Africa is calling...

SFL: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Kigali

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Uganda & Rwanda 7 DAYS
FRI 10 JUL - THU 16 JUL 2026
From A$4,000 per person

Gorillas are calling...

Note: this trip is an extension to the School For Life Charity Trip. If you are not on the charity trip, you are not eligible to join this gorilla trek. 

 

►Are you ready to:

  • Trek alongside giant mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Uganda’s breathtaking rainforests, sharing a once-in-a-lifetime moment with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat
  • Make a difference in the world by helping to sponsor disadvantaged children through school?

 

This is our best selling Ugandan adventure, and we can't wait for you to experience it! Our team of African experts will be with you every step of way to make sure you have a hassle-free and memorable adventure. If you ever need anything, just give us a shout or book a free consultation.

 

 

What our customers say:

"Nate and the team at AOL delivered an African trip of a lifetime! From start to finish they offered a highly personalised service, excellent attention to detail and an action packed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. "
- Peter, Australia

 

 

 

"This trip was a great bonding experience for our family, and Nate’s personal touch and local relationships ensured that it exceeded all our expectations."
- Rob, Jackie, Sam & Karina, Australia

 

  

"An incredible immersive experience that will remain one of the best travel experiences of my life."
- Holly, Australia

 

  

"If you aren’t confident traveling by yourself or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning your next holiday, I highly recommend Adventure Out Loud."
- Carly, Australia

 

Karibu (Welcome to) Uganda

Location : Uganda

► Introducing Uganda

Uganda, affectionately known as the "Pearl of Africa," is a captivating country that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife to misty mountain ranges and lush rainforests. 

At the heart of Uganda’s allure lies one of the most profound and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth: Gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of dense, emerald-green forests, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a bucket-list adventure but also a deeply emotional journey. The awe of standing just meters away from a gorilla family—watching them feed, groom, or play—is a moment that lingers long after the trek ends.

 

What are the best things to do in Uganda?

  • Primate trekking
    • Gorillas (Bwindi or Mhahinga)
    • Chimpanzees Kibale (Chi - ba - lee) & Kyambura Gorge (Cham - bur - a)
    • Golden monkeys (Mhaginga)
  • White water rafting on the Nile River
  • Safari
    • Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Murchison Falls National Park 
    • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Murchison’s Falls
  • Lake Victoria
  • Trekking
    • Rwenzori Mountains (highest mountain range in Uganda and are home to Africa's third highest peak, Margherita Peak). 
    • Mt Sabyinyo (meeting point of the Rwanda, Uganda & DRC border)

 

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

  • June to October and December to March
    • These months fall within Uganda’s dry seasons, making it the best time to trek with primates & go on safari.
    • At this time of year, the roads and trails are less muddy, and the weather is more manageable. Though it can rain unexpectedly.
    • July - September is peak season. 
    • May - Jun is when Murchison is at peak flow. 
  • November, April and May
    • Rainy season, particularly from mid-March to early June.  
    • If you're specifically looking to spot migratory birds, the best time is during the rainy season (from November to April), as many migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present during this period.
    • Uganda is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species to observe.

 

What do I need to know about travelling to Uganda?

  • Gorilla permits

    • Should be purchased at least 6 months in advance (12 months if travelling between Jul - Sep).

    • Bwindi is closer to Kigali, Rwanda (6 hours) than Entebbe, Uganda (10 - 12 hours).

    • It might be easier (and cheaper) to fly into Rwanda and drive to Bwindi to trek with gorillas.

  • Visa Requirements

    • Most visitors will need an e-visa before arriving (Australian's included).

  • Currency

    • Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
    • US dollars are accepted but you should carry shillings for small purchases.
    • ATMs are common in major cities.
    • Most lodges accept credit and debit cards, but only when WIFI is working. 

  • Health and Safety

    • Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
    • Malaria is present; use mosquito repellents and consider antimalarial medication.
    • Drink bottled or filtered water.

  • Language

    • Official language: English.
    • Swahili and regional languages like Luganda and Runyankore are also widely spoken.

  • Cultural Etiquette

    • Respect for elders is key.
    • Greet with a handshake or nod in rural areas.
    • Dress modestly at religious sites or villages (i.e. cover shoulders and knees).

  • Electricity

    • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz; plug type: G (three rectangular pins).
    • Bring a power adapter.

  • Time Zone

    • Uganda follows East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3.

 

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our blog: 'Ultimate guide to trekking with mountain gorillas and chimp'.

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Trek with giant gorillas

Location :Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Mountain gorillas live in forests at elevations of 2,000 - 4,000m. They have thicker fur than other great apes which helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. There are approximately 1,000 of these fascinating creatures left in the world and Bwindi National Park in Uganda is home to about 400 of them. This 5 day adventure is your chance to trek with one of the most unique animals on the planet.

NOTES:

  • Single supplement will be added if you are the only adventurer on this tour or if you are a different gender. 
  • Gorilla permits often sell-out up to 1 year in advance so please book extra permits in advance. 
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Trek with Golden Monkeys

Location : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Nkanda, Uganda

Golden monkeys are easily recognisable primates with a golden-orange patch on their upper flanks and back. They are found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, including four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Golden monkey trekking is an amazing experience and slightly easier than the gorilla trekking. 

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Visit the Rwandan Genocide Memorial

Location : Kigali, Rwanda

Between 7 April and 15 July 1994, one million Tutsi’s lost their lives in one of the worst genocides in history. Visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial is your chance to learn from this tragedy and to pay your respects to those who lost their lives. The visit is an extremely confronting experience and as such it is a free optional activity.

