This meticulously crafted 7-day “Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Chimpanzee Trek” is a premium primate-focused safari. Designed for travelers with limited time but a deep passion for wildlife, it features two separate gorilla trekking permits and extended time in Africa’s premier primate habitats. The tour offers flexible logistics, starting in Kigali, Rwanda, and ending in either Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali.
Key Highlights & Unique Selling Points:
- Double Gorilla Trekking: Two distinct gorilla tracking experiences in both Rwanda and Uganda.
- In-Depth Primate Viewing: Two nights in Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and observation of 12+ other primate species.
- Logistical Flexibility: Convenient start and end points to suit international flight routes.
- Focused Itinerary: An efficient yet profound safari for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts.
Tour Highlights.
This private, all-inclusive 7-day safari packs a powerful primate punch. Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking not once, but twice, in both Rwanda and Uganda. Then, shift gears to track chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest National Park. Designed for maximum impact with flexible logistics, you can start and end your tour in either Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Journey to the Virungas
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Day 3: Cross into Uganda & Enter Bwindi Forest
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Day 5: Scenic Transfer to the Primate Capital
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Day 7: Departure.
Detailed Tour itinerary.
Day 1: A Journey of Remembrance and Anticipation | Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your 7-day primate safari begins in the vibrant capital of Rwanda, Kigali. Your personal guide will meet you at your hotel or at the Kigali International Airport. For a truly immersive start, we recommend a morning departure, but we warmly accommodate flights arriving by 3:00 PM.
A Solemn Tribute in Kigali
Before heading into the wild, we pause for a poignant and essential experience at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This is a place of profound remembrance for the victims of the 1994 tragedy, a site of reflection, and a powerful testament to Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience and renewal. This moving visit provides a deep, contextual understanding of the nation you are about to explore.
Into the Realm of Giants
Afterwards, we leave the city behind and ascend into the misty highlands, heading towards the legendary Volcanoes National Park. This dramatic landscape, a chain of soaring volcanic peaks ranging from 2,400 to 4,507 meters, is forever linked to the pioneering work of Dian Fossey.
As you settle into your lodge, nestled on the edge of the park, you can feel the anticipation build. You are now in the sacred habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas, preparing for the unforgettable encounter that awaits you tomorrow.
Top Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2: The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Highlights: An unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family, trekking through the stunning Virunga Volcanoes, breathtaking alpine scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: [Lodge Name]
A Day You Will Never Forget
Today, you will experience one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters on Earth. After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for the essential pre-trek briefing. Here, you’ll learn about the majestic mountain gorillas, the vital conservation efforts protecting them, and the crucial guidelines for a safe and respectful visit. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family, with group sizes limited to eight trekkers to ensure a minimal impact experience.
The Trek: A Journey into a Primeval World
Your journey begins with a hike through the cultivated foothills of the Virunga massif, offering breathtaking views of the volcanic peaks. As you cross the stone wall into the national park, you enter a different world—a lush, misty rainforest alive with the sounds of exotic birds and the chatter of rare golden monkeys. The terrain can be challenging, but the sense of anticipation is palpable. Your experienced trackers will lead the way, following fresh trails, and your porters (highly recommended for hire) will provide invaluable support.
The Encounter: A Moment of Pure Wonder
The moment of discovery is pure magic. As you first lock eyes with a massive silverback or watch an infant playfully tumble through the foliage, any fatigue instantly vanishes. You are granted one precious hour to observe these gentle giants from a respectful distance.
They will go about their daily life—feeding, grooming, resting—largely indifferent to your awestruck presence. Observe the adults meticulously tending to their young, and watch the juveniles swing playfully from vines in a delightful display. This intimate, face-to-face meeting with our closest relatives is a humbling and transformative experience that will stay with you forever.
After your hour, you will trek back to the starting point and reunite with your guide. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge, savoring the memories and sharing stories of this unparalleled adventure.
