Join us on an unforgettable 6-day mountain gorilla expedition through Rwanda and Uganda, where breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and meaningful cultural encounters combine for the adventure of a lifetime.
Journey through the rolling hills of Rwanda into the ancient rainforests of Uganda, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Enjoy an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, spending precious time observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, while also visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and connecting with the Batwa community through authentic cultural experiences and a hands-on cooking class.
Throughout the expedition, stay in carefully selected luxury lodges surrounded by spectacular forest scenery, unwind after each day's adventure, and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience alongside Flying the Nest and a community of like-minded travellers. Few wildlife encounters on Earth compare to coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla, making this an expedition you'll never forget.
Tuesday, July 27, 2027
Wednesday, July 28, 2027
Thursday, July 29, 2027
Friday, July 30, 2027
Saturday, July 31, 2027
Sunday, August 1, 2027
Murakaza neza! Welcome to Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our local team will be waiting to welcome you before transferring you to our beautiful hotel in the heart of Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the opportunity to relax after your journey or begin exploring one of Africa's most vibrant capital cities.
This evening, we'll come together for our first group dinner, where you'll meet your fellow expeditioners, your Flying the Nest hosts, and our expert local guide. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know one another, learn more about the incredible gorilla adventure ahead, and enjoy your first taste of Rwandan hospitality.
Mövenpick Kigali is a modern urban five-star resort in the heart of Rwanda's vibrant capital. Whether visiting for business or enjoying a family escape, the hotel offers 124 stylish rooms and suites with sweeping city views, flexible meeting spaces, co-working zones, a kids' club, and a heated pool. With all-day dining, a relaxed poolside bar, and thoughtful design inspired by local culture, every detail is crafted to make your stay feel effortless and rewarding.
Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner
After an early breakfast, we'll leave Kigali behind and set off on a spectacular drive through Rwanda's famous rolling hills before crossing into neighbouring Uganda. Along the way, we'll pass colourful villages, terraced farmland, and breathtaking mountain scenery as we make our way towards the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Before reaching the border, we'll stop to visit the inspiring Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where we'll learn about the incredible conservation work helping to protect the world's remaining mountain gorillas. We'll also enjoy lunch in the Volcanoes National Park region before continuing our journey into Uganda.
Arriving at our beautiful rainforest lodge in the afternoon, you'll have time to settle in, soak up the incredible forest views, and relax before tomorrow's once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Safari Lodge sits comfortably at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a primeval forest and lush jungle region in south west Uganda. This national park is home to wild gorillas, forest elephants and 23 species of bird endemic to the area. Located a 5 minute walk from the briefing point for trekking makes the lodge a sought after lodge for gorilla trekking safaris. There are plenty of activities on offer, which include visit to the Batwa pygmies, mountain biking, guided community walks and forest walks to the Bayenda Falls.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is the day many have dreamed of - coming face-to-face with one of the world's most extraordinary animals.
To ensure the best possible experience, our group will be split into two smaller groups. One group will head into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for their unforgettable mountain gorilla trek, while the other enjoys an immersive cultural day with the local community.
Those trekking will begin with a ranger briefing before venturing deep into the rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from a couple of hours to most of the day depending on the gorillas' movements, but the reward is an unforgettable hour spent quietly observing these incredible animals in their natural habitat - an experience few people on Earth will ever have.
Meanwhile, the second group will take part in a hands-on traditional cooking class before visiting the indigenous Batwa community. Learn about their fascinating history, hear stories of life in the forest, enjoy traditional music and dance, and gain a deeper understanding of one of East Africa's oldest cultures.
Later in the day, both groups will return to the lodge to relax, swap stories, and reflect on an unforgettable day in the heart of Bwindi.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today, the two groups swap experiences, ensuring everyone enjoys both the unforgettable mountain gorilla trek and an authentic cultural immersion in the local community.
Those heading into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park today will begin with a briefing from the expert park rangers before trekking through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Every trek is unique, making the encounter even more special. Once the gorillas are found, you'll spend a magical hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat - an experience that will stay with you forever.
Meanwhile, the second group will enjoy a traditional cooking class before visiting the Batwa community, where you'll gain a fascinating insight into their ancient forest traditions, hear stories passed down through generations, and enjoy vibrant music, dance, and cultural performances.
Later this afternoon, everyone will reunite back at the lodge to celebrate an extraordinary two days in Bwindi and share the unforgettable memories made along the way.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, we'll bid farewell to Bwindi and begin our scenic journey back to Rwanda. Crossing the border once again, we'll travel through the breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, terraced farmland, and vibrant villages that make this region of East Africa so spectacular.
Arriving back in Kigali, we'll visit the bustling Kimironko Market, where you'll have time to browse for locally made crafts, colourful fabrics, and unique souvenirs to remember your adventure.
We'll then enjoy lunch at the historic Hôtel des Mille Collines, famously known as the "Hotel Rwanda", before checking back into our hotel for some time to relax.
This evening, we'll come together one final time for a farewell dinner, celebrating an incredible week of adventure, new friendships, and the unforgettable experience of coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas.
Mövenpick Kigali is a modern urban five-star resort in the heart of Rwanda's vibrant capital. Whether visiting for business or enjoying a family escape, the hotel offers 124 stylish rooms and suites with sweeping city views, flexible meeting spaces, co-working zones, a kids' club, and a heated pool. With all-day dining, a relaxed poolside bar, and thoughtful design inspired by local culture, every detail is crafted to make your stay feel effortless and rewarding.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and our farewell dinner.
After one final breakfast together, it's time to say goodbye to an unforgettable adventure through Rwanda and Uganda.
From trekking through the ancient rainforest in search of endangered mountain gorillas to connecting with the Batwa community and witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of East Africa, we hope you've made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight home, leaving with incredible stories, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable corner of Africa.
Safe travels, and we can't wait to welcome you on another Flying the Nest expedition soon!
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Rate includes:
Hosted by Flying the Nest
Get to know Stephen, Jess, Hunter and Koa and explore Rwanda and Uganda together on this unforgettable adventure!
Accommodation in carefully selected hotels
Private Safari 4x4 Vehicle with pop-up roof and fridge, with an English-speaking safari guide
Private airport transfers
Meals as follows:
Breakfast on day 2 - 6
Lunch on day 2 - 5
Dinner on day 1 - 5
Unlimited drinking water.
All entrance, park and conservation fees
24-hr support system while in Uganda & Rwanda
Flying Doctors Medical evacuation insurance
In case of any medical emergency, we will evacuate you to the nearest hospital. This is not a health insurance, so you should still have this covered by your own travel insurance.
Rate excludes:
International flights to and from Kigali
Our team is happy to look with you at your international flights so you can travel worry-free!
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is required in order to travel with us to Rwanda and Uganda!
Any optional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
Personal expenses
such as souvenirs, laundry, or minibar charges
Porter services during the Gorilla Tracking
We highly recommend that you hire a porter that will help you during the gorilla tracking.
Visa fees and any related processing charges
Fuel surcharge
Gratitude
+-$180 USD per person - $30 USD per person per day
