Uganda Apes and Wildlife Safari – Engeya Tours and Travel
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Engeya Tours and Travel. After a short briefing about your safari, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at your hotel or take an optional evening city drive to experience Kampala’s lively atmosphere.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Le Petit Village
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge
udget: Savannah Suites
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Uganda’s largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park.
En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting guided rhino tracking experience on foot. Continue to the park, arriving in time for lunch before visiting the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres into the Devil’s Cauldron.
The thunderous roar and breathtaking scenery make this one of Africa’s most remarkable natural attractions.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the northern plains, where wildlife is most active.
Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis, waterbucks, warthogs, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation before enjoying an unforgettable afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Following breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s premier primate destinations.
The journey takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, tea plantations, traditional villages, and scenic crater lakes.
Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge surrounded by tropical rainforest.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Turaco Treetops
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before entering Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees.
Watch these intelligent primates communicate, feed, groom, and swing effortlessly through the forest canopy.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its exceptional birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and lush vegetation.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy breakfast before travelling south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive offers magnificent views of crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains, tea plantations, and local communities.
In the afternoon, embark on a spectacular boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its remarkable concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge
Budget: Park View Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous antelope species.
After breakfast, spend the afternoon enjoying an optional chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge or simply relax at your lodge while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, travel through the famous Ishasha Sector in search of the legendary tree-climbing lions.
Continue through the breathtaking Kigezi Highlands, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mid-range: Bwindi Lodge
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today marks the highlight of your safari.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
The trek may last between 2 and 8 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.
Upon finding the gorillas, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat while learning about their social behaviour and conservation.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda through the Cyanika Border and continue to Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling green hills before checking into your lodge.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali
Begin the morning with a briefing before entering Volcanoes National Park to track the fascinating golden monkeys.
These rare primates are playful, colourful, and highly photogenic.
After your trek, transfer to Kigali for an overnight stay and optional city tour if time allows.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-range: Five to Five Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
After breakfast, travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.
Upon arrival, enjoy a short game drive before embarking on a relaxing afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Expect sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and an impressive variety of birds.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Akagera’s diverse landscapes of open savannah, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes.
Search for lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, topis, impalas, elands, and many bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park before continuing your wildlife adventure.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Transfer to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or enjoy lunch before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari – Engeya Tours and Travel
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Engeya Tours and Travel safari guide. After a short briefing about your adventure, transfer to your hotel in Kigali.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional Kigali city excursion.
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando / Hôtel des Mille Collines or similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Kigali – Butare – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive south through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills towards Butare.
En route, visit the historic King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza before continuing to the National Museum of Rwanda, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s fascinating cultural history.
Continue through tea plantations and beautiful countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Overnight near the forest.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guest House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Wake early for one of the safari’s highlights.
Following a ranger briefing, enter Nyungwe Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, you may also encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and numerous forest birds.
Spend one magical hour observing the chimpanzees before returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Guided Nature Walk and Rugarama Hot Springs
Enjoy a guided forest walk through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Look out for colourful birds, waterfalls, butterflies and unique forest plants.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rugarama Hot Springs or choose the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk for spectacular rainforest views.
Return to the lodge.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Nyungwe Forest – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside towards Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, villages and volcanic mountains before arriving in Kinigi.
Relax at your lodge as you prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / La Palme Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek.
Led by experienced rangers, hike through dense forest until you locate a mountain gorilla family.
Spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge.
The afternoon is free for relaxation.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Uganda
After breakfast, enjoy another exciting primate adventure by tracking the playful golden monkeys.
Later, cross the Cyanika Border into Uganda before continuing to Kisoro.
Enjoy magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes along the journey.
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel / Kisoro Tourist Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Mutanda – Lake Bunyonyi
Visit the stunning Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hills.
Enjoy scenic photography, birdwatching and beautiful landscapes before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi.
Spend the evening relaxing beside Uganda’s most beautiful lake.
Day 10: Kyambura Chimpanzee Trekking and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day by trekking chimpanzees in the spectacular Kyambura Gorge.
After lunch, enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its incredible concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and water birds.
After breakfast, begin the scenic journey back to Kigali via the Katuna Border.
Admire spectacular landscapes, rolling hills and rural communities before arriving in Rwanda’s capital city.
Relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando / Hôtel des Mille Collines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, colourful local markets, art galleries and craft centres before enjoying lunch.
Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda safari to a close.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Uganda and Rwanda Signature Safari by Engeya Tours and Travel
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Engeya Tours and Travel professional driver-guide. After a short safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe where you can relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy lunch or dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The journey passes through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional villages.
Enjoy a lunch stop in Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s most beautiful towns. If time allows, you can visit the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, Nyakasura Waterfalls, or the Tooro Kingdom Palace before continuing to Kibale National Park.
Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, relax, and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before entering Kibale Forest with experienced park rangers.
Walk through the rainforest while searching for habituated chimpanzees. Along the way, you may also see black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, colourful butterflies, and many bird species.
Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, communicate, and play in the forest canopy.
Return to the lodge for lunch before visiting the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This guided nature walk offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, including the Great Blue Turaco, and chances to spot monkeys, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
Enjoy breakfast before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking in spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
After checking into your lodge and having lunch, head out for an exciting evening game drive across the Mweya Peninsula. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hyenas, waterbucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, and, if lucky, the elusive leopard.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, enjoy one of Africa’s finest wildlife boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
Watch large schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, monitor lizards, and numerous bird species gathering along the shoreline.
After lunch, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Drive through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” with breathtaking mountain views and terraced hillsides.
Arrive at your lodge in the evening.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Rwanda
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing.
Your gorilla trekking adventure begins as experienced guides lead you through the dense rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families.
The trek may take between two and six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour watching these gentle giants interact naturally in their forest home.
Return to the lodge for lunch before crossing into Rwanda and continuing to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
After breakfast, report to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your golden monkey trekking experience.
Follow experienced guides into the bamboo forests where these colourful and energetic primates live. Spend one hour observing their playful behaviour and taking memorable photographs.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic Rwandan cultural experience featuring traditional dances, music performances, storytelling, local crafts, and cultural demonstrations.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Enjoy breakfast before driving to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the Big Five.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy an evening game drive where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, rhinos, and numerous bird species.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
After breakfast, enjoy an extended morning game drive through Akagera National Park in search of more wildlife.
Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, water birds, African fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, and many other species.
Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge.
Day 10: Departure to Kigali
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and enjoy a scenic drive to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets.
Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda and Rwanda Signature Safari.
Uganda Apes and Wildlife Safari
Uganda and Rwanda Experience – Engeya Tours and Travel
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Engeya Tours and Travel professional safari guide. After a short briefing about your upcoming adventure, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Depending on your arrival time, you may relax by the lakeside or enjoy a leisurely evening before beginning your safari.
Accommodation: Tilapia Lodge
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, colourful roadside markets, tea plantations and rolling hills.
En route, stop at the Equator Monument for memorable photographs and demonstrations before continuing towards western Uganda.
Arrive at the park in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
This incredible cruise offers excellent opportunities to photograph large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and hundreds of bird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans and African skimmers.
After the cruise, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge & Cultural Village Walk
Following breakfast, head to Kyambura Gorge for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
The dramatic forested gorge contrasts beautifully with the surrounding open savannah. Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons and numerous forest birds.
Following lunch, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided community walk where you’ll visit local homes, interact with villagers, learn about traditional farming methods, coffee processing, banana cultivation and everyday life in rural Uganda.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Topi Lodge
Day 4: Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Kisoro
Rise early for a morning game drive in the famous Ishasha Sector.
This region is best known for its tree-climbing lions that often rest high in giant fig trees. Your guide will also search for elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs, hyenas and numerous bird species.
After the game drive, continue south towards Kisoro, passing through spectacular mountain scenery, terraced hillsides, bamboo forests and the beautiful Echuya Forest Reserve.
The towering Virunga Volcanoes gradually appear on the horizon, creating one of Uganda’s most scenic drives.
Arrive in Kisoro during the evening.
Accommodation: Mucha Hotel
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Transfer to Rwanda
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters for registration and a detailed gorilla trekking briefing.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, begin your trek through dense bamboo forests and volcanic terrain in search of one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families.
The duration of the trek varies depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is extraordinary. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, groom one another and interact naturally.
Following your trek, receive your Gorilla Trekking Certificate before crossing the Cyanika Border into Rwanda.