Top Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Cross into Uganda & Enter the Impenetrable Forest
After a leisurely morning, we depart for Uganda. A short 30-minute drive brings us to the border for a straightforward crossing. Once in Uganda, the landscape transforms as we ascend into the highlands on a scenic two-hour journey to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bwindi lives up to its name—a primordial, steeply forested realm of incredible biodiversity. This dense rainforest is a sanctuary for over 120 mammal species, including 11 primates, and hundreds of bird and butterfly species. But it is best known as the revered home of the endangered mountain gorilla.
The anticipation builds as you arrive, knowing that tomorrow you will trek into this ancient wilderness for a face-to-face encounter with these majestic, peaceful giants—an experience often described as life-changing.
Bwindi Accommodation Options
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: A Second Encounter – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Highlights: A second, unique gorilla trekking experience in the ancient Bwindi forest, contrasting the Rwanda trek, deep jungle immersion.
A Masterclass in Gorilla Behavior
Today offers a rare and privileged opportunity: a second gorilla trekking experience in the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While the gorillas are the same species, the environment is a world apart from the volcanic slopes of Rwanda. Bwindi is an ancient, dense rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a profoundly different trekking experience and a chance to observe distinct gorilla behaviors.
With the initial wonder of your first encounter still fresh, this second trek allows you to become a more discerning observer. You’ll notice subtler details—the dynamics within the gorilla family, their communication, and their interaction with the dense jungle ecosystem. This is your chance to capture stunning photographs in a new light and fully absorb the magic without the surprise of the first meeting.
The Trek: Deep into the “Impenetrable” Forest
Your journey leads you through a breathtaking, rugged landscape of dense rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes. The “impenetrable” nature of Bwindi makes the discovery feel even more rewarding. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you will navigate this primordial world until you find your assigned gorilla family.
The Reward: An Intimate Hour
Once again, you will be granted a privileged hour in their presence. From a respectful distance of about six meters, you can sit and witness their daily routine. Watch the powerful silverbacks, the nurturing mothers, and the playful infants in this unique, mist-shrouded habitat—a perfect contrast and complement to your experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon with a lifetime of memories, having gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures.
Accommodation Options (Full Board):
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Through the Highlands to the Primate Capital
After breakfast, we embark on a captivating journey through the soul of rural Uganda. Our drive traverses the stunning, undulating highlands of the southwest, a vibrant tapestry of lush rolling hills and traditional villages. Witness daily life unfold as we pass farmers tending to their crops, offering a authentic glimpse into the region’s rhythm.
The landscape evolves as we approach Fort Portal, nestled in the majestic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Here, we enter Uganda’s famed tea country, where a brilliant, endless carpet of green plantations creates a breathtaking contrast. This scenic transition leads us to the edge of Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa, where a symphony of forest calls awaits.
Accommodation: Overnight at your lodge (Full Board)
Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | | Crater Safari Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6: Face-to-Face with Our Closest Relatives
Delve deep into the “Primate Capital of East Africa” today. After a briefing at the park office, your chimpanzee trek begins. This immersive walk through Kibale’s dense rainforest is a journey of discovery, where troops of red colobus and boisterous mangabeys are often seen in the canopy. The forest is alive with anticipation.
Finding the chimpanzees is a moment of pure connection. You will have a full, unforgettable hour to observe them as they feed, nest, and interact, offering a fascinating window into our own evolutionary history.
The primate focus continues in the afternoon with a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-conserved area provides a different habitat teeming with life, giving you another chance to encounter rare monkeys and a spectacular array of birdlife, making your day in Kibale truly complete.
Accommodation: Overnight at your lodge (Full Board).
Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | | Crater Safari Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge| en-suite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Journey Home with Lasting Memories
After a final breakfast, we begin our transfer for your departure. As you travel back through the beautiful landscapes, you’ll have time to reflect on an incredible week filled with life-changing moments—from the profound silence of gazing into a gorilla’s eyes to the echoing calls of chimpanzees in the forest.
We will ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for your flight.
- Transfer to Entebbe Airport: ~4 hours
- Transfer to Kigali Airport: ~7 hours
We recommend booking flights departing in the late afternoon or evening. As we say our goodbyes, we hope you take with you not just photographs, but a heart full of memories from the wild. Safari njema! (Travel well!)
