Trekkup Dubai ✔

This time we will take you off the beaten trail and bring you inside equatorial wilderness, African adventure Eldorado, as we search for gorillas, trek through Uganda jungle, meet the pygmies and take in the views from relaxing shores of Lake Bunyonyi!

Meeting face to face with mountain gorillas is one of the most overwhelming experiences in the world of safaris. Encounter of jungle beast, only a few feet away can be scary, but there is no need to panic! They are actually quite calm animals, laziness ambassadors by excellence.

Observing the mountain gorillas in their habitat is an amazing spectacle; you will notice the social dynamics, hierarchy and most touching of them all, the gorilla mothers and their babies, since they live in family units of 30 to 40 members.

The timing spent with them is mesmerizing and hypnotic, it is impossible to stop looking at them. They pretend to ignore you, from time to time they cross their gaze with yours, and that is when you realize that the differences between humans and them are minimal. Their eyes speak as the human gaze does, with the movements of the lips we can know if they are smiling, worried or angry, the gestures of the hands are almost identical to ours. Humans and Gorillas share 98% of DNA.

The KING of the Jungle, the silver back, is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth… he is imposing, majestic, elegant, strong and gorgeous. His sudden appearance can leave you breathless, shivering… but do not worry, he will ignore you - green leaves are tastier for breakfast.

There is a lot of action in the group: eating, playing, fighting, grooming each other, rolling on the floor, hitting the chest... it is endless. The baby gorillas will rock it in a proper show of naughtiness… they will make you laugh. Those cute cubs have so much curiosity for humans, so be ready to witness a show of funny and noisy games to catch your attention.
Following the rangers advice, choose a good spot, look around and get the best shots of lifetime memories!

At the beginning, we will traverse through the jungle aka impenetrable forest. The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas, sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer.

Mountain gorillas are nomadic, travelling in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it off food. They also don’t follow a clear path, you’ll realize when tracking them, they like to meander. On your first sighting, you may see mothers holding their babies, juvenile gorillas playing, or dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out for their family!

But gorillas are only a part of our trip - we will head to Lake Bunyonyi, an undiscovered treasure of serenity and scenic views. We will visit the indigenous Batwa people, who are the original forest dwellers of southwestern Uganda. Expect lots of interactions, cultural demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. The Batwa are known for their vibrant music, dance, and folklore. You can enjoy traditional dances, drumming sessions, and songs that tell stories of their forest life, spiritual beliefs, and the deep connection they have with nature.

Definitely a trip on the wild side with more relaxed approach to seek out gorillas in their habitat and enjoy pristine jungle in the heart of Africa!

Lets go!

DAY 1// TOUCHDOWN RWANDA, KIGALI – VOLCANOES NP.
Meeting at the airport for a direct flight to Kigali. Immigration clearance, short rest and a coffee. Welcome to Africa!
We will start with key spots of Kigali: Genocide Memorial Museum, Hôtel des Mille Collines, Nyamirambo Women's Center, Parliament and Kandt House Museum. Further on, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2// GOLDEN MONEKY TREK + IBW'ACHU CULTURAL
After an early breakfast, we will move to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. By 8:00 AM, we will proceed to the trailhead just outside the park to begin our trek. The golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests near the edge of the park, offering relatively flat and accessible terrain. After spending approximately one hour observing the golden monkeys, we will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Post lunch, we will visit Gorilla Museum at the Karisoke Research Center to learn about Rwanda's gorilla conservation history.

Further on we head to Uganda via Cyanika border towards Bwindi with a stop at Ibw'achu Cultural Village. Overnight accommodation at Ichumbi.

DAY 3// GORILLA TREK IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Early in the morning, we will head to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking. This experience is considered one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures. The trek takes between 2 to 6 hours and is led by an experienced ranger who will provide insights regarding the jungle's flora, fauna, and the gorillas' lifestyle. After spending one hour with the gorillas, we will return to the lodge and subsequently be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi.

DAY 4 // LAKE BUNYONYI AND PYGMIES VILLAGE
After breakfast, we will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, navigating its stunning waters and passing numerous islands, including Punishment Island, which has a significant historical narrative. Post boat cruise, we will visit a pygmy village. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi.

DAY 5 // KIGALI
Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, we will head back to Rwanda and Kigali. Quick look at bazaars for = souvenir shopping and a dinner. Head back to airport for a flight back home shortly after midnight.

Level of Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate, including jungle trekking.

