11-Day Rwanda and Uganda Primate Safari
11-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys
Tour Overview
The Albertine Rift Valley is the western branch of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. It stretches across much of East Africa. Its lush rainforests are home to some of the world’s most remarkable primates.
In four different forests, you can see golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, and, of course, the legendary mountain gorillas. The landscapes are equally stunning. You will pass volcanoes, crater lakes, and tea plantations. This journey takes you through green, tropical Africa while you actively search for primates and other wildlife. Greenway Nature Tours is proud to offer this unforgettable trip to the Pearl of Africa and the land of a thousand hills.
Accommodations are carefully chosen for location, comfort, and atmosphere. For example, at Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, you can enjoy a veranda overlooking the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Almost all excursions listed in this itinerary are included in the price. At Greenway Nature Tours, we aim to offer unique and original experiences. For those who want more, our specialists can suggest extra adventures. Try a night walk in Kibale Forest, track collared lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or take a canoe ride on Lake Mutanda.
Your Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys or canoeing in the Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Nkuringo Sector)
- Day 4: Nkuringo Batwa Experience
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Nkuringo sector)
- Day 6: Gorilla habituation in Bwindi (Rushaga sector)
- Day 7: Tree-climbing lions – Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 8: Hike through Kyambura Gorge & boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 9: Morning game drive and Travel to Kibale National Park
- Day 10: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Day 11: Flight transfer to Entebbe for your onward arrangements
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Welcome to Rwanda. When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, our representative and your driver-guide will warmly welcome you. From the airport, you will head to Question Coffee Café for a short tour briefing. Here you will enjoy a cup of Rwanda’s famous Arabica coffee, grown by local women’s cooperatives. This relaxed meeting is a great way to get to know your guide and start the journey together. Your guide will share useful travel tips, a few local words, and explain the experiences ahead.
After the briefing, you begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. If you wish, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before leaving the city. As you travel north, Rwanda’s beautiful countryside slowly unfolds. Rolling green hills, small villages, and busy roadside markets line the way. Along the journey, you may stop to stretch your legs, greet local people, and see daily life in rural Rwanda. These small moments make the drive part of the adventure. By afternoon, you arrive near Volcanoes National Park, where the misty Virunga volcanoes rise in the distance. Settle in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Optional Visit: Kigali Genocide Memorial (Morning)
You may choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before leaving the city. This important site honors the victims of the 1994 genocide. The memorial explains the history behind the tragedy and shows Rwanda’s journey toward peace and unity. It can be an emotional experience, which is why the visit is optional for travelers.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – VIP Cottage (Full Board)
Exclusive: Virunga Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 2: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys or canoeing in the Volcanoes National Park
Today you can choose from three different optional activities, all of which are highly recommended. It’s important to note that your gorilla trekking in Uganda is already included. You can also enjoy a fantastic gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, or choose a different activity.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a spectacular area dominated by eight Virunga volcanoes, two of which are currently active. The slopes of the mountain range are home to tropical rainforest teeming with rare primate species such as gorillas and golden monkeys! The 160-square-kilometer park is also home to an impressive 178 unique bird species! In short: a truly unique world that absolutely shouldn’t be missed when visiting Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking Volcanoes – (optional)
One of the highlights of your trip is on the agenda today: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by a professional ranger, you’ll trek through the rainforest in search of one of the gorilla groups. Who knows, you might even find the Susa group, the one Dian Fossey spent years researching. An encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare, unique, and above all, unforgettable experience. Today will be a day you’ll never forget!
Canoe trip on the Mukungwa River (optional)
Accompanied by a professional Rwandan guide, you’ll paddle leisurely through the Rwandan countryside, enjoying impressive vistas, a wealth of bird life, and otters. Children will closely follow your canoe journey, and in the distance, you’ll see the Virunga volcanoes. A fantastic way to experience rural life in Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Trekking Volcanoes – (optional)
You’re going on a trek to see the rare Golden Monkeys! Several habituated groups live in Volcanoes National Park. The trek takes place at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Once in the forest, you can spend an hour with the monkeys. They love to jump, swing, and play. Photographing these special creatures will therefore be a real challenge.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – VIP Cottage (Full Board)
Exclusive: Virunga Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 3: Transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Nkuringo Sector)
In the morning, you’ll travel around the volcanoes to Uganda, the country Winston Churchill called the Pearl of Africa. You’ll travel towards the tri-border area and eventually arrive at the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nkuringo is famous for its dramatic views. There are many activities to enjoy here. You can take a canoe or motorboat ride on nearby Lake Mutanda. You may also go for a scenic hike in the surrounding hills. Another special experience is the Batwa Forest Trail in Buniga Forest. Here the Batwa people share their ancient forest traditions, including hunting skills and survival stories.
Please note: Gorilla treks in the Nkuringo sector are the most physically demanding in all of Bwindi.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – Full Board
Exclusive: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 4: Nkuringo Batwa Experience
Many travelers visit Bwindi to see the rare mountain gorillas. It is truly an unforgettable experience. But another special story lives near the forest, the story of the Batwa people. The Batwa are one of the oldest forest tribes in Africa. For thousands of years they lived deep inside the forests of Bwindi as hunter-gatherers. The forest provided everything they needed, including food, medicine, shelter, and spiritual meaning.
