Tour Overview
14 Days Luxury Primates & Wildlife Safari | Uganda and Rwanda
Experience an unforgettable 14-day luxury primate and wildlife safari through Uganda and Rwanda, combining incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and conservation-focused travel. This journey offers the chance to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, explore ancient rainforests, and discover the rich biodiversity of East Africa.
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable gorilla and golden monkey encounters, while exploring Kibale Forest National Park in search of chimpanzees. The adventure continues with thrilling game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and other wildlife.
Beyond wildlife, enjoy meaningful cultural experiences, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Dian Fossey’s former research area, local communities, and conservation projects that support sustainable tourism and community development.
With stays in carefully selected luxury lodges and eco-friendly properties, this safari combines comfort, adventure, and responsible travel, creating a truly memorable exploration of Uganda and Rwanda’s primates, wildlife, and cultures.
14-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primates And Wildlife Safari Highlights
- Track Mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and the rare golden monkey
- Incredible game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Lunch at Milles Colinnes Hotel from Hotel Rwanda film
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
- Guided Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary Primate Walk
- Various & inspiring Positive Impact initiatives
Detailed 14 Days Primates & Wildlife Safari | Uganda and Rwanda
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa – Arrival in Entebbe | 1 Night
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in the peaceful lakeside town of Entebbe. After your international journey, relax and settle into your comfortable boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.
Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe offers a perfect start to your safari, providing personalized service, comfortable rooms, and a relaxing environment where you can rest and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe
Day 2–4: Volcanic Crater Lakes & Chimpanzee Tracking | 2 Nights
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey westward through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Travel through rolling hills, tea plantations, and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying views of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Continue to Ndali Lodge, a luxury retreat located on the edge of a stunning volcanic crater lake near Kibale Forest National Park. The lodge offers spectacular views of the surrounding crater lakes, forests, and distant mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoy a guided walk around the crater lake, learning about the area’s unique ecosystem and local communities.
The following day, explore the incredible biodiversity of the region with a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project famous for its rich birdlife, unique vegetation, and variety of primates. The guided nature walk provides insight into local conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Uganda’s natural habitats.
After lunch, continue to Kibale Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa. Trek through the lush rainforest with experienced guides in search of habituated chimpanzee communities and spend time observing their fascinating behaviors, including feeding, playing, and social interactions.
Return to Ndali Lodge in the evening for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Please note: Children under 15 years are not permitted to participate in chimpanzee trekking.
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
Day 4–7: Exciting Wildlife Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park | 3 Nights
After breakfast, continue your journey through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Kibale Forest and Kasese Town near the Equator. The park is one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife destinations, home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.
Enjoy exciting morning and afternoon game drives through the park’s diverse habitats in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and other wildlife. The park’s open savannah plains provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
A highlight of your stay will be a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife waterways. The cruise offers close views of large hippo populations, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds gathered along the shores.
For a cultural experience, visit the Omwani Women’s Coffee Cooperative, a community initiative supporting local women and their families through sustainable coffee production and vocational training. Learn about the coffee-making process, from growing and harvesting to processing, while enjoying freshly prepared Ugandan coffee.
You will spend three nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, a luxurious and eco-friendly lodge located near the park with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 7–10: Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Experience | 3 Nights
After breakfast, take a scenic flight from Kasese to Kisoro, followed by a transfer to Mount Gahinga Lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Located in the shadow of the Virunga Volcanoes, this exclusive luxury lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
During your stay, visit the Batwa Cultural Heritage Site, where you will learn about the traditions, history, and forest lifestyle of the Batwa people, one of Uganda’s oldest indigenous communities. The experience includes traditional demonstrations, cultural stories, and insight into their connection with the forest.
The main highlight of this region is the opportunity to explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk through the rainforest and spend an unforgettable moment observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
You will also enjoy a golden monkey trekking experience, where you search for these rare and playful primates as they move through the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 10–13: Rwanda Gorillas, Dian Fossey’s Legacy & Ellen DeGeneres Campus | 3 Nights
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and continue to the beautiful Virunga Lodge. Perched on a hilltop, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, lakes, and the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes.
One of the highlights of your stay is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s best destinations for observing mountain gorillas in the wild. Accompanied by expert guides, trek through the volcanic forests in search of a habituated gorilla family and enjoy a magical encounter with these endangered primates.
Explore the legacy of renowned conservationist Dian Fossey with a visit to her former research area, the Karisoke Research Center, and her final resting place. Learn about her groundbreaking work in gorilla conservation and her contribution to protecting these remarkable animals.
You will also visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a modern conservation and research center dedicated to gorilla protection, scientific research, and community education.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Day 13–14: Kigali – Hotel Rwanda & Genocide Memorial Experience | 1 Night
After breakfast, leave Volcanoes National Park and travel to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Enjoy lunch at the historic Hôtel des Mille Collines, famously known from the movie Hotel Rwanda. During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the hotel became a place of refuge where many lives were saved.
Continue your historical journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about Rwanda’s difficult past, honor the victims, and gain insight into the country’s remarkable journey of recovery and reconciliation.
Spend your final night at The Retreat Kigali, a luxury boutique hotel combining Italian-inspired design with Rwandan craftsmanship, offering a peaceful and elegant atmosphere.
Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: The Retreat Kigali
Day 14: Departure – Farewell to Rwanda
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Rwanda before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Carry home unforgettable memories of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and the incredible landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda.
End of the 14 Days Primates & Wildlife Safari | Uganda and Rwanda