7 Night Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Batwa Culture Safari – Uganda
A Customizable Trip to Rwanda — 8 Days / 7 Nights
Highlights
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda with Volcanoes Safaris
• Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park
• Batwa community visit for authentic cultural immersion
• Volcano views and luxury lodge stays at Mount Gahinga Lodge and Virunga Lodge
• Conservation encounters with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and a Kigali city finale at Kigali Genocide Memorial
About this Safari
This seven-night gorilla safari to Virunga Lodge, Rwanda and Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda, offers the opportunity to experience ancient Batwa culture, hike a volcano, see the rare golden monkeys, and trek the majestic mountain gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda.
This safari starts and finishes in Kigali, Rwanda, from where you will drive to Mount Gahinga Lodge, nestled in the Uganda foothills of the Virunga volcanoes. Spend three nights at both Mount Gahinga Lodge and Virunga Lodge and trek gorillas in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Participate in unique community and conservation activities around the lodges, run by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, including the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Virunga “One Sheep” project.
Enjoy a fireside chat in the Virunga Lodge Map Room the evening before your gorilla trek with staff from one of our conservation partners, Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and learn about their conservation work in the park.
Rates – USD
2026 – $10,145 – $14,300
Rates
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: – Arrival
Arriving in Kigali you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and…
Day 2: – Mount Gahinga Lodge
Set off for Mount Gahinga Lodge and cross the border into Uganda. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails on the…
Day 3: – Gorilla Tracking
After enjoying an early breakfast, set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and…
Day 4: – Golden Monkeys Tracking
After enjoying an early breakfast, set off to track the rare golden monkeys through the bamboo forests of the mountains. The monkeys travel in large groups and are as energetic as they are …
Day 5: – Virunga Lodge
After breakfast visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. Visit their new village and community centre and participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour to gain insight into their traditional life as hunter gatherers in the forest.
Return to the lodge and after lunch drive across the border into Rwanda. The magnificent …
Day 6: – Parc National des Volcans
Wake up early and have breakfast before setting off for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Hike through the enchanting bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a climb of …
Day 7: – Visit Dian Fossey Grave
After enjoying an early breakfast, trek to the grave of pioneer primatologist Dian Fossey and visit the…
Day 8: – Departure
Leave Virunga Lodge and drive to Kigali, and time permitting, enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a…
This is a condensed overview of the journey.
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Questions about this gorilla and golden monkey safari
Do you trek gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda?
Yes, that is the shape of the trip. One trek is in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, from Mount Gahinga Lodge, and the second is in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, from Virunga Lodge. The safari starts and finishes in Kigali, with a border crossing by road in each direction.
What else is there besides gorillas?
Golden monkey tracking through the bamboo forests in both Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park, a Batwa Heritage Tour at the Gahinga Batwa Village, a trek to the grave of Dian Fossey, and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial on the final day. There is also the chance to hike a volcano.
Is there a conservation side to this trip?
A strong one. The community and conservation activities around the lodges are run by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, including the Gahinga Batwa Village and the Virunga One Sheep project. The evening before your Rwandan trek there is a fireside chat in the Virunga Lodge Map Room with staff from Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Where do you stay?
Three nights at Mount Gahinga Lodge, in the Uganda foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, and three at Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, both with volcano views. Settling into two lodges rather than moving constantly leaves time for the community and conservation activities that sit around each one.
How much does it cost?
From US$10,145 per person sharing for 2026, with rates running up to US$14,300 depending on dates and configuration. The trip is listed as a good option throughout the year, January to December. Send us your preferred dates and we will confirm the exact figure and everything it covers.