Safari Overview

Uganda & Rwanda

Experience the ultimate primate odyssey with this 5-day Uganda and Rwanda cross-border safari. This intricately crafted journey begins in the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale Forest, for an encounter with lively chimpanzees, before winding through the ancient mist of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet the majestic Mountain Gorillas.

The adventure continues across the border into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for a vibrant encounter with the endangered Golden Monkeys. Conclude your journey in the clean, rolling streets of Kigali, where you will immerse yourself in the resilient culture and history of Rwanda.

 

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to the lush crater lake region of Kibale Forest.
• Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and a community walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
• Day 3: Scenic drive to Bwindi Forest followed by an authentic Batwa Cultural Experience.
• Day 4: Life-changing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and crossing the border to Rwanda.
• Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and a Kigali City Tour.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

Your safari guide will meet you in Kampala for a scenic drive westwards. Kibale Forest is world-renowned for its 13 primate species and stunning volcanic crater lakes.

Travel Note: This drive takes approximately 5 hours. We include a stopover in Fort Portal for lunch, allowing you to enjoy the view of the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori) before checking into your forest lodge.

• Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (Up-Market) / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range)
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Enter the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing before heading into the jungle to find the habituated chimpanzees. After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run birding paradise where you can spot the Great Blue Turaco and eight different primate species.

• Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge (Up-Market) / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Culture

Head south toward Bwindi, Africa’s oldest rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel Note: This 6-hour journey takes you through the Little Switzerland of Africa. To ensure comfort, we stop for scenic photography and lunch along the route. Upon arrival, visit the Batwa Cultural Village to learn the ancient fire-making and forest survival skills of the first people of the forest.

• Accommodation: Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up-Market) / Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Rwanda

The highlight of your trip begins with an early briefing. You will trek through dense vegetation to spend one hour with a Mountain Gorilla family. Afterward, drive across the border into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Up-Market) / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking & Kigali City Tour

Track the rare, orange-coated Golden Monkeys in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Following the trek, transfer to Kigali for a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a city tour before your departure.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is included)	Exclusions (What is NOT included)
Permits	Gorilla Permit & Chimpanzee Permit	Golden Monkey Permit (Can be added)
Transport	4×4 Safari Land Cruiser & Airport Transfers	International Flights & Visa Fees
Activities	Bigodi Walk, Batwa Visit, Kigali City Tour	Porter fees for trekking
Accommodation	All nights with meals as per the itinerary	Personal Travel Insurance
Staff	Professional English-speaking Guide	Tips and Gratuities for guides/staff
Government	All Park Entrance Fees & Taxes	Telephone, Laundry, & Mini-bar
Refreshments	Bottled Drinking Water in a vehicle	Alcoholic & extra soft drinks

 

Safari Quotation (Per Person)

The rates below are estimates based on group size and accommodation tier.

Tier	Group Size	Price Per Person (USD)
Up-Market (Luxury)	2 – 4 People	$5,150
Mid-Range	2 – 4 People	$3,600

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Uganda (Kibale & Bwindi) and Rwanda (Volcanoes & Kigali).
• Key Species: Chimpanzees, Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys.
• Activity Level: High (Requires trekking in steep, humid forest environments).
• Border Info: An East African Tourist Visa is recommended for this cross-border route.
• Conservation Impact: Your visit directly supports the UWA and RDB conservation and community initiatives.

 

 

Exceptional Best 6 Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda and Rwanda