The Heart of Primate Africa:

16 days—Rwanda & Uganda Ultimate Gorilla & Wildlife Odyssey

$12000-26000 USD

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Safari summary

Description: Embark on the world's most profound primate journey. This 20-day epic safari combines Rwanda's accessible gorilla trekking with Uganda's diverse wildlife, from chimpanzee forests and tree-climbing lions to the mighty Nile. Experience two incredible countries in one seamless, luxury adventure.

Package Overview:
This itinerary is crafted for the discerning traveler seeking the ultimate primate and nature experience. Begin in Rwanda, trekking to majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and honoring the legacy of the mountain gorillas at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. Then, journey into Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, classic Big Five safaris on the Nile, and intimate encounters with the unique wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This tour offers depth, diversity, and a profound connection with the natural world.

Quick Facts:

Destinations: Rwanda & Uganda

Key Experiences: Gorilla Trekking (in both countries), Golden Monkey Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Big Five Safari, Tree-Climbing Lions, Nile River Cruise, Cultural Encounters

Accommodation: Luxury Lodges & Exclusive Tented Camps (4-5 Star)

Group Size: Private Safari (Max 4-6 guests per vehicle)

Transport: Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof & expert driver-guide

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Rwanda Uganda
	Parks	Akagera Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Lake Mburo Murchison Falls Queen Elizabeth

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Primate trekking
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Rwanda

• Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda. You will be warmly greeted by our representative and your guide. • Kigali City Tour: A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides a powerful and moving insight into Rwanda's history and remarkable journey of renewal. • Evening: Check into your luxury hotel. Welcome dinner and trip briefing. • Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel, Kigali

To the Misty Volcanoes

• Morning: Scenic drive north to the Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. The journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda's terraced hillsides. • Afternoon: Arrive at your luxurious lodge with stunning views of the volcanic peaks. • Evening: Relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure. Attend a briefing from your lodge on what to expect. • Meals: Full Board

Accommodation: Luxury Volcano View Lodge, Musanze

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast and a short drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, embark on your gorilla trekking adventure. The hike through the lush, misty forest is an experience in itself. • The Encounter: Spend a magical hour observing a habituated family of Mountain Gorillas. This intimate encounter is often described as a life-changing experience. •Return to your lodge to decompress. Optional visit to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village for a traditional community experience

Accommodation: Luxury Volcano View Lodge, Musanze

Golden Monkeys

• Morning: Embark on a golden monkey trek. These playful, endangered primates are a joy to watch as they leap through the bamboo forest. • Afternoon: Return to Kigali, visiting the state-of-the-art Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This immersive center is dedicated to gorilla conservation. • Evening: Overnight in Kigali. • Accommodation: Luxury Boutique Hotel, Kigali • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Luxury Boutique Hotel, Kigali

Cross into the Pearl of Africa

Lake Mburo

• Morning: Scenic drive to the Uganda border, completing immigration formalities. • Afternoon: Continue to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy an evening game drive or a guided walking safari—a unique opportunity to experience the African bush on foot, spotting zebra, impala, eland, and more. • Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp, Lake Mburo NP • Meals: Full Board

Horseback Safari

• Morning: Experience a unique horseback safari. Ride among herds of zebra and other wildlife, offering a silent and non-intrusive way to view game. • Afternoon: Drive west to the lush region of Fort Portal, the gateway to Kibale Forest, with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains. • Evening: Arrive at your luxury lodge nestled on the edge of a crater lake. • Accommodation: Luxury Forest Lodge, Kibale Area • Meals: Full Board

Luxury Forest Lodge, Kibale Area

Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale

• Morning: Enter Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world, for your chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is also home to 12 other primate species. • Afternoon: Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided walk. This community-run project is teeming with birds and primates and offers great cultural interaction. • Accommodation: Luxury Forest Lodge, Kibale Area • Meals: Full Board

Luxury Forest Lodge, Kibale Area

To the Queen Elizabeth Wilderness

Queen Elizabeth

• Morning: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a game drive en route to your lodge. • Afternoon: Check into your luxury tented camp with spectacular views of the Kyambura Gorge and the park's savannah. • Evening: Relax and enjoy the sounds of the wild. • Accommodation: Luxury Tented Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP • Meals: Full Board

Luxury Tented Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP

Tree-Climbing Lions

Murchison Falls

• Morning: Game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Search for these majestic cats lounging in the fig trees. • Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a magnet for wildlife. See huge concentrations of hippos, buffalo, elephants on the shore, and an astounding variety of waterbirds. • Accommodation: Luxury Tented Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP • Meals: Full Board

Kyambura Gorge & To Bwindi

• Morning: Trek into the stunning Kyambura Gorge ("Valley of Apes") for a chance to track a different community of habituated chimpanzees in a dramatic riverine forest setting. • Afternoon: Scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey through the highlands is incredibly beautiful. • Evening: Arrive at your luxury lodge on the forest edge. • Accommodation: Luxury Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Area • Meals: Full Board

Uganda Gorilla Trekking

• The Second Highlight: After an early breakfast and briefing, embark on your second gorilla trekking adventure in the dense, ancient forest of Bwindi. Each trek offers a unique experience. • The Encounter: Spend another magnificent hour with a different gorilla family. This second trek deepens the appreciation for these incredible creatures. • Evening: Return to your lodge to celebrate this unparalleled experience. • Meals: Full Board (Packed lunch provided)

Gorilla Guardians & Lake Bunyonyi

• Morning: Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village for a fascinating cultural experience. Participate in traditional dances, learn about local medicine, and see how the community coexists with the forest. • Afternoon: Transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi ("Place of Little Birds"), a beautiful terraced lake surrounded by lush hills. • Evening: Enjoy a peaceful sunset canoe ride on the lake. • Accommodation: Luxury Lake Resort, Lake Bunyonyi • Meals: Full Board

Day of Leisure on Lake Bunyonyi

• Full Day: A well-deserved day to relax and reflect on your journey. Options include exploring the lake's islands by boat, visiting a local community, hiking, or simply relaxing at the resort. • Accommodation: Luxury Lake Resort, Lake Bunyonyi • Meals: Full Board

To the Source of the Nile

• Morning: Scenic drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, located at the source of the Nile River. • Afternoon: Arrive at your beautiful lodge perched on the banks of the Nile. • Evening: Sundowner cruise on the Nile. • Accommodation: Luxury Nile Lodge, Jinja • Meals: Full Board

Nile Adventure & Return to Entebbe

• Morning: Choose your adventure: a gentle boat trip to the exact source of the Nile, or something more adrenaline-filled like white-water rafting or stand-up paddleboarding (optional extra cost). • Afternoon: Drive back to Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. • Evening: Farewell dinner overlooking the lake. • Accommodation: Luxury Hotel, Entebbe • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a tour of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. • Transfer to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your international departure flight. • Meals: Breakfast

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