6-Days Ultimate Apes and Wildlife
Rwanda-Uganda Safari
About the Safari
This 6-Day Ultimate Apes and Wildlife Rwanda-Uganda Safari is the perfect trip for wildlife lovers. Explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda while tracking the incredible mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Enjoy thrilling game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and elephants. With a mix of unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences, this safari is an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver guide will meet you and take you on a guided tour of the city. Explore the fast-growing neighborhoods and visit key landmarks, including the Presidential Museum, the former residence of two Rwandan Presidents.
Kigali Genocide Memorial:
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the tragic 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
Lunch in Kigali:
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Visit the Twin Lakes (Optional):
If time allows, visit Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, two stunning crater lakes surrounded by the Virunga Volcanoes. The views of the deep blue waters framed by steep hills and waterfalls are breathtaking.
Evening Relaxation:
Check-in at your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range lodge located just outside Volcanoes NP)
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking & Dian Fossey Memorial Visit, Transfer to Bwindi Forest
Early Breakfast and Golden Monkey Trekking:
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to find the playful golden monkeys. Enjoy an hour with them before returning to the trailhead for lunch.
Dian Fossey Memorial Visit (Optional):
If time permits, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or the Dian Fossey Memorial to learn about the vital work being done to protect gorillas in the region.
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
After your morning activities, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border (approx. 4-5 hours).
Overnight in Bwindi:
Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga)
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Trek through the dense, lush forest in search of the famous mountain gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. Once you find them, you will have one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas.
Batwa Cultural Experience:
After lunch and relaxation at the lodge, engage in a Batwa cultural experience, where you will visit a local Batwa community. The Batwa people, once forest dwellers, will share their rich heritage and traditional way of life with you.
Evening at Leisure:
Relax at your lodge and enjoy a hearty dinner.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga)
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP:
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. While sightings of the lions are not guaranteed, Ishasha is an excellent area to spot this unique behavior.
Game Drive in Ishasha:
Enjoy a game drive in Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birdlife.
Continue to Mweya Peninsula:
Continue your journey to the Mweya Peninsula in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for lunch.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The cruise offers an incredible opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birds, including the endangered African fish eagle.
Evening Relaxation:
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
- Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
- Accommodation: Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge (Mid-range lodge near Queen Elizabeth NP)/ Kyangabi Crater Resort.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: Morning Game Drive, Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Morning Game Drive:
Start your day early with a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is home to large herds of buffalo, Uganda kob, topi, bushbuck, and elephants. If you’re lucky, you may even spot leopards or lions.
Chimpanzee Tracking at Kalinzu Forest:
After the game drive, head to Kalinzu Forest for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and the trek offers an exciting opportunity to observe their behavior in the wild.
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi:
After chimpanzee tracking, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque lakes. Check-in at your lakeside lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening.
- Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget resort near Lake Bunyonyi)/ Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride & Transfer to Kigali
Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride:
After breakfast, embark on a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring its many islands and enjoying the stunning scenery. This is the perfect way to unwind before the end of your safari.
Drive to Kigali:
After the boat ride, drive to the Katuna border to cross back into Rwanda. Continue to Kigali, where you will enjoy a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Transfer to Kigali Airport:
After the tour, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight back home.
- Main Destination: Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Airport transfers (Kigali and Entebbe)
All park entrance fees and gorilla permits
Accommodation on a full-board basis
Experienced English-speaking guide
All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Game drives, boat cruises, and cultural experiences
International flights
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
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- Ultimate 8-Day Safari: Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Savanna Wonders
- 9-Day Big Five & Primate Safari Gorillas, Chimps, and Uganda's Best Wildlife
- 10-Day African Wildlife Odyssey Big Five Safaris & Primate Trekking
- 11-Day Best of Uganda Safari From the Big Five to Gorilla & Chimp Trekking
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