Uganda & Rwanda · 8 days

8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari

Golden monkeys in Rwanda, gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale and the savanna of Queen Elizabeth in between.

Duration: 8 days
Starts: Kigali
Ends: Entebbe
Country: Uganda & Rwanda

Overview

The great primate trip, crossing between two countries. You fly into Kigali and track golden monkeys in the Virungas, cross into Uganda to trek gorillas in Bwindi on the lower-cost Ugandan permit, then head north through Queen Elizabeth to the chimpanzees of Kibale, flying home from Entebbe.

Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, on Uganda's $800 permit
Tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Airport pickup and the drive north to Musanze, with the Genocide Memorial if time allows.
Approx. 110km, 2.5 hours
Lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 2
Golden monkey tracking
A morning with the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, then a cultural visit or the hike to Dian Fossey's grave.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 3
Volcanoes to Bwindi via Cyanika
A short drive to the Cyanika border and on to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
Approx. 3 hours plus the border crossing
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 4
Gorilla trekking
A full day in the forest to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 5
Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth via Ishasha
North through Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing lions.
Approx. 200km, 4-5 hours
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 6
Kazinga Channel & on to Kibale
A morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, then north past the crater lakes to Kibale.
Approx. 150km, 3 hours
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Luxury: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort
Day 7
Chimpanzee tracking & Bigodi Wetland
Track chimpanzees in the morning and walk Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Luxury: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort
Day 8
Kibale to Entebbe
East to Entebbe via Fort Portal for your flight home.
Approx. 320km, 6 hours
Breakfast and lunch
End of safari

This is a sample route. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap lodges, change the pace or fly instead of drive on the longest legs. Lodges are confirmed when we book, subject to availability.

What’s included

Gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey and rhino tracking permits for the activities in your itinerary, booked in advance
Park entrance fees
All game drives
Boat cruises
Accommodation and meals as listed for each day
Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
Full-time English-speaking driver-guide
Airport or border pickup and drop-off
Drinking water in the vehicle
All government taxes

Not included

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Visa fees
International flight tickets
Personal and medical insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, tips and laundry

Good to know

Gorilla trekkers must be 15 or older and reasonably fit. Gorilla trekking guide
This trip crosses between Uganda and Rwanda, so the East Africa Tourist Visa is usually the simplest option, and you will need a yellow fever certificate. Visas and entry
The dry seasons (June to September, December to February) are best for trekking and game drives, but this safari runs all year. When to go
What to pack and frequently asked questions