Beyond the Trek, Relaxation and Safari Add-ons in Uganda & Rwanda
You have done it. You hiked through the thick forest. You stood meters away from a silverback. Now 
you are back at the trailhead. Your legs feel heavy. Your boots are covered in mud. The adrenaline is slowly fading, and you are holding a piece of paper that proves you accomplished something rare. Many travelers make the mistake of rushing to the airport immediately after their trek. They endure a ten-hour drive back to Entebbe or a flight out of Kigali while their muscles are still aching. This is a missed opportunity. The region around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park offers perfect ways to decompress. You can choose to relax by a deep volcanic lake. You can choose to chase a different kind of primate. You can extend your trip to see lions in the savannah. Here is how to plan the days following your gorilla encounter in 2026-2027.
The Immediate Aftermath: Your Certificate
The experience officially ends when you step out of the forest canopy. You will gather with your group at the park headquarters or the trailhead. The head ranger will call your name. You will step forward to receive your Certificate. This document is not just a souvenir. It is an official record awarded after completing the trek. It validates that you contributed to the conservation of the species. It usually bears the name of the gorilla family you visited. Take a photo with your guide. This moment marks the transition from the “adventure” phase of your trip to the “recovery” phase
Recovery Option 1: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
If you trekked in Bwindi, specifically in the Rushaga or Ruhija sectors, you are only a short drive from Lake Bunyonyi. This is one of the deepest lakes in Africa. It is the most logical place to rest your sore
muscles. The drive takes about two hours from the forest. The air changes as you descend from the rainforest altitude to the lake. The water is calm. It is free from bilharzia, a common parasite found in many African lakes. This means you can swim safely. You do not come here to be busy. You come here to do nothing. You can sit on a dock and read a book. You can take a dugout canoe to visit one of the twenty-nine islands. The pace is slow. It provides a sharp contrast to the physical exertion of the jungle. Most lodges here serve fresh crayfish caught directly from the lake. It is the perfect protein meal to help your legs recover before your journey home.
Explore our packages combining Lake Bunyonyi
5-days lake mburo and Lake Bunyonyi safari
Recovery Option 2: Lake Kivu (Rwanda
If you trekked in Volcanoes National Park, your best recovery spot is Lake Kivu. It is a massive body of water that forms the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The town of Gisenyi is only an hour away from the gorilla park. Lake Kivu feels more like a beach destination. The hotels are large and modern. You can sit on sandy shores and watch the fishing boats head out at sunset. The fishermen sing as they paddle, creating a rhythm that drifts across the water. It is a very comfortable place to process the intense emotions of the gorilla encounter
Extension 1: Golden Monkey Trekking
You might think one trek is enough. But many primate lovers feel the need to complete the set. The Golden Monkey is a distinct species often trekked alongside gorillas in the same parks. These
monkeys live in the bamboo zones of the Virunga Massif. This is the volcanic range shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. The experience is completely different from visiting the gorillas. Gorillas are heavy, slow, and majestic. Golden Monkeys are small, fast, and frantic. They flash their bright orange fur as they leap over your head. You do not have to hike as far to find them. They stick to the lower slopes where the bamboo grows. The trek is less physically demanding. It is a great activity for the day after your gorilla trek. You can stretch your legs without exhausting yourself. You can find these monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Explore our packages combining Golden Monkey
5-day Mgahinga gorilla and golden monkey trekking safari
1-day golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes NP
Extension 2: The Savannah Contrast
After days in the dark, wet rainforest, your eyes will crave the horizon. The best way to balance your trip is to add a safari. In Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the natural choice. It is a four to five-hour drive north of Bwindi. The landscape shifts dramatically. You leave the steep green ridges and enter the flat, open plains. The temperature rises. Here you look for the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Seeing a lion sleeping on a fig tree branch is a behavior unique to this region. You can also take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This allows you to sit comfortably and watch elephants, hippos, and buffalo come to the water to drink. It is passive wildlife viewing. It is exactly what your tired body needs.
Extension 3: Batwa Cultural Experience
The forest was not always empty of humans. For thousands of years, the Batwa pygmies lived inside
the Bwindi and Mgahinga forests. They were hunter-gatherers who coexisted with the wildlife. When the parks were gazetted for conservation, the Batwa were moved out. Today, you can support their community by participating in a cultural walk. This usually happens on the edge of the park. Elders from the tribe will demonstrate their ancient survival skills. You will see how they lit fires using dry sticks. You will see how they used plants for medicine. You will hear their songs. It adds a human layer to your understanding of the forest. It reminds you that conservation is complex and involves people as well as animals.
Accommodations
If you are looking for the best comfort, Bird’s Nest @ Bunyonyi is a top luxury choice. It features a large swimming pool and rooms decorated with local crafts. Arcadia Lodge is another upscale option
famous for its view. It sits on a high ridge where you can see dozens of islands at once from its wooden deck.
