Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari Adventure, a journey that showcases the best of East Africa’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This carefully crafted safari combines unforgettable primate encounters with classic wildlife experiences, taking you through some of the most iconic national parks in Uganda and Rwanda.

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda, before crossing into Uganda and concluding in Entebbe. Along the way, you will visit Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and Murchison Falls National Park, home to the spectacular Murchison Falls and abundant wildlife. The safari also includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, giving you the opportunity to complete sightings of Africa’s Big Five.

Combining thrilling wildlife encounters, remarkable primate experiences, scenic drives, and authentic cultural interactions, this 12-day safari offers the perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Uganda and Rwanda, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Safari Highlights

  • Kigali City tour
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
  • Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks
  • Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
  • Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile at Murchison Falls
  • Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Bigodi Swamp nature walk
  • Visit to Kasenda Crater Lakes and Top of the World viewpoint
  • Cultural experiences in local communities
  • Cross-border safari experience between Rwanda and Uganda

12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. You will receive a short briefing about your 12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari Adventure. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing after your journey. Overnight stay in Kigali on a bed and breakfast basis.

Accommodation Options: Budget, Midrange, Luxury hotels in Kigali
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. After lunch, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening, check in, have dinner, and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation Options: Budget, Midrange, Luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Cultural Experience

After an early breakfast, proceed to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will then be allocated a gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest. The experience may take 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla movements. Once found, you will spend one hour with the gorillas. In the evening, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional performances and cultural experiences. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, return to the park for golden monkey tracking. This activity is shorter and more relaxed compared to gorilla trekking. After the experience, return to the lodge for lunch and later transfer across the border to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening, check in, dinner, and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. Trekking may take 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. You will spend one hour observing them once found. After the trek, return to the lodge and relax for the rest of the day.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive en route before continuing to the northern section of the park. Arrive in the evening, check in, dinner, and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Kasenyi plains where you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park via the scenic western Uganda countryside. Optional stops include crater lakes and viewpoints. Arrive in the evening, check in, dinner, and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Enjoy tracking chimpanzees and other primates in the forest. After lunch, take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to diverse bird species and primates. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, begin your long scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy views of the Albertine Rift Valley and rural landscapes along the way. Arrive in the evening, check in, dinner, and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Start early with a morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 12: Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Departure to Entebbe

After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls for spectacular views. Continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot. After lunch, proceed to Entebbe for your departure flight, marking the end of your 12 Days Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari Adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of Safari

Inclusions

  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
  • Park entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Boat cruises and game drives
  • All listed activities

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary