Tour Overview
8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari Overview
Discover the best of East Africa on this unforgettable 8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari, a journey that combines extraordinary primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences across two remarkable destinations. This adventure takes you to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience before crossing into Uganda to explore the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Beyond the unforgettable gorilla trek, you’ll visit the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across its beautiful islands surrounded by rolling terraced hills. The safari also includes wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where thrilling game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel offer opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Your journey begins or ends with a guided Kigali city tour, providing insight into Rwanda’s inspiring history, vibrant culture, and modern development. Blending unforgettable wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery, and authentic cultural experiences, this safari is the perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Uganda and Rwanda.
Tour Summary
- Day1: pick up and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: City tour and transfer to Parc de Volcanoes
- Day 3: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Uganda
- Day 4: Boat ride on lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Bwindi Forest national park
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 6: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise and evening game drive
- Day 7: Transfer to Kibale and afternoon chimp trekking
- Day 8: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Your Hotel
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Adventure in the Wild Safaris. After a short briefing about your upcoming 8-day Uganda and Rwanda adventure, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or explore the nearby surroundings before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Five to Five Hotel, Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel
Mid-range: Hôtel des Mille Collines, Heaven Boutique Hotel Kigali
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre
High-end: The Retreat by Heaven
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation. Continue to the bustling Kimironko Market, local craft centers, and selected museums to experience Rwanda’s culture and daily life.
Following lunch, enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax while taking in the beautiful mountain scenery.
Accommodation Options
Budget: La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge, Kinigi Cottage
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, The Bishop’s House Rwanda
High-end: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, venture into the bamboo forests in search of these lively and endangered primates. The trek typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours, after which you’ll spend a memorable hour observing the playful monkeys as they feed, leap through the trees, and interact in their natural habitat.
After lunch, depart Rwanda and cross the border into Uganda. Continue to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Place of Many Little Birds.” Upon arrival, check into your lakeside lodge and spend the evening relaxing while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding hills and islands.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Mid-range: Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Luxury: BirdNest Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, set out on a relaxing boat cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake. Explore several of its famous islands, including Punishment Island, Bushara Island, and others, each with its own fascinating history and cultural significance. The lake’s scenic beauty and abundant birdlife make it one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations.
Return to the lodge for lunch before driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge
Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge
High-end: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, hike through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, and care for their young.
After trekking, enjoy lunch before driving to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Enganzi Game Lodge
Mid-range: Elephant Hab Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and, with luck, elusive leopards. The park is also home to over 600 bird species, making it one of Africa’s finest birding destinations.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an incredible variety of water birds along the shoreline. Return to your lodge for dinner, with the option of an evening game drive if time permits.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. Arrive in time for lunch before heading to the park headquarters for an afternoon briefing.
Accompanied by experienced rangers, trek through the lush tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Once located, you’ll spend one hour observing their fascinating social behavior, communication, and playful interactions. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
Mid-range: Isunga Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp
Luxury: Primate Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge
High-end: Kibale Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Departure to Entebbe
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out of your lodge and beginning the scenic drive to Entebbe International Airport. Stop for lunch en route and admire Uganda’s beautiful countryside as you travel. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred either to the airport for your departure flight or to your preferred location in Entebbe or Kampala.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 8-Day Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari, filled with incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable cultural experiences.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch