12 Days Rwanda Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari

This 12-day Rwanda-Uganda primate and wildlife safari is designed for travellers who want a longer cross-border safari with more time for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic East African wildlife viewing. The journey combines Rwanda’s primate highlights with Uganda’s forest and savannah experiences, giving you a broader safari than a shorter gorilla-only route. It is a strong option for travellers who want to experience gorillas and chimpanzees in both countries while also enjoying a longer, more varied overland safari.

Safari highlights

• Arrival in Rwanda and cross-border safari planning
• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
• Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
• Wildlife and scenic safari elements beyond primates
• End in Uganda after a multi-country safari experience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your driver guide will be waiting to welcome you and begin your safari. If time allows, start with a short Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and selected cultural sites to give you context about Rwanda before heading into the countryside. Later, drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s rolling hills and terraced landscapes. This drive is one of the most scenic introductions to the country. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax before dinner. Budget accommodation Muhabura Lodge / Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range accommodation Gorilla Nest Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Luxury accommodation Virunga Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, community visit

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. You will be assigned a gorilla family and begin your guided walk through the forest. The trek can take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend 1 hour observing their behaviour, taking photos, and watching how they interact as a group. In the afternoon, if you return early, visit a nearby community for a cultural experience. This gives a better understanding of how local communities live alongside wildlife conservation areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3, Dian Fossey hike or golden monkey trekking

After breakfast, choose between two strong experiences. You can hike to the Dian Fossey tomb at the former Karisoke Research Center. This hike takes you through a bamboo forest and montane vegetation, offering a deeper understanding of gorilla conservation history and Fossey’s work. Alternatively, you can go golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This shorter trek takes you through bamboo zones where these fast-moving primates are commonly found. Both options provide excellent forest experiences and wildlife encounters. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 4, Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, canoe experience

After breakfast, depart Rwanda and cross into Uganda, driving to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. The journey offers views of terraced hills and rural landscapes. Arrive in time for lunch, then go for a canoe ride on the lake. Explore some of the islands and enjoy birdwatching along the shores. Lake Bunyonyi is known for its calm waters and scenic setting, making it a good place to relax after forest activities in Rwanda. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation Arcadia Cottages.

Day 5, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, with winding roads and panoramic views. Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and relax before dinner as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Safari Lodge for  Mid-range, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp for Budget, or Buhoma Lodge for Luxury.

Day 6, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. Begin your gorilla trek through Bwindi’s dense forest. The trek involves navigating steep terrain and thick vegetation, but once you find the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge in the afternoon for rest, dinner, and overnight.

Day 7–8, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drive, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, where you may spot tree-climbing lions. On arrival, have lunch and go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This area has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birdlife. The following day, go for morning and afternoon game drives across the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation: Mweya safari lodge/Jacana lodge, Mid-range accommodation: Ihamba/Albertine camp, Budget accommodation: Mweya hostels/Simba safari camp

Day 9, Game drive, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Start with an early morning game drive to search for predators and other wildlife. Return for lunch, then proceed to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. This forested gorge offers a different landscape and a chance to see habituated chimpanzees along with other primates. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 10, Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, about 3 hours away. Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and relax. You may take a short walk around the lodge area or prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking. Luxurious Ndali Lodge/ Primates Lodge, Mid-range Rwenzori View Guest House/Mountains of the Moon, Fort Portal/Chimp’s Nest Lodge, Budget Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas

Day 11, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Bigodi community walk

After breakfast, go for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. This forest has one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa. Track chimpanzees with ranger guides and observe their behaviour in the wild. After lunch, visit the Bigodi community for a cultural walk and wetland experience. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 12, Transfer to Kampala, Entebbe departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kampala with a stop at Nakayima tree, a cultural and historical site. Continue to Entebbe for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 12-day Rwanda Uganda primate safari

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up in Rwanda
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee tracking  permits
• Park entry fees
• Wildlife safari activities
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Rwanda and Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not clearly listed in the itinerary