9 Days Rwanda Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari

This 9-day Rwanda-Uganda primate and wildlife safari combines gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking, and classic savannah wildlife viewing across two of East Africa’s most rewarding safari countries. Starting in Kigali, the journey takes you to Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and golden monkeys, crosses into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and ends in Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking before the return to Kampala or Entebbe. It is a strong option for travellers who want primates and wildlife in one well-paced cross-border safari.

Safari highlights

• Arrival in Kigali and short city tour
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Cross-border transfer into Uganda
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Ishasha route through Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

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

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide and begin with a short Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then continue to selected craft centres and local markets for a cultural introduction to Rwanda. After the tour, drive to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of about 2.5 hours through scenic countryside. On arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Budget accommodation Muhabura Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range accommodation Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Luxury accommodation Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. You will then enter the forest with ranger guides in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you will spend 1 hour observing them, watching their behaviour, and taking photographs. A packed lunch is required for this activity. Return to your lodge later in the day for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1.

Day 3, Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, return to the park for golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest zone. This experience is shorter and less demanding than gorilla trekking but still offers close interaction with wildlife. During the trek, walk through bamboo vegetation and open forest areas where the monkeys are commonly found. These primates are active and move quickly, making the experience dynamic and engaging. After the activity, return to the lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or enjoying views of the Virunga mountains before dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1.

Day 4, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

After breakfast, depart Rwanda and cross into Uganda, continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on border clearance and your route. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek. Luxury accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Safari Lodge. Mid-range accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Budget accommodation: Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Nkuringo Campsite.

Day 5, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trek. The walk takes you through dense forest with steep terrain, making it both challenging and rewarding. Along the way, you may see birds, forest primates, and unique vegetation. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend 1 hour with them observing their behaviour and taking photographs. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 4.

Day 6, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. During the drive, you may see elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and other wildlife before arriving at the Mweya Peninsula. Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Mid-range accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Albertine Camp, Budget accommodation: Mweya Hostels, Simba Safari Camp.

Day 7, Morning game drive, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Start early with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, focusing on the Kasenyi plains where predators are more active. You may see lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then later head for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the park, with large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds along the shores. After the boat cruise, begin the drive to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight. Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, Mid-range: Crater Safari Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Budget: Kanyanchu Ecological Bandas

Day 8, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Park Headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking experience. Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s leading primate destinations and is known for its high primate diversity. During the guided walk, you may hear the chimpanzees before you see them, as they communicate loudly through calls within the forest canopy. After the activity, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 9, Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala. Depending on your onward plans, the safari can end in Kampala or continue to Entebbe for airport drop-off. This marks the end of your 9-day Rwanda-Uganda primate and wildlife safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up in Kigali
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary
• Gorilla trekking permits
• Golden monkey tracking permit
• Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities