Two Countries • Three Great Apes • The Big Game • One Extraordinary African Adventure
The Ultimate East African Safari for Wildlife Lovers
There are safaris—and then there are journeys that stay with you forever.
Imagine standing face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the mist-covered forests of Rwanda, tracking playful golden monkeys through ancient bamboo forests, encountering another gorilla family deep inside Uganda’s legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, watching lions hunt across the African savannah, cruising alongside hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel, and listening to wild chimpanzees echo through Kibale Forest.
This 9-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari is one of East Africa’s most complete wildlife adventures, carefully crafted for travelers seeking more than just a holiday. It is an immersive journey through two remarkable countries, combining world-class primate experiences with unforgettable game viewing and breathtaking landscapes.
From Rwanda’s spectacular Virunga Volcanoes to Uganda’s ancient rainforests and wildlife-rich savannahs, every day reveals another extraordinary chapter of Africa’s greatest story. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, fulfilling a lifelong dream, or searching for the ultimate safari, this exceptional itinerary delivers memories that will last a lifetime.
Safari Highlights
- Warm airport welcome in Kigali
- Guided Kigali City Tour and cultural experience
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Golden Monkey Tracking in the Virunga Mountains
- Scenic cross-border journey into Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Search for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
- Classic wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Flexible departure from Kampala or Entebbe
Your Safari Journey
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your unforgettable African adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our professional safari guide will warmly welcome you. Before leaving the city, discover Rwanda’s inspiring story during a guided Kigali City Tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore vibrant craft markets, and experience the remarkable culture and resilience that have transformed Rwanda into one of Africa’s most admired destinations.
Later, travel through the breathtaking “Land of a Thousand Hills” toward Volcanoes National Park, where rolling green landscapes gradually give way to the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes. As evening falls, settle into your lodge surrounded by misty mountain scenery while anticipating tomorrow’s life-changing gorilla encounter.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- Kinigi Guest House
- Muhabura Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – An Encounter beyond Words
Today is one of the most extraordinary days of your life. Following breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the lush rainforest beneath the towering Virunga Volcanoes. Accompanied by expert trackers, you’ll hike through bamboo forests, giant ferns, and dense vegetation while following fresh signs left by one of the park’s habituated gorilla families.
Then everything changes.Standing only a few metres from wild mountain gorillas is an experience that cannot truly be described but only felt. Watch a mighty silverback quietly protect his family while playful youngsters tumble through the undergrowth and mothers gently nurture their infants. For one unforgettable hour, time seems to stand still. Few wildlife experiences anywhere in the world compare with this remarkable privilege.
Return to your lodge inspired, humbled, and forever changed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Discover Rwanda’s Hidden Gem
This morning introduces another of Rwanda’s remarkable primates. After breakfast, venture back into Volcanoes National Park to track the rare and endangered Golden Monkeys, known for their striking golden-orange coats and boundless energy. Unlike gorillas, these charismatic primates dart effortlessly through the bamboo forest, creating exciting moments for wildlife photography and observation. Their playful personalities and vibrant colors provide an entirely different rainforest experience, perfectly complementing yesterday’s gorilla trek. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge while enjoying magnificent views of the Virunga Mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Cross into Uganda – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following breakfast, your adventure continues into neighbouring Uganda.
Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes before entering the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The journey itself is unforgettable, winding through picturesque villages, rolling hills, terraced farms, and breath-taking valleys that showcase East Africa’s natural beauty.
Upon arrival, relax at your forest lodge and prepare for another extraordinary gorilla experience.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Gorilla Forest Camp
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
Mid-range
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Bwindi View Bandas
- Nkuringo Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Into Africa’s Ancient Rainforest
Today offers a completely different gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi’s ancient rainforest is older, denser, and more rugged than the volcanic forests of Rwanda, making every step an authentic African adventure. Guided by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll follow hidden forest trails beneath towering trees alive with birdsong, butterflies, and remarkable biodiversity. The anticipation grows with every footprint discovered.
Then, deep within the forest, you’ll once again come face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas. Observe their social interactions, gentle behaviors, and remarkable intelligence while spending one unforgettable hour in their natural home. Having trekked gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda, you’ll appreciate the unique beauty each destination offers. Return to your lodge with memories that few travelers ever experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park & The Legendary Tree-Climbing Lions
Leave the rainforest behind as your safari transitions into Uganda’s spectacular savannah. You will drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, one of the only places on Earth where lions regularly climb giant fig trees. Watch for these magnificent predators resting high above the grasslands while elephants, buffaloes, topi, and antelopes roam below. Continue into Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, where sweeping plains, crater lakes, wetlands, and forests create one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Then spend the evening relaxing at your safari lodge overlooking the wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
Mid-range
- Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
- Albertine Safari Camp
Budget
- Simba Safari Camp
- Mweya Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Big Game Safari, Kazinga Channel Cruise & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Rise early for an exhilarating sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. This is the best time to search for lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, and numerous other wildlife species. After breakfast, experience one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife activities—the famous Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
Cruise among enormous pods of hippos while Nile crocodiles bask along the shoreline and elephants gather to drink just metres from your boat. Bird lovers will delight in the incredible diversity of kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, herons, and countless other species. Later, continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, Africa’s primate capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Today introduces Africa’s closest living relatives. After breakfast, meet experienced park rangers before entering Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Long before you see them, you’ll hear them. Their powerful calls echo through the forest canopy as your guides follow their movements. Then suddenly, the forest comes alive.
Watch chimpanzees feeding, grooming, communicating, climbing effortlessly through towering trees, and interacting with remarkable intelligence. Kibale is home to one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations, making this one of the continent’s finest primate experiences. Together with gorillas and golden monkeys, today’s adventure completes an extraordinary primate trilogy found nowhere else.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Depending on your travel arrangements, you’ll be transferred either to Kampala or directly to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
As your journey comes to an end, you’ll leave East Africa with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, playful golden monkeys, wild chimpanzees, iconic African wildlife, and the breath-taking landscapes that make Uganda and Rwanda among Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up in Kigali
- Airport drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the journey
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Eight nights’ accommodation
- Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
- Golden Monkey Tracking Permit
- Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- All park entrance fees
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees where applicable
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Why Choose This Safari?
This safari is designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of East Africa in one seamless adventure. Rather than choosing between Rwanda or Uganda—or between primates and classic wildlife—you’ll enjoy all of them in a single expertly planned itinerary.
From the misty forests where endangered mountain gorillas roam to the open savannahs filled with elephants, lions, buffaloes, and hippos, every day brings a new and unforgettable encounter. Guided by experienced professionals, staying in carefully selected lodges, and supported every step of the way, you’ll experience Africa with comfort, authenticity, and confidence.
This isn’t just another safari—it’s a rare opportunity to witness three of the world’s most iconic primates, explore two extraordinary countries, and create memories that will inspire you for a lifetime.