Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony & Uganda

Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony & Uganda

9 Days Starting and ending in Kigali

Visiting: Kigali, Musanze, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kisoro, Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

YGSUS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $5930

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Encounter the culture, history and wildlife of Rwanda and Uganda on a 9-day adventure that’s as moving as it is fun. Take part in an incredibly important gorilla naming ceremony in the name of conservation in Musanze, look out for big-ticket wildlife on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, search for mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, meet a Gorilla Doctor in Kisoro, and learn about Rwanda’s devastating history in Kigali. The experiences you’ll have on this adventure will stick with you for a lifetime.

Highlights

  • With gorilla permits included in the price of the trip, seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.

  • Experience one of the world’s most important celebrations of conservation success; a naming ceremony for the baby gorillas born in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park over the past year.

  • Discover the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on exciting game drives, and an optional boat cruise around the lake, and learn how human-wildlife conflict is being tackled with anti-crop raiding techniques.

  • Spend a free day exploring Musanze, the largest city in Northern Rwanda and a hub for conservation with Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund both calling this city home.

  • Be joined by a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors for an exclusive fireside chat at our lodge, knowing that a proportion of your trip cost goes back to supporting the important work they do.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kigali

Location: Kigali

Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Rwanda is a place that offers so much to the Intrepid traveller and is a country that has been rebuilding itself since the horrific genocide in 1994. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening.

Day 2: Musanze

Location: Musanze

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Wake early this morning to hit the road toward Musanze and then enjoy a free day to explore as you wish. This is the largest city in Northern Rwanda and a hub for conservation with Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund both calling this city home. You might like to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a leading research centre focusing on studying and protecting gorillas and building local community conservation initiatives. Learn about the life of famed primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey and how the centre is continuing her important work researching mountain gorillas. If you're looking for a little extra adventure, there's an optional canoe ride on the Mukungwa River with your name on it. Or, perhaps head to Redrocks Rwanda where you'll get a chance to learn about the local banana beer production, enjoy basket-weaving demonstrations, listen to local drummers and move your hips with some traditional dancing.

Optional Activities:
-Musanze - Canoeing on River Mukungwa
-Musanze - Visit 'Twin Lakes' Burera & Ruhondo
-Musanze - Guardian Village - Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village
-Musanze - Redrocks Rwanda Visit (Banana Beer & Cultural Activities)

Day 3: Musanze

Location: Musanze

Wake up with excitement as you prepare for an incredibly special day. You'll be treated to an exclusive opportunity to witness the Kwita Izina ceremony. Based on a century-old tradition that sees Rwandans naming their children in the presence of their family and friends, the Kwita Izina ceremony gives a name to a newborn gorilla. Created to bring attention to the importance of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats, the naming ceremony helps to monitor each individual gorilla while showing thanks to those who take part in their conservation. Today you’ll follow the event’s schedule, so be prepared to go with the flow and be ready to join the celebrations! You can expect to see famous singers, performers, top traditional dancing groups and formal speeches, followed by informal celebrations.

Included Activities:
-Musanze - Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Np

Location: Queen Elizabeth NP

Your journey continues as you leave Rwanda and cross the border into Uganda, driving on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This incredibly biodiverse park is home to 10 primate species including chimpanzees, 95 mammals including big game, and 618 bird species. On arrival, head out on a 4x4 game drive in search of the varied wildlife within the park – a keen eye and a little patience is sure to reward you with some memorable sightings! Later in the day you’ll return to your simple safari lodge located within the park, overlooking the Kazinga Channel.

Included Activities:
-Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:
-Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Np

Location: Queen Elizabeth NP

This morning there's an opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who'll fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife. Then, game drive to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, looking out for the famous tree-climbing lions along the way. In Ishasha you’ll meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals. After your visit, head to a comfortable eco-lodge frequented by big herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes.

Included Activities:
-Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit

Day 6: Kisoro

Location: Kisoro

Head further south today as you travel to Kisoro – the journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. Your accommodation tonight offers breathtaking views of Lake Mulehe and the Virunga Mountains. Soak up the panoramic views from your veranda as the sun sets. This evening we'll be joined by a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. The Gorilla Doctors are the only organization in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species, one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You'll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and special experience.

Included Activities:
-Kisoro - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk

Day 7: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)

Location: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)

Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.

Included Activities:
-Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Day 8: Kigali

Location: Kigali

After breakfast, you'll travel back to Kigali this morning. Here, you'll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which was opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as both a museum, detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide, and a place for people to grieve lost friends and family. This afternoon, take some time out from the devastating history with a local lunch and an afternoon city tour, including a trip to the craft market.

Included Activities:
-Kigali - City Tour
-Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre

Optional Activities:
-Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide

Day 9: Kigali

Location: Kigali

With no further activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights), Safari Lodge (5 nights)

  • Musanze - Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit

  • Kisoro - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk

  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

  • Kigali - City Tour

  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre

  • Meals

    1 breakfasts, 1 lunches

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • The group will be split into 2 six seater 4WD vehicles. While the drivers are qualified guides and will have expert local knowledge, your Intrepid leader will swap between the vehicles to ensure their knowledge is also shared.

Accommodation

  • Hotel (3 nights), Safari Lodge (5 nights)

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kigali on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 3pm in the afternoon.
  • 3. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm the availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at the time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
  • 4. Please submit a headshot at the time of booking. This is required for your entry badge into the ceremony.
  • 5. Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.

Mode of Transport

  • The group will be split into 2 six seater 4WD vehicles. While the drivers are qualified guides and will have expert local knowledge, your Intrepid leader will swap between the vehicles to ensure their knowledge is also shared.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

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I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

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Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$5930

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026
$5960
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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