Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda Safari, a remarkable primate adventure that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of two of East Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. This carefully crafted itinerary offers the rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in their natural habitats while exploring lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, scenic lakes, and vibrant local communities.
Your journey begins in Uganda, where you’ll trek through the ancient forests of Kibale Forest National Park in search of playful chimpanzees, widely regarded as humanity’s closest living relatives. Continue to the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. Cross into neighboring Rwanda to discover the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll enjoy an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Throughout the safari, you’ll stay in carefully selected mid-range or luxury lodges that blend comfort with nature, from tranquil lakeside retreats near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to elegant eco-lodges overlooking Rwanda’s rolling hills and volcanic peaks. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives through tea plantations, rural villages, and protected forests while learning about the region’s unique biodiversity, conservation initiatives, and rich cultural heritage.
This 11-day Uganda and Rwanda primate safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and adventure travelers seeking an immersive experience with Africa’s iconic great apes and endangered golden monkeys. Combining exceptional wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes and comfortable accommodations, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary of the 11 Days Great Apes of Uganda & Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Welcome to Uganda
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide or a hotel representative and transferred to your luxury accommodation overlooking the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax after your international flight or take a leisurely stroll through the resort gardens while enjoying views of Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
This evening, your guide will brief you about the exciting primate adventure ahead as you prepare to explore the remarkable wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda.
Meals: Depending on arrival time
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Day 2: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Entebbe pier for a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Established in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary provides a permanent home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that can no longer survive in the wild.
Spend time learning about chimpanzee behavior, conservation challenges, and rehabilitation efforts from experienced caregivers. Watch the chimpanzees during their feeding sessions and gain a deeper understanding of their intelligence, social interactions, and the ongoing efforts to protect their wild relatives.
After lunch, return to Entebbe and visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), where you’ll encounter a variety of rescued wildlife species including lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The center plays an important role in wildlife conservation, education, and rehabilitation.
Return to your resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Days 3–4: Fly to Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and picturesque villages to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa.
Check into your beautiful lodge overlooking one of the region’s stunning crater lakes before enjoying lunch and some time to relax.
During your stay, meet conservation experts such as researchers from the Kibale Chimpanzee Project, where you’ll gain valuable insight into ongoing chimpanzee research, conservation initiatives, and community education programs that help protect Uganda’s incredible biodiversity.
The highlight of your visit is an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the lush tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. Listen for their distinctive calls echoing through the forest before observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, communicate, and swing effortlessly through the trees.
You will also visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda’s finest community conservation projects. The guided nature walk offers opportunities to spot a remarkable variety of wildlife including:
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Red-tailed monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Olive baboons
- Numerous butterfly species
- Over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco
This wetland provides an excellent introduction to Uganda’s rich biodiversity while directly supporting local community conservation initiatives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Days 5–6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After another rewarding morning of chimpanzee tracking or a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah national park.
The scenic drive offers magnificent views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, traditional villages, and expansive savannah landscapes.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive, searching for the park’s impressive wildlife which includes:
- African elephants
- Buffaloes
- Uganda kobs
- Warthogs
- Waterbucks
- Lions
- Leopards (occasionally)
- Hyenas
Later in the afternoon, enjoy one of Africa’s finest wildlife experiences—a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities as enormous pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds gather along the shoreline. Bird enthusiasts may spot African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, kingfishers, pelicans, and many other species.
Return to your luxury lodge overlooking the spectacular Kyambura Gorge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Days 7–8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Following breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through Uganda’s scenic countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for sheltering nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The journey passes through beautiful terraced hillsides, banana plantations, local communities, and dense tropical forests before arriving at your lodge near the park.
The following morning, enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for registration and a comprehensive gorilla trekking briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
You will then begin your once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking adventure through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Trek durations vary depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family and may range from one to several hours.
Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally within their family groups. Watching a dominant silverback peacefully oversee his family while young gorillas tumble and play nearby is an extraordinary wildlife experience unlike any other.
After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and celebrate one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge or Four Gorillas Lodge
Days 9–10: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorilla Conservation Experience
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and cross the border into neighboring Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Continue to Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s premier conservation destinations and home to the endangered mountain gorilla.
Check into your luxurious eco-lodge offering spectacular panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, surrounding lakes, and rolling countryside.
During your stay, visit the renowned Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, home to the Karisoke Research Center. Meet conservation experts and learn about the groundbreaking research, veterinary care, education programs, and community initiatives that continue the legacy of the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated much of her life to protecting mountain gorillas.
The following morning, set out for another extraordinary gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes until you encounter one of the habituated gorilla families.
Although similar to the Bwindi experience, trekking in Rwanda offers a unique perspective on mountain gorilla conservation and allows travelers to appreciate the distinct landscapes of the Virunga Mountains.
In the evening, enjoy a vibrant traditional Rwandan cultural performance, featuring energetic drumming, music, and dance that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Kigali & Departure
Enjoy breakfast before returning to Volcanoes National Park for your final primate adventure—golden monkey trekking.
Accompanied by experienced wildlife guides, hike through the bamboo forests in search of these endangered and playful primates found only within the Virunga Mountains. Golden monkeys are known for their striking golden-orange fur, energetic movements, and entertaining social behavior, making them a favorite among wildlife photographers.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before departing for Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy a brief city tour or visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before being transferred to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your onward flight home.
As your remarkable journey comes to an end, you leave East Africa with unforgettable memories of trekking mountain gorillas, observing chimpanzees, encountering golden monkeys, and experiencing two of Africa’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of the 11 Days Great Apes of Uganda & Rwanda Safari