10-Day Rwanda & Uganda Classic Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Tour OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY INCLUSIONS

Safari Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you deep into the heart of East Africa, exploring the very best of Rwanda and Uganda in one seamless adventure. This 10-day Rwanda–Uganda Classic Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari is carefully designed for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife encounters, cultural heritage, and spectacular scenery.

The safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, and ends in Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda, providing a captivating overland route through two of Africa’s most biodiverse countries. Along the way, you will experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—an unparalleled opportunity to meet the endangered mountain gorillas twice in their natural habitat.

Beyond gorillas, this safari offers golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Cultural immersion is woven throughout, from community encounters in Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and Batwa homesteads to authentic experiences with locals in Isunga Village. Complementing these activities are landscapes of rolling green hills, mist-covered forests, tea and coffee plantations, and open savannahs alive with wildlife.

By combining adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, this 10-day safari delivers a comprehensive East African experience, ensuring that every day brings unforgettable moments and lasting memories.

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Tour Highlights

Double Gorilla Trekking: Experience two gorilla treks—one in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and another in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This rare opportunity offers contrasting experiences with different gorilla families and terrains.
Golden Monkey Trekking: Meet the playful golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park, whose vibrant coats and lively behaviors offer a delightful primate encounter.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest: Explore the “Primate Capital of the World,” home to 13 primate species, with a highlight trek to observe wild chimpanzees in their rainforest environment.
Classic Game Drives & Boat Safari: Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park’s incredible biodiversity, including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, large elephant herds, buffalo, and countless antelope species, complemented by a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Community & Cultural Experiences: Engage with Rwanda’s cultural traditions at Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, explore Batwa heritage near Bwindi, and learn about local life in Isunga Village. These experiences offer meaningful interactions beyond wildlife.
Scenic Landscapes: Journey through a mosaic of landscapes, from Rwanda’s rolling “thousand hills” to Uganda’s crater lakes, tea plantations, and sweeping savannahs—each day delivering stunning natural backdrops.
Guided City Tour in Kigali: Gain insights into Rwanda’s history and resilience with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, bustling local markets, and art galleries.

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: Elephant Hab 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: Elephant Hab 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: Ichumbi Ikoro Hotel Kisoro

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

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?