Chilla with Silverback Gorilla | Journey Across Rwanda + Uganda

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 9820 all incl. flights until MAY 07.

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

Whatsapp 050 4848238
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