The Ultimate East African Adventure – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Game & Unforgettable Landscapes
Experience Africa’s Greatest Primate Safari Across Two Extraordinary Countries
Imagine standing face to face with a majestic mountain gorilla in the mist-covered forests of Rwanda, listening to the echoing calls of wild chimpanzees deep within Uganda’s ancient rainforest, cruising alongside giant pods of hippos on the Kazinga Channel, and watching elephants, lions, buffaloes, and tree-climbing lions roam the African wilderness.
Our 12-Day Rwanda Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari is more than a holiday—it’s an extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Carefully designed for discerning travellers, this immersive cross-border safari combines the best of Rwanda’s volcanic forests with Uganda’s lush rainforests, spectacular lakes, and iconic savannah parks.
This unforgettable itinerary gives you the rare opportunity to experience mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, thrilling game drives, scenic boat cruises, rich cultural encounters, and breath-taking landscapes—all within one seamless adventure.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, honeymooner, or first-time safari traveller, this journey promises life-changing encounters, exceptional comfort, and memories that will stay with you forever.
Safari Highlights
- Experience mountain gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda
- Track wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s renowned Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge
- Optional Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Tomb Hike in Volcanoes National Park
- Explore the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bunyonyi by traditional canoe
- Discover the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
- Enjoy spectacular game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel
- Visit the award-winning Bigodi Community and Wetland Sanctuary
- Travel through two of East Africa’s most beautiful countries with an experienced professional guide
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Arrival in Kigali & Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your East African adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your professional safari guide will warmly welcome you. Depending on your arrival time, discover one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals during a guided Kigali city tour. Visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse colorful craft markets, and gain insight into Rwanda’s inspiring journey and rich cultural heritage.
Leaving the city behind, journey through Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills toward Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive introduces you to the country’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where emerald-green landscapes stretch endlessly across the horizon. Arrive at your lodge surrounded by towering volcanoes and lush forests—the perfect setting for the remarkable days ahead.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range
- Gorilla Nest Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- Muhabura Lodge
- Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Experience
Today brings one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing before entering the legendary forests of Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by expert ranger guides, trek through bamboo forests and mist-covered mountain slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.Every step builds anticipation,then comes the magical moment.
Standing just a few metres from a peaceful gorilla family is an emotional experience unlike any other. Watch silverbacks protect their families, mothers gently care for their young, and playful juveniles tumble through the forest with boundless curiosity. You’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge.
If time allows, enjoy a visit to a nearby community, where you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of how conservation and local livelihoods work hand in hand to protect these remarkable forests.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Choose Your Adventure – Dian Fossey Hike or Golden Monkey Trekking
Today offers two exceptional experiences, allowing you to tailor your safari to your interests.
History and conservation enthusiasts may choose the inspiring hike to the former Karisoke Research Centre, where legendary primatologist Dian Fossey dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. Walking through bamboo forests to her final resting place offers powerful insight into one of Africa’s greatest conservation stories.
Alternatively, embark on an exciting Golden Monkey Trek. These endangered primates are renowned for their vibrant golden-orange coats, playful personalities, and remarkable agility as they leap effortlessly through the bamboo forest. Whichever experience you choose, today deepens your connection with Rwanda’s extraordinary wildlife and conservation heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Cross into Uganda – Lake Bunyonyi Escape
After breakfast, continue your journey into Uganda, crossing the border into the spectacular Kigezi Highlands. Your destination is the breath-taking Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 picturesque islands, its tranquil waters offer the perfect contrast to the excitement of gorilla trekking.
Enjoy a peaceful canoe excursion across the lake, discover fascinating island legends, observe abundant birdlife, and soak in one of East Africa’s most peaceful natural settings.
Overnight: Arcadia Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This morning, travel deeper into south-western Uganda toward the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Known as one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforests and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is one of Africa’s greatest natural treasures. Arrive at your forest lodge where the sounds of birds and distant waterfalls create an atmosphere of complete tranquility as you prepare for tomorrow’s extraordinary encounter.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range
- Gorilla Safari Lodge
Budget
- Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
Today’s adventure takes you deep into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. Led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority trackers, you’ll navigate dense jungle, winding trails, towering trees, and hidden valleys in search of another remarkable gorilla family. Every trek is different, making every encounter completely unique. Once located, you’ll spend one magical hour quietly observing these gentle giants in their natural environment—an experience many travelers describe as the highlight of their lives. Return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this extraordinary privilege.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 7 & 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Big Game Safari & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Leave the rainforest behind as the landscape transforms into sweeping savannah plains and volcanic crater lakes. Travel through the famous Ishasha Sector, where you’ll search for the park’s legendary tree-climbing lions resting in giant fig trees. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserve.
Enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where enormous pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species gather along the shoreline. The following day, explore the Kasenyi Plains during thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, Uganda kob, warthogs, and many other remarkable wildlife species.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Jacana Safari Lodge
Mid-range
- Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
- Albertine Safari Camp
Budget
- Simba Safari Camp
- Mweya Hostels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Kyambura Gorge – Chimpanzee Tracking
Today’s adventure introduces another of Africa’s great apes. Explore the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” where a unique population of habituated chimpanzees lives beneath a lush tropical forest canopy. Listen as their energetic calls echo through the gorge before witnessing these intelligent primates swinging effortlessly through the trees.Return to your lodge after another unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Travel north toward Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the Primate Capital of East Africa. Home to 13 different primate species, Kibale offers one of Africa’s finest rainforest experiences. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge or enjoying the beautiful forest surroundings before tomorrow’s chimpanzee adventure.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Ndali Lodge
- Primate Lodge Kibale
Mid-range
- Mountains of the Moon Hotel
- Rwenzori View Guest House
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Budget
- Kanyanchu Ecological Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Community Experience
Wake to the sounds of the rainforest before setting out with experienced rangers to track Kibale’s famous chimpanzees. Watching these intelligent primates communicate, forage, groom, and interact in the wild is a fascinating experience that perfectly complements your gorilla encounters earlier in the safari. Later, visit the award-winning Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Community Project, where you’ll enjoy an authentic cultural experience while supporting local conservation initiatives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Return to Entebbe – Farewell to East Africa
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the historic Nakayima Tree, an important cultural and spiritual landmark in central Uganda.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of two incredible countries, remarkable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and experiences that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up in Kigali and airport drop-off in Entebbe
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the journey
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation for 11 nights
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Park entrance fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion
- Bigodi community visit
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda and Uganda 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 carefully crafted 12-day adventure offers the most complete primate and wildlife experience in East Africa. From the misty mountains of Rwanda to Uganda’s ancient rainforests and iconic savannahs, every day reveals a new wonder. With two unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, chimpanzee encounters, thrilling game drives, scenic boat cruises, and meaningful cultural interactions, this journey goes beyond sightseeing to create lasting connections with Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and people.
Travel with experienced guides, stay in handpicked lodges, and enjoy a seamless cross-border safari designed to deliver comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable memories from start to finish.
Your extraordinary African adventure begins here. Book today and experience the very best of Rwanda and Uganda in one remarkable journey.