Rwanda Uganda Primate Safari

Ultimate Rwanda Uganda Primate Expedition

Destinations to visit

Kigali City, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kazinga Channel, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Safari Overview

East Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, and nothing compares to standing just metres away from endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This 9-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate Expedition by Engeya Tours and Travel combines the very best primate experiences across two remarkable countries.

Your adventure begins in Rwanda, the beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where you’ll explore Kigali before trekking the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Continue into Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” for a second unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park and an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park.

This safari offers an incredible combination of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, traditional cultural experiences, game drives, boat safaris, scenic landscapes, and authentic East African hospitality, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife adventures on the continent.

Safari Activities

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife adventures by trekking through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Guided by experienced park rangers, you’ll hike through spectacular volcanic landscapes until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact naturally in their forest home.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Enjoy a second gorilla trekking experience in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Bwindi offers a completely different trekking environment, with dense tropical vegetation, steep valleys, and incredible biodiversity. Every gorilla family behaves differently, making each trek unique and equally unforgettable.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. Walk beneath towering rainforest trees while listening to the sounds of birds and monkeys before locating energetic chimpanzees swinging through the canopy, feeding, grooming, and communicating with one another.

Kigali City Tour

Discover Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history, explore colourful local markets, visit art galleries, and experience the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Cultural Experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Interact with local communities living near Volcanoes National Park. Learn about traditional Rwandan lifestyles through dance performances, music, storytelling, traditional medicine demonstrations, and cultural ceremonies.

Batwa Community Experience

Meet the indigenous Batwa people, the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest. Learn about their ancient forest survival skills, hunting techniques, traditional dances, medicinal plants, and rich cultural heritage.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore Uganda’s most diverse savannah park during an exciting game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, leopards, giant forest hogs, and numerous bird species. If travelling through the Ishasha Sector, you may also spot the famous tree-climbing lions.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing waterways. The channel attracts huge concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of water birds, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

Take a guided walk through the community-managed Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to colourful birdlife, butterflies, monkeys, and scenic swamp vegetation while supporting local conservation initiatives.

Ultimate Rwanda Uganda Primate Expedition

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Engeya Tours and Travel. After a short safari briefing, transfer to your hotel in Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, art galleries, and the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood. This introduction provides insight into Rwanda's remarkable transformation, culture, and hospitality.

Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, enjoying spectacular views of Rwanda's rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge before enjoying an afternoon cultural visit to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. Experience traditional dances, local music, storytelling, and learn how tourism has transformed surrounding communities through conservation.

Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, report to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before beginning your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure.

The trek may take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

After lunch, relax at your lodge or enjoy an optional visit to the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Following breakfast, cross the Cyanika Border into Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The scenic drive passes through beautiful terraced hills, farming communities, and lush countryside before arriving at your forest lodge.

In the afternoon, enjoy an optional Batwa cultural experience where you'll discover the traditions of Uganda's indigenous forest people.

Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Today offers another extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda's famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Following a ranger briefing, trek through dense rainforest searching for your assigned gorilla family. Along the way, you may encounter colourful birds, monkeys, butterflies, and unique forest plants.

Spend one memorable hour with the gorillas before returning to your lodge for relaxation and storytelling with local conservation guides.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive north through the scenic Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Continue through open savannah landscapes where wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and various antelope species.

Following lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive before checking into your safari lodge overlooking the park.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Rise early for an exciting morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains where predators are most active.

Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, waterbucks, warthogs, and abundant birdlife.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering excellent opportunities to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, monitor lizards, and hundreds of water birds at close range.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Kibale Forest National Park through western Uganda's beautiful crater lakes region and lush countryside.

After checking into your lodge, enjoy an optional guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you'll encounter monkeys, colourful birds, butterflies, and local community projects.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Entebbe

Following breakfast, report to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking experience.

Walk through one of Africa's richest tropical rainforests while searching for habituated chimpanzees. Spend one hour observing these intelligent primates as they feed, communicate, groom, and play.

After the activity, begin your scenic drive to Entebbe International Airport, arriving in the evening for your onward flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Rwanda and Uganda primate safari.