This 11-day journey combines the very best of Uganda’s jungles and Rwanda’s volcanic highlands for an unforgettable primate and wildlife safari. Begin in Kibale Forest, home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa, and trek to meet wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic savannah game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and prolific birdlife gather in large numbers. Journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the ultimate experience—trekking to see the rare and endangered mountain gorillas, a true once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Crossing into Rwanda, explore Volcanoes National Park with its mist-covered peaks, trek for golden monkeys, and once more meet the mountain gorillas in a different setting. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, from crater lakes and rolling tea plantations to Rwanda’s famed thousand hills, before ending in Kigali with a moving city tour and a visit to the Genocide Memorial. This is a safari that combines adventure, wildlife, culture, and history in the heart of Africa.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. Relax after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel No.5 (High-end)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale National Park (Approx. 5 hours drive)
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive through papyrus swamps and lush countryside, with lunch en route, arriving in Kibale National Park in the afternoon. Later, enjoy a guided walk in the crater lakes region, where you will encounter cultural sites and enjoy spectacular views.
Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Walk
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kibale headquarters for a briefing before setting off on a chimpanzee trekking experience. This forest walk also reveals other primates such as red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as fascinating flora and small forest creatures.
In the afternoon, enjoy a community-led walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to diverse primates, birdlife, and local women’s craft projects that support conservation efforts.
Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 3 hours drive)
Start the day with a short visit to the Nyakasura Falls near Fort Portal, then continue south into Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy wildlife sightings en route as you approach the park.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early for a dawn game drive in Uganda’s most popular park, famous for elephants, Uganda kob, lions, leopards, and the giant forest hog. Bird lovers will be delighted with over 600 recorded species.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes Edward and George, known for its large populations of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and incredible birdlife.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Approx. 6 hours drive)
Today’s journey takes you through some of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, with stops at Maramagambo Forest (Bat Cave) or Kyambura Gorge. Continue to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, before driving on through tea plantations into the dense rainforest of Bwindi.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural walk to meet local communities living around the park.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure at 8:00 am. Trek through dense jungle to meet one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on the group’s location, but the reward of spending an hour in their presence is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Bwindi – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Approx. 5 hours drive)
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda via the scenic highlands, passing through Ruhengeri and the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon, with time to relax at your lodge.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Depart early for the park headquarters, where you will be assigned to a gorilla family and meet your ranger guides. After a briefing, set out on your second gorilla trek, this time in Rwanda’s volcanic slopes. This offers a different environment and another unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Overnight: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali (Approx. 2.5 hours drive)
In the morning, trek into the forest once more—this time in search of the playful golden monkeys. After lunch in Ruhengeri, transfer back to Kigali, enjoying Rwanda’s stunning “thousand hills” scenery en route.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel (High-end)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Kigali City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Gorilla permits in Uganda & Rwanda (pre-booked & secured in advance)
- Bigodi community walk
- Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth & Ishasha sector
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial
- Visit to Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)
- AMREF Emergency Evacuation medical insurance
- International airfares
- Visa fees for Uganda & Rwanda
- Travel & medical insurance
- Tips & porter fees
- Laundry & personal expenses
- Soft & alcoholic beverages
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Optional tours & activities not listed above