Duration:
5 Days.

Room & Meals:
Comfortable lodges / hotels, meals in Uganda included, meals in Rwanda excluded.

Cost: AED 9800 all incl. flights until JUNE 30.

Specifically Excluded:
Any expenses related to visas, insurance, meals in Rwanda, optional activities.

Visas:
Rwanda: Eastern African visa on arrival or eVisa (for both countries).

Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate required for border crossings.

See yah with gorillas x

Trekkup Crew

Tucked between Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran, Azerbaijan is a landlocked country that opens onto the vast Caspian Sea—technically the world’s largest lake. Though it's called a “sea,” its waters sit below sea level and are far less salty than oceans, giving it a character all its own.

At the heart of the country is its capital, Baku, whose name comes from the local phrase meaning “city of winds.” With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Baku blends history, modernity, and strategic power. Fueled by oil wealth, the city has rapidly transformed—restoring its Old City while rising skyward with glass-and-fire Flame Towers, symbols of national pride and ambition.

But on this trip, we’re leaving the skyline behind and heading into the Great Caucasus Mountains—a wild, untamed region that offers a real escape from the UAE’s summer heat.

Our destination is the village of Xinaliq—one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with over 5,000 years of history. Hidden deep in the mountains, it has resisted change and invasion for centuries. Within its compact boundaries, you'll find 12th- and 15th-century mosques, ancient cemeteries, and caves etched with early human petroglyphs. Surrounded by peaks and meadows like a green quilt, and often brushed by low-hanging clouds, Xinaliq feels like a place caught between time and myth.

Xinaliq’s resilience is legendary. Perched at over 2,300 meters above sea level, isolated by rugged terrain and extreme weather, the village has preserved its unique language, customs, and architecture. It was historically cut off for much of the year by snow, and even today, reaching it requires patience and a sturdy vehicle. Yet its people have built stone homes designed to last, practiced highland herding traditions, and held onto their distinct culture despite wars, empires, and shifting borders all around them. They speak Ketsh, a language unrelated to any other in the region, and live in close-knit communities where oral history and hospitality remain central.

The Greater Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east, forming a dramatic natural border between Europe and Asia. In Azerbaijan, the range towers over the country's north, creating a stark contrast to the dry plains farther south. The climate in these mountains is highly variable—lush and rainy in lower altitudes, crisp and cool in the highlands, with snow lingering on peaks well into summer. Xinaliq sits above the treeline, where wildflowers bloom in summer and clouds skim the rooftops. It’s a place of alpine beauty, shaped by wind and time, perfect for those who crave altitude, space, and stillness.

The Pamir Mountains, called “The Roof of the World,” stretch across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Towering peaks, ancient cultures, and wild, open spaces define this stunning corner of Central Asia. This journey winds through the heart of the Tajik Pamirs along Afghanistan border across areas of unspoken beauty and a crossover of unique cultures.

The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, was originally part of the ancient Silk Road network, used by traders and caravans crossing Central Asia. During the Soviet era in the 1930s, it was rebuilt as a military and strategic route to secure access through the remote and mountainous regions of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Built by forced labor in harsh conditions, the road is a feat of engineering, cutting through high-altitude passes and unstable terrain. It became a crucial supply line for Soviet troops and served as a link between scattered mountain communities. Today, the Pamir Highway stands as one of the world’s most dramatic and remote road trips, rich in both history and resilience.

We’ll travel alongside the Afghan border through the Wakhan Corridor, a region filled with ancient forts, Zoroastrian shrines, Buddhist stupas, and villages that haven’t changed much in centuries. This route once echoed with Silk Road caravans—and still carries whispers of that past in every step and stone. Expect massive peaks, alpine lakes, steaming hot springs, and warm welcomes in remote mountain homes.

Not many travelers ever set foot on the trail to Jizev, your soon-to-be favorite hidden village tucked deep in the Pamirs — or take a dip in the healing hot springs of Garmchashma and Bibi Fatima, long cherished by locals.

On this journey, you'll ride a yak across the high plains of Alichur, sip a tea with Kyrgyz shepherds in windswept valleys, and feel the vastness of the landscape press pause on everything else. We’ll drive across Ak-Baital Pass (4,656m), the highest stretch of the legendary Pamir Highway, then bed down in yurts near Tulpar-Kul Lake, right beneath the shadow of towering Lenin Peak (7,134m).

