6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari – Double Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Adventure
Discover East Africa’s Greatest Primate Safari Experience
Step into the heart of Africa’s most spectacular rainforests on an unforgettable 6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari, an extraordinary journey that combines two gorilla trekking experiences with an exciting golden monkey tracking adventure across two of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
This carefully crafted cross-border safari takes you deep into the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda before crossing into Uganda’s legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allowing you to experience mountain gorillas in two completely different habitats. Along the way, you’ll also encounter the playful and endangered golden monkeys, explore breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the remarkable beauty of the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and the lush forests of southwestern Uganda.
Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and discerning travelers, this safari offers one of the most complete primate experiences available anywhere in Africa.
Safari Highlights
- Two unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda
- Track the rare and endangered Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
- Explore two world-renowned UNESCO gorilla destinations
- Scenic cross-border journey through Rwanda and Uganda
- Optional Kigali City Tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Kigezi Highlands
- Expert English-speaking professional safari guide
- Flexible safari ending in Kigali or Kampala
- Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities throughout the journey
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your unforgettable African primate adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our professional safari guide will warmly welcomes you to Rwanda.
If your arrival time allows, discover one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals during a guided Kigali City Tour. Visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse colourful local craft markets, and experience Rwanda’s remarkable transformation and rich cultural heritage. Later, journey north through Rwanda’s breath-taking countryside. Rolling green hills, picturesque villages, and magnificent volcanic peaks accompany you as you travel toward the famous Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. After checking into your lodge, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-range
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Budget
- Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – A Life-Changing Wildlife Encounter
Today brings one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Following an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers before setting off into the lush rainforest beneath the towering Virunga Volcanoes. Your trek winds through bamboo forests, giant ferns, and ancient vegetation while expert trackers follow fresh gorilla signs left behind during the night.
Every step builds anticipation.Then comes the unforgettable moment—standing just a few meters away from a family of wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.Observe the majestic silverback as he calmly watches over his family, mothers gently caring for their infants, and curious young gorillas tumbling through the forest with playful energy. You’ll spend one magical hour in their presence—an emotional experience that few wildlife encounters on Earth can rival. Return to your lodge filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Discover Rwanda’s Hidden Primate Treasure
After yesterday’s incredible gorilla adventure, today introduces another fascinating resident of the Virunga Mountains. Following breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey Tracking experience.Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are energetic, playful, and constantly on the move. Their brilliant golden-orange coats shine beautifully against the emerald bamboo forest, creating exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.Watch them leap effortlessly through the treetops, forage for bamboo shoots, groom one another, and interact with remarkable agility.This unique experience perfectly complements gorilla trekking, giving you the opportunity to encounter two of Africa’s rarest primate species in one destination,Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Cross-Border Journey to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to Rwanda as your safari continues across the border into Uganda.Travel through breathtaking mountain scenery before entering the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s oldest surviving tropical rainforests and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic views of terraced hillsides, traditional villages, dense forests, and dramatic valleys that showcase the natural beauty of East Africa. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the sounds of the ancient rainforest.
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Gorilla Forest Camp
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
Mid-range
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Gorilla Mist Camp
- Gorilla Safari Lodge
Budget
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Bwindi View Bandas
- Nkuringo Campsite
- Nkuringo Safari Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today offers a completely different gorilla trekking experience. After breakfast, join experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers for a detailed briefing before entering the dense rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. Unlike the volcanic forests of Rwanda, Bwindi’s ancient jungle offers a more adventurous trekking environment filled with towering hardwood trees, thick vines, waterfalls, orchids, butterflies, and extraordinary biodiversity. Every trek is unique, with search times ranging from two to eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
The reward is beyond words.Spend one precious hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, interact, groom, nurture their young, and communicate through subtle gestures and vocalizations.Having experienced gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda, you’ll appreciate the unique landscapes, trekking styles, and unforgettable memories each destination provides.
If time allows after your trek, choose an optional guided forest walk to the Munyanga River Trail or enjoy a cultural visit to a nearby local community for a deeper insight into life around Bwindi.You will return to your lodge for your final evening in the rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Rwanda, crossing the Uganda-Rwanda border before continuing to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
As your safari comes to an end, you’ll leave East Africa with unforgettable memories, incredible photographs, and the rare privilege of having encountered mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, alongside the enchanting golden monkeys of the Virunga Mountains.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the tour
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Five nights’ accommodation
- Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All scheduled road transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Government taxes and park entry fees where applicable
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda and Uganda visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Why Choose This Safari?
This is more than a holiday—it’s an extraordinary journey into the heart of East Africa’s most celebrated primate habitats. By combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda, golden monkey tracking, and a second gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, this safari delivers exceptional value, unmatched diversity, and memories that will stay with you forever.
Whether you’re ticking off a lifelong bucket-list dream or seeking Africa’s ultimate primate adventure, this carefully designed safari offers an experience unlike any other.