7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari

Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The 7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari by Nextgen Safaris is one of the most exclusive primate expeditions in East Africa. This rare cross-border journey gives guests the extraordinary opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in three distinct national parks across two countries; the iconic Volcanoes National Park, the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Very few itineraries in Africa allow travelers to compare gorilla trekking experiences across different ecosystems, gorilla families, terrains, and conservation models within a single safari. This 7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari itinerary is carefully designed to maximize gorilla encounters while minimizing long driving distances by starting and ending in Kigali, the most accessible gateway to the Virunga region.

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Countries: Rwanda & Uganda
Parks Visited:

• Volcanoes National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Starting Point: Kigali, Rwanda
Ending Point: Kigali, Rwanda
Gorilla Treks Included: 3 (One in each destination)
Accommodation Level: Flexible – Budget, Midrange, Luxury or Ultra-Luxury
Transport: Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with Professional English-Speaking Driver-Guide

7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari Summary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Cross-Border Transfer to Bwindi (Rushaga Sector)
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
• Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
• Day 7 Transfer to Kigali & Departure

Detailed Day-by-Day 7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary

(Rwanda & Uganda)

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari begins with arrival at Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized capitals. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your professional Nextgen Safaris driver-guide who will brief you about the week ahead.

Depending on your arrival time, there is an optional short Kigali city experience, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or enjoying lunch at one of the city’s boutique restaurants. This adds meaningful cultural context before stepping into the wild landscapes of the Virunga region.

After the briefing, you begin the scenic drive north toward Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2.5 hours from Kigali. The journey gradually transitions from urban Rwanda to rolling countryside, terraced hillsides, and eventually the towering silhouettes of the Virunga Volcanoes.

As you approach Musanze (Ruhengeri), the cool mountain air signals your entry into gorilla territory. Upon arrival at your selected lodge (budget, midrange, or luxury), you check in and settle into your room overlooking the volcanic landscape.

The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Your guide will review trekking procedures, gorilla trekking guidelines, and prepare you for the next day’s early morning briefing. Dinner is served at the lodge, with the anticipation of your first gorilla encounter building quietly.

Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today marks your first gorilla trekking experience inside Volcanoes National Park.

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the park headquarters for registration and briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. You are assigned to a specific habituated gorilla family based on fitness level and group size.

The trek begins at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Depending on the gorilla group’s location, trekking can range from 1 to 4 hours through bamboo forests, open slopes, and volcanic terrain. Rangers and trackers remain in communication to ensure a safe and well-guided experience.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, the atmosphere changes completely. Watching a silverback observe his family, juveniles play in the undergrowth, and mothers cradle infants is deeply moving. You are allowed one hour in their presence, a strictly regulated conservation rule that protects both guests and gorillas.

Photography is permitted (without flash), and your guide will help position you respectfully for the best viewing angles.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent resting, enjoying lodge amenities, or optionally visiting the Dian Fossey Research Center for deeper conservation insight.

This first encounter sets the tone for the comparative journey ahead — structured, scenic, and refined.

Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Cross-Border Transfer to Bwindi (Rushaga Sector)

After breakfast, you begin your cross-border journey into Uganda. The drive from Volcanoes National Park to southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector) takes approximately 4–5 hours depending on border formalities.

You cross at the Cyanika border, where your guide assists with immigration procedures. The transition is seamless for travelers holding East African visas or pre-arranged documentation.

As you enter Uganda, the scenery shifts again. The volcanic slopes gradually give way to rolling highlands and dense rainforest. Bwindi’s Rushaga sector is known for its rich gorilla population and varied trekking routes.

Unlike the more open slopes of Rwanda, Bwindi feels thicker, older, and more layered. The forest canopy grows denser as you approach your lodge, often perched on ridges overlooking the vast green expanse of the impenetrable forest.

Arrival is usually in the afternoon, allowing time to relax and enjoy panoramic views. Your guide briefs you on the next day’s trekking procedures, which differ slightly from Rwanda’s system.

This evening offers quiet reflection. You have now completed one gorilla trek and are preparing for a completely different forest experience tomorrow.

Overnight in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector)

Today you experience your second gorilla trek, this time inside the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically the Rushaga sector, one of the most gorilla-rich areas in Uganda.

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the Rushaga briefing point where Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers conduct a detailed orientation. Trekking groups are assigned based on fitness levels, and you are introduced to your ranger guides and trackers.

The atmosphere here feels distinctly different from Rwanda. Bwindi is thicker, steeper, and more primal. The trails weave through tangled vines, towering trees, and layered vegetation. The word “Impenetrable” quickly makes sense as you move deeper into the forest.

Tracking times vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. The terrain can be more physically demanding than Volcanoes National Park, but the reward is equally profound.

When you encounter the gorillas, the feeling is raw and immersive. The dense forest setting creates an intimate environment where light filters through the canopy in dramatic beams. Watching a silverback command his territory or juveniles tumble through thick foliage feels almost prehistoric.

You are again allowed one hour in their presence observing, photographing (without flash), and absorbing the experience.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Many guests describe this second trek as more adventurous and emotionally intense due to the depth of the forest environment.

Evening at leisure overlooking the Bwindi forest canopy.

Overnight in Rushaga.

Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After breakfast, you depart Bwindi and drive toward southwestern Uganda’s smallest yet most scenic gorilla destination, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The drive takes approximately 3–4 hours through rolling highlands, terraced farms, and dramatic volcanic backdrops. As you approach Mgahinga, the three Virunga volcanoes on the Ugandan side dominate the horizon, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in East Africa.

Unlike Bwindi’s dense rainforest, Mgahinga features a blend of bamboo forest, montane vegetation, and open volcanic slopes. The park is less visited compared to Bwindi, giving it a quieter and more exclusive feel.

Upon arrival, you check into your lodge with views of the Virunga Mountains. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional activities may include:

• Batwa cultural experience
• Nature walks around the lodge
• Golden monkey briefing preparation
• Relaxation with mountain views

Your guide briefs you about tomorrow’s third and final gorilla trek completing a rare trilogy across three protected habitats.

Overnight near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Today marks your third and final gorilla trekking experience completing one of the most unique gorilla safaris available in Africa.

After breakfast, you head to the park headquarters of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for briefing. Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its dynamic movements across the volcanic slopes.

The trekking terrain here differs again from the previous two parks. Expect bamboo forests, volcanic foothills, and sweeping mountain views. The hike can be moderate, and because the park is smaller, tracking distances are often manageable.

The backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes creates extraordinary photographic opportunities. Seeing gorillas against a mountainous skyline offers a perspective rarely experienced elsewhere.

Spending one hour with the Nyakagezi family completes your comparative journey:

• Rwanda: structured and volcanic
• Bwindi: dense and ancient rainforest
• Mgahinga: scenic and intimate

After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free to reflect on your three distinct gorilla encounters.

This evening, a celebratory dinner marks the completion of an extraordinary primate expedition.

Overnight in Mgahinga.

Day 7: Transfer to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, you begin your return journey to Kigali, approximately 4–5 hours including border formalities at Cyanika.

The drive offers final scenic views of rolling hills, farms, and volcanic landscapes that have defined your week.

Upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy lunch or brief souvenir shopping before transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

As your safari concludes, you leave having experienced mountain gorillas in three distinct ecosystems — a rare achievement even among seasoned Africa travelers.

Inclusions

• 1 Gorilla Permit – Volcanoes National Park
• 1 Gorilla Permit – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector)
• 1 Gorilla Permit – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• 6 Nights Accommodation (Budget / Midrange / Luxury / Ultra-Luxury as selected)
• Meals as per itinerary (Full Board during safari)
• Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
• Professional English-Speaking Driver-Guide
• All Fuel for the Entire Safari
• All Ground Transfers as per Itinerary
• Kigali Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
• Cross-Border Transfers (Rwanda–Uganda–Rwanda)
• Park Entry Fees (Where Applicable)
• Ranger & Guide Fees During Gorilla Trekking
• Bottled Drinking Water in Vehicle
• Government Taxes & Service Charges
• 24/7 On-Ground Support by Nextgen Safaris

Exclusions

• International Flights
• East Africa Tourist Visa
• Tips & Gratuities

Why This Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari Is Unlike Any Other

A gorilla trekking safari is never just about seeing mountain gorillas. It is about the landscape, the trekking style, the conservation model, the terrain, the density of forest, the altitude, and even the feeling you carry when you step into the jungle. This 7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari is deliberately designed to let guests experience how different three gorilla habitats can feel while still protecting the same endangered species.

In Volcanoes National Park, trekking takes place on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, where bamboo forests open into dramatic mountain backdrops. The park is highly organized, briefing procedures are streamlined, and road access is excellent. Treks here often feel structured and efficient, with well-maintained trail systems and shorter drive times from lodge to briefing point. Rwanda’s model emphasizes premium conservation funding, making it particularly attractive for travelers who value accessibility, comfort, and a refined trekking framework.

In contrast, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a completely different atmosphere. The name “Impenetrable” is not symbolic, it is descriptive. This is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, thick with ancient trees, tangled vines, and steep ridges. Bwindi holds the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world, and trekking here feels raw, immersive, and deeply primal. In the Rushaga sector especially, hikers move through dense vegetation and layered forest ecosystems that feel untouched by time. It is here that many travelers describe their experience as profoundly emotional and wild.

Then there is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest gorilla park, yet one of its most scenic. Located within the greater Virunga conservation area, Mgahinga is defined by dramatic volcanic cones rising against the sky. The trekking terrain combines bamboo zones, open slopes, and panoramic views that feel almost cinematic. Because fewer travelers visit Mgahinga compared to Bwindi, the experience is often quieter and more intimate. The encounter feels exclusive, set against one of the most photogenic backdrops in East Africa.

Bringing these three destinations together in one itinerary transforms the safari into something much deeper than a single trek. It becomes a comparative journey through three conservation systems, three forest types, and three trekking styles all centered on the same endangered mountain gorilla species.

Who This Safari Is Designed For

This 7 Days Triple Gorilla Trekking Safari itinerary is carefully crafted for travelers who want more than a checklist experience. It is ideal for dedicated primate enthusiasts who want to understand gorilla behavior across different habitats. It is perfect for wildlife photographers seeking varied lighting conditions, terrain compositions, and dramatic landscapes. Conservation-minded guests appreciate witnessing how Rwanda and Uganda approach gorilla protection differently, while still collaborating across borders to protect the Virunga ecosystem.

It is also designed for experienced Africa travelers who have perhaps already done a single gorilla trek and now want something more immersive and rare. For luxury, midrange, or private safari clients, this itinerary allows flexibility in lodge selection and transport style while maintaining a high-end, seamless structure.

Most importantly, this is not a rushed gorilla add-on. It is a focused expedition built entirely around the world’s most iconic primate experience.

This is not simply a safari. It is a layered, cross-border, once-in-a-lifetime gorilla journey that allows guests to see, compare, and truly understand mountain gorillas in three of Africa’s most remarkable protected landscapes.