9-day Primates Adventure Gorilla Chimp Golden Monkey
About this tour
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 9-day luxury primate safari through Uganda and Rwanda, where you’ll encounter extraordinary wildlife in their natural habitats. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to track mountain gorillas, observe wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and explore Volcanoes National Park’s bamboo forests to see golden monkeys.
Beyond primates, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for close-up views of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, and experience a thrilling game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to lions, leopards, and buffalo. Discover the stunning landscapes of Uganda, crater lakes, and tea plantations before unwinding in Kigali, Rwanda’s dynamic capital.
Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, this luxury safari combines expert guiding with conservation-focused experiences. Whether watching a gorilla family in the mist or taking in the Virunga Mountains' panoramic views, every moment is unforgettable—this is more than a safari; it’s a transformative adventure.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda
Your highly anticipated Ugandan safari adventure begins! After arrival at Entebbe International Airport, complete immigration formalities and meet your expert guide, who will accompany you on this extraordinary journey. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe, Uganda to Kibale National Park, Uganda
Day 2: Road Transfer to Kibale National Park Embark on a scenic 6-7 hour journey (320 km) from Entebbe to Kibale National Park. Travel through Kampala’s vibrant cityscape before transitioning into Uganda’s picturesque countryside. En route, admire the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains and tea plantations near Fort Portal. Kibale National Park, often called the "Primate Capital of East Africa," is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, and 350 bird species. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and you have the option to explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or relax before tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 3: Kibale National Park, Uganda
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park After an early breakfast, hike through the crater lakes and tea plantations near Kibale National Park is a breathtaking journey through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. As you walk along winding trails, the landscape unfolds into a patchwork of emerald-green tea estates, where local farmers skillfully pluck fresh leaves, filling the air with the earthy scent of tea. The rolling hills give way to calm crater lakes. With every step, the scenery changes from farmland to rolling hills to panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. This hike is a perfect way to connect with nature, soak in the region’s beauty, and experience the harmonious blend of Uganda’s volcanic past and vibrant present. In the afternoon, take off on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park. As you explore the lush rainforest, listen for the calls of chimpanzees and observe them swinging through the treetops and foraging on the forest floor. The trek's duration can vary depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups, as they move freely within the forest. However, once you find them, you'll have an unforgettable hour observing their behavior, interactions, and unique personalities up close.
Day 4: Kibale National Park, Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Day 4 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park; Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel The journey from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park is a scenic transfer that takes approximately 3-4 hours, offering a captivating transition from lush tropical rainforests to vast savannah plains. As you depart Kibale, the road winds through rolling tea plantations, where the emerald-green fields stretch endlessly, dotted with local farmers tending to their crops. Along the way, traditional villages showcase vibrant roadside markets, with stalls displaying fresh fruits, colorful fabrics, and handcrafted goods. The drive provides breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical backdrop. You will also have a stop over at the equator point as you cross from the northern to the southern hemisphere. In the afternoon, take the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel - a breathtaking experience, offering a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular wildlife gatherings in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the boat drifts along the 32-kilometer waterway, which links Lake Edward and Lake George, the shores come alive with activity. Hippos crowd the shallows, grunting and jostling for space, while Nile crocodiles lounge motionless along the muddy banks. Herds of elephants and buffaloes gather at the water’s edge to quench their thirst, creating dramatic scenes of nature at its most raw. The cruise offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography and peaceful contemplation. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the Kazinga Channel transforms into a scene of pure magic, making it a highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Day 5: Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park A game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an exhilarating journey through Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserve, offering stunning landscapes and incredible animal sightings. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to explore the Kasenyi Plains, where vast golden grasslands stretch toward the horizon, home to large herds of Uganda kob, the preferred prey of the park’s lions. With luck, a pride may be spotted lounging under an acacia tree or stealthily stalking its next meal. Elephants, in their majestic herds, roam the savannah, while buffaloes, warthogs, and a variety of antelopes add to the call of the wild. Throughout the drive, the sounds of the wilderness fill the air—birdsong from over 600 species, the distant trumpet of elephants, and the rustling of the wind through the tall grasses—creating an unforgettable safari experience. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After your game drive, embark on a captivating road journey from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This 4-6 hour transfer takes you through some of Uganda’s most picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages. Along the way, you’ll experience the charm of Uganda’s countryside, with opportunities to capture photos of tea plantations and stunning scenery. Arrival in Bwindi As you approach Bwindi, the lush rainforest comes into view, signaling your arrival at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. Spanning over 321 square kilometers, Bwindi is a lush rainforest that has survived for more than 25,000 years, making it one of the oldest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in Africa.
Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Day 6 Face to Face with a Mountain Gorilla Family Today is a highlight of your safari - gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Begin your gorilla trek in the early morning, and set off into the tangled and mist-shrouded forests with guides and trackers who are very experienced at locating the gorillas by finding the nest the family had used the previous night. The search for these majestic animals goes through thick untamed rainforest, where you'll be scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth and it can be arduous at times, but the encounter is worth the effort. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime - it is lifechanging. The experienced ranger guides will willingly share with you a lot of information about history and lives of the mountain gorilla family you will be tracking. You’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as they interact, feed, and play, offering a rare insight into their lives. After you will exit the forest and return to your accommodation.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Day 7 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda The road transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Volcanoes National Park via the Cyanika border crossing is a scenic journey that showcases the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda. The drive, which takes approximately 5-6 hours, winds through lush rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages, offering glimpses of daily life in the countryside. As you approach Cyanika, the towering volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains come into view, marking the shared border between Uganda and Rwanda. After clearing immigration formalities at the border, the drive continues into Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. Notably, Volcanoes National Park shares its borders with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, another protected haven for the endangered mountain gorillas. These transboundary parks play a crucial role in the conservation of these magnificent primates, allowing them to roam freely across the region. The journey concludes with arrival at your lodge in Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda.
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Ruhengeri, Rwanda to Kigali City, Kigali, Rwanda
Day 7 Track Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park; Transfer to Kigali The Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park is a thrilling and unique experience, offering the chance to observe one of the world’s most striking primates in their natural habitat. Found only in the Virunga Mountains (which also include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda), golden monkeys are an endangered species known for their vibrant golden-orange fur, playful nature, and agile movements. The trek begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a guided hike into the bamboo forests at the foothills of the volcanoes. Unlike gorilla trekking, the golden monkey trek is relatively easy, with a shorter hike and a more active, engaging encounter. Their inquisitive nature often leads them to come close to visitors, making for excellent photography opportunities. The trek lasts about 2-4 hours, including one hour of observation, making it a fantastic addition to a Volcanoes National Park safari. After the trek, transfer by road to Kigali City. Once at your lodge in Kigali, we have for you a complimentary 30-minute massage per person (subject to availability).
Day 9: Kigali City, Kigali, Rwanda to Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Rwanda
After an exciting journey through Uganda and Rwanda, spend a relaxing day in Kigali before heading home. Rwanda’s capital is known for its cleanliness, safety, and modern charm, making it the perfect place to unwind. Today, you can enjoy a 30-minute cultural activity of your choice: cocktail making, banana wine making, a local cooking class, or a neighborhood walk. If you’d like to explore more, you have the option of a guided Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse local craft markets, discover cultural sites, or simply relax at a wellness spa or a cozy café. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
What's included
All accommodations as listed in the itinerary All activities, unless indicated as optional All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Private English speaking driver-guide Taxes / VAT (local) Drinking water in the safari car Specialized guide for treks Airport transfers before and after safari National Parks and Concession Fees Game Drive One gorilla tracking permit per person One chimpanzee tracking permit per person One golden monkey tracking permit per person Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour International flights Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Entry visa fees ($50 for Uganda - https://visas.immigration.go.ug) Domestic flights International Travel Insurance Personal Medical Insurance Laundry services Alcoholic drinks Travel insurance and medical expenses of any kind. Accommodation not listed Porters on gorilla trek All optional activities
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda