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Rwanda and Uganda All Apes and Wildlife Safari

8 Days | 7 Nights

From $3,009/ person

Your trip overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day East African safari adventure through Rwanda and Uganda, renowned for their exceptional primate encounters and breathtaking wildlife experiences. This guided tour spans four iconic national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda.

You’ll enjoy golden monkey trekking, gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, thrilling game drives, scenic boat safaris, and rich cultural experiences, all within a single, action-packed itinerary.

Tour Highlights:

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
Golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Big Five game viewing in Akagera and Queen Elizabeth Parks
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema & Kazinga Channel
Cultural encounters with the Batwa and Rwandan communities

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Picture of Planning Your Safari

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Rwanda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Kigali City Tour - Akagera National Park Safari

Start your journey with a guided Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Afterward, transfer to Akagera National Park, a haven for classic African safaris.

After checking in and enjoying lunch, go on a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds. As the sun sets, enjoy an evening game drive with chances to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes, perfect for wildlife photography.

Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP (Rwanda)

Where to stay

Day 2: Morning Game Drive - Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive through Akagera’s northern circuit, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes like Kilala Valley. Then, journey toward Volcanoes National Park via Byumba, with a lunch stop en route. Check in at your lodge and relax or opt for a short community walk.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)

Where to stay

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking - Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin your day with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and provide a fun, fast-paced trek. After spending an hour observing their antics, return for lunch and transfer across the border to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Encounter

Gear up for the highlight of your safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, one of the best places in the world to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After an in-depth briefing, trek through the dense jungle, spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, and return to your lodge.

Later, immerse yourself in a Batwa cultural experience, learning about the indigenous forest people’s traditions and way of life.

Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas, Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the wildlife-rich Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your camera ready for dramatic sightings before heading north to your lodge near the Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy a classic morning safari in the Kasenyi plains, spotting herds of elephants, buffaloes, antelope, and possibly lions or leopards. In the afternoon, take a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering up-close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and vibrant birdlife.

Optional: Evening game drive for additional wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge - Transfer to Lake Mburo

After breakfast, travel to the Kyambura Gorge for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience. This lush valley is also home to red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and rare birds like the blue-headed bee-eater. After the trek, continue to Lake Mburo National Park for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hyena Hill Lodge
Budget lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP (Uganda)

Where to stay

Day 8: Walking Safari or Horseback Ride - Drive to Entebbe

Conclude your safari with a unique walking safari or horseback ride in Lake Mburo, offering a peaceful, close-up look at zebras, impalas, and possibly elands or buffaloes. After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your departure.

Rates Per Person

Start dates Solo 1 Room 2+ people Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
$3,795
$3,009

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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