Rwanda and Uganda
The Gorilla Trail
destinations
Rwanda Uganda
duration
19 days
group size
Max 12 guests
walking level
Moderate
from
$24,350
overview
Into the Wild Heart of Rwanda & Uganda
The Gorilla Trail is a 19-day journey into the forests, mountains and wildlife-rich landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda. Along the way, we walk through ancient rainforest, track chimpanzees and golden monkeys, encounter mountain gorillas and explore the great national parks by foot, boat and safari vehicle.
A journey of remarkable wildlife, varied landscapes and genuine encounters, from the forest to the savannah and the waterways in between.
journey highlights
Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda & Uganda
Trek through the rainforest and volcanic highlands of Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi in search of habituated mountain gorilla families, with time to observe these remarkable animals in their natural environment.
Lake Kivu & Rwanda’s Western Hills
Travel through Rwanda’s lush western highlands to Lake Kivu, taking to the water by boat and experiencing the lake’s forested shores and surrounding countryside.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park by game drive and boat, looking for elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos and other wildlife, including a cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe & Kibale
Track chimpanzees in two of East Africa’s great rainforest environments, walking through Nyungwe and Kibale forests with specialist guides in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
Golden Monkeys in the Virungas
Walk through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of golden monkeys, one of the distinctive primates of the Virunga Mountains.
Murchison Falls & Rhino Tracking
Discover Uganda’s largest national park by game drive and Nile cruise, see Murchison Falls from above and finish the journey with rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Gallery
the walkabout way
What makes a Walkabout journey different
We believe the best journeys aren’t measured by how much you see, but by how deeply you experience a place. Every Walkabout journey is designed to help you slow down, connect and discover the true character of each destination.
Small
Groups
Travel at a slower, more personal pace.
Beyond the
Tourist Trail
Experiences that reveal a destination’s true character.
Local
Connections
Meet the people who bring each destination to life.
Taste
The Region
Discover each destination through its food and wine.
Handpicked
Stays
Chosen for their charm and character.
ACCOMMODATION
Featured stays
Kigali
Hôtel des Mille Collines
(or similar)
One of Kigali’s best-known hotels, the Hôtel des Mille Collines has a long history in the city and a central location overlooking the surrounding hills. Its established setting provides a comfortable introduction to Rwanda’s capital.
Rusizi District
Munazi Eco Lodge
(or similar)
Tucked into the forests of Nyungwe, Munazi is a small eco lodge surrounded by mountain forest. Its elevated A-frame chalets are reached along private forest paths, with views across the valley and, on clear days, towards Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu
Paradise Kivu
(or similar)
Set directly on the shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, Paradise Kivu is a relaxed lakeside retreat surrounded by Rwanda’s green hills and tranquil waters. It is a particularly pleasant place to slow down and enjoy the lake after exploring Nyungwe.
Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
(or similar)
Set on the slopes of Mount Sabinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has a distinctly rustic character, with individual stone-and-thatch cottages scattered across the hillside. Its elevated setting offers views towards the Virunga volcanoes and places us close to Volcanoes National Park.
Bwindi
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
(or similar)
Set within the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, Gorilla Leisure Lodge is surrounded by the misty forest and steep green hills of southwestern Uganda. Its safari-lodge setting provides a peaceful base for exploring one of Africa’s great rainforest environments.
Bwindi North
Haven Lodge Buhoma Community
(or similar)
Overlooking the rainforest of northern Bwindi, Haven Lodge is set among the hills of Buhoma, close to the forest and gorilla trekking area. Its position also makes it a natural base for experiencing the surrounding community and landscape.
Ishasha Sector
Ishasha Jungle Lodge
(or similar)
A small, eco-conscious lodge set beside the Ntungwe River, Ishasha Jungle Lodge is surrounded by riverine forest and the open savannah of the Ishasha sector. The setting feels particularly close to the wilderness, with Queen Elizabeth National Park on the doorstep.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Elephant Hab Lodge
(or similar)
Set on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park near Kyambura Gorge, Elephant Hab Lodge is surrounded by gardens and natural bushland with views towards the park. Its setting combines a sense of seclusion with easy access to the wildlife of the surrounding area.
Kibale Forest NP
Kibale Canopy Lodge
(or similar)
Set beside Kibale Forest in the small village of Busiliva, Kibale Canopy Lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation and countryside. Its open-air dining area and gardens make the most of the tropical setting, with the forest and its wildlife experiences close by.
Murchison Falls NP
Twiga Safari Lodge
(or similar)
Set on the banks of the Nile near Murchison Falls National Park, Twiga Safari Lodge has an appealing riverside safari setting. Elevated thatched cottages sit among the surrounding vegetation, with the Nile and the park’s wildlife providing the backdrop.
Entebbe
The Boma Hotel Entebbe
(or similar)
Set within a leafy garden in Entebbe, The Boma provides a relaxed final base at the end of the journey. Its garden, pool and veranda create a quiet contrast to the forests and wildlife landscapes experienced earlier in the trip.
2027 DEPARTURES
Dates & Pricing
A 19-day walking safari through Rwanda & Uganda
small group journey
Maximum 12 guests
DEPARTURES
JUNE 10 - June 28 2027
Price per person
AUD $24,350
single supplement
AUD $3,250
All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
What's INCLUDED
.
itinerary
Curious what each day looks like?
Download the full itinerary to explore the journey in detail, including the day-by-day program, walking notes, accommodation and more.
YOUR WALKING EXPERIENCE
What to expect
walking grade
Grade 2
This journey is graded Grade 2 – Easy to Moderate. It combines rainforest trekking and forest walks with wildlife experiences, game drives and boat excursions. Some trekking involves uneven ground, mud and occasional steeper sections, but walks are undertaken at a steady pace with regular opportunities to rest.
typical walking days
Several hours on trekking and forest-walking days, with easier days between activities.
The terrain
A mix of established paths and forest trails, with some uneven ground and occasional steeper sections.
track conditions
Conditions can vary with weather and wildlife movements, and some trekking may take place away from established trails.
our pace
A steady pace, with regular opportunities to stop and take breaks.
FITNESS GUIDANCE
A reasonable level of walking fitness is recommended. Guests should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven ground, with some occasional steeper sections.
A journey, not a race
Our walks are about enjoying the experience, not keeping up with the fastest person. Your guides set a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities to pause, take in the scenery and enjoy the journey together.
The journey includes mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and Kibale forests, and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla and chimpanzee treks take place in natural rainforest and can vary in duration depending on where the animals are located. Additional gorilla treks in Uganda are available as optional experiences on Days 8 and 10 at US$800 per person, per trek.
The walking on the Gorilla Trail ranges from forest trails and nature walks to more demanding wildlife treks.
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking may involve uneven, muddy and sometimes steep ground, with conditions changing according to the weather and movements of the animals. Comfortable, well-worn hiking boots are essential.
June is generally one of the drier and cooler months in Rwanda and Uganda. Days are usually warm, while mornings and evenings can be cooler, particularly at higher elevations.
Rain is still possible in the rainforest, so a lightweight waterproof jacket should be carried during walks and treks.
Wildlife is encountered throughout the journey, from rainforest primates to the larger animals of Uganda’s national parks. Along the way, there are opportunities to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife. Game drives, forest walks and boat excursions are accompanied by experienced local guides, who provide insight into the wildlife and environment along the way.
The Gorilla Trail covers a considerable distance across Rwanda and Uganda, linking a number of national parks and wildlife areas. Some days involve longer road journeys between the forests and safari regions, travelling in Land Cruiser-style 4WD safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. The raised viewing position offers excellent views of the changing landscapes, from Rwanda’s volcanic highlands and rainforest to Uganda’s savannahs and waterways.
guest stories
Stories from our travellers
Every journey leaves lasting memories. Here’s what some of our travellers had to say.
East Africa awaits
Could this be your next journey?
If you’d like to know more about this itinerary, the walking, or whether it’s the right fit for you, we’d love to help.