Today you will learn about their unique way of life during the Buniga Forest Walk in Nkuringo. This is more than a simple nature walk. It is a cultural journey guided by Batwa men and women themselves. As you walk through the forest, they share stories of their past and show how they once lived in harmony with nature. You will see how they hunted small animals, gathered honey, and used plants as medicine. They will also demonstrate how they made fire without matches and built simple forest shelters.
In 1991, when Bwindi became a national park, the Batwa were moved out of the forest and had to start a new life outside their ancestral home. Today, responsible tourism helps them share their knowledge, protect their culture, and earn income for their families.
After the forest walk, you may also visit Sanuriiro, a nearby Batwa settlement. Here you can meet local families and learn how they live today. Women weave traditional baskets, children play around the village, and some men practice modern beekeeping using skills they learned from the forest. After this meaningful experience, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – Full Board
Exclusive: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Nkuringo sector)
Today is a big day: gorilla trekking is on the agenda! After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a short briefing from the rangers. They will explain the rules and prepare you for this special experience. Bwindi’s mountain rainforest, together with the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, is one of the most important habitats for mountain gorillas. This protected forest is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It is also rich in wildlife, with over 120 mammal species and more than 350 bird species.
After the briefing, your trek begins. Accompanied by experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you will walk through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Along the way, the rangers look for signs such as fresh nests, broken branches, and bamboo stems. Slowly you move deeper into the forest. Then comes the unforgettable moment — standing face to face with a gorilla family in their natural home. You may see a powerful silverback watching over his group while the younger gorillas play nearby. It is a quiet, powerful experience that few places on earth can offer. You will spend one hour with the gorillas before returning to the lodge to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – Full Board
Exclusive: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 6: Gorilla habituation in Bwindi (Rushaga sector)
After breakfast, you will take a short drive to the nearby Rushaga sector of Bwindi for another remarkable wildlife experience. Today you join the rare gorilla habituation experience. Unlike normal gorilla trekking, this activity allows you to spend more time with the gorillas. You will join researchers and rangers as they work with a semi-habituated gorilla family. The goal is to slowly help the gorillas become comfortable with human presence. Only four visitors are allowed to join this experience each day. This makes it very exclusive and personal. Once the gorillas are found, you can spend up to four hours observing them in the forest.
You will watch how researchers study their behavior and learn how the habituation process works. It is a rare opportunity to see gorillas in a more natural and less predictable way. After this unforgettable experience, you return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing evening.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – Full Board
Exclusive: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Full Board with drinks
Day 7: Tree-climbing lions - Queen Elizabeth National Park
It’s with profound memories that you’ll leave Bwindi behind you. Not only will the experience with Dian Fossy’s protégés (“Gorillas in the Mist”) remain etched in your memory for life, but so will the beauty, power, and unique aura of Central African nature. Today’s drive is truly beautiful and exemplifies Uganda’s diversity. You will drive past rainforests, crater lakes, and coffee plantations until you reach the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The southern section (Ishasha) is known for its tree-climbing lions, and of course, you will enjoy a short safari in this area before continuing to the northern section of the park.
Ishasha
The southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Ishasha. Its remote location on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo ensures a low visitor count, which enhances the wilderness feel. The savannas are punctuated by numerous wild fig trees used by tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River flows through Ishasha, home to hippos and lush, dense vegetation.
Game drive Ishasha – Afternoon
During the safari, you will search for tree-climbing lions, which seek out the topmost branches of ancient fig trees. Ishasha is also home to buffalo, large herds of Ugandan kobs, and slyre antelope, among other animals. You can search for hippos in the Ntungwe River. Your safari will take place in the afternoon, while it’s still warm and the lions are still inhabiting the trees. As the sun sets, you’ll continue to your accommodation for a refreshing drink. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a campfire with the sounds of the African wilderness in the background.
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Honey Bear Bush Camp (Full Board)
Day 8: Hike through Kyambura Gorge & boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is all about nature in Queen. This morning, you go for a unique nature walk through the Kyambura Gorge. You might spot various monkey species and even chimpanzees! In the afternoon, embark on one of the most spectacular boat safaris the African continent has to offer. Between activities, you will enjoy lunch and some time to relax at your accommodation.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park, nearly 2,000 km² in size, lies in the Rift Valley, bordered to the north by the Rwenzori Mountains and to the west by Lake Edward. Central to this nature reserve is the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. You can enjoy fantastic boat safaris here. West of the Kazinga Channel lies a landscape of magnificent volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gap is a vast chasm in the savannah landscape, home to rainforest and chimpanzees. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to elephants, buffalo, topi, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many more. More than 610 bird species live there.
