7 Days Uganda Rwanda Primates Safari

This 7 days Uganda Rwanda primates safari is designed for travellers who want a wider primate experience across both Rwanda and Uganda. The itinerary starts in Kigali, continues to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, crosses into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then moves on to Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The trip ends in Kibale National Park, one of East Africa’s best-known chimpanzee trekking destinations, before the return to Kampala or Entebbe.

Safari highlights

• Arrival in Kigali, hotel transfer
• Kigali Genocide Memorial and city stop
• Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
• Cross-border transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Ishasha sector drive, with a chance to spot tree-climbing lions
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, airport transfer

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. This is a relaxed arrival day to settle in and prepare for the safari. Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation. Budget Chez Lando Hotel, Mid-range Gorillas Golf Hotel, Luxury Kigali Serena Hotel.

Day 2, Kigali city visit, transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the national museum for a brief cultural and historical experience. After the visit, begin the 2 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and, depending on time, visit the Twin Lakes or the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a community experience. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Budget Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Luxury Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

Day 3, Golden monkey trekking, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. After the briefing, begin your guided trek in search of the golden monkeys. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, after which you return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, a scenic drive of about 4 to 5 hours, including the border crossing. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax. Dinner and overnight. Budget Gorilla Valley Lodge, Mid-range Nkuringo Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Day 4, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The day starts with an early breakfast before your transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you will be allocated a gorilla group to trek and begin your walk through the forest in search of the gorillas. The trek can take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the location. Once you find them, you will spend 1 hour observing their behaviour and taking pictures. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 3.

Day 5, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through the Ishasha sector, where you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Continue to the main park area and arrive in time for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This cruise offers excellent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Budget Bush Lodge, Mid-range Ihamba Safari Lodge, Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 6, Morning game drive, transfer to Kibale National Park

Early in the morning, go for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot early risers such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. After the game drive, begin the transfer to Kibale National Park near Fort Portal, a drive of about 3 hours. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Dinner and overnight. Budget Kibale Forest Camp, Mid-range Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Luxury Kyaninga Lodge.

Day 7, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, transfer to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, transfer to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing. Begin your guided chimpanzee trekking experience in the forest. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, and once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend 1 hour observing them. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and then begin the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe for your onward flight. This marks the end of your safari.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
• Park entry fees for all listed national parks
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking  permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Golden monkey permit
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

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