6-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

6-Day Rwanda & Uganda Classic Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

Tour OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY INCLUSIONS

Safari Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of East Africa, where Rwanda and Uganda come together to offer an extraordinary safari experience. This carefully curated 6-day Rwanda–Uganda Classic Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari is designed for travellers seeking close encounters with iconic primates, diverse wildlife, rich cultural landscapes, and some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

Your adventure begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and immaculately kept capital, creating a seamless overland circuit through two of Africa’s most biologically rich countries. As you travel, you will experience the rare privilege of gorilla trekking in both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allowing you to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in two distinct forest ecosystems.

The journey goes far beyond gorillas. Highlights include golden monkey trekking in the Virunga highlands, chimpanzee tracking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, rewarding game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

Throughout the safari, you’ll pass through a tapestry of landscapes—rolling green hills, mist-shrouded forests, fertile tea and coffee plantations, and expansive savannahs teeming with wildlife. Thoughtfully balancing adventure, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and moments of relaxation, this 6-day safari delivers a truly immersive East African experience, where every day unfolds with discovery, connection, and unforgettable memories.

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Tour Highlights

Guided City Tour in Kigali: Begin your journey with an insightful introduction to Rwanda’s history and culture, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, vibrant local markets, and contemporary art galleries.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Experience an unforgettable gorilla trek in Uganda’s ancient rainforest. Encounter different gorilla families across varied terrain, offering a deeply immersive and emotionally powerful wildlife experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Meet the playful and energetic golden monkeys of Mgahinga. Their striking coats and lively behaviour provide a fascinating and lighter primate encounter in the scenic Virunga foothills.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge: Explore the dramatic “Valley of Apes,” home to more than five primate species. The highlight is tracking wild chimpanzees within a lush forested gorge set against the surrounding savannah landscape.

Classic Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park’s remarkable biodiversity on guided game drives, with chances to spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, large herds of elephants and buffalo, and diverse antelope species. This is complemented by a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense populations of hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife.

Scenic Landscapes & Overland Journeys: Travel through a rich mosaic of landscapes—from Rwanda’s rolling “Land of a Thousand Hills” to Uganda’s crater lakes, tea plantations, and vast savannahs—each day revealing a new and breathtaking natural backdrop.

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: Acacia Wilderness Mweya

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: Acacia Wilderness Mweya

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 | Alternative

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 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?