12-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari

This 12-day Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife safari offers the ultimate East African primate and wildlife experience. The journey combines chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain gorilla encounters, classic game drives, scenic boat cruises, and cultural exploration.

Your adventure begins in Kigali and continues to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to habituated chimpanzees and over 300 bird species. Relax along the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu before exploring the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of golden monkeys.

Cross into Uganda for the highlight of the trip — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Continue to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the powerful waterfalls of Murchison Falls National Park, before ending your safari at the legendary Source of the Nile in Jinja.

This itinerary perfectly balances primates, wildlife, scenery, and relaxation.

Detailed 12-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Guided City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your professional safari driver-guide. After a short briefing, you transfer to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for a guided Kigali city tour.

This tour introduces you to Rwanda’s history, resilience, and modern development. You visit the Natural History Museum (Kandt House), once home to Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident. The tour continues through Kigali’s fast-growing neighborhoods, offering insight into how the city has transformed into one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. A meaningful stop is made at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s past and its remarkable recovery.

Later, visit local craft markets to browse handmade souvenirs and support community artisans. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic Rwandan cuisine before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:
Budget: Centric Hotel (BB)
Mid-Range: Park Inn by Radisson / Hotel 2000 (BB

Day 2 – Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, Rwanda’s national museum, which showcases traditional lifestyles, ancient tools, royal history, and cultural evolution.

After lunch, continue the scenic drive through tea plantations and rolling hills, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” The landscape becomes increasingly lush as you approach Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, surrounded by forest sounds, and prepare for the chimpanzee trekking adventure ahead.

Accommodation:
Budget: Ken Barham Guesthouse
Mid-Range: Chimpanzee Lodge / Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Day 3 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

An early morning start takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you venture deep into Nyungwe Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees.

The trek offers encounters with other primates, colorful birds, and unique plant species. Once the chimpanzees are found, you spend a memorable hour observing their behavior as they feed, groom, and interact in the wild.

Later in the day, enjoy the famous canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor. This walk provides breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and photography. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4 – Nyungwe to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive north to Lake Kivu, arriving in Gisenyi on the shores of one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat cruise that reveals hidden islands, fishing villages, and abundant birdlife.

Lake Kivu is unique for its calm waters and safe swimming conditions. Visit natural hot springs and historical islands, including sites linked to Rwanda’s cultural traditions. You also have the opportunity to learn about coffee production on one of the islands, from harvesting to roasting, with a chance to sample freshly brewed Rwandan coffee.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the lakeshore before dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:
Budget: Inzu Lodge
Mid-Range: Palm Beach Resort / Paradise Malahide

Day 5 – Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park & Twin Lakes

After breakfast, transfer to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. En route, enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by steep hills and rural communities.

Enjoy a nature walk along the lakeshores and learn about the region’s history and conservation efforts. After lunch, continue to your lodge near the park, where you relax in preparation for the next day’s primate trek.

Accommodation:
Budget: Migano Hotel & Café
Mid-Range: Classic Hotel / Le Bambou Lodge

Day 6 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Uganda

Begin the day early with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for golden monkey trekking. After a briefing, hike into the bamboo forests where these playful primates live. The terrain is relatively gentle, making the trek enjoyable and rewarding.

Spend time observing the golden monkeys as they leap between bamboo stalks and feed on young shoots. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to the Rwanda–Uganda border and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation:
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp /Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
Mid-Range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Bakiga Lodge /Gorilla Mist Camp

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Ishasha Transfer

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking rules. Guided by rangers, trek through dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The time spent trekking varies, but the reward is extraordinary. Spending one hour with mountain gorillas as they feed, rest, and interact is a life-changing wildlife encounter. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest before transferring to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation:
Budget: Topi Game Lodge
Mid-Range: Enjojo Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with a game drive in Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. You may also spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other savannah wildlife.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s best wildlife viewing experiences. Expect close sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an impressive variety of birds along the waterbanks.

Accommodation:
Budget: Tembo Safari Lodge / Engiri Game Lodge
Mid-Range: Bush Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive north through scenic countryside to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically.

Enjoy panoramic views and photography opportunities before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:
Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge / Parkside Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Fort Murchison Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 10 – Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Rise early for a sunrise game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. Look out for giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kob, hartebeest, and a wide range of bird species.

After lunch and relaxation, embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent wildlife viewing and ends just below the powerful falls.

Accommodation: Same as Day 9

Day 11 – Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Kampala

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Accompanied by rangers, track rhinos on foot and learn about conservation efforts that have restored rhinos to Uganda.

After lunch, continue to Kampala for overnight.

Accommodation:
Budget: Forest Cottages (BB)
Mid-Range: Protea Skyz Hotel (BB)

Day 12 – Jinja, Source of the Nile & Departure

Depart early for Jinja with a stop at Mabira Forest. Continue to the Source of the Nile, where you take a boat ride to the exact point where the river begins its journey north. Explore Jinja town before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for departure. Optional white-water rafting is available.

END OF THE 12-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate and Wildlife Safari

Safari Inclusions

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Gorilla permit (USD 800 per person)
Chimpanzee permit (USD 250 per person)
Golden monkey permit
Park entry fees
Boat cruises
Full-board accommodation
All meals during safari

Exclusions

International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Drinks and alcoholic beverages