6 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari to Gorillas and Chimps
This 6 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari to Gorillas and Chimps starts and ends in Kigali-Rwanda. It will take you to Rwanda and Uganda covering three national parks; Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. You will trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, you will be involved in different activities such as boat cruises, Gorilla treks, Chimpanzee treks, Game drives, and nature walks among others. Isn't this a great combination?
The Rwanda Uganda Safari experience begins in Rwanda's vibrant capital, Kigali, before heading to the mist-shrouded slopes of Volcanoes National Park to track golden monkeys in their natural habitat. As you cross into Uganda, the adventure intensifies with close encounters with the gentle giants of Bwindi and the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a perfect blend of primate tracking and classic safari experiences.
Throughout this Rwanda Uganda Safari, you'll be accompanied by expert guides whose knowledge enhances every wildlife encounter, while comfortable accommodations in strategic locations ensure you're perfectly positioned for each day's adventures. From the bamboo forests of Rwanda to Uganda's savannahs and gorges, this journey showcases the remarkable biodiversity and natural beauty that makes this region one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
Tour highlights
Comprehensive Kigali city tour including the moving Genocide Memorial
Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
An up-close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions
Boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel
Chimpanzee tracking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge
Cultural interactions with local communities
Breathtaking landscapes from volcanic mountains to savannah plains
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- All Park entrance fees
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during the safari
- Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
- All mentioned activities except for optional ones
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan and Ugandan Visas
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry fees
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages apart from water
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your Rwanda Uganda Safari begins with a comprehensive tour of Kigali, including the sobering Genocide Memorial and vibrant Capalaki Craft Market, offering insights into Rwanda's history and culture. The Rwanda Uganda Safari continues with a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest through terraced hillsides to Volcanoes National Park, known locally as "Parc National des Volcans," covering approximately 116 kilometers. Your evening on this Rwanda Uganda Safari includes settling into your comfortable lodge near the park entrance, with dinner featuring local Rwandan cuisine and stunning views of the volcanic peaks.
- Day2Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your Rwanda Uganda Safari adventure begins early with a 7:00 AM briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters before tracking the playful golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) through bamboo forests. This Rwanda Uganda Safari Day continues with a 4-hour (approximately 180 km) border crossing journey through the "Switzerland of Africa" to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing scenic Echuya Forest Reserve. The final leg of today's Rwanda Uganda Safari takes you to your lodge in one of Bwindi's sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo), where you'll prepare for tomorrow's gorilla encounter while enjoying dinner under the stars.
- Day3Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of your Rwanda Uganda Safari arrives with an early start and 8:00 AM briefing at the park headquarters before venturing into the ancient forest to track one of Bwindi's habituated gorilla families. Your Rwanda Uganda Safari experience today includes trekking through dense vegetation for 1-6 hours until reaching these gentle giants, where you'll spend an hour observing their fascinating behaviors and family dynamics. After this life-changing Rwanda Uganda Safari encounter, you'll trek back to your vehicle and return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest, recounting your gorilla experience over dinner.
- Day4Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today your Rwanda Uganda Safari transitions from mountains to savannah with a scenic 4–5-hour drive (approximately 170 km) to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the "Kigezi Highlands" and small villages. The Rwanda Uganda Safari journey takes you to the park's Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions that drape themselves over fig tree branches during hot afternoons. This section of your Rwanda Uganda Safari includes an afternoon game drive seeking these unique lions, along with buffalo herds and the Uganda kob antelopes that frequent this southern region of "Parc Elizabeth," as it's known locally.
- Day5Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Your Rwanda Uganda Safari continues with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth's northern sector (Kasenyi Plains or Mweya Peninsula), departing at 6:30 AM to maximize wildlife sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. The afternoon Rwanda Uganda Safari activity features a 2-hour boat cruise along the 40-kilometer Kazinga Channel ("Omwiga" in local dialect), offering exceptional viewing of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to drink. Your Rwanda Uganda Safari Day concludes with dinner at your lodge overlooking the savannah, where distant elephant trumpets and lion roars might serve as your evening soundtrack.
- Day6Kyambura Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
The final day of your Rwanda Uganda Safari begins with an early morning chimpanzee tracking experience in Kyambura Gorge ("Valley of Apes"), a 100-meter-deep forested ravine that cuts through the savannah. After your Rwanda Uganda Safari chimp encounter, you'll enjoy lunch before beginning the approximate 6-hour (320 km) journey back to Kigali, crossing at the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. Your memorable Rwanda Uganda Safari concludes with drop-off at your Kigali hotel or the airport, carrying with your incredible memories of close encounters with our primate relatives and the diverse landscapes of these two remarkable countries.