Gorillas & Wildlife: A 9-Day Rwanda-Uganda Safari

Track Rare Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys, Plus Epic Big-5 Game Drives.

Embark on a life-changing 9-day journey into the heart of Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes. This exclusive expedition combines Rwanda’s pristine parks with Uganda’s legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering an unparalleled encounter with the world’s most rare and captivating primates.

Your adventure begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, with the flexibility to extend your journey into Uganda’s other spectacular parks and conclude in Entebbe (Kampala).

Your Unforgettable Itinerary Includes:

• Big-5 Wildlife Encounters: Experience the thrill of a classic African safari in Akagera National Park, searching for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo on thrilling game drives.
• Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk: Journey into the lush, misty depths of Nyungwe Forest to track playful chimpanzee families. Soar above the forest floor on a breathtaking canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of this ancient ecosystem.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: Witness the striking Golden Monkeys, a rare and beautiful primate species found only in the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park.
• The Grand Finale: Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Cross into Uganda for a profound and unforgettable experience. Spend a sacred hour with a family of endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a truly humbling encounter.

This is more than a safari; it’s a deep immersion into the wild soul of Africa.

Tour Highlights.

Your 9-Day Safari Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: The ultimate wildlife encounter, spending an hour with the majestic mountain gorillas.
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe: Feel the energy of our closest relatives in a lush rainforest setting.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: Be mesmerized by these playful, flame-colored primates in the foothills of the Virungas.
• Big 5 Game Drives in Akagera: Experience a classic African safari with chances to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
• Scenic Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema: Get up close with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds from a unique vantage point.
• Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk: Elevate your experience on a thrilling walkway high above the forest floor.
• Hassle-Free Border Crossing: Your expert guide manages all logistics for a smooth transition from Rwanda to Uganda.

Detailed Tour itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival & Into the Wild – Akagera National Park Game Drive

Your epic primate and wildlife expedition begins the moment you land! Upon arrival at Kigali Airport (or from your city hotel), you’ll be warmly greeted by your expert safari guide. Settle into your comfortable vehicle and embark on a scenic journey towards Rwanda’s premier savannah wilderness: Akagera National Park.

The adventure starts as soon as we enter the park gates. We’ll immediately begin our search for Akagera’s famous residents on an exhilarating game drive through the southern sector. The Lake Ihema circuit is a wildlife hotspot, where you can expect to see herds of elephants, towering Masai giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and the colossal hippos and Nile crocodiles basking along the shores.

As you explore, take in the stunning panorama of gentle hills seamlessly merging with vast lowland swamps and lakes—a landscape that defines Akagera’s unique beauty.

Evening: After an thrilling afternoon, retreat to your chosen lodge. Unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a serene evening walk to spot local birdlife, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere as the African sun sets.

Accommodation: You will be staying at one of our selected lodges, such as:

Upmarket: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Mid-range: Akagera Rhino Lodge

Lower Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Drive time – 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 2: Wild Plains & Waterways of Akagera

Embrace the spirit of a classic African safari with a full day of exploration in Akagera National Park. We’ll start at dawn, when the light is soft and the predators are most active, giving us the best chance to witness the drama of the wild unfold.

Our game drive takes place in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser, designed for your comfort and optimal viewing. With a pop-up rooftop and large windows, you’ll have a 360-degree perspective to photograph the park’s diverse residents, from towering giraffes and elegant zebras to the elusive Big Five.

In the afternoon, we trade the savanna for the serenity of Lake Ihema. A guided boat trip offers a completely different perspective on the park’s ecosystem. Glide past massive pods of hippos, watch for Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and be mesmerized by one of Africa’s most spectacular birdlife displays. Keep your binoculars ready for a chance to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork and the vibrant Papyrus Gonolek.

As the sun sets, we’ll return to our lodge to recount the day’s incredible sightings.

• Featured Accommodation:

Upmarket: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Mid-range: Akagera Rhino Lodge

Lower Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Royal History & Primordial Rainforest – Journey to Nyungwe

After an early breakfast, we depart for the legendary Nyungwe Forest National Park. Our journey southwest is more than a transfer; it’s a passage through time.

We’ll first stop in Nyanza, the historic heart of the Rwandan monarchy. Here, you’ll step back in time at the King’s Palace, a meticulously restored traditional compound. Walk through the royal residence, experience the architectural genius of the domed palace, and see the replica royal huts, all decorated with authentic artifacts. This visit offers a profound understanding of the culture and history that shaped modern Rwanda.

Then, we continue our ascent into the clouds. Nyungwe National Park isn’t just a forest; it’s a living, breathing Jurassic-era realm. As East Africa’s largest protected mountain rainforest, it feels like a world unto itself. Prepare to be enveloped by a cacophony of bird calls, wander beneath 100-year-old trees draped in moss, and discover fern-fringed waterfalls hidden in the mist.

This vast biodiversity hotspot is a sanctuary for over 1,000 plant species, nearly 300 birds, and 13 primate species, including the charismatic chimpanzees we’ll track tomorrow. The trails weave through closed-canopy forests, bamboo thickets, and orchid-filled swamps—a true hiker’s paradise. (A light rain jacket is recommended, as this lush environment is sustained by frequent, life-giving showers).

Accommodation: You will settle into your lodge for a relaxing evening on a full-board basis. Options include:

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Primate Treks & A Sky-High Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Today, we delve into one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Our mission: to find our closest living relatives. The morning begins with an exhilarating chimpanzee trek, hiking through dense, misty jungle led by expert trackers. The forest comes alive with the sounds of hoots and rustling leaves until you find a habituated troop. You’ll then be gifted a full, unforgettable hour observing them—watching their complex social interactions, hearing their calls, and seeing their human-like expressions.

