4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Karisimbi Hike
per person
Our 4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Karisimbi Hike safari will offer you a chance to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and hike Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda. The price of gorilla permits in Rwanda was risen from $750 to $ 1,500, which is affecting visitor numbers in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Many travelers are now choosing Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for more affordable permits. This package is for those who want gorilla trekking and Mount Karisimbi hiking but find Rwanda’s costs too high. Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano, standing at 4,507 meters, making it the tallest in the Virunga range, and is located on the border of the two countries. Snow can be seen on top during the dry seasons from December to March and June to August.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda, near the border with Rwanda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to about half of the world’s mountain gorillas, as well as chimpanzees, birds, and other wildlife. Key activities include gorilla trekking, birdwatching, and visits to the Batwa pygmies. There are around 50 gorilla groups, with 23 habituated for tourism. Visitors can experience gorilla habituation, which costs $1,500, while a gorilla permit is $800. This 4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Karisimbi hike package includes a tour of Kigali and the Gorilla Guardians Village
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Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Kigali City tour – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village
- Day 2: Mount Karisimbi Hiking
- Day 3: Reach the summit and descend down the volcano – transfer to Bwindi
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Kigali for departure
Day 1: Kigali City tour – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village
Our company representative or guide will meet you at your hotel or airport to brief you about your 4-day tour. They will then take you for a tour of Kigali City, witnessing the transformation of Rwanda since the 1994 genocide. Kigali is organized, clean, and developing rapidly. You will visit a genocide war memorial site and the presidential palace museum before shopping for souvenirs. Lunch will be provided before heading to the Volcanoes National Park. The journey will take you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, rolling hills, green tea plantations, and smiling locals. After reaching your hotel, the driver will take you to Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural center that has been revamped into one of the leading cultural centers in East Africa. You can watch traditional dance performances or visit one of the traditional huts, and you may be asked to dress up in traditional regalia while holding a spear for beautiful photos.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci lodge (Midrange), or Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch and DinnerDay 2: Mount Karisimbi Hiking
Wake up to a delicious breakfast and after your driver will take you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration at around 9am. You will have a briefing on what to expect and how to build endurance for the 2-day hike. Guides and Rangers will be assigned to you along with other hikers before heading to the hike’s starting point at 10am. A team of porters will help set up camp and cook dinner. We will provide gear, food, and a walking stick, and you will rest in a tent after dinner.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 3: Reach the summit and descend down the volcano – transfer to Bwindi
You will be woken up by singing birds to take an early morning breakfast and then continue the climb to the summit of Mount Karisimbi. Your effort will be rewarded with beautiful views of the landscape and vegetation. You can see Volcanoes National Park and seven of the Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Key landmarks include Virunga, Rwenzori, Bwindi, and Mgahinga National Parks. After these sights, you will descend and then have lunch before going to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range), and Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Kigali for departure
Wake up early for a great breakfast and make sure your packed lunch is arranged by the lodge. Your guide will take you to the park offices for registration and briefing. There are 23 gorilla families in Bwindi Forest Park, and you will be assigned to one based on your fitness level and preferences. Tracking mountain gorillas will take 2 to 6 hours, depending on their location. If you need help with extra luggage, you can hire a porter for about $15. This experience is unique, as you will be observing creatures closely related to humans. You can take many photos, but you must follow the wardens’ instructions. After one hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge, check out, and travel back to Kigali for your drop-off.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Karisimbi Hike includes & Excludes
Includes:
- 1 Gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest per person
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel for 4 days
- Accommodation for 3 days as specified in the itinerary
- Lunch and bottled drinking water for 4 days
- A Private experienced English-speaking Tour driver/guide
- Park entrance fees
- Park Ranger and guiding fees
- Mount Karisimbi hiking fees
- The Karisimbi package, which includes porters, a chef, tents, and meals, while on top of the mountain
Exclusions:
- Personal insurance
- Travel tickets
- Domestic and international flights
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as wine, juice, soda, etc.
- Personal expenses such as tips, gifts, laundry services, souvenirs, etc…
- The tour cost will exclude personal expenses such as beverages, crafts, cigars, souvenirs, and tips.