Gorge Kyambura trekking
Today you’ll take a truly magnificent walk through the Kyambura Gorge! The gorge is an 11-kilometer-long chasm that cuts through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Within the gorge lies a magnificent stretch of tropical rainforest, which runs along the banks of the Kyambura River. This rainforest is home to snakes, chimpanzees, and other animals. Rangers make a point of spotting the chimpanzees, but the chance of seeing them is only about 50%. So, be sure to enjoy the walk itself, as it’s one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in this country. It’s an adventurous hike that involves some scrambling and climbing.
Boat Safari – Afternoon
Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel, teeming with wildlife! A boat trip on this channel is one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. Rarely will you see so many hippos in one day! Besides the hippos, you can spot enormous crocodiles, bathing buffalo, and a huge variety of birds. And when you also see a herd of elephants spraying each other, you know your day has been a complete success!
Private Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon (optional)
Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel, teeming with wildlife! A boat trip on this channel is one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. Rarely will you see so many hippos in one day! Besides the hippos, you can spot enormous crocodiles, bathing buffalo, and a huge variety of birds. And when you also see a herd of elephants spraying each other, you know your day has been a complete success!
You’ve booked this activity on a private boat. This offers enormous advantages over a large, general boat, as a smaller boat brings you much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace, and it’s wonderful to share this experience exclusively with your own group.
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Honey Bear Bush Camp (Full Board)
Day 9: Morning game drive and Travel to Kibale National Park
This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on another game drive before heading to Kibale Forest National Park. You’ll drive a scenic route past banana plantations, villages, and constant views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Finally, you’ll arrive in the rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park.
Game Drive– Morning
During your game drive, you’ll search for large herds of buffalo, elephants, elegant Ugandan kobs, topi, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape varies from grasslands dotted with candelabra euphorbias, crater lakes, and densely forested areas. In the morning, mist still hangs over the savannas, and you’ll hear the characteristic sounds of the African wilderness. A perfect start to a day in nature!
Predator Tracking– Morning (optional)
In the morning, you’ll embark on a special safari, accompanied by a biologist from the park. This biologist will study the behavior and movements of various lion prides and several individual leopards. This allows you to see through the eyes of biologists and learn about the king of the savannah in a unique way! The lion prides (and leopards) are tracked using radio collars, ensuring you’ll always encounter lions. Leopard sightings are not guaranteed. Because you’re accompanying the biologist, you’re allowed to venture off the roads and trails. The income from this activity helps fund the research. This excursion takes place in the morning.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is among the most primate-rich rainforests in Africa. The primary forest is home to 13 different primate species, including the red-tailed monkey, the black-and-white colobus, the red colobus, the diademed monkey, the mantled mangabey, and the bush baby. The protected area has an average elevation of 1,300 meters and is surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. Besides the primate species, the Bigodi forest and swamp are also home to many unique bird species.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Primate Lodge
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge
Day 10: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Today you explore the lush Kibale National Park rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees. Guided by experienced trackers, you will hike through dense forest trails. Some paths can be muddy and challenging, but the experience is unforgettable. Watch as chimpanzees play, feed, and communicate high in the trees. Their energy and intelligence make every moment fascinating. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run sanctuary is alive with wildlife. You’ll spot colorful birds, playful monkeys, and delicate butterflies. Keep your eyes open for the great blue turaco, the wetland’s most famous bird. After a full day of adventure, return to your lodge. Relax, enjoy a drink, and share stories of your encounters with your group. It’s the perfect way to end a rewarding day in the heart of Uganda’s forest.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Primate Lodge
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge
Day 11: Flight transfer to Entebbe for your onward arrangements
After breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to Kasese Airstrip. Here, you will say goodbye before boarding your scheduled domestic flight to Entebbe International Airport. Your flight departs at 08:35 am and arrives at 11:25 am. This short flight replaces a long 5-hour drive, offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Victoria. The journey itself is a beautiful and memorable way to end your adventure. If your international flight departs later, our driver-guide can transfer you to a nearby hotel. Here, you may relax, freshen up in a reserved day room, and enjoy lunch or dinner at your leisure (day room and meals are at your own expense, but we can assist with bookings). Later, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture.
PRICES AND LEVELS FOR THIS PRIVATE TRIP
The selected comfort levels give you a good indication of the type of accommodations and the total price. We’d be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs and combine different levels where appropriate. *Low season applies for the months of April, May, and in November.
Luxury (Low Season)
- 1 Pax: USD 11349
- 2 Pax: USD 8377 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 8094 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 7422 per person
Luxury (High Season)
- 1 Pax: USD 13325
- 2 Pax: USD 9957 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 9836 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 9024 per person
Exclusive (High season)
- 1 Pax: USD 22890
- 2 Pax: USD 20766 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 20003 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 19663 per person
Exclusive (Low Season)
- 1 Pax: USD 16091
- 2 Pax: USD 14589 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 13816 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 13634 per person
Inclusions
- All transfers and transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari landcruiser
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Rwanda and Uganda (as arranged)
- All park entrance and activity fees
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest
- Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking permit
- Buniga Batwa Forest Trail
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- Luxury accommodation as listed
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Packed lunch for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
- Water in the vehicle during drives and safaris
- Assistance with border crossings
- Domestic flight transfer from Kasese Airstrip to Entebbe International Airport
exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions