hot Water
- Private Balcony (with jungle view)
- Ceiling Fan
Gorilla Trekking Travel FAQs
Who is this trip for?
Solo travellers, couples or small groups of friends looking to travel together for safety, to socialise, and to share experiences. Our travellers are people who appreciate the outdoors, wildlife, and natural beauty, whilst seeking immersive cultural experiences and sustainable travel options.
How do I get a VISA for Rwanda?
Getting a visa for Rwanda is generally straightforward, as Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival for tourists from most countries.
How do I get a VISA for Uganda?
Most travellers can get a visa for Uganda online, as Uganda offers an e-visa for tourists from most countries.
Which Airport do I fly into?
When traveling to Rwanda, you will primarily fly into Kigali International Airport (IATA: KGL), which is the main international airport serving Rwanda. The airport is located in the south east of Kigali, the capital city. You can check the below Skyscanner form to search for flights.
Are Airport Transfers included?
Yes! Return Airport transfers are included. All you need to do is book your flights and let us know when you'll be there! Our Indy Escapes Representative will meet you at Kigali International Airport (KGL) on the tour's commencement day and arrange return Airport Transfers for you at the conclusion of the tour.
Are Rwanda & Uganda Safe?
Rwanda and Uganda are generally considered to be some of the safest destinations for travellers in Africa. Both countries offer relatively low crime rates and good government infrastructure.
Is it OK to travel solo?
Yes, this trip is suitable for solo travellers, especially when travelling with Indy Escapes. Overall, 70% of our guests are solo travellers.
What additional costs are there?
All of our experiences are included in the price of this trip. The only extra costs you need to worry about are meals, drinks and tipping.
Whilst all breakfast and some meals are included, the additional meals that are not included (plus drinks and alcohol) are at your own expense.
How much is a meal?
Meals at local cafes and restaurants typically range from $5 to $20 USD per meal. Dishes often include traditional Rwandan & Ugandan food such as BBQ meats (Nyama Choma), fish, githeri, ugali, rice and irio, as well as typical western food like meats and vegetables. In an established mid-range Western restaurant, you may expect to pay around $10 to $30 USD for a more varied menu, including local and international dishes. You can also pick up snacks and soft drinks from a convenience store for a couple of dollars.
What if I have Dietary Requirements?
We realise that not everyone eats the same! Some people have dietary requirements, and some have dietary preferences, so rest assured that enjoying your food and keeping you safe is our utmost priority. We ensure that your dietary requirements are confirmed upon booking your trip and then reconfirmed upon your arrival at the commencement with our Indy Escapes representative. Whether it is vegetarian or vegan, gluten or dairy-free, or you have allergies or another special request, you will be taken care of!
Is the Gorilla Trekking Permit included in the price?
Yes, the Gorilla Trekking permit is included in the tour price.
Am I guaranteed to see the Gorillas?
Whilst nothing in life is guaranteed, honesty is always the best policy. We work extremely closely with local rangers to ensure that we maximise the chances of you seeing the Gorillas. Each habituated Gorilla troop is monitored 24/7, so when we set out in the morning, we have a good indication of where they will be. Overall, we have never run a gorilla trekking trip and not seen the gorillas, and we do not plan on doing that either.
Is Gorilla Trekking Physically demanding?
This is an adventure, so we will be trekking through the cloud forests and mountainous regions where gorillas live. The terrain can be uneven, muddy, and slippery, with steep inclines and dense vegetation.
A reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. While you don't need to be an athlete, being in good shape will make the experience more enjoyable and less strenuous. Our Indy Escapes team are able to organise porters to help carry gear and assist all trekkers, which can help ease some of the load. If you have specific health concerns, it's advisable to consult with your doctor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
How long is the Gorilla Trekking experience?
The trek to find the gorillas can range from less than an hour to an all-day adventure. This depends on the location of the gorilla troop, which can change daily as they move through the forest.
Bwindi has around 20 habituated gorilla families that are available for trekking. These families have been accustomed to human presence and can be approached by tourists. Some families are only a 20-minute walk from the starting point, whilst others may be 2 or 3 hours away. Each traveller will be allowed to have a choice on which family they would prefer to spend time with (the closest, mid range or furtherest families).
Once the gorillas are located, visitors typically spend one hour with them. This time limit is strictly enforced to minimise human impact on the gorillas.
Therefore, the entire experience can last anywhere from 2 hours to 7 hours, depending on our guests' preferences.
Is Gorilla Trekking safe?
Treks are always led by experienced licensed guides and local rangers who are familiar with the terrain and gorilla behaviour. The trackers also know each gorilla family. The guides provide essential safety instructions and guidance throughout the trek. Rangers are often armed to protect guests from potential threats from wild animals, although such encounters are extremely rare. Before the trek, participants receive a thorough briefing on safety protocols, including how to behave around the gorillas and what to do in an emergency. Group sizes are limited (usually 8 people) to reduce the impact on the gorillas and to ensure better management of the trekking experience.
How do I book a Gorilla Trekking trip?
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Booking Enquiry, Pay Deposit and receive Confirmation. Then you are going to trek with the Gorillas!
