5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking | Gorillas & Karisimbi Climb

This 5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking safari combines gorilla trekking in Uganda and mountain climbing in Rwanda. You will visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and then cross to Rwanda to climb Mount Karisimbi, the tallest of the eight Virunga Mountains at 4,507 meters.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is about 8 to 9 hours from Kampala and 4 to 5 hours from Kigali. It covers about 331 square kilometers and is mostly covered by thick tropical forest.

Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in the Virunga range. It is found inside Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. You will spend two days hiking to and from the summit, camping on the mountain overnight.

5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mountain climbing on Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park
Cultural visit to the Batwa Community (optional)
Scenic drives between Uganda and Rwanda

Brief 5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park via Chanika or Katuna Border
Day 4: Trek to 3,700 Meters with a Guide
Day 5: Reach the Summit of Mount Karisimbi and Descend

Detailed 5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your journey from Kigali after breakfast. Take the shorter route through the Katuna or Chanika border to Bwindi National Park. The drive takes less than five hours.

Stop for lunch at a restaurant in Kabale or Kisoro, then continue to your lodge in Bwindi for check-in, dinner, and rest.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, prepare your trekking gear and go to the park office for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules. The trek starts at 8:00 am with an assigned guide and ranger.

The trek can last between two and six hours, including one hour spent watching the gorillas. You will take photos and observe them as they feed, play, and move through the forest.

After trekking, return to your lodge to rest. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Batwa Pygmy community for a short cultural experience.

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi to Volcanoes National Park via Chanika or Katuna Border

After breakfast, check out and drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Cross the border at Chanika if you are coming from Rushaga or Nkuringo via Kisoro, or at Katuna if you are coming from Buhoma or Ruhija.

Arrive in Rwanda, check in at your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the next day’s hike.

Day 4: Trek to 3,700 Meters with a Guide

After breakfast, report to the briefing point in Kinigi. The trek takes about seven to eight hours as you climb the steep slopes of Mount Karisimbi up to 3,700 meters.

Carry warm clothes, a sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain jacket, and other personal items. You will camp at this altitude overnight and rest before climbing to the summit the next morning.

Day 5: Reach the Summit of Mount Karisimbi & Descend

Wake up early, have tea or coffee, and begin your final climb to the summit of Mount Karisimbi. From the top, you can see nearby volcanoes such as Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, and Mount Muhabura.

After spending some time at the summit, descend to the starting point. Your driver-guide will meet you and transfer you back to Kigali, marking the end of your 5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking adventure.

Why Choose the 5-Day Bwindi & Karisimbi Trekking

This trip is perfect for travelers who want both gorilla trekking and mountain hiking in one trip. You will visit Uganda and Rwanda, see gorillas in Bwindi, and climb the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains for an unforgettable adventure.