Golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in the bamboo forests of the Virungas, starting and ending in Kigali.
The Virunga volcanoes straddle Rwanda and Uganda, and on this short journey you see both sides. We start in Kigali, drive up to the volcanoes and cross into Uganda at Cyanika to reach Mgahinga, the smallest and quietest gorilla park in East Africa.
Golden monkeys come first, bouncing through the bamboo on the lower slopes. The next day you trek to Mgahinga’s gorilla family, often with only a handful of other people in the whole park. Two nights at Mount Gahinga Lodge put you right at the gate.
Rwanda & Uganda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: active.
We collect you in Kigali and drive north through the hills to Musanze and the border at Cyanika. Formalities are quick, and within half an hour you are at Mount Gahinga Lodge with the volcanoes rising behind the garden. The afternoon is free for a walk to the village or a fireside rest.
Overnight
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
This morning you track golden monkeys, playful, orange-backed primates found only in the Virungas. It is an easy walk, and you spend an hour with the troop as they feed in the bamboo. In the afternoon, Batwa guides lead you along their ancestral forest trail, showing how they hunted, gathered honey and lived here before the park was created.
Overnight
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
After an early breakfast you set off with the rangers to find the Nyakagezi family. Once you reach them, you have one hour, and it is the kind of hour that stays with you. We return to the lodge for lunch and then drive back to Kigali for your evening flight.
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$2,800 | US$2,380 | US$2,237 | US$2,237 | US$2,237 | US$2,237 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$2,510 | US$2,090 | US$1,965 | US$1,965 | US$1,965 | US$1,965 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Gorilla permits are included at the current government rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, so leave the hard suitcases at home.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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