Once we enter Kyrgyzstan, the road takes us over the unforgettable Taldyk Pass, with sweeping views that will make you pause in awe. From there, we descend into the lush valleys of the Alay Range, a striking contrast to the high-altitude desert behind us. Our journey winds down in the ancient city of Osh, one of the oldest in Central Asia, full of history and character.

You’re heading into the heart of Central Asia’s wildest frontier—a journey through the legendary beauty of the most breathtaking mountains in the former Soviet Union. This is where travelers’ dreams of raw, little-visited lands become reality. You’ll cross towering high-altitude passes, walk along the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes, stand face-to-face with the dramatic cliffs of the Hindu Kush, and gaze up at the mighty Lenin Peak, one of the true giants of the Pamirs.

Along the banks of the River Congo on the western side of Central Africa are two capital cities, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville, both home to dapper Sapeurs, gateways to vibrant tribes of mystical dancers, gorillas, geologic wonders in heart of darkness rainforest jungles, and kingly incarnations among ancient tribal kingdoms.

If you haven’t heard the term before, Sapeurs are followers of a fashion culture in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, members of the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, made up of day labourers, taxi drivers, or even gardeners, but dressed to impress in dapper designer suits and treated like rock-stars in their communities for the joy and colour. We’ll find these Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo in both capital cities and they’re looking forward to meeting you!

Beyond Brazzaville and into the heart of the Republic of Congo we’ll find the Téké Kingdom and it’s own capital village Mbé where we’ll meet the modern incarnation of their King Makoko. The village has preserved the vestiges of this once heroic kingdom which once spread across 85,000 square kilometres extended into Congo and the former Zaire. Expect to hear stories from village elders, chieftains painting their faces in bright yellows and reds, and tribal ceremonies to keep you up at night.

Our trip would not be completed without meeting eye to eye with lowland gorillas, for which one of best spot is on our way in Lesio Louna.

Further on into the rainforests is the Nkila Ntari Caves, a descent of more than a kilometers deep underground will take us past cave paintings. Last stop at Pointe Noire, on the Atlantic Ocean, for a breezy beach stop and our last toast to the Kings of Congo!

Let’s go!!

Day 1 // Kinshasa Arrival
After arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll have a first look around Kinshasa and take in the high fashion of the Sapeurs before dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 // Zongo Falls
Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Zongo Falls. We’ll trek around the falls in search of beautiful shots and perfect spots to wash off the mud before exploring local safari and our jungle reserve for dinner and night in the park.

Day 3 // Crossing to Brazzaville
We’ll drive back to Kinshasa and head to port for boat crossing to Brazzaville! Take in the Sapeurs performance on the other side and wander around town before we check-in to hotel. Enjoy a dinner and toast to our border crossing into the Republic!

Day 4 // Lowland Gorillas and Teke Kingdom
Departure to Lesio Louna Reserve for encounters with the Lowland Gorillas. Then we’re off to Mbé village to meet King Makoko in the capital of the old kingdom of the Tékés! Village elders will tell tales of the old kingdom, chiefs will paint their faces in red and yellow, and we’ll have a chance to talk to the King himself. After our encounters with kings, head to our lodge in Ngabé for dinner and rest.

Day 5 // Queen Ngalifuru and Kebe-Kebe in Ngabe
This morning we meet Queen Ngalifuru and deliver a few gifts as tribute. Be mindful, she has a few magical powers! We have much to explore and people to meet in Ngabé before the mystical dance of the Kébé-Kébé in the evening, a performance not to miss! We’ll spend the night here in Ngabé.

Day 6 // Nkila Ntari Caves and Punu Tribe
Very early breakfast before drive to the Nkila Ntari Caves where we’ll have a speleologist-led look around the rock arts and formations of this kilometre-long tunnel. Afterwards continue on to Nkayi to meet and see the Punu tribes’ performances. We’ll spend the night at camp.

Day 7 // Nkayi to Pointe Noire
Today we’re headed to port city of Pointe Noire, at the terminus of the French Colonial Congo Ocean Railway, and many other colonial curiosities. We’ll enjoy quick view at the city over relaxing afternoon at the beach and finish the day in style at our resort with Atlantic views.

Day 8 // Departure
Last minute souvenir shopping, transfer to airport for return flight home.

Room & Meals: Lodges and hotels - double sharing, 1 night camping. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 10,800 AED excl. flights until JULY 8th.

Specifically Excluded: international flights, restaurant meals, insurance.

Flights on Ethiopian, approx. 5000 AED.