8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primates Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali

Our 8-day Uganda & Rwanda primates safari begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city, explore local markets, sample Rwandan cuisine or visit cultural and historical sites. Prepare for an unforgettable primate adventure featuring mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. This 8-day Uganda & Rwanda primates safari combines unforgettable primate encounters with opportunities to discover the natural beauty and culture of both countries.

Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.

Meals: Depending on your arrival time and safari package selected.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kigali, Rwanda. Your accommodation will depend on your chosen safari category, whether budget, midrange or luxury.

Day 2 – Volcanoes National Park

Travel towards Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, passing through scenic countryside, rolling hills and rural communities. As you approach the Virunga foothills, enjoy views of the dramatic volcanic landscape that makes this region one of East Africa’s most remarkable natural destinations.

Depending on your arrival time and safari arrangements, you may have an opportunity to relax at your lodge or enjoy an optional local cultural experience before the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Meals: According to your selected safari package and arrival schedule.

Accommodation: Overnight near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Day 3 – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Mgahinga

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. Afterwards, venture into the bamboo and montane forests of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Accompanied by experienced rangers, follow forest trails through beautiful mountain scenery until you encounter these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Once you find the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe their behaviour, family interactions and daily activities for the permitted viewing period. Trekking duration and difficulty vary depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain, so sturdy hiking boots, suitable clothing and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

After your gorilla trekking experience, prepare for the journey towards Uganda. Travel to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area, located on the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains. The journey takes you through scenic highland landscapes towards your next primate adventure.

Meals: According to your selected safari package.

Accommodation: Overnight near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda, according to your chosen safari category.

Day 4 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a golden monkey tracking adventure. Accompanied by experienced park guides, explore the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains in search of the endangered golden monkeys, known for their striking golden-orange fur and lively behaviour. Observe these fascinating primates as they move through the forest, feed on bamboo shoots and interact within their groups. Golden monkey tracking adds another exciting dimension to your Uganda and Rwanda primates safari, allowing you to experience two different mountain primates across the Virunga landscape.

After the tracking experience, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through Uganda’s southwestern highlands towards another remarkable destination for mountain gorilla encounters.

Meals: According to your selected safari package.

Accommodation: Overnight near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, according to your chosen safari category and the location of your scheduled gorilla trekking sector.

Day 5 – Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, head to the briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your Uganda gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers, enter into the dense impenetrable forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain. Once you find them, spend your permitted viewing time observing their behaviour, watching family interactions, and photographing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.

After trekking, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Meals and accommodation: According to your selected safari category.

Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga channel Boat Cruise. 

After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check in at your lodge. Enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. During the cruise, look out for hippos in the water, Nile crocodiles along the banks, elephants coming to drink, buffaloes cooling off near the shoreline, and a variety of waterbirds. The channel offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Depending on your interests, available time, and the day’s conditions, you may also enjoy  evening game drive in the park in search of lions, elephants, antelopes, and other savannah wildlife.

Meals and accommodation: Lunch and dinner, with overnight accommodation according to your selected safari category.

Day 7 – Transfer to Kibale Forest & Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s best destinations for chimpanzee tracking. Enjoy the scenic journey through rural landscapes, rolling hills, and local communities along the way.

Upon arrival,check in and have your lunch, later  proceed for your afternoon chimpanzee tracking experience, accompanied by experienced park guides. Walk through the tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzees, listening for their calls and observing their fascinating behaviour as they move through the trees and interact with one another. Kibale Forest is also home to other primates and diverse birdlife, making this a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

After the activity, return to your lodge for relaxation and an overnight stay.

Meals and accommodation: Lunch and dinner, with overnight accommodation according to your selected safari category.

Day 8 – Scenic Tea Plantations & Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Entebbe International Airport. Along the way, enjoy the scenic Ugandan countryside, with rolling green hills, rural communities, and beautiful tea plantations where the route permits. Depending on your flight schedule and the route taken, you may have an opportunity to stop and admire the tea-growing landscapes and take photographs before continuing towards Entebbe.

As your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda primates safari comes to an end, depart with lasting memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of East Africa.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch according to your selected safari category.

Customize This Safari

This 8-day Uganda and Rwanda primate safari can be tailored to suit your interests, travel style and budget. Bush Shrike Adventures can adjust your accommodation level, add or remove nights, include domestic flights, or modify your arrival and departure arrangements.

You can also extend your primate adventure with additional wildlife experiences, birdwatching, nature walks or cultural encounters. Depending on your preferences, the itinerary can be adjusted to include more time for photography, explore additional destinations, or enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Whether you prefer budget, midrange or luxury accommodation, we will help you plan a personalized safari that combines unforgettable primate encounters with the natural beauty of Uganda and Rwanda.

Explore our Uganda and Rwanda safari packages for more unforgettable wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking adventures, chimpanzee tracking and scenic national parks. We can help you choose a safari that suits your interests, travel schedule and budget.