Mountain Gorilla Trekking Expedition
Rwanda & Uganda
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 inspiring Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and connecting with the indigenous 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.
July ? - ? 2027
Expedition Highlights
★ Experience one of the world's greatest wildlife encounters as you trek through the ancient rainforest of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime meeting with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
★ Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda, from the rolling hills of Kigali to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi, discovering why this region is known as one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness destinations.
★ Visit the inspiring Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you'll learn about the pioneering conservation efforts helping protect mountain gorillas for generations to come.
★ Connect with the indigenous Batwa community through authentic cultural experiences, learning about their fascinating history, traditional forest lifestyle, music, dance, and customs, before enjoying a hands-on local cooking class.
★ Explore the vibrant city of Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and most welcoming capitals, with opportunities to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse colourful local markets, and experience Rwanda's renowned coffee culture.
★ Stay in carefully selected luxury lodges nestled amongst the rainforest and rolling hills, waking to birdsong, breathtaking forest views, and sharing this extraordinary adventure alongside Flying the Nest and a community of like-minded travellers.
6 Day Itinerary
Day 1 (July _): Welcome to Rwanda! – Arrival in Kigali
Meals: Dinner
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.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2 (July _): Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3 (July _): Gorilla Trekking OR Batwa Cultural Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 4 (July _): Gorilla Trekking OR Batwa Cultural Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 5 (July _): Return to Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 6 (July _): Farewell Rwanda
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Included
✓ Accommodation (twin share) for 5 nights in carefully selected luxury hotels and rainforest lodges throughout Rwanda and Uganda. Single supplement available at extra cost.
✓ 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners
✓ Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
✓ Private transportation throughout the expedition in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 safari vehicles with your own English-speaking guide
✓ One Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit (valued at USD $800 per person)
✓ All national park entrance fees and conservation fees
✓ Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
✓ Authentic Batwa Community Cultural Experience
✓ Traditional cooking class with the local Bwindi community
✓ Visit to the vibrant Kimironko Market in Kigali
✓ Lunch at the historic Hôtel des Mille Collines (Hotel Rwanda)
✓ Unlimited drinking water throughout the expedition
Not Included
✗ International flights to and from Rwanda
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary, payable locally
✗ Entrance fees to any sites not specifically listed as included
✗ Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
✗ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, or minibar charges
✗ Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers
✗ Visa fees (if applicable) and related processing charges