Nyungwe is a primate paradise, home to 13 species, including massive troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys that put on breathtaking aerial displays in the canopy.

In the afternoon, we change our perspective—literally. We’ll embark on the world-famous canopy walk, a 160-meter-long suspension bridge soaring 70 meters above the forest floor. This exhilarating experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush, green world below and the chance to spot orchids, butterflies, and birds hidden from the trails.

Accommodation:

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: A Pilgrimage to the Misty Peaks – Entering Gorilla Country

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to the legendary Volcanoes National Park, the sacred sanctuary of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. As we approach, the magnificent Virunga volcanoes rise dramatically from the landscape, their peaks shrouded in mist, setting the stage for one of the world’s most profound wildlife encounters.

This park is hallowed ground, forever linked to the legacy of primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the study and protection of these gentle giants. Her spirit of conservation permeates the region, making a gorilla trek here more than just a sighting—it’s a pilgrimage.

We prepare for tomorrow’s adventure: a trek that can be physically demanding as we climb through dense, verdant forests. The reward, however, is unparalleled—a single, magical hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family. It is a rare, humbling, and deeply moving encounter that stays with you for a lifetime.

Evening & Accommodation: You will settle into your strategically located lodge, where the warmth of Rwandan hospitality awaits. Savor authentic local cuisine and relax in comfort, with the knowledge that the misty slopes of the gorillas’ realm are just beyond your window.

Your accommodation options include:

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge

Low Budget:  Hotel Muhabura

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: A Dance of Gold – Tracking the Golden Monkeys

Today offers a different, yet equally magical, primate encounter in the misty foothills of the Virunga Mountains. We embark on a trek through Volcanoes National Park to find the enchanting golden monkeys. Our path leads through dense, whispering bamboo forests into sun-dappled glades where these rare and beautiful primates make their home.

You’ll spend a captivating hour observing a habituated troop as they go about their daily lives. Watch as the adults, with their striking golden-orange coats and energetic personalities, leap through the bamboo canopy. See mothers gently care for their infants, all while offering a spectacular photographic display against a backdrop of lush greenery.

After this delightful and immersive experience, return to the comfort of your lodge to relax and relive the memories of these charismatic creatures.

Accommodation:

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge

Low Budget:  Hotel Muhabura

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: The Pinnacle Experience – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes & Journey to Bwindi

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for. After an early breakfast, we’ll attend the essential pre-trek briefing at the ORTPN offices. Armed with knowledge and anticipation, we then embark on our gorilla trek into the mystical forests of Volcanoes National Park.

Our journey begins with a thrilling hike through the cultivated foothills of the Virunga Mountains, offering inspiring panoramic views. Soon, we cross the threshold into the park itself, where we are immediately engulfed in the primeval atmosphere of the rainforest. The air is alive with the calls of exotic birds and the chatter of wildlife, with the fresh tracks of forest elephants and buffalo hinting at the park’s hidden residents.

The trek is a physical challenge, navigating the dense, mountainous terrain. But through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent volcanic peaks spur us onward. Every step is building towards a singular, life-changing moment.

And then it happens. You come face-to-face with a family of Mountain Gorillas. For one unforgettable hour, you are a privileged guest in their world. Watch in awe as massive silverbacks forage, mothers tenderly care for their infants, and playful juveniles tumble from vines in a delightful display. The fatigue of the trek instantly melts away, replaced by pure wonder.

In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Rwanda and begin our scenic transfer to Uganda, crossing the border to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

Accommodation: You will be staying at a lodge near Bwindi on a full-board basis. Options include:

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi GorillaLodge

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp |  Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8: The Ultimate Encounter – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the pinnacle of your primate expedition. After an early breakfast, we proceed to the park headquarters for a vital and informative briefing. Here, you’ll learn about the majestic creatures you are about to meet and the strict guidelines that protect them.

Then, the adventure begins. Led by expert guides and trackers, we venture into the awe-inspiring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We trek through dense rainforest and up bamboo-covered slopes, a journey that can be physically demanding but is part of the authentic wilderness experience.

And then, it happens. The moment you first lock eyes with a majestic silverback is a feeling that transcends words. Any fatigue instantly vanishes, replaced by pure wonder. You will be guided to a respectful distance, where you will spend one precious hour in the presence of a gorilla family. Watch in silence as they go about their daily life: a mother tenderly grooming her infant, juveniles tumbling playfully, and the powerful silverback keeping a watchful eye. This intimate, hour-long gaze into the soul of the wild is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Bwindi is more than a park; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital sanctuary, harboring almost half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. Your visit directly contributes to the conservation of this incredible ecosystem and its majestic inhabitants.

Accommodation: You will return to your lodge, full of stories, for a relaxing evening on a full-board basis. Options include:

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi GorillaLodge

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp |  Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Journey’s End – A Fond Farewell from Rwanda

Enjoy a final breakfast at your lodge, reflecting on the unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the wild plains of Akagera. Afterwards, we begin our comfortable transfer back to Kigali.

The scenic approximately 4-hour drive provides a final opportunity to absorb the beautiful Rwandan landscape. You will be dropped off at the Kigali International Airport (KGL) in good time for your onward flight, carrying with you the incredible stories and moments from your 9-day primate safari.

Thank you for allowing us to share the wonders of Rwanda and Uganda with you. Safe travels!

What’s Included & What’s Not