Continue to Musanze (Ruhengeri) for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel Muhabura
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, report to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for another exciting primate adventure.
Golden monkey trekking offers excellent photography opportunities as these colourful primates leap energetically through the bamboo forest.
Following your trek, travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing, walking along the lakeshore, enjoying the cool breeze or simply taking in the spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali & Kigali City Tour
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Kigali.
Upon arrival, begin a guided city tour visiting important landmarks, local craft markets and cultural attractions.
The highlight of the day is a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s history, resilience and remarkable journey of reconciliation.
Afterwards, check in at your hotel for your final night.
Accommodation: Step Motel
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Your guide will assist with check-in procedures as your memorable Uganda and Rwanda safari comes to an end.
We thank you for choosing Engeya Tours and Travel and look forward to welcoming you back to East Africa.
Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari
Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari – Engeya Tours and Travel
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Engeya Tours and Travel guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short introduction to Kigali. Visit local craft markets where you can browse beautifully handcrafted baskets, paintings, jewellery, fabrics, sculptures, and souvenirs. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture and meet local artisans.
After your city experience, return to your hotel for relaxation before your exciting safari begins.
Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando
Meals: Depending on arrival time
Day 2: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali and enjoy one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The journey passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages, and breathtaking countryside, offering excellent photography opportunities along the way.
Nyungwe Forest is among Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests and protects an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabeys, orchids, butterflies, and over 320 bird species.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, relax, and enjoy beautiful forest views.
Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours
Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Optional Canopy Walk
Wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure.
After briefing by park rangers, enter Nyungwe Forest in search of one of Rwanda’s habituated chimpanzee communities. Listen carefully as their loud calls guide you through the rainforest before finally observing these fascinating primates feeding, grooming, playing, and swinging through the trees.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, you may choose the optional Canopy Walk, one of East Africa’s most exciting forest experiences. Suspended high above the rainforest, the canopy bridge offers spectacular views while providing opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and butterflies.
Optional Activity: Canopy Walk (US$60 per person)
Accommodation: Emeraude Kivu Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, leave Nyungwe Forest and travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and one of the continent’s most peaceful freshwater lakes. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge or explore the charming lakeside town.
If time permits, visit the picturesque Ndaba Waterfalls or enjoy an optional boat cruise to nearby islands while admiring Rwanda’s magnificent scenery.
End the day watching a beautiful sunset over Lake Kivu.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, drive north towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
The scenic drive showcases dramatic volcanic mountains, fertile farmland, and picturesque villages before arriving near the park headquarters.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge while preparing for the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking.
Your guide will brief you about gorilla trekking regulations and what to expect during tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari.
After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers.
Groups are allocated according to fitness levels before entering the forest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
The trek may last anywhere from one to eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the way, your ranger will interpret animal tracks, forest vegetation, and signs of recent gorilla activity.
Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, groom, and interact with one another.
Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and celebration of your successful trek.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Kigali.
If your international flight departs after 3:00 PM, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s most important historical sites, offering insight into the country’s tragic past and inspiring recovery.
Afterwards, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Rwanda safari with Engeya Tours and Travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Rwanda Uganda Primate Safari
Rwanda Uganda Primate Safari – Engeya Tours and Travel
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.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour – Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After being picked up from your hotel or the airport by your driver-guide, you’ll start with a guided city tour.
Kigali City Tour Highlights:
A reflective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, a place of remembrance and education about the 1994 genocide.
Strolling through local craft markets and art galleries, where you can interact with artisans and shop for handcrafted souvenirs.
A short stop at Camp Kigali, a Belgian peacekeeper memorial site.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, with options for both traditional Rwandan dishes and continental cuisine.
After lunch, begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda. The journey offers sweeping views of rolling hills, rural countryside, and the towering Virunga volcanoes.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Cultural Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village
Start the day early with breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing by park rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family to trek, along with a professional guide and armed ranger.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience:
Trek through misty bamboo forests and dense vegetation in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Once located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior—watching young ones play, mothers nurture, and silverbacks guard their groups.
Trekking duration can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla movements.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation, or choose to visit the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village for a unique cultural interaction.
Gorilla Guardians Village Visit:
Engage with former poachers who now protect gorillas through tourism and conservation education.
