6 Days Uganda Rwanda Primate, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari

This 6-day Uganda Rwanda primate safari is a rewarding cross-border gorilla and golden monkey journey designed for travellers who want to experience the leading primate destinations of both Rwanda and Uganda in one well-paced itinerary. The safari begins in Kigali and takes you to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• cross-border transfer from Rwanda to Uganda
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• optional Kigali city experience, depending on arrival time
• safari ending in Kigali or Kampala, depending on your travel plan

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, a guide from AA Safaris and Tours will meet you and begin your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local community areas, and craft shops, before continuing to Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mid-range accommodation Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Budget accommodation Kinigi Guest House

Day 2, Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Wake up early, have breakfast, and take your packed lunch before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing ahead of your gorilla trekking experience. After the briefing, begin your trek in Volcanoes National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. As you move through the forest, you may also see other primates and hear a variety of forest birds. Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour with them before returning to the lodge. The time it takes to locate them depends on their movement in the forest as they search for food. After the trek, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at your booked accommodation.

Day 3, Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for another briefing before golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This activity takes you back into the Virunga forest zone in search of one of Rwanda’s most interesting primates. Golden monkeys are known for their lively behaviour and bright colouring, making this a rewarding addition to the safari after gorilla trekking. After the activity, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4, Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, continue through the Katuna border into Uganda and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On arrival, check in at your selected lodge.  Luxury accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Safari Lodge. Mid-range accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge. Budget accommodation Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Nkuringo Campsite Tents, Nkuringo Safari Centre

Day 5, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by a park ranger before your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. The trek usually takes between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the movement of the gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, spend one hour with them as you observe their behaviour in the forest, including the dominant silverback and other members of the group.

If you return early and still have the energy, you may choose an optional guided walk on the Munyanga River Trail or a village walk in the nearby community. The forest trail offers views of waterfalls, ferns, orchids, butterflies, and occasional birds and primates near the forest edge. The village walk offers a chance to see how local people live before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6, Return to Kigali for Departure

Early in the morning, cross the border and continue to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 6-day Uganda Rwanda primate safari.

Inclusions

• airport pickup and drop off  in Kigali
• private transport throughout the safari
• accommodation for 5 nights
• meals as per itinerary
• English-speaking driver guide
• All scheduled road transfers during the safari
• bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• gorilla permits
• golden monkey permit

Exclusions

• international flights
• Rwanda and Uganda visa fees
• travel insurance
• personal expenses
• alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
• tips and gratuities
• optional activities not clearly listed as included