6-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate Safari: Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

6-Day Rwanda–Uganda Chimpanzee, Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

Tour OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY INCLUSIONS

Safari Overview

This 6-day Rwanda–Uganda cross-border safari offers a rich blend of cultural discovery and exceptional wildlife encounters. Beginning and ending in Kigali, the journey starts with an exploration of Rwanda’s vibrant capital and its poignant history before crossing into Uganda’s most iconic national parks.

The itinerary features classic game drives and a scenic boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, and a visit to the Ishasha sector, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. You will then venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, followed by golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The safari concludes with relaxation at the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi—one of Africa’s most beautiful crater lakes—before returning to Kigali. Combining primate encounters, big game wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural insight, this journey delivers a truly immersive East African safari experience.

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Tour Highlights

Kigali City Tour – Discover Rwanda’s bustling capital with visits to the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centres.
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Spot lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of antelopes across the sweeping savannah plains.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Cruise through this wildlife-rich waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a diversity of birdlife.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – Descend into the “Valley of the Apes” for an intimate encounter with chimpanzees and other primates.
Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha – Witness one of Africa’s rare wildlife spectacles as lions lounge in giant fig trees.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Spend a once-in-a-lifetime hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga – Explore bamboo forests in search of playful golden monkeys, a rare and lively primate species.
Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi – Unwind at one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, dotted with 29 islands rich in history and legend.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, either at the airport or your hotel. After introductions, embark on a city tour that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and present. A moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers reflection on the tragic events of 1994, while the city’s vibrant craft markets and bustling local stalls showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. In the afternoon, you will drive across the border into Uganda, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey, lasting 4–6 hours, is filled with scenic hills, farms, and roadside communities. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge

Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Awake to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of animals including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. After lunch, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This excursion reveals large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and an impressive range of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge

Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees, Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi

After an early breakfast, descend into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, lush tropical forests hide a resident population of chimpanzees, along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a host of forest birds. The trek can last 2–5 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements. Continue southwards to the Ishasha sector, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them lounging in fig trees while scanning the savannah for prey. After lunch (packed or hot, depending on timing), drive through picturesque landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals & Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp

Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kisoro

This day is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Once assigned a gorilla family, you will set out with experienced rangers through dense forest and rugged terrain. The trek may take 1–7 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending a precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Watch them forage, groom, and interact, while marveling at their striking resemblance to humans. After trekking back, begin your scenic drive to Kisoro, passing through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. The route offers stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
Meals & Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort | Alternative

Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

This morning, venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Led by a ranger, you will navigate bamboo forests in search of these endangered primates, whose playful antics and striking golden coats make for an enchanting experience. After an hour of observation, return to Kisoro and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” it is the second-deepest lake in Africa and a perfect retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the islands.
Meals & Accommodation: Birdnest Resort | Alternative

Day 6 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion around Lake Bunyonyi. With 29 islands, each steeped in folklore and history, the lake offers cultural stories such as the infamous Punishment Island, once used to exile young women. Birds, lush terraced hills, and the calm waters make this a memorable outing. In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours) in time for your onward flight from Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable 6-day safari.

What's Included?