Ultimate Apes and Wildlife Rwanda Uganda Safari
This 6-day Rwanda–Uganda safari begins in Kigali with a scenic city tour before heading into the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, where guests explore rich culture, history, and breathtaking scenery near the Virunga Mountains. The journey continues across the border into Uganda for unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, along with cultural experiences from the Batwa community.
The adventure then moves through the famous tree-climbing lion region of Ishasha Sector into the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, featuring game drives, chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The safari concludes with relaxation at the beautiful crater lakes of Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Kigali for departure, offering a perfect blend of primates, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
Included
- Gorilla Permits
- Bottled Water
- English Speaking Guide
- Park Entrance Fees
- Boat Rides
- Cultural Tours
- All Activities Mentioned
Itinerary Plan
Explore your safari journey with a detailed, day by day itinerary breakdown. Discover each day’s activities, highlights, and experiences to make the most of your adventure.
Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
You will be met by our driver guide at the Kigali Airport and proceed with the guided tour to the fast-growing neighbourhoods of Kigali that are changing the face of the city. There is an opportunity to visit the presidential museum which is the residence of two of the former Presidents of Rwanda. Here you will have an opportunity to learn a bit about the political history of Rwanda. We will drive through the older commercial and residential areas with a major stop at Kigali Genocide Memorial Site commemorating the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Stop for lunch then drive to Musanze.
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi for a briefing before heading into Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking. Enjoy a scenic and relatively easy hike through bamboo forests while observing the playful monkeys as they feed and move between the forest and nearby fields. After spending an hour with the golden monkeys, return to the lodge for lunch, then continue your journey across the border into Uganda, heading towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before setting out for gorilla trekking. The trek may take 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, then later take part in a Batwa cultural experience to learn about the local community and traditions.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Ishasha Sector in Search of Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel from Bwindi through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Although sightings are not guaranteed, the area offers rewarding wildlife viewing. Continue to the Mweya Peninsula for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species, before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Mornimg Game Drive, Chimpanzee Tracking at Kalinzu Forest and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast at the lodge, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, and other savannah wildlife. The journey continues with chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve before heading to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and scenic lake activities.
Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Activities and Transfer to Kigali-End of Safari
After breakfast, you will take a boat ride on this lake to tour different islands. Then we will head to another border, this time the Katuna border to cross to Rwanda. Upon reaching, we will do a Kigali city tour starting off with the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre visit. We will check different city landmarks and craft markets. Thereafter, be transferred to Kigali Airport to catch your departure flight back home.
