16 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

This 16-day Uganda and Rwanda safari is designed for travellers who want a richer East African journey that goes beyond a single gorilla trek. It combines gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda with golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic wildlife viewing, scenic lakes, crater landscapes, hot springs, and cultural experiences in Kampala and Jinja. Starting in Kigali gives faster access to the gorilla parks, while the rest of the route opens up some of the most rewarding primate, wildlife, and scenic regions in Uganda. This safari is ideal for travellers who want a well-rounded experience with strong primate encounters, varied landscapes, and enough time to appreciate both countries at a comfortable pace.

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
• Golden monkey trekking in the Virunga bamboo zone
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Canoe ride or boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi
• Batwa cultural visit near Lake Bunyonyi
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat safari
• Lake Katwe salt mining experience
• Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park
• Kampala cultural and historical city tour
• Jinja excursion, Source of the Nile, optional rafting or quad biking

Detailed Itinerary

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

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your driver guide will welcome you and begin your safari. Depending on arrival time, go for a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and selected cultural sites to understand Rwanda’s history in a respectful and informative way. After the tour, drive north to Volcanoes National Park through Rwanda’s terraced hills, one of the most scenic drives in the region. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Overnight at Luxury, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Standard, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge, Hotel Gorillas Kinigi, Budget, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura

Day 2, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before starting your gorilla trek. The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorilla family location and terrain. Once the gorillas are located, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for relaxation after this physically demanding but rewarding experience. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 3, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, head into the bamboo forest for golden monkey trekking. This is a lighter and more active primate experience, where you follow fast-moving monkeys across the lower forest slopes. The trek typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. After the activity, return for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure or visit a nearby community. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 4, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

After breakfast, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive passes through Kisoro and the scenic Kigezi Highlands. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge, preparing for the next day’s trek. Overnight at Budget  Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Nkuringo Camp, Mid-range Lake Kitandara Camp, Wagtail Eco Lodge, Luxury Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, Gahinga Lodge

Day 5, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing before starting your gorilla trek. Bwindi terrain is steeper and more challenging, with dense forest and uneven ground. The trek can take between 2 to 8 hours. Once the gorillas are located, spend one hour observing them. After returning, an optional Batwa cultural visit can be arranged if time and energy allow. Overnight at previous lodge.

Day 6, Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, canoe ride, Batwa cultural visit

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and birdlife. Enjoy a canoe ride or boat excursion exploring the islands. In the afternoon, visit a Batwa community to learn about their traditional lifestyle, music, and history. Overnight at Arcadia Cottages, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Crater Bay Cottages.

Day 7, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge. Overnight at Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba Lodge, Albertine Camp, Hippo Hill Camp, Budget Simba Safari Camp, Mweya Hostel, Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 8, Morning game drive, Kazinga Channel boat safari, Lake Nyamunuka visit

Start early with a game drive across the savannah plains, where you may see lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and antelope. Later, return for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, known for high concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Visit the nearby Lake Nyamunuka area and learn about its unique features. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 9, Game drive, Lake Katwe salt mines, crater lakes exploration

After an early breakfast, head for a game drive focusing on predator areas and kob mating grounds. Later, visit Lake Katwe to see traditional salt mining methods. Afterward, continue to the crater lakes region for scenic views and photography, completing what was previously a weak and incomplete day. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 10, Transfer to Kibale Forest, chimpanzee tracking

After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park. After lunch, proceed for chimpanzee tracking in the forest. Track chimps through well-maintained trails, observing their behaviour, communication, and movement through the trees. Overnight at Luxury  Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, Mid-range Rwenzori View Guest House, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Budget Kibale Forest Camp, Kanyanchu Bandas

Day 11, Transfer to Semuliki National Park, Sempaya hot springs

After breakfast, drive to Semuliki National Park. Visit the Sempaya hot springs and observe boiling water pools where simple cooking demonstrations can be done. Optional evening nature walk or night activity depending on lodge arrangements. Overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge, Bumaga Cottages, Mountains of the Moon Hotel

Day 12, Forest walk in Semuliki, Fort Portal cultural visit

After breakfast, take a guided forest walk in Semuliki, known for birdlife, butterflies, and tropical vegetation. Later, drive to Fort Portal and visit Mabere ga Nyinamwiru caves and waterfalls. If time allows, visit Toro Palace before returning to your lodge. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 13, Transfer to Kampala via Mubende, Nakayima Tree stop

After breakfast, drive to Kampala via Mubende. Stop at Nakayima Tree, an important cultural and spiritual site. Continue to Kampala and check in at your hotel. Overnight at Luxury Serena Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Imperial Royale, Mid-range Hotel Africana, Hotel Triangle, Shangri-La, Budget Holiday Express, Namirembe Guest House

Day 14, Kampala city tour, cultural and religious sites

After breakfast, explore Kampala’s key landmarks, including Buganda Palace, Rubaga Cathedral, Kibuli Mosque, Namirembe Cathedral, and Bahai Temple. Optional visits include Kabaka’s Lake and cultural centres. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 15, Jinja tour, Source of the Nile, Mabira Forest, optional activities

After breakfast, drive to Jinja with a stop in Mabira Forest for a short nature walk. Visit the Source of the Nile and take a boat ride. Optional activities include white water rafting, quad biking, or bungee jumping depending on interest. Return to Kampala in the evening. Overnight at previous lodge

Day 16, Transfer to Entebbe Airport, departure

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick up in Kigali
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation as per selected category
• Meals as per itinerary
• Gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda
• Golden monkey trekking permit
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Kazinga Channel boat safari
• Lake Bunyonyi boat ride or canoeing
• Kampala and Jinja excursions
• Bottled drinking water during road travel

Exclusions

• International flights
• Entry visas for Rwanda and Uganda
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities such as rafting, quad biking, or bungee jumping
• Laundry, tips, drinks, and personal expenses
• Any activity not clearly listed