5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Congo Nile Trail Cycling Tour

Day 1: Kigali – Bwindi Gorilla Trekking – Gisenyi (Rubavu)

Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour begins with an early morning pickup in Kigali, followed by a scenic drive through Rwanda's rolling hills before crossing into Uganda via the Katuna Border.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering approximately 331 km² of ancient rainforest. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas and protects one of Africa's richest biodiversity hotspots, with more than 120 mammal species, over 350 bird species, and more than 1,000 flowering plant species.

Upon arrival at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters, attend a ranger briefing before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Hike through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family and spend one magical hour observing these endangered primates in their natural habitat.

After lunch, return to Rwanda and continue to Gisenyi (Rubavu) on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Day 2: Gisenyi – Kinunu | Congo Nile Trail Cycling

After breakfast, begin cycling along the world-famous Congo Nile Trail, one of Africa's premier cycling routes. Ride through rolling hills, coffee plantations, banana farms, traditional villages, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kivu.

Today's ride combines rewarding climbs with scenic descents, offering authentic encounters with local communities before arriving in Kinunu, a region renowned for its coffee estates and peaceful lakeshore setting.

Cycling Distance: Approximately 50 km

Day 3: Kinunu – Bumba Base Camp – Boat Transfer to Kibuye (Karongi)

Continue cycling south along the Congo Nile Trail, passing forests, coffee farms, and picturesque villages overlooking Lake Kivu. Cross the Coco River before reaching Bumba Base Camp.

Board a scenic boat across Lake Kivu to Kibuye (Karongi). The cruise offers breathtaking views of Rwanda's lush islands, fishing villages, and surrounding mountains, making it one of the highlights of the tour.

Cycling Distance: Approximately 40 km

Day 4: Kibuye – Gisovu – Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, continue through Rwanda's spectacular western highlands towards Nyungwe National Park.

The journey passes endless tea plantations, dramatic mountain landscapes, and panoramic views over Lake Kivu before arriving at Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's oldest montane rainforests. Covering more than 1,000 km², the park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Angolan colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and more than 320 bird species, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Cycling Distance: Approximately 35 km

Day 5: Nyungwe – Lake Kivu Boat Transfer – Kigali

After breakfast, travel through the scenic Nyungwe region via Kibogora before descending to the shores of Lake Kivu.

Board a relaxing boat cruise across the lake, enjoying magnificent views of Rwanda's islands, fishing communities, green hills, and tranquil waters.

You may continue with the boat back to Gisenyi or take a car drive to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon where your 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Congo Nile Trail Cycling Tour comes to an end.