Overview
Discover the highlights of East Africa on this unforgettable 7-day Rwanda and Uganda safari. Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda, track the rare golden monkeys in Rwanda, enjoy exciting wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and encounter chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat. Designed for travelers looking to experience the region’s iconic primates and diverse wildlife in just one week, this safari delivers an incredible blend of adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery. Optional transfer arrangements can be provided upon request.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges.
- Private tour: This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized: You can request changes to this tour.
- Suitable for solo travelers: Solo travelers can book this private tour.
- Minimum age of 15 years: The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Itinerary
Your driver-guide will warmly receive you and take you on a transfer to Ruhengeri, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes approximately two hours, offering scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills along the way. There will be several opportunities to stop for photos or restroom breaks.
Before departing Kigali, you may choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a deeper understanding of the country’s history.
Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)
Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll wake up to an early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. Later, you'll proceed for Golden Monkey tracking activity on the bamboo slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda usually lasts a few hours (2 to 6). From the trek, you'll have lunch and drive to Uganda via Cyanika border proceeding to Bwindi impenetrable National Park arriving late in the afternoon.
Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After enjoying an early breakfast, you'll report to the park headquarters for a vital briefing and allocation of the gorilla family before you set off gorilla trekking. You'll enter the forest trekking through the steep, densely forested hills. Finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi Forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day.
Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, you'll enjoy a game drive through the Ishasha sector, famously known for its tree-climbing lions. After the drive, you’ll proceed to your lodge for some rest. Along the way, you may spot a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, antelopes, and a wide array of bird species.
Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
The Bush Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll enjoy breakfast and then proceed for the morning game drive within the park. You'll get a chance to view many animal species that you would have missed on the previous game drives. You'll return to the lodge and enjoy lunch as you prepare for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Later, you'll return to the lodge and rest for the evening.
Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
The Bush Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll start your day with a hearty breakfast before continuing your journey to Kibale National Park, renowned for having the highest density of primates in Uganda. In the afternoon, you'll embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in what is often referred to as the Primate Capital of the World. The trek typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours.
Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
Bweza Kibale Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You may start your day with optional morning activities such as the Bigodi Swamp Walk or the Bigodi Cultural Tour. After the activities, you will begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, where your memorable trip concludes.
Main Destination:
Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
FAQs
The 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure includes accommodation, meals as outlined in the itinerary, private transportation, park entrance fees, gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, game drives, and the services of a professional English-speaking guide.
The 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure gives you the opportunity to encounter three of East Africa’s most remarkable primates: mountain gorillas in Uganda, chimpanzees in the forest, and the endangered golden monkeys in Rwanda.
The 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure typically includes visits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, offering a mix of primate encounters and classic African wildlife safaris.
In addition to gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, the 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, and a wide variety of bird species.
The best time to enjoy the 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing conditions are excellent.
Yes. The 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Adventure is ideal for first-time visitors, combining unforgettable gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey encounters, and traditional wildlife safaris into one well-balanced East African experience.