This is a very educational experience that tells the story of an international disaster that could, and should, have been prevented. Rwanda is also an incredible story of survival and hope. The country has come a long way since 1994. It is now a thriving economic hub with a stable government. According to the Australian Government, Rwanda is a safe country to visit and in 2017, The World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the 9th safest country in the world.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

►Tracking primates in the wild 
 
  • Is it safe to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
    • Yes, it is safe. You’ll be accompanied by trained guides and armed rangers, and the animals are habituated to human presence. Safety protocols are strictly followed.
  • Where does gorilla trekking take place in Uganda?
    • Gorilla trekking in Uganda primarily takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country.
  • What is the best time of year to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
    • The best times are during the dry seasons:
      • June to September
      • December to February
  • How difficult is the trek?
    • The trek can range from moderate to strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family and trail conditions. You may hike anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (or more), often over steep and uneven terrain.
  • How close can I get to the gorillas and golden monkeys?
    • You will be allowed to observe them from a safe distance of about 7 meters (21 feet). This helps protect both you and the animals from potential illness or stress.
  • Is there an age restriction?
    • Yes. The minimum age for:
      • Gorilla trekking is 15 years
      • Golden monkey trekking is 12 years
  • What should I wear and bring for the trek?
    • Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (neutral colours)
    • Waterproof hiking boots
    • Rain jacket or poncho
    • Gardening gloves (for rough vegetation)
    • Reusable water bottle & snacks
    • Daypack and walking stick (provided or available for hire)
    • Camera (no flash photography)
  • Are porters available?
    • Yes, local porters are available and highly recommended. They can carry your bag, help you navigate difficult terrain, and support the local economy. 
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Tipping guide

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

Here are a few notes about tipping:

  • Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
  • The best way to tip is to roll the money in your hand and shake each persons hand, or present them with an envelope. 
  • The best time to tip is at the end of each activity, or at the end of your time with the guide (i.e. tip a safari guide when you say goodbye after X days). 
  • Tips recommended below should be split between the group.
  • Tips should ideally be handed to each ranger/tracker/guide or deposited into the tip boxes at the headquarters/lodge. 
    • Where practical, we do not recommend giving all of the tips to the head guide, as this usually leads to them keeping most of the tip and the rest of the staff missing out. 

 

Here is an approximate calculation of tips you might be expected to pay on this tour: 

Activity

Guideline

Estimated tip PER PERSON 

(all in USD)

Notes

UGANDA/RWANDA

 US$20 - $30/day $20 - $50pp
  • Your guide will be with you for 5 days, from when they collect you at your hotel on 10 Sep until they drop you back on 14 Sep.
  • This is a total of 5 days (i.e. US$100 - $150 divided by the number of people on your tour).

Golden monkey trek

Rangers: US$15 - $20/trek

Trackers: US$10/trek

 $20 - $30pp
  • Usually 2 x rangers and 2 - 4 x trackers (actual number may vary).
  • Plus a porter tip @ $10 - $15pp.
  • And allow a few dollars for the entertainment at registration.
  • USD cash is best and it is best if you can tip each person individually by shaking their hand with your tip in your palm. 
  • The trackers who stay with the gorillas/chimps/monkeys should be tipped before you start hiking back.
  • Everyone else should be tipped at the end of the trek.

Gorilla trek

 $25 - $50pp

Lodges

 US$5 - $10 per person, per night $25 - $50pp
  • 5 nights in total

Restaurants

   $10 - $20pp
  • There is no general rule, we usually recommend to round the bill up with a tip.
  • You do not need to tip at each meal when at your lodge, tip all lodge staff when you check-out (as above)
  • If you go to a restaurant/cafe on a day when meals are not included, you can tip 10% when paying your bill.

Other/Buffer

   $20 - $50pp  

Approx. tip per person

$120 - $250pp

 If you are in a group, we recommend one person collects tips from everyone at the start, and take responsibility for tipping. This is usually easier than everyone tipping.  
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Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

  1. Our Australian office (first instance)
  2. Our East African office (second instance)
    • WhatsApp
      • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
      • Bobby (Logistics Manager | Tanzania): +255 755 879 484
      • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
      • Simon (Logistics Manager | Kenya): +254 786 461 837
    • Email: [email protected]
  3. The Australian Embassy
    • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
      • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
      • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

  • Uganda 
    • Lake Mutanda Resort 
      • Address: Mukozi Village, Kisoro, Uganda
        Phone: +256 787 971220
  • Rwanda 
    • Heaven Boutique Hotel 
      • +250 787 785 595
  • Ronald
    • Our trusted driver in Rwanda & Uganda 
      • +256 772 510285
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Add-on +A$600

Single Supplement

Register by 31 Dec 2025

Package accommodation is twin share. If you would like to upgrade to your own room for this adventure, please select this option. 

NOTES:

  • Due to the remote location and limited accommodation, single supplement is not always available. We will accommodate your request where possible but it cannot be guaranteed. 
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Optional

Extra night in Kigali

Price : A$200 - $400pp depending on single or twin share
Location :Kigali, Rwanda

If you would like to add a night in Kigali, please select this option. Accommodation is a Queen or King Room at Heaven Boutique Resort. 

Notes:

  • Due to limited availability, this option is not always available. We will accommodate your request where possible but it cannot be guaranteed. 
  • The Retreat is also available at an additional fee. 
  • It is safe to walk around Kigali during the day. Apply common sense, keep your valuables hidden and be back at your accommodation by dusk, otherwise catch a cab.
  • Kigali day activity recommendations (if time & all can be arranged with your hotel):
    • Take a walk around downtown Kigali
    • Visit Hotel des Mille Collines (made famous by the 2004 blockbuster, "Hotel Rwanda")
    • Explore the Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko Market and/or Caplaki Craft Village
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Location
Uganda & Rwanda
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