Experience traditional dances, banana beer brewing, storytelling, and a chance to participate in daily community activities.
Learn how tourism has empowered locals and supported wildlife protection.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali
After breakfast, return to the park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These rare primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their playful behavior and striking golden-orange fur.
Golden Monkey Trekking Highlights:
Walk through the bamboo zones of the park, where these monkeys are often found feeding on bamboo shoots and leaves.
Observe them leaping between trees and foraging on the forest floor, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Trekking duration typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours.
After the trek, head back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy an early lunch.
Later, you’ll transfer back to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.
Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours by road
Optional Helicopter Transfer: Approx. 35 minutes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Your Hotel
Your Rwanda wildlife adventure begins with a warm welcome from your driver guide at Kigali International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour or settle into your hotel.
Drive time: Approx. 20 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Cultural Stop in Huye
Travel south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Along the way, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, which offers rich insights into Rwanda’s traditional heritage. Enjoy lunch before continuing to your lodge nestled near the forest.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Begin the day early with a chimpanzee trekking experience deep inside the rainforest. Your guide will lead you through either the Uwinka Trail or Cyamudongo Sector, depending on where the chimps were last spotted. Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species and over 300 bird species.
In the afternoon, head to the Uwinka Visitor Center for the renowned canopy walk, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the treetops and a chance to spot birds and monkeys.
Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, go for Angolan colobus monkey trekking led by experienced community guides. Watch large troops of these black-and-white primates in their natural forest environment.
Later, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Kivu, terraced hillsides, and vibrant local life along the way.
Drive time: Approx. 5 hours | Optional Helicopter Transfer: 35 minutes
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is a major highlight of your safari – the mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and a professional tracker. Trekking can take from 1 to several hours depending on the group’s location.
Spend up to one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat – an awe-inspiring encounter. In the afternoon, visit Gorilla Guardians Village or take a guided community walk to experience local traditions and cultural life.
Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, set off for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of the Virunga foothills. These endangered and energetic primates are fascinating to watch as they leap between trees and forage in the undergrowth.
After your trek, drive east to Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Stop en route for refreshments and scenic photo opportunities. Upon arrival, you may choose to go on an optional night game drive.
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Akagera National Park
Start your day with a sunrise game drive through the northern plains of Akagera National Park, where wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and lions.
In the afternoon, unwind with a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Look for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants.
Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short city tour or visit a local craft market before your transfer to the airport.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short city tour or relax at the hotel. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and hospitality—offering a gentle introduction to the land of a thousand hills.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Cultural Stopover
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. On the way, enjoy a cultural stop at either:
The Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which offers deep insight into Rwanda’s pre-colonial and colonial history, or
Gatagara Pottery Workshop, where local artisans craft traditional Rwandan ceramics.
Continue your journey through the rolling hills and lush tea plantations before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your chimpanzee trekking expedition in Nyungwe Forest. This dense rainforest is home to a large population of chimpanzees and over 12 other primate species including:
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Rwenzori colobus monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
Your trek will be guided by an experienced park ranger, and once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend up to one hour observing their behavior.
In the afternoon, take on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk—a suspended bridge walk 70 meters above the forest floor offering panoramic views and chances to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking & Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Return to the forest this morning for colobus monkey trekking. The Rwenzori colobus monkey is known for its striking black-and-white coat and large troops of up to 300 individuals. After the trek, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before starting the drive north to Volcanoes National Park.
Along the way, visit the former Imbabazi Orphanage, known for its humanitarian legacy and beautiful gardens. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and prepare for the next day’s mountain gorilla experience.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Visit
Begin your day with an early breakfast and drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family and guided by a ranger through the bamboo forest to begin your gorilla trekking adventure.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have up to one hour to observe them in their natural habitat—watching them feed, groom, and interact.
In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, a community-based project that showcases traditional Rwandan customs. Try your hand at archery, learn about local dance and drumming, or participate in a traditional cooking demonstration.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure
After breakfast, return to the park for a golden monkey trekking experience. These endangered primates are native to the Virunga Mountains and live in troops of up to 100. They’re fast-moving and playful, providing great opportunities for photography.
Depending on your departure time, visit the Umusambi Village Bird Sanctuary near Kigali. This former wetland now provides refuge to rescued grey crowned cranes and a wide variety of birds—ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.
