Uganda–Rwanda Primate Exp.

9 days—Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali.

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$6420 USD

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Safari summary

This extraordinary 9-day journey takes you deep into the lush heart of East Africa, combining the world’s most iconic primate encounters across Uganda and Rwanda. Track chimpanzees in Kibale’s ancient rainforest, explore the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, witness the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and experience the life-changing moment of meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
Your adventure continues across the border into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where golden monkeys dance through bamboo forests and majestic volcanic peaks crown the horizon. With carefully selected mid-range accommodations offering comfort and exceptional views, this safari blends wildlife, culture, and landscapes into a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Primate trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Rwanda Uganda
	Parks	Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Mgahinga Queen Elizabeth Volcanoes

Fine details

Safari highlights

Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

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

What’s not included?

International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe → Kibale Forest

Kibale

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your guide for a scenic drive west through rolling hills, bustling markets, tea plantations, and the lush Fort Portal highlands beneath the Rwenzori Mountains. In the afternoon, check in at Isunga Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp, and soak in the peaceful forest-edge setting. Time permitting, enjoy an optional walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, teeming with monkeys, birds, and vibrant wildlife.

Kibale Forest Camp

Day 2: Kibale – Chimpanzee Trekking

Queen Elizabeth

Rise early for your briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre before entering Kibale Forest with experienced rangers. Follow the lively calls of chimpanzees as they move through the canopy, and spend an unforgettable hour observing them feed, groom, and interact. Return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse landscape of crater lakes, wide savannahs, volcanic cones, and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your midrange lodge in the early evening.

Twin Lakes Lodge

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth NP

Queen Elizabeth

Begin with an early game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, where lions hunt among large herds of Uganda kob, elephants graze, and buffalo roam in impressive numbers. Return for a late breakfast and relax until afternoon, when you embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway famed for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife.

Twin Lakes Lodge

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable

After breakfast, travel south toward the remote Ishasha sector, home to the legendary tree-climbing lions often seen resting in large fig trees. Continue through rolling highlands and terraced farmland until you reach the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the sanctuary of mountain gorillas. Check in to your comfortable lodge and unwind in the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day 5: Bwindi – Gorilla Trekking

Mgahinga

Today is the highlight of your journey. After an early briefing, enter the dense, ancient forest to track one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on their location, but meeting these gentle giants is an emotional and unforgettable experience. After spending one magical hour with the gorillas, return to your lodge for lunch. Later, continue your journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the magnificent Virunga Volcano chain.

Lake Mutanda Lodge

Day 6: Mgahinga – Golden Monkey

Mgahinga

This morning, trek into the bamboo forests of Mgahinga to observe the playful golden monkeys, a rare and fast-moving primate species found only in the Virunga ecosystem. After the trek, enjoy lunch at the lodge before driving to the Cyanika Border and crossing into Rwanda. Arrive in Musanze, with views of towering volcanoes and lush farms carpeting the foothills.

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes

Choose between trekking through misty slopes to the historic Karisoke Research Centre, connecting with Dian Fossey’s legacy, or immersing yourself in Rwanda’s culture at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, enjoying traditional dances and meeting local families who champion wildlife. After your chosen experience, return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 8:Volcanoes NP – Rwanda Gorilla

Volcanoes

After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your second gorilla trek—this time in Rwanda’s open bamboo forests with breathtaking views of volcanic peaks. The trek offers excellent photography opportunities. Following your trek and lunch, drive to Kigali for your final night in Rwanda

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Kigali City Tour → Departure

Enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey—carrying unforgettable memories of East Africa’s primates and landscapes.

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