For a reliable mid-range experience, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort offers self-contained rooms with private balconies. It is an eco-friendly property built right on the water’s edge. Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort is located on Kyahugye Island. It is unique because it has small animals like zebras and kobs roaming the grounds.
Travelers on a budget should consider Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort. It provides furnished safari tents and basic cottages made from local materials. Another affordable pick is Byoona Amagara on Itambira Island. It is very popular with backpackers who want a quiet stay in simple, natural structures.
Where to Stay at Lake Kivu (Rwanda)
For a luxury recovery in Rwanda, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is the premier choice. It has a private beach and a massive swimming pool. Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel is a newer high-end option. It offers private villas and a spa that is perfect for soothing sore muscles. Paradise Malahide is a great mid-range hotel located just outside Gisenyi. It features bungalows built with volcanic rock and wood. Kivu Paradise Resort offers a similar middle-ground experience. It is hidden in green gardens and has a very quiet, rustic feel.
If you are watching your spending, Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel provides clean and simple rooms. It is located close to the town center and has a pool for guests. Inzu Lodge is another budget-friendly favorite. It offers safari-style tents with great views of the lake at a lower price.
Where to Stay for Extension Treks
If you stay near the parks for Golden Monkeys or cultural tours, your options are excellent. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness Sabyinyo offers the highest level of luxury. It has large stone cottages with fireplaces to keep you warm at night. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is a solid mid-
range pick with cottages made of bamboo. For a budget stay, Kinigi Guesthouse is very close to the park gate and offers basic, clean rooms.
In Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, Mount Gahinga Lodge is the luxury leader. It provides private butler service and direct access to the Batwa trail. Travelers’ Rest Hotel in Kisoro is a famous mid-range spot once used by Dian Fossey. For budget travelers, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp offers simple bandas and dorms right at the park entrance.
Getting Home
Once you have rested, you must face the journey back. From Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi, the drive back to Entebbe takes about nine hours. Entebbe is the main entry point for Uganda trekking and also 
your exit point. The road is long but paved. You will cross the Equator line, which makes for a good photo stop and a chance to buy souvenirs. If you have the budget, we highly recommend a scheduled flight. Small aircraft fly from the Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips near the parks directly to Entebbe. The flight takes just over an hour. It turns a full day of travel into a scenic morning. From Volcanoes National Park, the logistics are simpler. The drive back to Kigali takes barely three hours. Kigali is the capital of Rwanda and the main entry point for Volcanoes NP. You can easily trek in the morning and fly out of the country late that same night
The Primate Connection
The Primate order includes both the massive gorilla and the small golden monkey. Seeing both gives you a complete picture of the Virunga ecosystem. You invested time and money to get here. You trained for the hike. You bought the gear. Do not cut the experience short. Give yourself a few days to process what you saw. Let the memories settle before you return to the noise of the modern world. Whether you choose the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi or the open plains of Queen Elizabeth, extending your stay is the best decision you can make for your 2026 trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim in Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes, it is generally considered safe. The lake is believed to be free of bilharzia, a parasitic disease found in many other African lakes. There are also no crocodiles or hippos in the lake because it is very deep. However, you should always ask your lodge for the designated swimming areas.
How much does a Golden Monkey permit cost?
A Golden Monkey trekking permit is significantly cheaper than a gorilla permit. In Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the cost is roughly $60 for international visitors. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the permit costs $100. This includes the park entry fees and the guide.
Can I see lions in Bwindi?
No, lions do not live in the dense rainforest of Bwindi. They live in the savannah. To see lions, you must travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is a few hours away by car. This is why many travelers combine primates and predators in one itinerary
What is the “Virunga Massif”?
The Virunga Massif is a chain of eight volcanoes that runs along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a single ecological unit. The animals, including gorillas and golden monkeys, move freely across these borders within the protected forest range.
Do I get a certificate for the Golden Monkey trekking?
Yes, most parks will issue a certificate of participation after you complete the Golden Monkey trek, just like they do for the gorillas. It is a nice addition to your collection of travel documents and a reminder of your contribution to primate conservation.
How fit do I need to be for Golden Monkeys?
The trek is generally easier than gorilla trekking. The monkeys live in the bamboo zone on the lower slopes of the volcanoes. You do not have to climb as high or navigate as much thick undergrowth. However, you still need a basic level of fitness for walking on uneven ground
Can I visit the Batwa people on the same day as the trek?
Yes, it is possible. The gorilla trek usually ends by early afternoon. The Batwa cultural experiences are often located near the park entrances. You can easily do a cultural walk in the late afternoon before dinner. It is a less physically demanding activity.
Is there malaria at Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes, malaria exists throughout Uganda and Rwanda. Even though Lake Bunyonyi is at a higher altitude, which reduces mosquito activity, you are not immune. You should continue taking your malaria prophylaxis medication until you return home and keep using insect repellent in the evenings.
