Explore the Land of Gorillas in Style

Welcome to Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your group and tour leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. For the next two nights, you’ll stay at the renowned Hotel des Mille Collines, a property remembered for providing refuge to more than 1,000 people during the events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore Kigali at your own pace.

Wander through the lively streets of Nyamirambo, known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine, or relax in a café while sampling Rwanda’s world-famous coffee. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a popular East African restaurant, where you’ll enjoy regional specialties, live music, refreshing drinks and sweeping views of the city.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and remarkable resilience. Leave Kigali this morning to visit the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, where a local guide will share the tragic events that unfolded during the 1994 genocide. Continue to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, another significant site that serves as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the importance of remembrance.

Later, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an essential and moving experience that provides insight into one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history while highlighting the country's journey toward healing and reconciliation. After a traditional local lunch featuring Rwandan and Ugandan flavours, return to Kigali for a guided city tour and a visit to the bustling Kimironko Market. This evening, enjoy free time to explore the city, relax or discover more of Kigali at your own pace.

After breakfast, leave Kigali behind and journey across the border into Uganda, travelling to the edge of the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your home for the next three nights is the Gorilla Heights Lodge, a memorable Feature Stay perched on the scenic Nteko Ridge. Surrounded by lush forest and overlooking the dramatic Virunga Mountains, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat in one of East Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.

Each solar-powered cottage features a private balcony with sweeping views of the forest canopy, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This evening, enjoy a special Signature Experience as a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors joins your group to share insights into their vital conservation work. Learn how this dedicated team helps protect endangered gorillas through veterinary care, scientific research and life-saving interventions.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today is the highlight of your Ugandan adventure. Rise early and head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority before setting off into the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek can be challenging, with steep and muddy terrain, but the reward is an unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s rarest wildlife species.

Accompanied by expert guides, track a family of endangered mountain gorillas through the forest until you find them in their natural habitat. Spend a precious hour observing these remarkable primates as they feed, play, groom one another and move through the vegetation under the watchful gaze of a dominant silverback. Along the way, take in the incredible biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed rainforest and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.

Please note that today’s gorilla trek can be physically demanding, with routes sometimes reaching elevations of nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. Trail conditions vary depending on the weather and the location of the gorilla families, meaning trekking times can range from a short walk to several hours. A good level of fitness is recommended, and trekking groups may be assigned according to individual fitness levels.

A walking stick will be provided before the trek, and you’ll have the option to hire a local porter to carry your day pack and assist along the route. This service is available for an additional fee and not only makes the trek more comfortable but also supports local communities and conservation efforts, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents living near the park.

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast while taking in the sweeping views of the forest from your lodge. The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to unwind or take the opportunity to join an optional second gorilla trek for another unforgettable wildlife encounter.

This afternoon, discover the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people on the Buniga Batwa Cultural Trail. Accompanied by local guides, gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of one of the region’s oldest indigenous communities. Learn about their deep connection to the forest as they demonstrate traditional hunting methods, fire-making techniques, natural medicine practices and the skills they once relied upon for survival. This immersive experience offers a meaningful perspective on Batwa culture, history and resilience. Later, return to the lodge and enjoy a group dinner overlooking the beautiful mountain landscapes of southwestern Uganda.

If you would like to join a second gorilla trek, please speak with your booking agent before departure to arrange an additional permit. Permits are limited and subject to availability, so advance booking is essential. Please note that the permit fee covers park access only, while additional local costs, such as transportation to the trekking start point, are payable on site and may vary depending on the number of participants sharing the vehicle.

All optional activities during the trip must be paid for locally in cash. Both US dollars and Ugandan shillings are accepted, although US dollars are generally preferred.

After breakfast today, depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin the journey back over the border into Kigali. After arriving at the capital, your adventure will come to an end at around 1 pm.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Make sure to not book any international flights departing before 6 pm this evening, to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay in Kigali, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.