5 Day Rwanda Uganda Primate Safari Circuit from Volcanoes to Kibale
This 5-day Rwanda Uganda primate safari covers golden monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees across Volcanoes, Bwindi, and Kibale. Each day is planned for efficient travel and strong wildlife focus. Ideal for travelers seeking primate tracking with clear logistics and varied forest settings.
Dive into a focused Rwanda Uganda primate safari designed for travelers who want to track golden monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees across two countries in just five days. The itinerary begins in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with a golden monkey trek and optional cultural or conservation activities. From there, it moves across the border to Ugandaa’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, followed by a transfer to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Each day is structured to minimize downtime and maximize access to primate habitats, with reliable guides and well-placed lodges supporting early starts and smooth transitions.
This Rwanda Uganda primate safari also includes optional crater lake visits or cultural tours near Kibale, offering light activity and local insight before returning to Kigali for departure. The route is practical for travelers who want to cover key primate regions without long detours or rushed schedules. Border crossings are timed to avoid delays, and accommodations are selected for proximity to park entrances and comfort after active mornings. Whether you’re planning a short wildlife-focused trip or adding this circuit to a longer East African itinerary, the Rwanda Uganda primate safari delivers strong value and clear logistics for primate-focused travel
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Volcanoes
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Proceed to Kibale National Park
Day 4: Chimps Trekking with Crater Lakes or Cultural Tour
Day 5: Return to Kigali for Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Park entrance fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as per the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during drives
- Full board accommodation at specified lodges
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda and Uganda Visas (available on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Volcanoes
Start your Rwanda Uganda primate safari with arrival at Kigali International Airport, followed by a transfer to Volcanoes National Park in the north. The drive takes about three hours and offers a chance to settle in before the next day’s activities. Depending on arrival time, you can relax at the lodge or take a short walk around the area. This first day of your Rwanda Uganda primate safari focuses on getting you close to the park so you’re ready for early starts and smoother logistics. Lodges near Volcanoes offer warm meals, quiet settings, and easy access to the park headquarters
- Day2Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Begin day two of your Rwanda Uganda primate safari with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates live in bamboo forests and are usually found within a short hike. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before transferring across the border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Ugandaa. The drive includes border formalities and takes several hours, so keep documents ready and plan for a late arrival. This day of your Rwanda Uganda primate safari combines light trekking with cross-border travel, making it important to stay organized and well-rested for the next day’s gorilla trek
- Day3Gorilla Trekking and Proceed to Kibale National Park
Start early for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a key highlight of the Rwanda Uganda primate safari. After a briefing, join your guide to locate one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can be short or long depending on their location, so wear proper boots and carry water. After the experience, return to the lodge for lunch and begin the drive to Kibale National Park. This transfer may take up to six hours, so plan for a late check-in. This day of the Rwanda Uganda primate safari is active and long, but it covers two major primate regions in one schedule
- Day4Chimps Trekking with Crater Lakes or Cultural Tour
Day four of the Rwanda Uganda primate safari starts with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Guides lead you through the forest to locate active groups, often heard before seen. After the trek, choose between visiting the nearby crater lakes or joining a cultural tour in the surrounding villages. Both options offer light activity and insight into the region. This part of the Rwanda Uganda primate safari is ideal for travelers who want to balance wildlife with local experiences. Lodges near Kibale provide quiet settings and good food, helping you recharge before the return to Rwanda
- Day5Return to Kigali for Departure
Wrap up the Rwanda Uganda primate safari with a morning drive back to Kigali. The route passes through southwestern Uganda and includes border crossing, so keep documents ready and allow enough time for delays. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or visit a local market before heading to the airport. This final day of the Rwanda Uganda primate safari focuses on logistics and comfort, ensuring you reach Kigali in time for departure. It’s a practical end to a compact itinerary that covers golden monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, and cultural highlights across two countries